What we're reading
- Over 280,000 homes could be built over London's railway tracks.
- Beefeaters to go on strike and picket the Tower of London in pension dispute.
- No, tube drivers are not all earning £100k, despite what the headlines say.
- Garden Bridge donors plan to sue over failed scheme.
Things to do
ART DECO ARCHITECTURE: Take a walking tour of the jazz age and art deco architecture of Shoreditch, particularly around the Old Street Roundabout, where many buildings were torn down and rebuilt during the 1930s. Finsbury Square, £12/£9, book ahead, 11am-12.30pm
THE SNOWMAN: Childhood favourites Paddington and The Snowman are brought to life in a joint concert. Special guest narrator Stephen Mangan brings the Paddington story to life, followed by a screening of The Snowman with live orchestral accompaniment. Pack a few marmalade sandwiches to keep you going. Royal Albert Hall, £15-£48, book ahead, 2.15pm/5.30pm
DICKENS AFTER DARK: Explore the former home of author Charles Dickens by candlelight, including the current exhibition about dining in Dickens' day. Theatrical entertainment is dotted around the house, including the re-enactment of scenes from A Christmas Carol — and of course, you can get yourself a tipple or two at the bar. Dickens Museum (Bloomsbury), £18/£10, book ahead, from 6pm
COMEDY NIGHT: Norwegian comedian Daniel Simonsen tries out new material at this work-in-progress show. The Bill Murray (Islington), £5 to book a seat/just turn up for free, 6.45pm-7.45pm
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS: This guided walk looks at how Christmas was celebrated in Islington during the Victorian period. Hear funny and sad stories of Christmases past as you visit former shops, bakeries and Assembly Rooms where the festivities played out. Angel station, £12/£9, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
CHRISTMAS CLASSICS: The London Concert Orchestra and City of London Choir team up for a concert of Christmas classics, including Silent Night, Joy To The World, and Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. Barbican, £16.50-£42.50, book ahead, 7.30pm
HIP HOP KARAOKE: Hip Hop Santa is due to make an appearance at this festive version of hip hop karaoke. There's a bumper crop of rap songs for you to choose from, plus rapping meets wrapping as two rap wannabes attempt to wrap their Christmas presents while they rap live on stage. Yes, that's a lot of (w)rapping. Queen of Hoxton (Shoreditch), £5, book ahead, 8pm-2am
IVY CHANEL: Native American singer-songwriter Ivy Chanel hosts a concert of soulful music with a Christmas twist. She's performed for presidents and other dignitaries, so we're expecting great things. Hideaway (Streatham), £10, book ahead, 8.30pm
COMEDY: At time of writing, there are a few tickets remaining for John Kearns and Pat Cahill's Christmas comedy show (Wednesday's show sold out completely). We're promised new thoughts on the Northern line, new songs, festive chat, merry dances, and a mix of old and new material. Battersea Arts Centre, £12.50/£10, book ahead, 8pm
Good cause of the day
KERB's food market at The Gherkin is a Christmas special today, with 30% of money spent on lunches going to Street Child, a charity which aims to get children worldwide into education. From cheese toasties to Nutella-stuffed gnocchi, the one-off menu is a tempting one... and it's all for a good cause, so completely justifiable.
