What we're reading
- Tiny dog (and its owner) rescued by lifeboat crew.
- Those water cannon could find a use after all — in the Museum of London.
- The venue for 2019's Field Day festival has been revealed (and it's very much not a field).
- A London foodbank is stockpiling items in preparation for Universal Credit rollout.
- Representatives from Easter Island are in London asking for the return of one of the island's sculptures.
Things to do
THANKSGIVING: Whether you hail from America, love those who do, or just have a hankering for turkey, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Thanksgiving today. These restaurants, bars are bakeries are all serving special Thanksgiving menus — think turkey, pumpkin, pecan pie and all the trimmings. Otherwise, take a look at our guide to eating like an American in London.
SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL: Our inner child is VERY excited about this one. The fantastical world of Dr Seuss — author of The Cat In The Hat and Green Eggs And Ham — is brought to life in a musical, starring characters including Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, and of course, Cat in the Hat. Southwark Playhouse, £14-£25, book ahead, 22 November-29 December
CHRISTMAS AT LONDON ZOO: Two huge Christmas lights festivals open in London today, the first of which is Christmas at London Zoo. See illuminated animal sculptures, a light tunnel and singing trees on a mile-long trail through the zoo after the animals have gone to bed. London Zoo (Regent's Park), from £16.50 adult/£10.50 child, book ahead, 22 November 2018-1 January 2019
CHRISTMAS AT KEW: For your second dose of illuminations, head for Christmas At Kew. The beautiful light festival is one of our favourite annual events in London, with over a million lights and thousands of laser beams. Watch choreographed lights shows, wander through a light tunnel, and see a laser show on the lake. A moonlit woods and laser garden are new for this year. Kew Gardens, £16.50 adult/£10 child, book ahead, 22 November 2018-5 January 2019
(If that's not enough light for you, take a look at our guide to light festivals in London this Winter, including After Dark at Chiswick House, which is now open).
SIX ISLINGTON SQUARES: Join Footprints of London tour guide Rob Smith for a guided walk looking at the domestic architecture of Islington with specific focus on the area of Barnsbury. It was farmland until mass building created some of the world's first suburbs in the 19th century. Highbury & Islington station, £9-£12, book ahead, 2.30pm-4.15pm
HATTON GARDEN CHRISTMAS: The festive season officially launches at Hatton Garden tonight. Nomad Cinema's screening of Breakfast at Tiffany's is followed by carols, the light switch-on, a treasure hunt and festive drinks. Corner of Leather Lane and Clerkenwell Road, £15, book ahead, from 5.30pm (screening 6.30pm)
MUSEUM LATE: Race for space is the theme of this late event at London Transport Museum, but as you'd expect from a London-centric museum, we're not talking outer space. Rather, focus is on London's growing population and how the city will cope with increased demand for infrastructure, housing and transport. Debates, talks and other events take place throughout the evening. Age 18+. London Transport Museum (Covent Garden), £15/£12, book ahead, 6.45pm-10pm
KINDERTRANSPORT CONCERT: This memorial concert marks 80 years since Kristallnacht and the introduction of Kindertransport, which offered many Jewish refugee children a route to the UK to escape Nazi persecution. The evening is introduced by Dame Esther Rantzen and includes musical performances by cellist Friederike Fechner and pianist Mathias Husmann, and special readings. Liberal Jewish Synagogue (St John's Wood), £30, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
JOURNEY THROUGH HUNGARY: Celebrate all things Hungarian at this evening dedicated to the country, which covers its culture, landscape and cuisine — tickets include Hungarian food and wine so you can get a real taste of the country. Royal Geographical Society (Kensington) £15-£18, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
BEATLES MUSIC: Today is 50 years since the release of The Beatles' White Album. Mark the occasion by seeing The Midnight Special faithfully reproduce the album note for note in a live concert. They did the same for Sgt Pepper last year, selling the venue out two nights running. The Jazz Cafe (Camden), £15-£25, book ahead, 7pm-11pm
HIP HOP KARAOKE: Show off your rapping talents as you take over the mic at hip hop karaoke, an event which pretty much does what its title suggests. Queen of Hoxton (Shoreditch), £5, book ahead, 7pm-2am
Good cause of the day
There's still time to sign up for Sleep Walk, a 10km walk through London at night to raise money for homelessness charity Shelter. It's on 5 December, on a route starting at Liverpool Street and winding its way through Central London to Waterloo. Find out more and sign up.
