Things to do
THANKSGIVING: As any Americans reading this will be well aware, it's Thanksgiving. Whether you're homesick for the USA, or just curious about the fuss, take a look at our guide to Thankgiving meals, menus and events in London this year.
AMERICAN IDIOT: Tony Award-winning hit musical American Idiot has a three-night run in London. It's based on — and uses music from — the Green Day album of the same name, and tells the story of three young men struggling to find meaning in a post-9/11 world. Bloomsbury Theatre, £10/£8.50, book ahead, 28-30 November
CHAMPIONS TENNIS: Four days of tennis — from legends including Goran Invanisevic and Martina Hingis — starts at the Royal Albert Hall today. Champions Tennis sees former greats go head-to-head in a stunning setting. Expect some serious showboating. Royal Albert Hall, from £18.50, book ahead, 28 November-1 December
SQUIDSOUP: The lights go on in Eccleston Yards tonight, but they’re not your average Christmas lights. Artist team Squidsoup — whose work we loved at Canary Wharf Winter Lights — bring new installation Wave to Belgravia. The dangling orbs of light are illuminated on the principles of chromotherapy, meaning that they should promote feelings of wellbeing. Of course, they’ll look pretty darn good on Instagram too. Eccleston Yards (Belgravia), free, just turn up, 28 November-11 January
HEROES: Getty Images Gallery launches new photography show Heroes — The Exhibition, which explores The SSE Arena, Wembley’s live music history. See photos of over 100 artists on stage at the legendary venue, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Prodigy. Getty Images Gallery (Wembley Park), free entry, just turn up, until 2020
MUSEUM ARCHIVES: Delve into the archives at Museum of London Docklands, under the supervision of professional archivists. See material from the Port and River Archive and Sainsbury Archive, including iconic Sainsbury's packaging. Museum of London Docklands, free, just turn up, 11am
MARYLEBONE CHRISTMAS: Marylebone’s Chiltern Street hosts a free entry, one-night only Christmas Festival, with live performances, workshops, and events going on in shops, restaurants and bars. Have a go at creating your own wreath or bespoke Christmas decorations, take part in a mantra art workshop, or master the art of calligraphy. Chiltern Street, free, just turn up, 5pm-8pm
TAP TAKEOVER: Beer meets art at Tate Modern's tap takeover, which celebrates some of the UK's top craft breweries. Taste your way through offerings from a range of breweries, paired with street food, while admiring themed artworks. Tate Modern, £22.50-£27.50, book ahead, 6.30pm-10.30pm
OK BOOMER: Have the Boomers pinched their children's futures? That's the topic of tonight's Royal Institution discourse. Hear from Lord David Willetts, whose 2010 book The Pinch argued that the younger generation were getting a worse deal than the post-war Boomer generation. The second edition is due to be published shortly, and he's revised some of his analysis and policies. Royal Institution (Mayfair), £20/£15, book ahead, 7.20pm-8.45pm
ACOUSTIC LATES: Love ice rinks but not much of a skater? Enjoy the best of both worlds at Natural History Museum’s Acoustic Lates. Relax over an evening of live music at the cafe-bar alongside the rink, while skaters go about their business on the ice. Natural History Museum (South Kensington), free entry, book ahead, 7.30pm-10.30pm
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
Ever noticed the secret buttons on the Bakerloo line? Press three times, and a hidden compartment springs open. Inside are the controls for the train destination announcements, which can be reprogrammed. Or so I've been told. Why not give it a try and report back?
Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.
Good cause of the day
For the first time, the Royal Chelsea Hospital is selling Christmas trees, with money from every sale going towards the Grade I listed hospital. The trees — grown at Yattendon Estates in Berkshire — are available to buy from the Royal Hospital from today. More information here.
What we're reading
- LNER's new Azuma trains are now running between Aberdeen and London.
- The curry chefs of Brick Lane.
- The climate crisis will be the focus of next year's Chelsea Flower Show.
- The New York Times on the Piccadilly Theatre ceiling collapse.
