What we're reading
- The battle between golf and tennis that's been raging in Wimbledon.
- 90 years of Piccadilly Circus station.
- The pop-up bookshop that sells only diverse children's books.
- A drone missed a plane landing at Stansted by just 15m.
Things to do
EXHIBITIONS: As events venues start to wind down for the year, why not take the opportunity to visit some of the long-running exhibitions that you keep meaning to go to but never quite get round to? A couple of our favourites at the moment are Wildlife Photographer of the Year at Natural History Museum, and The Sun: Living With Our Star at Science Museum.
WREATH DECORATING: Head to the winter rooftop of John Lewis for this workshop on wreath-decorating. It's not cheap, but it's led by fancy Marylebone florist Jane Packer Flowers, and your ticket includes a hot Sipsmith G&T on arrival plus all the materials and decorations you'll need. John Lewis Oxford Street, £80, book ahead, 6pm
PALAEONTOLOGY: Learn a bit more about what palaeontology is and what palaeontologists do at this one-night exhibition and discussion about the science, covering how it fits in with other sciences and what it tells us about the world around us. King's College (Strand), free, book ahead, 6pm-8.15pm
MIRACLE ON LEAKE STREET: As quirky Christmas party venues go, the tunnels underneath a train station are up there with the best of them. Everyone's invited to this free event in Waterloo's Leake Street graffiti tunnels, which includes a singalong screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol, market stalls, wreath-making and mulled wine-making workshops, Christmas karaoke, fake snow and more. Leake Street (Waterloo), free entry (donations welcome), just turn up, 6pm-9pm
SINGALONG CAROLS: We expect this Christmas singalong night to get rowdier than most carol concerts. The Riverside Brass Quintet provides the soundtrack to classic Christmas songs and carols. Loosen up your vocal chords with a mulled wine or two, and get stuck right in. Old Street Records, free entry, table booking recommended, 7pm-1am
LOVE, SIMON: Released earlier this year, Love, Simon is a film about a gay teenager who's not yet ready to share his sexuality, until one of his classmates anonymously comes out as gay on the school blog. Deptford Cinema, £4.50-£6, book ahead, 7.30pm
GOSPEL CHOIR: London Community Gospel Choir performs a Christmas show, featuring seasonal favourites including Joy To The World, Oh Holy Night, Joyful Joyful and many more, plus special guest appearances. Royal Albert Hall, £52-£75, book ahead, 7.30pm
CHRISTMAS CAKE: There Will Be Christmas Cake — not a promise of sweet things, but the title of this improv comedy show starring Marcus Brigstocke, Rachel Parris, Pippa Evans and Paul Foxcroft. They take suggestions from the audience to create a one-off show on the spot, featuring real fire (apparently) and that Christmas cake (hopefully). Omnibus Theatre (Clapham), £16/£13, book ahead, 7.30pm (until 23 December)
LIVE MUSIC: Indie rock band Versonic headline this Christmas Carry On gig in aid of The Alzheimer's Society, playing early 90s Britpop with a twist. Support acts are fellow indie rock band The Common Heroes and folk singer Jon Markwell. The Half Moon (Putney), £4/£6, book ahead, 8pm
Good cause of the day
Unsurprisingly, tonight's Christmas carol concert right in the heart of London's legal district raises money for two access-to-justice charities, Advocate and LawWorks. Book tickets for the event in Temple Church, with traditional carols and festive readings to celebrate Christmas.
