Things to do
WIND IN THE WILLOWS: Rain Or Shine Theatre presents a fast-paced comic retelling of the classic tale Wind in the Willows. Follow the adventures of Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad on the banks of the river. OSO Arts Centre (Barnes), £9-£14, book ahead, 3-5 December
LUNCHTIME CONCERT: Enjoy a free lunchtime concert of classical music, open to anyone who wants to do something different on their lunch break. It takes place in the rather lovely Long Gallery, with views over the gardens of Waterlow Park. Lauderdale House (Highgate), free, just turn up, 1.15pm
A PALACE CHRISTMAS: Find out how Christmas has been celebrated at Fulham Palace through the centuries. Take a free festive guided tour, see the historic rooms decorated for Christmas, and hear about Tudor feasts in the Great Hall and Victorian carol singing. Fulham Palace, free, book ahead, 2.30pm-3.30pm
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: Stock up on gifts at the British Library's Christmas shopping evening. The shops stay open throughout the evening, with a 20% discount on purchases over £20, plus there's music and other festive entertainment to enjoy. British Library, free, just turn up, 5pm-8pm
JAZZ AT THE FARM: Vauxhall City Farm hosts a jazz ensemble from the Royal Academy of Music. The trio perform a selection of jazz standards, and a complimentary drink is included in your ticket — and a cash bar is open all evening for further refreshments. Vauxhall City Farm, £25, book ahead, 6pm-8pm
CAROL CONCERTS: Several carol concerts take place around town today, all raising money for excellent causes:
- Head to the Church of St Andrew Holborn for the RSPCA's Christmas concert, followed by mince pies and mulled wine. TV presenter Matt Johnson hosts, with music from the London International Gospel Choir, and celebrity readings. £5-£20, book ahead, 6pm
- With celebrity readers and music from the church's own choir, St. Paul’s Knightsbridge hosts the 2019 Foundation Carol Service. £65/£30, book ahead, 6.30pm
- St James's Church in Clerkenwell hosts a Carols by Candlelight event in aid of infant bereavement charity The Lullaby Trust. Journalist Dan Jones, food writer Giles Coren, sports pundit Mark Watson and historian Tessa Dunlop are all scheduled to appear, with music from the Eaton Square school choir and BBC Gospel Choir of the Year 2016 finalists, Sing Gospel. £20/£10, book ahead, 6.45pm
- A Macmillan Christmas takes place at Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair, raising money for the cancer care charity. Expect live music, and celebrity readings by Prue Leith and Edward Bluemel. £10-£40, book ahead, 7pm
- Bloodwise holds its Christmas carol service at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Kate Silverton, and with music from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and special guests including Rick Astley, Pixie Lott and Kerry Ellis. £12.25-£35.36, book ahead, 8pm
SHORT STORY OF LONDON: Author and journalist Simon Jenkins talks about his latest book London: The Creation of a World Capital. The condensed history of the city covers from the Roman settlement to the present day, and there's a Q&A and signing session after the talk. Leighton House Museum (Holland Park) £15, book ahead, 6.30pm
VICTORIA HISLOP: Author Victoria Hislop — best-known for writing The Island — talks all things Greek. She chats to John Kittmer about her passion for Greece and the role it has played in her writing. The British Academy, free, book ahead,7pm
STREETS OF INSPIRATION: Senior archivist for Camden Council Tudor Allen gives a free, illustrated talk about Charles Dickens, and his links to Holborn, Hampstead and St Pancras. Holborn Library, free, just turn up,7.15pm
COMEDY: Malaysian stand-up comedian Nigel Ng and Swedish comedian Evelyn Mok both try out new material at this work-in-progress show. Be among the first to hear the shows they'll take to Edinburgh next summer. Pleasance Theatre (Islington), £5, book ahead, 7.45pm
WINTER CONCERT: Southbank Centre hosts an evening of music and song in support of the NSPCC. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, classical artist Russell Watson and all-male a cappella ensemble The Other Guys are among the acts performing festive classics. Southbank Centre, £19-£49, book ahead, 8pm
Good cause of the day
The Choose Love pop-up shop is back in London for the run-up to Christmas. Head to 47-49 Neal Street in Seven Dials to purchase much-needed items for refugees. Coats, winter boots, tents and sleeping bags are among the items for sale, and once you've bought it, it's sent directly to those who need it most. Find out more.
What we're reading
- It's been revealed that a manuscript in Lambeth Palace Library was written by Queen Elizabeth I.
- Minke whale found dead at Battersea Bridge.
- London's real-life 'Hot Priest'.
- Engineers uncover forgotten air raid shelter in Hammersmith.
