What we're reading
- There are plans for a 30-storey skyscraper near Waterloo station.
- This is why the police don't want a 24 hour McDonald's at London Bridge station.
- London's rivers, mapped in porcelain.
- This glowing deer is completely rubbish.
Things to do
CHRISTMAS IN LONDON: Ramp your festive levels up several notches with our guide to spending Christmas in London. From shopping to ice skating, and Christmas lights to food and drink, we've found as much Christmas as we can, and popped it all on one page for you to enjoy.
UNIVERSAL MOTHERHOOD: This new photography exhibition showcases photos of women during childbirth and in the early days of motherhood, highlighting the importance of access to quality medical support for all. One Paved Court (Richmond), free, just turn up, 12 December-19 January
DAYBREAKER: Voga, boxercise or ice skating? Those are your options for this early morning dance party, designed to wake you up the lively way. Hot drinks are provided, and everyone's asked to bring something to donate to a local homeless shelter — think tinned food, or good quality sleeping bags or clothing. Queens Skate and Bowl (Bayswater), £15-£26, book ahead, 6am-9am
SANTA CLAUS: This theatre show, aimed at kids aged 2+ and their parents, is set at Santa's HQ in the North Pole. With Rudolph missing and the elves misbehaving, the audience is needed to help Santa save Christmas (and there's a chance to meet him after the show too). Time and Leisure Studio (Wimbledon), £14.30/£13, book ahead, 10am/2pm
SEWERS AND TOILETS: Cholera and typhoid were massive problems in 19th century London, killing thousands of people. This guided walk looks at how London solved its sanitation problems, including the stories of individual people whose work improved public health. Farringdon station, £12/£9 (money raised goes to Water Aid), book ahead, 11am-12.30pm
GOLDSMITHS CAROLS: The Music Department at Goldsmiths University presents two concerts of traditional Christmas readings and music. Children from St James Hatcham Primary School perform at the lunchtime event, and the evening concert is a bit longer with more extended music. Goldsmiths (New Cross) free, just turn up, 1pm-2pm/6.30pm-8pm
DICKENS AND CHRISTMAS: Charles Dickens' great great great granddaughter Lucinda Hawksley talks about what a Victorian Christmas was like, and how her famous ancestor and his family would have celebrated the festive period, marking 175 years since the publication of A Christmas Carol. Guildhall Library (Bank), free, book ahead, 2pm-3pm
EVENING OF CHEESE: Cheese stalls. Cheese cooking demos. Grilled cheese. Shaved cheese. Basically, all the cheese. Sound good? Head to Borough Market's evening of cheese to learn some tips and tricks for cooking with the good stuff, and a chance to stock up your cheese cupboard in time for Christmas. Borough Market, free, just turn up, from 6.30pm
CYCLE GIFT FAIR: If you're a cyclist yourself, or need to get a Christmas gift for someone who is, browse Christmas gifts from a variety of cycling brands at Temple Cycles Gift Fair. Choose from cycle clothing, gadgets and accessories, as well as bikes themselves, and enjoy a free mulled wine — but don't drink and cycle. Temple Cycles (Brick Lane), free entry, book ahead, 6.30pm-9.30pm
SCREEN PRINTING: Make sure your presents stand out under the tree this year by screen printing your own wrapping paper and Christmas cards. Learn all you need to know at this introductory lesson, with all materials provided. Geffrye Museum (Hoxton), £35/£29.75, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
WOMEN AND PARLIAMENT: Croydon Cycle Theatre commemorates 100 years since the election of the first female MP with poetry, music and talks by black female politicians, thinkers and activists who have battled sexism and racism. Braithwaite Halls (Croydon), £5, book ahead, 7.30pm-10pm
ELF: "Santa! I know him!" We'd be willing to bet that several members of the audience will be mumbling the words along with tonight's screening of Elf. Never seen it before? Here's you chance. Very familiar with it? Then you don't need us to tell you why it's a Christmas classic. Harris Academy South Norwood, £8.50/£7/£5, book ahead, 7.45pm-10pm
Good cause of the day
There's still time to sign up to the Crisis Icebreaker this weekend. Brave the chilly waters of the open air Brockwell Lido in December and raise money for the homelessness charity. Choose whether to take a brisk solo dip, or round up a group and take part in a team relay. Full details and booking on the Crisis website.
