What we’re reading
- This is why you shouldn't climb art museums.
- There will be a heritage bus service on Christmas Day.
- Uber's appeal against the loss of its London licence won't be heard until April.
- Emma Watson helps power London to box office record.
- UK to crack down on City of London money laundering.
Things to do
EAST LONDON VOICES: Part exhibition, part retail pop-up, part performance, this one-day event of art, fashion, food and music celebrates the creatives who began their careers at Old Spitalfields Market in the late 1990s. Old Spitalfields Market, free, just turn up, 11am-9pm
BUBBLE BROS SPRITZ BAR: You won't find any soggy sprouts or dry turkey at this Christmas lunch. Instead, you get to go behind the taps and treat yourself to three hours of unlimited prosecco and pizza from Pizza Pilgrims. 134 Columbia Road, £32.48-£43.14, book ahead, 1pm and 4.30pm
CHRISTMAS CAROLS: We've all enjoyed carols in a church but not many can say they've heard Away in a Manger on a ship that has navigated the world (or a replica of one, anyway). Head to the main deck of the Golden Hinde for singing, mulled wine and mince pies. The Golden Hinde, £3, book ahead, 6pm-7.30pm
A YEAR IN REVIEW: Wondering what happened to the placards from 2017’s Women’s March on London? You'll find some of them in these archives alongside new additions documenting LGBTQ nightclub life from 1980s to today. Bishopsgate Institute, free, just turn up, 6.30pm-9pm
RICHARD AYOADE: Line up to have your copy of The Grip of Film signed by comedian and actor Richard Ayoade, and enjoy 10% off any other purchases you make on the night. The Bookseller Crow on the Hill (Crystal Palace), free entry, just turn up, 6.30pm-9.30pm
CHRISTMESS AT THE IMAGINARIUM: Christmas has been cancelled at St Nicky's HQ, so Father Christmas and his rebel elves are encouraging you to be as naughty as you like. By naughty we mean splashing out on unique presents in the grotto gift shops or heading upstairs to visit the absinthe fairy, sip cocktails and dance on the tables. Hunter Penrose (Southwark), from £55, book ahead, 6.30pm-11.30pm
QUEER ANTHOLOGY LAUNCH: Dig out your finest Communist Christmas outfit and head to the launch of Not Here: A Queer Anthology of Loneliness featuring readings from the likes of Olivia Laing, author of the beautifully written Loneliness and the City and Richard Dodwell, founder of Pilot Press. Housmans Bookshop, £3.61, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
ANTIC FOLLIES CABARET: Expect unpredictable comic mayhem from Chris Lynam, surreal stunts from Michael Brunström, plus performances from a fire and hula hoop artist, a ventriloquist and gypsy swing from the house band at this alternative comedy and cabaret night. Jamboree (Limehouse), £5, just turn up, 7pm-11pm
NIGERIAN SUPPER CLUB: Listen to afrobeats and pull crackers before tucking into a three-course Nigerian feast from two sisters who are carrying on their late grandma's tradition of dishes made with love and packed with flavour. The Old Nuns Head (Nunhead), £35, book ahead, 7pm-midnight
IDLER CHRISTMAS PARTY: Sick of cherub-faced carol singers? Head to this alternative Christmas party with punk poet John Cooper Clarke headlining and DJs spinning rock’n’roll and rhythm and blues from 1955-1967. Bush Hall (Shepherd's Bush), £25, book ahead, 7.30pm-midnight
Good cause of the day: Eat all the mince pies you can for charity Momentum
Loosen your Santa belts and prepare to gobble as many mince pies as you can stomach at this fundraiser for Momentum, a charity which helps children affected by life-limiting conditions. The mince pie eating champ gets a minute behind the bar to pour as much draft as they can and a festive hamper. If that wasn't enough excitement, the Women's Institute will be flogging baked goods and Christmas crafts. To register email: [email protected]. The Hand in Hand (Wimbledon), £3 donation, just turn up, 8pm-9.30pm
