What we're reading
- How London became the tuberculosis capital of Europe.
- Work to make Old Street Roundabout safer for cyclists has begun — but still no word on which of these designs will be implemented.
- Why Brixton's statue of Van Gogh doesn't have a gun or a razor blade.
- The small plot of land where most of the Tower of London's executions took place.
- 80,000 trees will be planted in London this weekend.
Things to do
ALICE IN WINTERLAND: Another week, another light festival opens in London. Alice in Winterland brings Lewis Carroll's beloved characters to life in lantern form. Come face to face with larger-than-life illuminations of Alice, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts and others, as you walk through scenes from the book after dark. Southwark Park, from £15 adult/£9 child, book ahead, 28 November-5 January
DINNER WITH DICKENS: Dinner at the house of Charles Dickens was quite the event in 19th century London, and is the subject of this new exhibition. Puzzles, smell jars and soundscapes engage all the senses, and hint at what would have been eaten at the dinner parties. The house is decorated for Christmas, as it would have been in the author's time. Charles Dickens Museum (Bloomsbury), included in museum admission (£9.50 adult/£4.50 child), booking recommended, until 22 April
PAINTING CONSERVATION: Watch conservator and restorer of paintings Jim Dimond in action as he works on some of the historic portraits of Fulham Palace, part of the wider palace restoration project. Learn about the techniques used to maintain such valuable artworks, which Dimond has spent 20 years learning. Fulham Palace, free entry, just turn up, 10am-4pm
NIGHT AT THE VET COLLEGE: The Royal Veterinary College opens its doors to the public for an evening all about the rhythms of life. Find out how the constant pattern of day following night following day affects the natural world, including how animals reproduce, and learn more about nocturnal creatures through games, mini-lectures and science stalls. Royal Veterinary College (Mornington Crescent), free, book ahead, 5.30pm-10pm
THE WIZ: Watch The Wiz, 40 years after its release. It's a musical adaptation of The Wizard of Oz with an all African-American cast including Michael Jackson and Diana Ross, and the evening begins with food from St Lucia, Ivory Coast, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Syria. For every ticket bought, a refugee or asylum seeker can attend for free. Amnesty International (Shoreditch), £19.50-£25, book ahead, 6pm-10pm
BEING DISABLED: What is disability, and how have interpretations and understandings of it changed through time? How is disability presented in the arts? Should we even be using the term 'disabled'? All topics to be discussed at this LSE lecture. Clement House (Aldwych), free, just turn up, 6.30pm-8pm
CAROL CONCERT: London choir Fever Pitch perform at The Prisoners' Education Trust's carol concert tonight, interspersing music with readings and presentations from former prisoners who have benefitted from education provided by the charity. St Paul's Church (Covent Garden), free entry (donations welcome), book ahead, 6.30pm
IN MINIATURE: Tiny Eiffel Towers, miniature food and a doll's house made for a queen are just some of the small items author Simon Garfield is discussing tonight. His latest book, In Miniature, explores why we're fascinated with making things small. Daunt Books (Hampstead), £5, book ahead, 6.30pm
SUN LATE: Missing your dose of Vitamin D in the grey London winter? The sun's coming out at this Science Museum late opening, which is themed around our star to tie in with the current exhibition. Solar experts are discussing their latest research, historians talk about historical misinformation about the sun — or you can boogie the night away in the silent disco. Science Museum (South Kensington), free entry, just turn up (some events require booking), 6.45pm-10pm
UNLOCKED TOURS: The Old Royal Naval College is full of secrets — here are some we unearthed. Tonight, take a tour of some of the rarely seen parts of the building, including some of the oldest areas. Finish off with a drink at the Old Brewery. The Old Royal Naval College (Greenwich), £25, book ahead, 7pm-8pm
FACES PLACES: Odyssey Film Club screens 2017 French documentary Faces Places, which follows director Agnès Varda and photographer JR on a road trip through rural France, creating large-scale portraits of the people they meet. Harris Academy South Norwood, £8.50/£7/£5, book ahead, 7.45pm
Good cause of the day
For one day only, The Good Market pops up in Spitalfields to educate people about how changing the way they shop can have a real impact on other people's lives. You can also purchase some of the #100Goodbuys — products which take into account their social, economic and environmental impact.
