All weekend
CHRISTMAS MARKETS: Keen to get some Christmas shopping done this weekend? Check out the festive markets and fairs happening around town, from large-scale events, to smaller pop-ups supporting local and independent businesses.
FESTIVE FLEA MARKET: Go East Vintage is running a two-day festive flea market at Hackney Depot, with stalls selling vintage clothing, jewellery, homeware, art, vinyl and furniture — a good spot for seasonal gifts and supporting local sellers. 29-30 November
DIRTY WEEKEND: Barbican celebrates its current Dirty Looks exhibition with a Dirty Weekend "celebrating fashion and filth", a two‑day programme of performances, talks, screenings, workshops and a club night across the Barbican's spaces. Highlights include a Conservatory Pleasure Garden of readings and pop‑ups, live music from Mina Galán and a HOWL strand of queer rave and sexual wellness events. 29-30 November
A MERRY MISRULE: Wild Rumpus and Battersea Arts Centre present immersive family adventure A Merry Misrule, aimed at ages three+. Follow the Revolutionary Rabbit and meet mischievous yuletide characters across spaces in the BAC building as part of a mission to save Winter. 29 November-24 December
NUTCRACKER NOIR: Tchaikovsky's festive classic is reimagined in The Nutcracker Noir, a theatrical banquet dining experience in which the characters from Clara's toy box come to life around you as you dine on a five-course menu. Find it at Protein Studios in Shoreditch. 25 November-21 December
EBONY SCROOGE: One of several takes on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol in London this Christmas, Ebony Scrooge opens at Sadler's Wells East. With a hip-hop soundtrack, it's the story of the formidable head of a fashion empire who has cancelled Christmas for her landmark fashion show. 26 November-4 January
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY: London Museum Docklands opens new, free display By Appointment Only: Romani Art, Culture & Heritage. View the work of British Romani artists who share their identity and experiences through visual activism, including Corrina Eastwood (co-curator of the display), Delaine Le Bas and Dan Turner. The exhibition takes its name from the 'Travellers by Appointment Only' signs which used to be seen in pubs and restaurants. FREE, 25 November-31 January
TURNER AND CONSTABLE: Celebrate the lives and work of two of Britain's greatest landscape painters, 250 years since their births, at Tate Britain. J.M.W. Turner and John Constable, who were rivals, expressed the changing world of their era through their art. The exhibition features key works, personal items and sketchbooks that reveal their artistic journeys. 27 November-12 April
MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL: Forget Advent, the real countdown to Christmas starts as the Prince Charles Cinema begins its run of showing The Muppet Christmas Carol at least once a day up until Christmas Eve — including three singalong screenings this weekend. Altogether there are 48 chances to watch the festive film this year. Why not make it into a complete festive day out — the new Leicester Square ice rink is a mere few steps away from the cinema. 28 November-24 December. Find other festive film screenings in London this year.
TOWER CHRISTMAS: The Tower of London unveils its Christmas celebrations on Friday, adding a spot of glitz to the famous building for the festive season. The theme this year is A Storybook Adventure, with sparkling decorations and installations popping up around the fortress, to be viewed as part of a regular entry ticket. 28 November-4 January
THE POLAR EXPRESS: All aboard the Polar Express! For an enchanting-sounding family day out, head to Euston (don't worry, that's not the enchanting bit) and board the Polar Express for an immersive theatrical event based on the much-loved Christmas film. Characters including the chefs, Conductor, and possibly even the ghost come to life, singing songs from the film. 29 November-23 December
PINOCCHIO: For this year's family-friendly festive production, Shakespeare's Globe presents Pinocchio, the story of a wooden puppet boy brought to life. In musical form, watch as Pinocchio and carpenter Geppetto embark on a series of adventures. Age five+. 29 November-4 January
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Last chance to see Nicola Roberts in Hadestown
Time's running out to see BRIT Award-winning Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts performing as Persephone in acclaimed musical Hadestown.
Take an unforgettable journey to the underworld and back this winter through ancient Greek myths. Two love stories intertwine on stage: those of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and of King Hades and his wife Persephone, all narrated by Greek god Hermes.
Join the five million people worldwide who have already seen Hadestown live. The production has won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album, with The Guardian calling it "Big, beautiful and emotionally blasting".
Hadestown is at the Lyric Theatre. Nicola Roberts' final performance is 18 January, with limited tickets left to see her — book now so you don't miss out.
Saturday 29 November
THE BLACK ARCHIVE: The British Library hosts a one-day conference exploring the role and future of Black archives in Britain. The programme includes panels and presentations featuring representatives from Nottingham Black Archive, the Stuart Hall Archive, the British Film Institute and the George Padmore Institute Archive — and artistic responses from Hannah Lowe, Jay Bernard, Kabe Wilson, Peter Brathwaite and Tia Bannon. 9.30am-5pm
BIG CATHEDRAL KNIT: Know your way around a pair of knitting needles? Join in with the Big Cathedral Knit at Southwark Cathedral, and help to assemble knitted and crocheted blankets for people experiencing homelessness around London. Beginners and experienced makers all welcome. 10am-3pm
THE GRUFFALO'S CHILD: Looking for a theatrical treat for younger members of the family? The Gruffalo's Child at Lyric Theatre is one of our top recommendations for festive family theatre shows. It opens today, following the Gruffalo's Child as she ignores her father's warnings and ventures into the forest on a wild and windy night. She's been told about the Big Bad Mouse, but he doesn't really exist... does he? Age three+. 10.15am (until 11 January)
CHRISTMAS SANDWICH FESTIVAL: Spread the news! A festival focusing entirely on Christmas sandwiches comes to Somerset House, offering festive takes on the humble sarnie, whipped up by 15 top chefs. Arrive early... and hungry, though note that a standard ticket only gets you entry to the event, and doesn't include any sandwiches. From 11am
WINTER MARKET: Over 40 independent makers and artisans pitch up at the Museum of the Home in Hoxton for its Winter Market. Among the items available are ceramics, candles, baubles, cushions, jewellery and even Christmas trees. 11am-4pm
FROST FAIR: Inspired by historic frost fairs, Cody Dock near Canning Town hosts its winter open day. Enjoy live music, games, a market, marshmallow toasting— and view the Rivers of Hope exhibition which was part of this year's Totally Thames festival. FREE ENTRY, 12pm-5pm
EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP: Take part in a cosy afternoon of stitching, chat and creativity at SoLo Craft Fair Brixton. Make your own embroidered bookmark in a workshop that's open to both experienced stitchers and complete beginners. All materials and guidance are provided for you to decorate yours with embroidered motifs, buttons or beads. 2pm-5pm
PUNCH: Following a sell-out run at the Old Vic, Punch comes to a close at the Apollo Theatre, telling the true story of a young man who threw a life-changing punch on a night out, leading to a prison sentence and the subsequent quest to find direction. 2.30pm/7.30pm
ICE HOCKEY: Ice hockey team Haringey Huskies play a home game at the Alexandra Palace ice rink, taking on MK Thunder. Spectators of all ages are welcome, and an hour-long ice disco takes place straight after the game. Doors 5pm
QUIZMAS: Enfield's Millfield Theatre hosts 12 Rounds of Quizmas, a festive evening raising money to support young people's mental well-being. Gather a team of up to eight and compete in 12 quiz rounds with a festive theme, and prizes up for grabs. Christmas fancy dress is encouraged, and the quiz is followed by an after-party. 7pm
WOOLWICH COMEDY: Russell Kane, Tadiwa Mahlunge and Sarah Keyworth are on the impressive line-up at Live at the Works comedy night at Woolwich Works, hosted by Amy Gledhill. Settle in for a night of laughs, with BSL interpretation available. 7.30pm
Sunday 30 November
JACINDA ARDERN: Former Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern is at the Royal Albert Hall this afternoon, telling her story and offering inspiration to future leaders. Find out how she went from growing up in a small town to becoming leader of her country, and hear about the struggles, triumphs and deeply personal experiences that shaped her leadership style — including the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks. 2pm
RHYTHMS OF REVIVAL: The Body People in Hackney Wick host a session blending African and Caribbean drumming traditions with mindfulness and group music-making. Rhythms of Revival is designed to reduce stress, and no musical experience is required — simply a willingness to get stuck in! 2pm-3pm
THE PIONEER PRIZE: The RSL Pioneer Prize is a new initiative, spotlighting and celebrating writers who have been trailblazers in their field. It launches today at the British Library, with RSL President Bernardine Evaristo joining writers Val McDermid and So Mayer, and lecturers Elaine Hobby and Lawrence Warner — to honour poet, playwright and novelist Maureen Duffy, winner of the inaugural prize. 2.30pm-4pm
REGENCY NOVELS: In a deep-dive of the Regency novel, Dr Zoë McGee reveals how Jane Austen, Frances Burney and their now-overlooked contemporaries used their stories to try to change society's mind about rape culture — and to reassure survivors they were not alone. Reading between the lines unveils a quiet feminist movement that still resonates today. Find out more at Conway Hall in Holborn. 3pm-4.30pm
BRAZILIAN SAMBA: Enjoy a 90-minute show featuring 25 dancers and musicians at the Tabernacle Theatre in Notting Hill. Brazilian Fantasy traces the story of samba from its Afro-Brazilian roots, to Rio de Janeiro’s marginalised communities, to the world stage, through stunning costumes, live music and choreography. 7pm
RUTS DC: Veteran group Ruts DC are in the midst of a mini UK tour, which tonight takes them to the Garage in Highbury. Hear them play intelligent punk songs from their half-century past. 7pm
KEEP IT KILLER: The bitter (but sweet) Brambley Apple is at the Divine in Dalston, to host Keep It Killer, a night of lip-synching drag acts, which is flavoured with a musicals theme this evening. 7.30pm
CRIMINAL JUSTICE MUSIC: Music from the Criminal Justice System is the Sunday evening soundtrack at Southbank Centre. Hear works created by people with lived experience in the criminal justice system, through a mixture of live and recorded performances, as well as a Q&A panel discussion led by poet and playwright Inua Ellams. 7.30pm
DEATH SENTENCE: The ICA screens Bel Trew's documentary, Death Sentence, exploring the real cost of Trump's aid cuts on HIV. Trew travelled to Uganda and Zimbabwe with filmmaker Mags Gavan, to hear stories from people who are dying because they can’t access medication. The event coincides with World AIDS Day and is followed by a panel discussion with Bel Trew, Christine Stegling (deputy director of UNAIDS) and Dr Charles Ssonko of Medecins Sans Frontieres, among other experts. 7.45pm
