Things To Do This Weekend In London: 25-26 November 2017

Looks like this article is a bit old. Be aware that information may have changed since it was published.

Things to do this weekend is sponsored by the Gentleman's Grooming Show.

All weekend

The Vaults is being transformed into a space-age, sci-fi-geek's paradise this weekend. Photo: Alex Dias Photography (2016)

ICE SKATING: Feeling festive yet? Plenty of London's winter ice rinks are already open — why not get in some practice before they get too busy?

SCANDI-MARKET: Handily located between Finnish and Norwegian Churches (which also happen to have Christmas fairs on), this market is the perfect place to pick up authentic Scandinavian goods, arts and crafts. Albion Street (Rotherhithe), free, just turn up, 24-26 November

CHRISTMAS FAIR: Pick up a wreath created from foliage pinched from this lovely Chelsea garden and stick around for the carols at 4pm on Saturday. Chelsea Physic Garden, £6, children free, book ahead, 25-26 November

PUSSY RIOT: This immersive production from Les Enfants Terribles aims to throw its audience into the heart of the Russian system to recreate the protest and incarceration of punk activists Pussy Riot. Sassy protest theatre or punk prayer fallen on deaf ears? You decide. Saatchi Gallery, £21.50+ bf, book ahead, until 24 December

MUSICAL ICONS: Elvis Presley, the king of rock and roll and Prince, the genre-mashing, flamboyantly dressed superstar both have exhibitions landing at the same time at the O2 in Greenwich. Our reviewer reckons their music should have taken precedence over artefacts, what do you think? The O2 Arena, My Name is Prince, £25, book ahead, until 7 January, Elvis on tour, £25, book ahead, until 4 February.

Saturday 25 November

Swig beer, buy records, be merry at London Brewer's Market.

TALKING HEADS TRIBUTE: This must be the place for all hardcore Talking Heads fans. Tribute band Speaking In Tongues will be playing two classic albums over two nights. Moth Club (Hackney), £15, book ahead, 24-25 November

MASKED BALL: Give it your best Spock impression and enter the Vaults, which has been given a space-age, sci-fi-inspired makeover. Expect out of this world performers from cosmic cabaret and stargasm aerialists to performances from a dominatrix and death drawing from art macabre. The Vaults, £25/£20, book ahead, 24-25 November

FEMINISM & TECH: Hear tech talks from successful women in the industry and take part in practical workshops from digital zine-making to creating your own bot or Wordpress blog. Feminist Library, free, just turn up, 11am-6.30pm

BREWERS' MARKET: London's beer-swigging, vinyl heads can stock up on both at this market flogging music from independent record labels alongside booze from more than 16 brilliant breweries. Old Spitalfields Market, free, just turn up, 11.30am-6.30pm

CHEERS TO BEERS: Camden Town Brewery has only crafted 900 bottles of 2017 Beer and if you're lucky enough to be one of the first 100 punters through the door, they'll give you a 12 pack of Camden Hells for free. We'll drink to that. Camden Town Brewery (Kentish Town), free, just turn up, noon-9pm

SCREENPRINTING WORKSHOP: If you think creative labour shouldn't go unpaid, then you're a decent human being and you should join this free workshop and event hosted by activist group Get Artists Paid (GAP). R.A.W Lab, free, book ahead, 2pm-6pm

PROVOCATION CAMPAIGN: Got an eye for graphic design and an interest in healthcare? Join this workshop considering the role of graphic design in constructing and communicating healthcare messages around the world. Wellcome Collection, free, just turn up, 2.30pm-4.30pm

TASTE OF TRINIDAD: Spice up your Saturday with this Caribbean pop-up. On the menu is a delicious medley of curried goat, roasted fish and pumpkin, sweet potato and swiss rainbow shard for veggies. Café Adagio (Croydon), book ahead, 5pm-10pm

PURSUIT OF MANLY-NESS: Learning and unlearning how to be a man is the premise of this show from standup comic and actor Sheraz Yousaf, a must-see for any guy going through a masculinity-crisis. 34 Thurloe Place (Kensington), £10, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm

RAVE IN BLACKNESS: Partying in the dark isn't just an opportunity to throw your wildest shapes. BOOM! The Politics of Black Sound is throwing this rave in a tunnel under Somerset House to highlight black femmes, black queer female and non-binary artists in the electronic dance music scene. The Deadhouse (Somerset House Studios), £8, book ahead, 8pm-1pm


Sponsor message

Gentlemen of London — it’s time to get grooming

On 3 December, The Gentleman’s Grooming and Lifestyle Show is heading to Tobacco Dock for a day dedicated to all things manly. This event is for the modern man who likes to smell good, look good and feel good — grab your tickets now and get 20% off when you use code LONDONIST20.

Expect some serious shopping opportunities; buy everything from razors to shoe polish, beard oil to shower gel from over 75 brands. Treat yourself to something special or stock up on gifts in time for Christmas.

Make the most of the show by picking up some freebies — nab a complimentary trim if your hair is in need of a tidy. You might even fancy indulging in a whisky tasting before learning all the tricks of the trade from industry experts. Find out all about the show here, and get your discounted tickets for just £8 before it’s too late.


Sunday 26 November

Festive wine tasting anyone?

MUSEUM SHOP SUNDAY: Swap Black Friday for Museum Shop Sunday, a national day inviting savvy shoppers to choose culture over consumerism by spending your hard-earned cash in London's many museum gift shops. Various venues, free, just turn up, all day

CHRISTMAS FAIR: The real draw of this festive fair is to snoop around the grounds and rooms of London's only gothic castle. Expect children's crafts, live music and food from local producers at one of the city's more atmospheric venues. Strawberry Hill House (Twickenham), £4, just turn up, 10am-4pm

DESIGNER MARKET: Treat yourself to mince pies, mulled wine and unique gifts from London's hottest designers while a brass band soundtracks your festive shop. V&A Museum of Childhood, free, just turn up, 10am-5pm

PRIMROSE HILL XMAS: You could stuff your face with street food, browse gifts at the craft fair and listen to the Christmas choir, but we know the real reason you're here is to fuss over pooches in the dog show. Regents Park Road, free, just turn up, 10am-5pm

HELIX GUITARS: Looking to buy a guitar for Christmas? Make your purchase easier by booking a one-on-one session with top guitarist and Helix expert Ross Bailey, who will give you a tour of the Revstar and Helix ranges. Yamaha Music London, free, book ahead, 11am-5pm

WINE TASTING: Grab your mates and schedule in some wine time at this festive walk around tasting session, featuring more than 40 bottles of plonk, plus canapés to soak it up. 1 Ethelburga Street, £14.50, book ahead, 2pm-5pm

CHRISTMAS SWITCH ON: Take a spin on a Victorian carousel and stop off for mulled wine and food while Twickenham gets the festive treatment. Twickenham, free, just turn up, 2pm-6.30pm

UNDERWIRE FESTIVAL: This is one of the few festivals where you’ll find women at the helm — not just in front of the camera but directing, editing, writing, composing and producing. See the Tango Lesson at Barbican tonight and check out the full programme here. Barbican, £11.50+bf, book ahead, 4pm

JAPANESE WHISKY: Swig and swill five types of whisky with a guy who knows his stuff. Dave Broom has just published The Way of Whisky: A journey around Japanese Whisky and he's the curator of the whisky selection at Spiritland. Spiritland, £43.20, book ahead, 6pm

FESTIVE RUN: Fancy an exercise session that'll leave you feeling all warm, Christmassy and a little bit sweaty? Join this 5km tour around twinkling London sights, past markets, trees and lights. Covent Garden, £16, book ahead, 6pm