Note: a combination of the ever-evolving Covid situation and the Christmas break means that things are likely to change or close at short notice, so do check before you travel. Venues tend to shorten or vary their opening hours over the Christmas period, and some may close altogether, so do check before making a special journey — and check public transport too.
All week
CHRISTMAS TRANSPORT: As we get closer to Christmas, bear in mind that there may be alterations on transport networks and beyond (including no public transport on Christmas Day). Here's a full guide to what's happening when with trains, tubes and buses over the Christmas period.
EXHIBITIONS: Get your fill of culture with our art critic's guide to the biggest exhibitions to see in London (and beyond) this winter. Dissolving bodies, comedy research and a tennis ball exchange all feature, though check opening hours this week.
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS: Kids off school? Find plenty of ways to keep them busy with our guide to things to do in London in the school holidays.
WINTER CARRIAGE RIDES: Operation Centaur, the company which offers horse-drawn carriage rides through the park, has opened in a new location this year, so you can now choose between Bushy Park and Richmond Park. The former is a shorter, 20-minute experience, while Richmond Park offers a 75-minute (and pricier) experience of a ride through the park and a chance to go behind the scenes at a working stables. Booking required, 17 December-2 January
LAST CHANCE: It's the final week to see 25,000 glowing white roses carpeting Grosvenor Square, otherwise known as the Ever After Garden. The display is a fundraiser for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, with the public able to dedicate a rose to an absent loved one for a donation of £10. Grosvenor Square, free to view, just turn up, until 23 December
WINTER WONDERLAND: Heading to London's huge festive funfair? Swot up on everything you need to know before you go with our guide to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland — including the fact that you'll need to book entry tickets before you turn up this year. Hyde Park, various prices, book ahead, until 3 January 2022
PANTO: It's pantomime season, so warm up your best "oh no it isn't" and "he's behind you" and get yourself tickets to one of our picks of the best pantomimes to see in London this year. Classics such as Red Riding Hood, Aladdin and Jack and the Beanstalk are all on in the capital this Christmas.
FESTIVE THEATRE: Book now if you fancy a festive trip to the theatre — we've picked our favourite Christmas shows in London this year, including The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol and circus shows. If it's a family day out you're after, these theatre shows will enchant kids of all ages, with Peppa Pig, The Snowman and Disney characters all making an appearance.
FESTIVE BARS: Have a tipple or two at London's pop-up festive bars. With igloos, ski chalets, winter lodges, and even a champagne forest, appearing all over London, your options certainly aren't limited to festive drinks at the local pub.
ICE SKATING: Ice rinks have popped up at venues including Somerset House, Hampton Court Palace and Canary Wharf, so you can take to the ice against the backdrop of your choice, whether you're looking for a family day out or a romantic date spot. Here's our guide to ice skating in London this Christmas.
LIGHT FESTIVALS: London is absolutely ablaze with light festivals this year, from Christmas at Kew to Winterfest at Wembley Park, as well as new additions Illuminature in Barnes and Christmas at Kenwood House. Here's our complete guide to those Instagrammable light festivals.
CHRISTMAS FILMS: The excellent Prince Charles Cinema has a wealth of festive films on the programme this week. Elf, The Muppet Christmas Carol, It's A Wonderful Life, Love Actually and Home Alone are all shown multiple times, along with lesser-known Christmas films including Black Christmas (1974) and The Night Before (2015). Prince Charles Cinema (Leicester Square), various prices, book ahead, until 24 December
Monday 20 December
RELAXED CAROLS: The Royal Albert Hall puts on a relaxed performance of its Christmas carols concert, ideal for anyone who would benefit from a less formal environment, such as autistic people or those with learning disabilities. Enjoy performances by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Choral Society and the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain, without the pressure of sitting still and remaining quiet. Royal Albert Hall, £17.63 adult/£12.25 child, book ahead, 11am
VIRTUAL PUB TOUR: Footprints of London guide Richard Watkins takes you on a whimsical tour of the pubs of Soho, from the comfort of your own home. The virtual event covers the area's history through the eyes of its pub trade, including a department store that had its own local, a pub that didn't actually serve alcohol and one with a secret tunnel. Online event, £6-£12, book ahead, 6pm-7pm
BACH CHOIR: The 100-strong Bach Choir and London City Brass join forces for an evening of Christmas carols. The programme is a blend of traditional and new tunes, including the winning entry in this year's Sir David Willcocks Carol Competition, which gets its premiere tonight. Cadogan Hall (Chelsea), £19-£39, book ahead, 7.30pm
LONDON CONCERT CHOIR: Hope you like carol concerts, because here's another one. London Concert Choir takes over Holy Trinity Church for a concert of traditional and modern Christmas music, with carols for the audience to sing along to. The event raises money for St George’s Hospital Charity.Holy Trinity Church (Sloane Square), £20-£45, book ahead, 7.30pm (repeated tomorrow)
HAPPY MONDAYS COMEDY: Nabil Abdulrashid is the headliner at tonight's Happy Mondays Comedy, joined on stage by Hatty Ashdown, Peter Rethinasamy, Tony Ukulele and MC Sion James. The Amersham Arms (New Cross), £7, book ahead, 8pm
Tuesday 21 December
THE SNOWMAN: Family film The Snowman is screened with the accompaniment of a live orchestra, preceded by a musical reworking of The Gruffalo, with every character represented by a musical instrument, and an appearance by Paddington Bear to boot. Cadogan Hall (Chelsea), £16-£32, book ahead, 1.30pm/4.30pm
SOUL CHRISTMAS: BBC Radio DJ Trevor Nelson curates an evening of soul and R'n'B tracks with a festive twist. Guests including Chic’s Kimberly Davis, Basement Jaxx vocalist Vula Malinga, and award-winning singer Corinne Bailey Rae perform re-imagined and re-scored iconic tracks, with help from the BBC Concert Orchestra. Royal Albert Hall, £34-£80, book ahead, 7.30pm
KING'S COLLEGE CHOIR: As part of the Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival, hear the King's College Choir, joined by the Crouch End Festival Chorus, performing festive songs. Excerpts from Handel's Messiah, Vivaldi's Gloria, and familiar carols including Hark! The Herald Angels Sing are all on the programme. Barbican, £22.50-£52.50, book ahead, 7.30pm
SWINGING CHRISTMAS: Things get lively down in Croydon when A Swingin' Christmas comes to town. The Len Phillips Swing Orchestra perform hits by the likes of Bing Crosby and Michael Bublé, with star of the West End’s Rat Pack, Gary Williams, and vocalist Louise Cookman. Fairfield Halls (Croydon), £14.50-£29, book ahead, 7.30pm
Wednesday 22 December
AUSSIE CHRISTMAS: Aimed at Antipodeans stuck in London for Christmas (again), though open to everyone, Aussie brands Little Creatures Brewing and Four Pillars Gin have joined forces to put on a Christmas party. Entertainment comes from the likes of Australian comedian Felicity Ward, professional flaneur and raconteur Marcel Lucont and comedy writer Bec Hill, with quizzes and Aussie anthems thrown in for good measure. Little Creatures Brewing (King's Cross), £15-£30, book ahead, 5pm-midnight
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: If you're in the market for an extravagant pre-Christmas night out, head to Hotel Café Royal to enjoy a drinks reception and three-course meal, accompanied by a performance of A Christmas Carol. Gerald Dickens, the great great grandson of author Charles Dickens, stars in the one-man performance. Hotel Café Royal, £140, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
ALAN TITCHMARSH: TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh hosts an evening of festive performances, starring the London Concert Orchestra, the Bach Choir and the Southend Boys' and Southend Girls' Choir. The schedule is a whistlestop tour of all the festive favourites, including Silent Night, White Christmas and Away In A Manger. Barbican, £18.50-£48.50, book ahead, 7.30pm
LATE NIGHT JAZZ: Trumpeter Alexandra Ridout — the winner of the BBC Young Musician Jazz Award 2016 — leads her quintet as the headline act of this evening's late night jazz at the Royal Albert Hall. Kick back in the intimate Elgar Room for an evening of smooth, relaxing jazz. Royal Albert Hall, £13-£17, book ahead, 9.30pm
Thursday 23 December
JIVING: Learn the steps in a free dance class led by Swingdance UK, before joining in with an afternoon of jiving, accompanied by a line-up of live musicians. Everyone's welcome, from complete beginners to expert jivers. Southbank Centre, free, just turn up, 12pm
JINGLE BELL CHRISTMAS: Yep, the Christmas concerts are still going strong. Today, join The London Concert Orchestra, Capital Voices, special guest singers Tim Howar and all-star dancers The Jingle Belles for a lively show full of Christmas hits. Barbican, £18.50-£48.50, book ahead, 2pm/5.30pm
LIGHTS WALK: Explore some of London's prettiest Christmas lights under the expert guidance of Look Up London. Meet near Bond Street and wander down lesser-known streets and hear unusual stories about the history of the area as you ogle the glowing orbs. Bond Street station, £20, book ahead, 6.30pm
COVENT GARDEN LIGHTS: Footprints of London guide Jane Parker leads a walking tour through Covent Garden, focusing on the shopping district's festive decorations. Learn about the origins of certain festive traditions as you go, including mince pies, Santa and kissing under the mistletoe. Plenty of opportunities to stop and snap some photos too. Covent Garden, £12/£9, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
HIP HOP KARAOKE: Gather your courage and take to the stage in front of an audience at Hip Hop Karaoke. Belt out hip hop and rap tunes by the likes of Missy, The Fugees, Drake or Kanye. Queen of Hoxton (Shoreditch), £7.70, book ahead, 8pm
BOROUGH MARKET LATE: Foodie haven Borough Market holds its final festive late-night opening, ideal for stocking up on last-minute Christmas snacks, or buying edible gifts for anyone you may have forgotten. Stalls and shops stay open late, selling their produce and serving up warming dishes to keep you energised as you browse. Borough Market, free entry, just turn up, until 9pm
Christmas Eve - Friday 24 December
CHRISTMAS EVE: Here's our guide to the best things to do in London on Christmas Eve, from ice skating to festive films to Christmas lights.
DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS: Where better to spend the build up to the big day than at the former home of the man credited with making Christmas into the celebration we all know it as today? The Charles Dickens Museum looks its best when decorated for a Victorian Christmas, and as well as exploring the rooms, there's a chance to watch modern adaptations of A Christmas Carol. Finish off your day with mulled wine and mince pies in the cafe. Charles Dickens Museum (Bloomsbury), £12/£10, book ahead, 10am-5pm
DICKENS TOUR: If you don't get your fill of Dickens at his former home (above), join Footprints of London guide David Charnick for a wander through the parts of London that the author would have been familiar with, guided by his own words. St George the Marytr (Borough), £12/£9, book ahead, 2.30pm-4.30pm
Christmas Day - Saturday 25 December
CHRISTMAS DAY EVENTS: London's a lot quieter than usual today, something which used to thrill us, but now just gives lockdown flashbacks. However, there is the occasional guided tour — here's our guide to Christmas Day events.
WHAT'S OPEN?: If you're heading out of the house today, take a look at what's likely to be open in central London. Most important, many cafes and pubs will be shut, as will all train stations, which means that most of the usual toilet pitstops will be off-limits — just something to consider before packing that flask of mulled wine.
CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM: If your main priority today is getting a few lengths in... well, you're a better person that us. That said, you might be surprised at how many options there are for swimming in London on Christmas Day, from Hampton to Brockwell to Hampstead Heath.
THE ALEXANDRA, WIMBLEDON: All hail The Alexandra, an SW19 pub which has been spreading Christmas joy for years. Once again, it's opening its doors on Christmas Day and offering a free meal to anyone who would otherwise spend the day alone. Turn up, get fed and meet new people — anyone's welcome, the only stipulation is that you must come alone. 12pm-3pm
Boxing Day - Sunday 26 December
BOXING DAY GUIDE: We've already covered your options for things to do in London on Boxing Day, including theatre shows, horse-drawn carriages and film screenings. Have a browse and get booking.
Urban oddity of the week
This crocheted Christmas scene appeared recently on a post box in Queen Square. It was crafted by a regular visitor to nearby Great Ormond Street children's hospital, and it puts a smile on the face of any passer-by. Find out more here.
Good cause of the week
Christmas Eve marks the last day of Choose Love's Carnaby pop-up. Head to 3 Carnaby Street to purchase items which are needed by refugees — all items purchased are donated directly to those who need them most, and range from warm clothes and hygiene products, to toys and books for children. You can even buy a product on behalf of someone else with the eGift Card option, ideal if you've left that Christmas shopping a bit too late this year. Alternatively, the Choose Love online shop is open all year round.
