All week
CHRISTMAS IN LONDON: You may have noticed a little thing called 'Christmas' fast approaching. Whether you're a seasoned local, a regular visitor, or a first-timer in the capital, have a browse of our guide to spending Christmas 2023 in London. It covers everything from shopping and days out to eating and drinking, as well as practical aspects such as public transport. We've picked out some of our favourites below, if you've got some time to fill this week.
ICE SKATING: The world and his snowman seem to open ice rinks at this time of year, meaning you've got the choice of skating in public squares, palace gardens, Royal Parks, or in front of a power station, among other locations. Get your skates on and get booking for London's winter ice rinks 2023.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS: Cutting it fine for your Christmas shopping? There are plenty of Christmas markets and fairs still running throughout this week, selling crafts, artworks, jewellery, decorations and food and drink gifts. Of course, they'll be rather busy this week, but we've always found that shopping with a mulled wine or hot chocolate in hand eases the pain a little bit.
CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA: Nothing says 'special occasion' like a fancy afternoon tea, and London is packed with festive/Christmas versions right now. You'll need to book ahead for a slot this week — choose from our pick of fantastically festive afternoon teas in London this year, including a Disney one, and one themed on The Snowman.
PANTOMIME: London's panto scene is looking camper than ever this year, with renditions of Aladdin, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Dick Whittington, and several other classics. Plenty of choice if you're taking the whole family for a festive treat, but also some solid options for strictly adults-only jaunts. Swot up on the history of panto before you go and impress your companions with some nuggets of wisdom on the interval.
RAY GELATO: British saxophonist Ray Gelato and his band The Giants take up residency at legendary jazz club Ronnie Scott's for the week, performing two shows every evening. 18-23 December
CHRISTMAS ICE DISCOS: Most nights this week, there's a Christmas ice disco at Ally Pally. Have a skate on the indoor rink, while Christmas songs play in the background, lights twinkle overhead, and a Christmas tree towers over it all. Age 14+. Until 3 January
GINGERBREAD CITY: Pay a visit to an entire (mini) city made of gingerbread, and decorated with icing, sweets and other edible goodies. The Gingerbread City has baked up at Westfield White City this Christmas, with 70+ buildings created by teams of architects and civil engineers. Until 7 January
DRINK OF THE WEEK: If all that mulled wine and advocaat isn't up your alley, then perhaps a shot or three of quality tequila/mezcal is. If so, you should know that Mezcalito has just opened a cocktail bar in Brompton, offering an impressive range of agave spirits, and spinning everything from Latin house to Reggaeton tunes.
READ OF THE WEEK: Looking for an engrossing book on London's history to gift someone this Christmas, or hankering after a historical read to dig into during these cold winter nights? Over on our Time Machine newsletter, we've rounded up the best books about the capital's past written in 2023 — as well as the finest ever committed to paper.
CHRISTMAS TRANSPORT: While most public transport runs as usual this week, there are a couple of things you need to be aware of, including many train services closing down early on Christmas Eve — and two major rail stations in London closing completely all day on Christmas Eve. Our guide to public transport in London over Christmas has the details.
Monday 18 December
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: It's one of the most famous books ever published, but did you know that Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in just six weeks, under immense pressure? Hear from the author's great great great-grandaughter Lucinda Hawksley about how the story came to be written, when Dickens was facing being dropped by his publishers and doomed to financial peril. Though hosted by the Charles Dickens Museum, it's an online talk. 6pm
CAROL SERVICE: Not had your fill of fa-la-las and Harks! yet this season? There's another carol concert today, taking place at St John's Waterloo in aid of United Society Partners in the Gospel, with performance by well-known choir The Sixteen. 6.30pm-8pm
GEDDY LEE: Musician Geddy Lee of rock group Rush is at Barbican to discuss his new book, My Effin Life. He talks about his experiences, reads a passage from the book, and takes questions from the audience. A hardcover first edition copy is included in your ticket. 7.30pm
HAPPY MONDAYS: The cringingly hilarious 'medium' Clinton Baptiste (we're talking tears of laughter stuff) headlines tonight's Happy Mondays Comedy in New Cross with a work in progress, with support from Nathan Cassidy, Hasan Al-Habib, Heleana Blackwell, Sascha LO and more. 8pm
MONDAYS IN LONDON: Looking for something else to do, today or any other week? Take a look at our guide to things to do in London on a Monday — we've gathered together live music venues, comedy and cabaret clubs which keep going on what is usually the quietest day of the week, along with guided walks and tours scheduled on a Monday, and a few special offers too.
Tuesday 19 December
CHEMISTRY CAROL: In typical style, the Royal Institution offers a scientific twist to the festivities. A Chemistry Carol stars senior chemistry lecturer Dr Katherine Haxton discussing some of the chemistry found in traditional festive celebrations, from snow to food to Christmas crackers, with live demonstrations and experiments included. Aimed at age 7+, including adults. 6pm-7.15pm
UPON A WINTER'S NIGHT: Irish folk singer Cara Dillon brings her touring Christmas show Upon A Winter's Night to Union Chapel. Expect a blend of ancient and modern songs weaving Celtic and folk rhythms, alongside atmospheric carols. 7pm
GOSPEL CHOIR CHRISTMAS: The London Community Gospel Choir pulls out all the stops for its annual soulful carol concert at the Royal Albert Hall, accompanied by the Heritage Orchestra and the London Community Gospel Choir band. Special guests include Dani Miché, Tony Momrelle, Beverley Knight and J J Rosa. 7.30pm
YEMI BOLATIWA: Black British soul singer Yemi Bolatiwa is at the Waiting Room in Stoke Newington, performing tracks from her debut EP The Love La. Neo-soul, hip-hop into and drum 'n' bass is all in the mix. 7pm
POPUP PAINTING: Flex your artistic muscles as you attempt to create your own Christmas-inspired Starry Night painting at London Art Bar in Holborn. As with all PopUp Painting events, all art supplies are provided and an artist is on hand to offers tips and guidance. A drink is included in your ticket, and you can take your canvas home with you at the end of the evening. 7.30pm-10pm
Wednesday 20 December
WINTER WONDERLAND: Peckham Levels hosts the Hope Gordon Foundation's Winter Wonderland, a festive experience for children aged 12 and under and their families. There's a snowball toss, a snowflake crafting station, a hot chocolate station, Christmas music, and local stalls selling toys, crafts and other goodies. 20-22 December
COVENT GARDEN PUBS: Footprints of London guide Richard Watkins offers a walking tour which traces history through the pubs of Covent Garden. Hear stories of the pubs themselves, their names, and the famous people who used to drink in them, including a literary sleuth, a highwayman and a king's mistress. 2.30pm-4.30pm
OPEN MIC NIGHT: The Orange Room at Woolwich Works is an open mic evening which spotlights and celebrates Black creatives from London, with a special emphasis on artists from Woolwich. Expect live performances, food and games. Open mic slots are open for sign-ups already. 7pm
CAROL CONCERT: London Concert Choir is at Holy Trinity Church in Sloane Square for a concert of traditional and modern Christmas music, and the audience are invited to join in with singing carols. It raises money for St George's Hospital Charity, which is currently fundraising to upgrade the hospital's children's care facilities. 7pm
KING'S COLLEGE CHOIR: The Choir of King's College, Cambridge and the Crouch End Festival Chorus team up for a Christmas concert at Barbican. Works by Bach, Handel, John Rutter and Engelbert Humperdinck are all on the programme. 7.30pm
KENNINGTON NOIR: 1950 film Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye — starring James Cagney, Barbara Payton and Helena Carter — is shown at tonight's Kennington Noir at the Cinema Museum. The film was banned in Ohio when first released, for its extreme brutality and depiction of crime. 7.30pm
Thursday 21 December
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: Time is running out for you to get in your annual viewing of utter Christmas classic It's A Wonderful Life (you do watch it every year, right?). There are fewer better places to watch it on the big screen than at the Prince Charles Cinema. Today Jimmy Stewart and co are working their seasonal charm at 3.25pm
OUT OF OFFICE: Maybe today's your last day in the office before Christmas, but even it not, then Juju's in Brick Lane is intent on getting you into the spirit, with its Out Of Office night, feat. playing beer pong, retro board games, our interactive quiz and 'record breaking' bar games. Take along your work colleagues for a festive bonding sesh. 6pm-11.30pm
BOOKS AND JAZZ: It's Jazz night at the uber cool bookshop Morocco Bound in Bermondsey. Grab a drink, listen to the sounds of Joe Elliott and friends, and maybe do a little Christmas shopping while you're there too — now that's what we call multitasking. 7pm-10pm
PXSSY LIQUOR: Cabaret collective Pxssy Liquor — for queer gals and non-binary people — brings its brand of camp, disco fun to Southbank Centre for Pxssy Liquor's Office Christmas Party, consisting of performances and party games... and perhaps a smattering of office scandal... FREE, 8.30pm
HAMPSTEAD VIRTUAL TOUR: See Hampstead's Christmas decorations without leaving your house, on a virtual tour by Footprints of London guide Marilyn Greene. She takes you through the area's back streets, showing photos of the area lit by lamps and festive decorations, while offering an insight into local history. 8.30pm-9.30pm
Friday 22 December
BABY BROADWAY: Aimed at children aged up to eight years and their families, Baby Broadway at Poplar Union is an interactive concert with singing, dancing, bubbles, bells and puppetry, and performances by West End singers. Listen out for songs from Elf, The Snowman, Frozen and the like. 10am-12pm
ROBIN HOOD: You've two chances to catch Robin Hood at The Exchange in Twickenham today; penned by local playwright Loz Keal, this panto is packed with a punchy playlist of songs ranging from Rat Pack classics to fresh Barbie-inspired pop hits. 2pm and 6pm
STRING QUARTET: Immerse yourself in the melodies of Christmas classics played by a live string quartet at Union Chapel. The performance takes place by candlelight, adding an extra layer of atmosphere to proceedings. 6.30pm/9.30pm
CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSEUM: The Natural History Museum stays open late for an adults-only Christmas party. Explore some of the current exhibitions, browse the shop for last-minute gifts, feast on mince pies, mulled wine and other refreshments, and take part in workshops throughout the museum. There's a prize for the most festive outfit — and even the T-Rex has its Christmas jumper on, so there's no excuse. 6.45pm-9.30pm
A DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS: Readings from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol are interspersed with carols and classic Christmas songs performed by a live brass band and choir in A Dickensian Christmas at Cadogan Hall. Actor Kevin Whately reads, while London Concert Brass provide the music. 7pm
Saturday 23 December
MEAT AUCTION: After a hiatus of a few years due to the pandemic, the Christmas Eve meat auction at Smithfield Market returns — except it's happening the day before Christmas Eve, because the market doesn't open on Sundays. Traditionally, it allowed the area to sell off their excess stock before they closed for Christmas, and it still happens today, with meat joints sold off to the crowds at low prices. IanVisits has an account of the most recent event, on Christmas Eve 2019. 10am
FAMILY NATIVITY CONCERT: Take the kids along to St Paul's Church — AKA the Actor's Church — in Covent Garden for a family nativity concert. See the Nativity story playing out in front of you, accompanied by carols and songs. Age 3+. 11am
HO-HO-HOMOPARODY: A seasonal special of Queer Collective's Homoparody is going down this afternoon at Two Brewers in Clapham. There's Christmassy cabaret, holigay parodies and ding-dong drag... sounds like a festive riot. 4pm-6pm
CHARLIE BROWN: Upstairs At The Gatehouse in Highgate stages two showings of You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, the classic play based on the Peanuts comic strips written by Charles M. Schulz. Packed with gags, music and pathos, it's suitable for all the family, and a good shout if you're already panto-ed out. 3pm and 7.30pm
GERIATRIC MUMS: Character comedians Shirley & Shirley bring their current show, Geriatric Mums, to Soho Theatre for a Christmas special. They give their true thoughts on the world of parenting, with sparkle, spice and spandex thrown in. 9.15pm
Sunday 24 December: Christmas Eve
CHRISTMAS EVE: And so we come to Christmas Eve, an odd day when it's sort of Christmas but not quite and nobody's really sure how early is too early to hit the mulled wine/crack open the Quality Street. We've written a guide to Christmas Eve 2023 in London to help you keep out of mischief until the big day. Here are a couple of highlights:
DICKENS MUSEUM: The Charles Dickens Museum is a fantastic place all year round, but it looks its best at Christmas, when the house is decorated as it would have been in Dickens' day. It offers a special Christmas Eve opening, giving you a chance to see the decorations, view the usual exhibits and displays, and catch various performances of A Christmas Carol. 10am-6pm
CAROLS: It's the final day of Carols at the Hall, a programme of traditional and modern festive carols performed at the Royal Albert Hall, with audience members invited to join in. 11am/3pm
MUPPETS: "It's in the singing of the street corner choir. It's going home and getting warm by the fire..." The Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square fires up The Muppet Christmas Carol twice today, for a couple of full-throated singalongs. No doubt people will be giving the "no cheeses for us meeces" line an extra bit of welly as usual. 12pm and 2.45pm
BAD PENNY: Rock supergroup Bad Penny have members who've played with the likes of Judas Priest, Twisted Sister, Journey and Queen. Tonight they're playing punters at the Cavern in Raynes Park into Christmas, with a special bash that doesn't cost a penny to get into. 8pm
Good Cause of the Week
Just time to plug one more Christmas singalong before the season's over. If you're up in the Haringey area, then get along to Holy Trinity Church on Granville Road (N4 4EL) on 22 December for a very merry family sing-along that's "friendly to all folk of all ages". The event, organised by disability and neurodiversity charity AFK and Paths Through Change, supports local good causes, with £10 entry for adults and £5 for kids. Besides festive sing-alongs, you can expect mince pies, mulled wine and all the seasonal trimmings. The event starts at 3.30pm (music from 4pm) and you need to book your place(s) by emailing events@afkcharity,org.
