Things To Do This Week In London: 20-26 January 2025

All week

BURNS NIGHT EVENTS: Saturday (25 January) is Burns Night, a Scottish celebration of the birthday of poet Robert Burns. Plenty of venues in London join in the fun with events all week spanning meals, live entertainment and ceilidhs — take a look at our picks, and get booking.

SHORT FILM FESTIVAL: Cinemas all over the capital host screenings for the London Short Film Festival this week, showcasing independent, boundary-pushing short films and new voices in cinema from around the globe. We particularly like the look of Lo-Budget Mayhem, showing how creativity flourishes when budgets are tight, and London Lives, about different people around the capital. Until 26 January

CORALS:Virtual Worlds: Corals at the Grant Museum of Zoology is a virtual reality experience, immersing you in a coral reef environment by using audio and visual elements from the Pacific Ocean. It's an insight into the significance of coral ecosystems in terms of biodiversity and climate awareness, but you've only got until Saturday to experience it. FREE, until 25 January

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST: The National Theatre's flamboyant reimagining of The Importance of Being Earnest comes to a close on Saturday, telling the story of two men who assume dual identities. Can't make it this week? It'll be shown on the large screen at National Theatre Live screenings from mid-February. Until 25 January

LOOKING FOR LEONARDO: Last chance to visit Dulwich Picture Gallery's current exhibition, Looking for Leonardo which explores the quest for a Renaissance masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, via fakes and mistakes. This display is part of the Unlocking Paintings series, which provides new insights into how the gallery's collection was assembled. Until 26 January

THE RIVER: Immerse yourself in the depths of the River Thames at the Natural History Museum's audio installation The River. Sit back on a bench or beanbag and listen to recordings from underwater habitats in London's main waterway, and hear how human-made noises can contribute to sound pollution. FREE, until 26 January

RAGNAR AXELSSON: Last chance to view a solo exhibition by Icelandic photographer, Ragnar Axelsson, at the Photographers' Gallery. The photos show Axelsson's work, which captures the northernmost parts of the globe, telling stories from the Arctic before they disappear completely. FREE, until 26 January

APRES SKI OF THE WEEK: Christmas might have bid adieu, but you can still transport yourself to a winter wonderland at Brixton's Pergola on the Piste, a newly-opened pop-up with five quid mulled margaritas (gotta be worth a shot) and bottomless Saturday brunches, soaked up with nachos and tacos from Jalisco. Ski-mendous. Until 1 March

EAT OF THE WEEK: You only have a handful of days left to experience pie, mash (and if you must, eels) at Manze's on Deptford High Street. The 111-year-old establishment shutters for good on Saturday. And bear in mind that it's only open on 22, 23, 24 and 25 January. We went for a plate recently.

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Monday 20 January

JACK GOES TO THERAPY: Edinburgh Fringe show Jack Goes To Therapy makes its London debut at the Bread & Roses Theatre in Clapham. The "somewhat romantic comedy" tells the story of a man re-entering the dating world after a threesome goes wrong. 20-22 January

£1 CUPCAKES: For 'Blue Monday', apparently the most depressing day of the year, mini-chain the Hummingbird Bakery is offering pink cupcakes for £1 each, for one day only. Head to any one of the six branches (Soho, Spitalfields, South Kensington, Victoria, St John's Wood, Notting Hill) to get a bargain sweet treat, while stocks last.

DICK WHITTINGTON: Join City of London Guide & Lecturer Jill Finch to explore the story of one of the Square Mile’s most famous citizens, Dick Whittington, in conjunction with the Whittington Exhibition at Guildhall Library. Watch in-person or online. FREE, 2pm-3pm

JOURNEY TO TYBURN: Guide Richard Watkins offers a virtual tour along the route of the infamous procession from Newgate Prison to Tyburn, showcasing the rituals and superstitions of the time. Find out how executions were turned into a theatrical spectacle, which attracted large crowds. 6pm-7pm

TRUMPING DEMOCRACY: On inauguration day, the Frontline Club in Paddington hosts discussions on Donald Trump's victory and its implications for America. The expert panel, featuring Ed Vulliamy, explores potential future developments and whether the country can maintain checks and balances amid significant societal shifts. It's the first in a series of four events in the Trumping Democracy series. 7pm-8.30pm

THE LOL WORD:The LOL Word returns to Soho Theatre for an evening of queer comedy talent. Billed as the antidote to traditional stand-up, the show celebrates a diverse spectrum of queer, women, trans, and non-binary performers. 9.30pm

Tuesday 21 January

CELYA AB: Comedian Celya AB brings her most personal show yet, Of All People, to Soho Theatre. Hear about hitting rock bottom, via hot takes on judges, toothpaste and the sexiest thing anyone can do on a date. 21-25 January

CANARY WHARF WINTER LIGHTS: The first of six upcoming light festivals in London opens today, when 11 glowing artworks are illuminated in Canary Wharf for Winter Lights. Wander around the area to find a towering stack of bathtubs pulsing with light and sound, a tornado of lights orbiting a pylon, and other light artworks. Best done on a weekday, as it gets very busy at weekends. Our guide to eating and drinking in Canary Wharf has plenty of ideas for treating yourself to dinner or drinks while you're there. FREE, 21 January-1 February

AFTERNOON RECITAL: Cellist Willard Carter and pianist Gorka Plada join forces for a performance exploring the influences and friendships of Benjamin Britten. It takes place at the Foundling Museum in Bloomsbury, and is included in museum admission price. 1pm

ROB RINDER: Debut novelist Jennie Godfrey and barrister-turned-broadcaster Rob Rinder are at Waterstones Piccadilly to discuss their new books. Godfrey's The List of Suspicious Things follows two best friends trying to solve the mystery of the disappearing women in the time of the Yorkshire Ripper, while Rinder's The Suspect is a novel inspired by his own career. 6.30pm

Wednesday 22 January

LONDON ART FAIR: The capital's art scene swings into action for the year at the London Art Fair at the Business Design Centre in Islington. The focus is on modern and contemporary pieces, with galleries from all over London and beyond exhibiting. 22-26 January

PRIDE OF ENGLAND: A new exhibition opens at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery in Ealing, celebrating the diversity, unity, and community legacy of the England football teams. Central to the exhibition are England’s Three Lions: sculptures co-created by artist Matt Small with young people in Ealing, which then accompanied the England Men’s Football Team to Germany for EURO 2024. Portraits of footballers are also on show. Until 23 February

FREE LUNCHTIME CONCERT: The Lunchtime Concert Series at Dulwich Picture Gallery showcases talented students from local schools performing in Christ’s Chapel. It resumes today after the Christmas break with the next generation of musicians from Dulwich College performing in a remarkable setting. FREE, 1.30pm-2pm

CURATOR TOUR: Join a curator for a free tour of current exhibition William Morris & Art from the Islamic World. The show, at Walthamstow's William Morris Gallery, explores the influence of art from the Islamic world on the work of 19th-century designer William Morris, with Islamic textiles, ceramics, metalwork and manuscripts on display. FREE, 2pm-2.45pm

COMEDY AND CURRY: Collywobblers Comedy Club presents an evening of food and laughter at Sai Restaurant in Raynes Park. Enjoy a two-course Indian buffet alongside performances by Ria Lina, Mike Capozzola, and Barnaby Slater, hosted by Sion James. 7.15pm

10 RILLINGTON PLACE: Bestselling author Kate Summerscale discusses her latest true crime investigation, about the case of 10 Rillington Place in Notting Hill, where multiple bodies were discovered in 1953. Summerscale chats to crime author Blessin Adams in the online talk hosted by the National Archives. 7.30pm

Thursday 23 January

HERE WE GLOW: The second free light trail of the week opens at Westfield in Shepherd's Bush. Huge colourful bubbles, roaming Inuit-inspired characters and a giant kaleidoscopic cascade are all part of Here We Glow. FREE, 23 January-2 March. Similarly, Battersea Power Station Light Festival begins today, with eight glowing artworks dotted around inside and outside the Power Station building. FREE, 23 January-23 February

SCISSORHANDZ: American singer Michelle Visage and *NSYNC's Lance Bass teamed up to produce Scissorhandz, a musical parody tribute to Tim Burton's character Edward Scissorhands. Expect to hear a soundtrack of 90s and 00s hits at Southwark Playhouse Elephant. 23 January-29 March

SOIL: New exhibition SOIL: The World at Our Feet at Somerset House explores thewonder of soil, its links to all life, and the vital role it plays in our planet's future. Works by more than 50 artists, writers, and scientists are on display, including a 13ft-high photo by National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson. 23 January-13 April

SOHO DECO: Join tour guide Jane Parker for a tour of Soho's most handsome buildings from the 20s and 30s. It's one of several art deco tours Jane will be leading over the coming days, with Piccadilly on Friday and the City on Saturday. 2pm-4pm

DARK MATTER: Join the Royal Observatory Greenwich for a rare opportunity to hear astrophysicists talk about the latest research in the fields of astronomy, physics, planetary geology and space exploration. Tonight's lecture covers the topic of dark matter, with Dr Elizabeth Cunningham discussing why we believe there's so much more of the universe out there than we know about. FREE, 6pm

UNDERGROUND CABARET: This week's Underground Cabaret at The Table Cafe in Battersea is headlined by comedian Emma Wills, along with other comedians, burlesque acts and live singers. 7.30pm

LATE NIGHT JAZZ: Harpist Alina Bzhezhinska performs at tonight's late night jazz at the Royal Albert Hall. Head along to the venue's Elgar Room for a relaxed evening of music, with accompaniment from Menelik Claffey (bass) and Matt Holmes (drums), and a special guest appearance by saxophonist Denys Baptiste. 9.30pm

Friday 24 January

BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH: Help the RSPB keep an eye on the numbers of wild birds in London by taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch. If you're lucky enough to have a garden or outside space, spend an hour counting and recording the numbers and types of birds that visit it, then report back to the RPSB. The charity uses the data to spot any patterns, anomalies, or any species that may be in danger. No garden of your own? Head to your local park instead. FREE, 24-26 January

ALL-FEMALE SHAKESPEARE: This all-female rendition of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Cockpit Theatre combines traditional elements with a seasonal twist. The performance explores themes of chaos and love amidst a wild, wintry setting where fairies wreak havoc on the lives of four lovers. 24-26 January

THE EDITORIAL OFFICE: Barbican Cinema screens The Editorial Office, about a young scientist travelling through Ukraine in pursuit of a photo of an endangered animal, until his life is changed by witnessing a crime. Director Roman Bondarchuk and producer/co-writer Dar'ya Averchenko take part in a discussion following the screening, which is part of the New East Cinema strand. 6.30pm

CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP: Ahead of Chinese New Year, learn the art of Chinese calligraphy at a workshop led by jewellery brand Loveness Lee at OXO Tower Wharf. Create your own abstract calligraphy painting inspired by the Chinese Zodiac symbols, and learn the history and technique of ancient and modern Chinese calligraphy. 7pm-8.30pm

TAYLORMANIA: Taylor Swift tribute show Taylormania pops up at Fairfield Halls in Croydon for a tribute to the singer's Eras Tour show. A live band and dancers support Swift impersonator Katy Ellis as she performs several of the singer's hits. 7.30pm

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Saturday 25 January

HELIOS: A 1:200 million scale sculpture of the Sun arrives in the Old Royal Naval College's Painted Hall today. Helios is a work by artist Luke Jerram — who has previously installed his Moon and Mars sculptures in various buildings around London — and can be viewed in these beautiful surroundings, with various tie-in events going on too. 25 January-25 March

WAR OF THE ROSES: Settle in at Southwark Cathedral for a day of short talks about the powerful women of the Wars of the Roses. Historians and authors discuss the stories of women from the period including Tudor matriarch Marguerite of Anjou, and Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII, and how their lives were affected by the conflict. 9.30am-4pm

SNOWDROP SALE: January is snowdrop season with plenty of places to see the flowers in and around London. One place which does snowdrops particularly well is Myddelton House Gardens in Enfield, which holds a snowdrop sale with local nurseries and garden centres selling their wares, including rare and unusual varieties. This year, there's also a Snowdrop Lecture by renowned plantsman "Mr Snowdrop" Joe Sharman, one of the UK's leading breeders of snowdrops. 10.30am

WASSAIL: Morris dancers The Belles of London City are the focus of the Brunel Museum's wassailling event, performing both on the museum's piazza and in the tunnel shaft. It's not often you get to watch Morris dancing taking place underground, and if you like what you see, there's a chance to learn a few of the steps yourself. 1.30pm-3pm

ADAM KAY: Though better known for his medical memoir This Is Going To Hurt, author and former doctor Adam Kay has moved into children's books, launching his new mystery series Dexter Procter, The 10-Year-Old Doctor in a special event at the Haymarket Hotel. Take your children along to hear about the new book, take part in a Q&A, and get their copies signed. Age 7+. 2pm-3.30pm

NIGHT WALK: Join Dr Matthew Green for an after-dark stroll around Smithfield and Clerkenwell. More than just a guided walk, though, the event features "musical and operatic performances in moonlit graveyards... a stop in an ancient City tavern... and mulled wine as we walk." These walks are always a bit special. 5pm

HOW A SPIRAL WORKS: Renowned British circus director Jason Dupree, choreographer Alise Bokaldere, and aerialist Izabele Kuzelyte present How a Spiral Works, a performance blending contemporary dance, hair-hanging, and aerial rope with Baltic folk music and minimal aesthetics. It's on at Jacksons Lane in Highgate. 7.30pm

SIR LENNY HENRY: The Bush Theatre in Shepherd's Bush hosts fundraising event An Evening with Sir Lenny Henry. Henry offers extracts from his play August in England, first performed at Bush Theatre, and takes part in a Q&A led by culture writer and podcaster Nancy Durrant. 8pm

Sunday 26 January

ANTIQUES FAIR: The first Adams Antiques Fair of the year takes place at the Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster, with over 130 exhibitors selling antique jewellery, silver, decorative pieces and collectables. If you're keen to be first in, get down there early as a queue usually forms before opening time. 10am-4.30pm

CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT: Head down to Horse Guards Parade this morning and you might end up feeling like you've travelled back in time, as scores of volunteers in royalist costumes with mounted troops and weapons reenact the final journey of King Charles I on his way to death by execution at Banqueting House. The annual event by The King's Army, a royalist branch of the English Civil War Society, is free to watch. FREE, 11.15am

ALCOHOL-FREE COMEDY: One for Dry January-ers or anyone else looking for a booze-free afternoon out. The London Alcohol-Free Comedy Club is back at Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green for pre-show social followed by four comedians performing live. Doors 1.30pm, show 3pm

PAINT VAN GOGH: Try your hand at creating your own version of Van Gogh’s Winter Peach Tree in London. At the Pop-Up Painting session at the London Art Bar in Holborn, all art supplies are provided, and an artist is on hand with guidance if needed. 3pm-5.30pm

JEWISH SONGWRITERS: Jeremy Sassoon's MOJO comes to Highgate's Upstairs at the Gatehouse, celebrating some of the most iconic and best-loved Jewish popular songwriters (inc. Carole King, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Randy Newman and Amy Winehouse) via a 'foot-stomping, barn-storming' performance from Jeremy and his band. 4pm

JACK MCLUCKIE: Spice of Life in Soho lays on an evening of tunes from singer-songwriters, with classical/folk-trained multi-instrumentalist Jack McLuckie headlining, and Weston J Day, Kosta Burgess and Matteo Palmieri supporting. 7pm

COLLYWOBBLERS COMEDY: Finish your week with a laugh, as comedians Paul Tonkinson, Carwyn Blayney, Twayna Mayne, Dru Cripps, Maclarry and Oriana Buckland perform live at The Railway in Streatham. If you fancy eating in the pub too, get there early as ticketholders get 30% off food orders before 7pm. Show 7.30pm

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