Things to do this week is sponsored by Official London Theatre.
All week
CHRISTMAS TRANSPORT: Before you make any plans for the upcoming week, check the Christmas transport situation in London. As well as those ongoing strikes, there are a couple of big station closures to know about.
ICE SKATING: London's festive ice rinks remain open throughout the Christmas period and into January. Somerset House, Battersea Power Station and Hyde Park are just some of the places you can take to the ice this year — here's a full ice skating guide.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Similarly, London's Christmas lights stay on after the big day, illuminated every evening until early January. Have a read of our guide to London's Christmas light displays for tips on seeing them, either on foot or by bus.
WINTER WONDERLAND: Huge festive fair Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is all-systems-go throughout the festive season, closing only on 25 December. Fairground rides, markets, food and drink stalls, circus shows and an ice rink are all part of the fun — just bear in mind that you need to book your entry in advance to get in.
PANTO: From classic Mother Goose at the legendary Hackney Empire, to Cinderella with an Egyptian twist, via Snow White, Robin Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk, London's panto scene is absolutely thriving this year. There's even a Sinderfella, strictly for the adults. Read our guide to London's pantomimes this year to choose your show.
LIGHT FESTIVALS: Wrap up warm and head out to one of London's ongoing light festivals. At time of writing, tickets are available for Lightopia at Crystal Palace, Light Fantastic on the Epping Ongar Railway, Illuminature in Barnes, Enchanted at Eltham Palace, Christmas at Kenwood, and Palace of Light at Hampton Court Palace this week.
GO FOR A WANDER: Take your pick from our series of weekend walks — wherever in London you are, and however energetic you're feeling, there's something for you. FREE.
DUVET DAY: Can't be bothered with the outside world? Stock up on mince pies, kick back and work your way through the videos on our YouTube channel.
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS: Take time this week to visit some of London's excellent current exhibitions, including:
- CHRISTMAS BESTSELLERS: Notting Hill's Museum of Brands embraces the festive spirit — and supplies a heady dose of nostalgia — with its exhibition, Toys, Tech and Tamagotchis: Christmas Bestsellers Of The 20th Century. See top-selling toys from yesteryear, including Barbie, Rubik's Cube, Furbies, Lego, and Star Wars merch. Until 6 January 2023
- MUSEUM OF THE MOON: Luke Jerram's artwork Museum of the Moon is on display in the Painted Hall at Old Royal Naval College. It's a large-scale installation, suspended from the ceiling and using NASA imagery to depict the surface of the moon. Until 5 February 2023
- GINGERBREAD CITY: Take a stroll around London's tastiest exhibition, Gingerbread City — which actually consists of five miniature cities made from the festive biscuit (no nibbling, though). Until 2 January 2023.
Find more current exhibitions and other things to do in London over Christmas and New Year.
Monday 26 December
BOXING DAY GUIDE: Take a look at our full guide of things to do in London on Boxing Day for plenty of inspiration to keep you busy today.
GOSPEL CHOIR: The London Community Gospel Choir take to the stage at Camden's Jazz Cafe, performing a repertoire of soul and hip-hop songs by the likes of D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, A Tribe Called Quest and Amy Winehouse. 5pm-9pm
BOOZE AND BOROUGH: Footprints of London guide David Charnick offers both an in-person and virtual tour around the Borough area, focusing on its links to the booze industry. Hop wagons from Kent, Sussex and Surrey once unloaded into warehouses in the area, and it used to be home to one of London's largest breweries too.In person 2.30pm-4.30pm or virtual tour 9.30pm-10.30pm
DULWICH HAMLET: Have some Hamlet with your Boxing Day ham — Dulwich Hamlet Men are home to Dover Athletic this afternoon, providing a great excuse to get outside without exerting much else than your voice. KO 3pm
BACK TO 95: Hold a torch/glowstick for the mid-90s club scene? Transport yourself back to those heady daze — with beats from DJ Spoony, Wookie, Norris Da Boss, Masterstepz, Pied Piper and plenty more at Ministry of Sound's Back to 95 rave. 10pm-6am
Tuesday 27 December
HORRIBLE HISTORIES: Victorian villains, Medieval monks, Puritan parties and Tudor treats all feature in Horrible Histories show Horrible Christmas, at Barbican. Teaching history to kids in a fun, accessible way, the show features Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII and St Nicholas, in a bid to save the festive season. 27-30 December
SOHO PUB WALK: Join Footprints of London guide Richard Watkins for a walking tour around Soho, exploring the area's history through its pubs. Visit a famous London department store which had its own local; a pub with an infamous pump on the street outside and a route marked by morbid watering holes. 2.30pm-4.30pm
BIG GAME 14: Harlequins' Rugby Union Big Game is one of the biggest events in London in the downtime between Christmas and New Year. This is the 14th edition, and for the first time, both Harlequins Men and Women's sides are playing the same opposition in a double header against the Bristol Bears. Takes place at Twickenham Stadium. 4.15pm
CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL: Head to BoxPark Shoreditch for Carib Nation & Friends: Christmas Carnival, a late Christmas celebration with a Caribbean vibe. Think Soca, Dancehall and Reggae music, and plenty of flags. Age 18+. 6pm-10pm
JOHN WILLIAMS: Barbican celebrates the best of John Williams with an evening of the film composer's best-known tunes. The London Concert Orchestra performs tracks from Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Star Wars and Indiana Jones. 7.30pm
Sponsor message
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Wednesday 28 December
THE NUTCRACKER: One of our picks of festive theatre shows to see in London this year, he Royal Albert Hall's annual production of The Nutcracker begins today. Watch the story of Clara, The Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy come to life on the world-famous stage, beneath gigantic baubles. 28-31 December
IMPROV COMEDY: In need of a laugh? Josie Lawrence, Richard Vranch, Andy Smart, Neil Mullarkey, Lee Simpson and Steve Edis — AKA The Comedy Store Players and guests — take to the stage in an improv comedy show at Leicester Square's The Comedy Store. 7.30pm
BEETHOVEN'S NINTH: Head to Barbican Hall to experience Beethoven's Ninth, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, along with other works by Beethoven. Goldsmiths Choral Union and Highgate Choral Society also take part. 7.30pm
SUBTERRANEAN LONDON: Footprints of London guide Rob Smith offers a virtual tour of subterranean London, so you can find out what's going on beneath our streets, without leaving your home. He covers crypts, caves, tunnels, vaults and bunkers, offering an insight into how and why they were built. 8pm-9pm
OPEN MIC JAM: Notting Hill's Love Bar hosts an open mic jam night, open to any musicians who wish to showcase their talents (no acoustic guitars!), or anyone who simply wants to sit back and enjoy the live performances over a cocktail or two. FREE, 8pm-11pm
Thursday 29 December
DICKENS AFTER DARK: Charles Dickens regularly wandered the streets of London after dark when he couldn't sleep. Follow in his footsteps — at a more sociable hour — on this guided walk which visits the areas he would have passed through, and looks at how they inspired his writing. It takes place around the City of London, from Cheapside to the Old Bailey. 5pm-7pm
OUR NAKED TRUTHS: As part of Southbank Centre's Winter Festival, attend an evening of drawing and conversation, celebrating the diverse beauty of women and non-binary people. Begin with a series of drawing and creative exercises, before taking part in a guided conversation. Age 14+. FREE, 6pm
BROOKLYN SHAKERS: Female-fronted party band The Brooklyn Shakers headline live music venue 100 Wardour Street tonight. They cover funk, soul, ska and New Orleans jazz styles, channelling the likes of James Brown and Amy Winehouse. Drop by for a drink or two, or book in for dinner and make a night of it. 7pm
NEW YEAR CONCERT: Ahead of the New Year's Day Parade on Sunday, some of the high school bands who've flown in from the USA for the performance get warmed up with a special concert at St John Smith's Square in Westminster. Downers Grove North High School Wind Ensemble, Shawnee Mission East High School Lancer Winds, and Stillwater High School Philharmonic String Orchestra are on the schedule. 7.30pm
SIMPLY SINATRA: Guest singers Matt Ford and Katie Birtill take on Frank Sinatra’s greatest hits in a Simply Sinatra tribute show at Barbican. Expect to hear hits including Come Fly With Me and New York, accompanied by the London Concert Orchestra. 7.30pm
Friday 30 December
FAMILY RAVE: Celebrate the New Year early with all the family at the Big Fish Little Fish family rave at Upper Norwood Library Hub. Dance to rave, house, techno and drum and bass tracks from a live DJ, with confetti cannons, bubbles, crafts and more to keep younger ravers happy. The later slot today has sold out, so you'll have to be quick if you want tickets for this one. 12pm-2pm
SPY STORIES: Take a two-hour guided walk focusing on true stories of espionage and counter intelligence in London. Find out how and why the British security services were established, and see some of the buildings used by their members every day, which hide in plain sight. 2pm-4pm
NEW YEAR CONCERTS: Another chance to get a preview of the New Year's Day Parade, with concerts at both Holy Trinity Church Sloane Square and St John's Smith Square. 7.30pm
LORD OF THE RINGS: Hear music from Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Game of Thrones and more, performed live by the London Concert Orchestra and a choir at Barbican.7.30pm
COMEDY SHOW: The weekly Cuddles for Troubles free comedy night goes ahead at The Trinity pub near London Bridge tonight. It's a chance to see new acts trying out new material over a drink or two. FREE ENTRY, 7.45pm
Saturday 31 December: New Year's Eve
NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTIES: Looking for somewhere to see-in 2023? Check out our guide to New Year's Eve parties and events, including rooftop shindigs and a 1920s speakeasy themed evening.
KIDS' COUNTDOWN: Kids buzzing for New Year, but not going to last until midnight? Take them along to Southbank Centre this morning for the Kids' Countdown with Ida Barr — a full-on party with singing, dancing and a NYE-style countdown to midday instead of midnight. FREE, 10.30am
QUEER HISTORY: Hear stories of 18th century drag queens, secret 1920s gay soirees and the infamous history of Soho on this guided tour covering London's Queer history. Meet outside Charing Cross station to learn about the people and places linked to London's LGBTQ+ past. The tour operates on a 'pay what you think' basis. 11am-1pm
FAMILY RAVE: Another day, another Big Fish Little Fish family rave, this time taking place at the Amersham Arms in New Cross. Enjoy a multi-sensory dancefloor with glitter cannons, bubbles, giant balloons and parachute dance finale. There's an optional festive-themed dress code. 1pm-3pm
ZIMMER VS WILLIAMS: The London Concert Orchestra perform excerpts from some of the best scores of arguably the two greatest film composers of all time, in The Music of Zimmer vs Williams. Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Gladiator and Inception all feature. 2.30pm
Sunday 1 January: New Year's Day
PARADE: If you're up and at 'em by noon today, head into central London to witness the New Year's Day Parade, an all-singing, all-dancing three-hour procession from Piccadilly to Westminster, featuring performers from all over the world. You can watch from anywhere along the route. FREE, 12pm
NEW YEAR'S DAY PROMS: Barbican welcomes 2023 with a celebration of well-loved music from across Europe, including Land of Hope and Glory, Nessun Dorma, Hornpipe and Rule Britannia, performed by the London Concert Orchestra. 2.30pm
NEW YEAR'S DAY BOOGIE: If you prefer to eschew the madness of last night, and go partying on New Year's Day instead, get to The CLF Art Lounge & Roof Garden, Peckham, where All About Da Boogie are hosting their monthly dancefloor blowout. FREE, 4pm-10pm
KARAOKE SPECIAL: Camden's Jazz Cafe hosts a New Year's Day Karaoke special, with the mic handed over to the public for a selection of RnB and slow jams — think tunes by Summer Walker, SZA, Drizzy Drake, and Donell Jones. 5pm
WALKIES: Blow off the cobwebs/hangover with a bracing walk — maybe the River Ravensbourne From Catford to the Thames; a wander through Haringey's Parkland Walk; tracing London's Moselle river; or a lovely lakeside walk slightly further afield.
Urban oddity of the week
The tour of sites that inspired Dickens (see Thursday) is all Square Mile based, so won't take in the author's former home on Doughty Street. The museum there has the rare distinction of containing part of yet another former home. This window was rescued from Dickens's childhood dwelling place in Bayham Street, Camden. As fans of the author will know, the Bayham Street home was probably the inspiration for the Cratchit family's lodgings in A Christmas Carol. So perhaps this is the very window that Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Present peered into.
