At time of writing, the Covid-19 situation is fast changing, with the possibility of new restrictions being introduced in the coming days, so do check that events are still going ahead before you set off.
Things to do at home, and online events
FOOD DELIVERIES: London's hospitality industry is struggling at the moment, at what should be its busiest time of year. If your favourite restaurant is closed, or you don't feel comfortable eating out at present, why not show your support by ordering to your home instead? Our guide to London's best food and drink delivery services covers everything from burgers to afternoon tea to wine and gin, all brought straight to our door. If your favourite isn't delivering or is closed over the festive period, bookmark it for the new year and support them in January and beyond.
COCKTAIL DELIVERY: Speaking of deliveries, how does cocktails at home sound? London's best cocktail delivery services bring pre-mixed drinks to your door, ideal for toasting the festive season, or for supping as you count down to midnight on New Year's Eve. Cheers to that.
GLOBE PLAYER: Embrace your inner culture vulture and watch recordings of shows performed at Shakespeare's Globe. Globe Player had a bit of an update recently, with new shows from summer 2021 added. Choose whether to pay per show, or subscribe and access the lot.
QUIZZES: Sick of Scrabble? Missing pieces from Monopoly? Keep your family and friends (or just yourself) amused with our collection of London quizzes. We've got London general knowledge questions, picture rounds and anagram teasers to keep you puzzling well into 2022.
JOSEPH BAZALGETTE: He's best-known for creating London's sewage system, but this virtual tour is a chance to learn about Victorian engineer Joseph Bazalgette's lesser-known works, including bridges, streets and river crossings. After the talk, you'll receive information to help you go out and track down the sites yourself, whenever you feel comfortable doing so. Thursday 30 December, 8pm
LONDON EYE NEW YEAR SHOW: The fireworks aren't happening this year, but the London Eye is still celebrating the new year with a family-friendly virtual light show. The structure will be illuminated with 15 different scenes depicting key moments from 2021, from the Olympics and the Euros to the death of Prince Philip.Tune into the London Eye's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram at 4pm to watch for free. Friday 31 December, 4pm
KIDS' COUNTDOWN: Kids keen to stay up until midnight? Appease them with this online kids' countdown to the new year, starting at the far more reasonable time of 10.30am, and counting down until midday instead. Ex-music hall singer Ida Barr hosts the livestreamed event, which includes songs, dancing and a traditional rendition of Auld Lang Syne. Friday 31 December, 10.30am
NEW YEAR'S DAY PARADE: If you were hoping to attend the London New Year's Day Parade, things are very different this year. It's a ticketed event, only visible to those with tickets — and these have now sold out. However, there will be a livestream available for anyone who wants to watch from home — full details here. Saturday 1 January
AGATHA CHRISTIE'S LONDON: Get to know the London haunts of prolific crime writer Agatha Christie, from the comfort of your own home. Footprints of London offers an online talk and presentation about the places in the capital where the Poirot writer lived, worked, studied and wrote. Saturday 1 January, 6pm-7pm
Get out and about
Happy to be out and about at the moment? Try these events — though please do adhere to current restrictions where they apply.
ICE SKATING: Get out in the fresh air and stretch your legs at one of London's seasonal ice rinks. All rinks are ticketed so the number of skaters there at any one time should be limited, but if you're looking to avoid crowds, one of the less central locations is probably a better option.
CHRISTMAS AT KEW: Several of London's winter light festivals are still ongoing, giving you a chance to get outside and absorb some festive spirit. Your options are Christmas at Kew, Illuminature in Barnes, Lightopia London in Crystal Palace, Winterfest at Wembley Park, Christmas at Kenwood, and Palace of Stardust at Hampton Court Palace. They're likely to get booked up in advance this week, so be quick if you want tickets.
SPY STORIES: Join Footprints of London guide Rob Smith for a two-hour stroll around the St James's area, all about spies. Get some background on the British security services, and wander past buildings previously used by the likes of M15 — as well as some currently in use by security services, unknown to the thousands of people who pass them every day.Monday 27 December, 2pm
UFO COACH TRIP: Get out of town for the day on a coach trip to Rendlesham Forest with audio commentary, pub lunch and full guided tour of the mysterious 1980 UFO sightings. Known as "Britain's Roswell", a large number of US Air Force personnel from nearby air bases witnessed phenomena that none of them have ever been able to explain. Master storytellers Minimum Labyrinth have created an experience that takes you to the Suffolk woods, from the present day to the height of the Cold War, from the everyday to the uncanny. Departs from Stratford, from £45, book ahead, Tuesday 28 December, 10am-8.30pm
DICKENS AFTER DARK: Dickens took much of his inspiration for his novels from his night-time strolls through London, which he used to experience the state of 'houselessness' depicted in many of his characters. Take part in a guided walk around some of his favourite nocturnal haunts in the dark, and learn how they influenced him. Tuesday 28 December, 4pm-6pm
TRAINS, DRAINS AND REMAINS: Drains, sewage pipes and Roman remains can all be found under our feet in London, not to mention the Underground. Find out more about what's going on down there on this guided walk, which covers where the River Fleet joins the Thames, spots where archaeological remains have been found, and the site of the first deep-level tube station. Wednesday 29 December, 11am
COVENT GARDEN LIGHTS: Still got room for some festive spirit? Take a wander through the Christmas lights and festive sights of Covent Garden, stopping to snap some pictures along the way. Tour guide Jane Parker will also fill you in on the history of Christmas traditions, such as eating mince pies. Wednesday 29 December, 8pm
MET OPERA LIVE: Get 2022 off to a cultural start with a Met Opera Live screening of Massenet's opera Cendrillon — or Cinderella. Enjoy a 90-minute adaptation of the show, translated into English, recorded on stage and shown on screen at Barbican Cinema. Saturday 1 January, 5.55pm
LAMP-LIT HAMPSTEAD: The quaint village of Hampstead looks beautiful lit with old-fashioned lamps and Christmas lights — see it for yourself on this guided walk. Learn about the area's history, and finish up in the Holly Bush Tavern for a drink or two. Sunday 2 January, 4pm-5.30pm
Explore London
Want to get out of the house, but can't face big crowds? Try these, either on your own, or with your household, family, or small group of friends:
WEEKEND WALKS: We've done some serious walks in our time, and we've shared the best of them with you — here are some of our Weekend Walks (don't tell anyone, but you *could* do them any day of the week). Favourites include a meander through London's own 'wine valley', and an amble in pursuit of the 'lost' River Fleet.
CYCLING: Prefer a faster pace of life? Take to two wheels and follow this sweeping cycle route through west London, or this beautiful route through south London. Want to stay more central? Cycle from St James's Park to Holland Park's Kyoto Garden.
Urban oddity of the week
We're all looking forward to the Doctor Who special on New Year's Day, right? The Doctor is a regular visitor to the capital, and it's not hard to find a TARDIS lurking around. Perhaps the most famous is this example outside Earl's Court tube station (the odd thing to the left is a kiosk designed by Thomas Heatherwick). This is very much a real TARDIS and not a model. We know, because it's possible to go inside using Google Street View.
Good cause of the week
At this time of year, many of us observe the age-old tradition of "considering going for a jog". But then, "Oh the weather" and "maybe tomorrow" and "I'm not sure I've got the right shoes" and other excuses creep in. Focus your resolve by signing up for the Cancer Research UK London Winter Run. It takes place on Sunday 13 February (both in the real world and virtually), and covers a 10km route around the centre of London. A brilliant way to see the sights, get fit, and raise money for a good cause.
