Things To Do This Week is sponsored by St Paul's Cathedral.
All week
DANGER MONEY: "The most technically ambitious show I've seen this year" is how Three Weeks describes Mat Ewins' Danger Money, a mixed multimedia feast, which we're told is pretty darn funny too. It's on at Soho Theatre this week. Until 3 December
MUSEUM OF LONDON: This week is your LAST CHANCE to ever visit Museum of London in its current London Wall home. It fastens its doors for the final time on Sunday, ahead of a lengthy closure as it moves to its new home in Smithfield. When it finally reopens, it'll go back to its original moniker, The London Museum. Note that the Museum of London Docklands site remains open throughout its sibling's closure. There's a festival weekend taking place on Saturday and Sunday — one last hurrah, as it were. FREE, until 4 December
SUPERMODELS: Eight moving models are installed in the eerie setting of an empty King's Cross building, each of them abstractly based on a building by architectural firm Piercy&Co — whether built or unbuilt. A chance to see the creative side of architects when unfettered by rules and regs. FREE, until 11 December
WINTER WONDERLAND: London's huge festive funfair, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, is now in full flow for Christmas 2022, with rides, Christmas markets, food stalls, bars, circus shows, an ice rink and more. Have a read of our guide to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2022 to get up to speed before you visit — including info on the prebooking situation this year. Until 2 January 2023
ICE SKATING: Like the sound of a cheeky festive ice skate, but can't face the Winter Wonderland crowds (above)? Take a look at the other Christmas ice rinks now open in London — including two which are brand new for 2022.
WORLD CUP: Meanwhile in Qatar, the World Cup rumbles on — and there's a big match on Tuesday, when England and Wales go head to head (KO 7pm, London time). Book ahead if you're planning to watch the match in a pub or other public venue, as it's likely to get very busy — here's out guide to where to watch the World Cup in London.
Monday 28 November
SAUL NASH: Choreographer, dancer and designer Saul Nash is at the New Wing of Somerset House to offer advice to the next generation of people hoping to work in the creative industries, and to answer questions. If you can't make it in person, watch live and submit your questions via Instagram. FREE, 6pm-8pm
STORY OF THE CORONATION: Author Barry Turner is at Kensington Central Library to discuss his book, Thorns In The Crown: The Story Of The Coronation. Ahead of King Charles III's coronation, take a look back at the last one, seven decades ago, and hear about the importance it played in ushering in a new era after the second world war. 6.30pm-7.30pm
COMEDY VIRGINS: Funny people try out new material at Comedy Virgins in Stockwell this evening — with the audience treated to a cornucopia of acts, and with free entry too (though put something in the bucket if you can). FREE, 7pm and 9pm
LISA KWEI: Likened to "Stevie Nicks and Dido with a flash of Bob Marley" Lisa Kwei graces the stage at Chelsea's 606 Club tonight. She'll be performing her new single, Bullet Train, which is released in aid of Parkinsons UK. 8pm
DADA MOVEMENT: Raw energy, proto-punk riffs, and infectious bass line grooves are in the offing tonight, courtesy of The Dada Movement, who're headlining at The Old Blue Last in Shoreditch. Support comes from Lip Filler and Fun Haus. FREE, 8pm
Tuesday 29 November
DAVID ATTENBOROUGH: A new virtual reality experience opens at Westfield London (White City) today, voiced by David Attenborough. Don a VR headset and experience flying dinosaurs, hummingbirds and butterflies above the clouds at Conquest of the Skies. FREE, until 4 December
CURATOR'S TOUR: Take a free lunchtime tour of the Bank of England Museum's current exhibition, Slavery & The Bank. The tour is led by one of the curators, and gives an insight into the Bank of England’s connections to transatlantic slavery and the slave trade. FREE, 12pm
INVENTED DEPARTMENT STORES: London's fake, fictional and wholly invented shops are the subject of an online talk, by Tessa Boase, author of new book London's Lost Department Stores (which you can read more about here). FREE, 2pm-3pm
GUEST CHEF: Fitzrovia's Mortimer House hosts the next event in its Guest Chef series — this time starring Suzie Bakos, an Iraqi-born chef who runs a Middle Eastern supper club here in London. Tuck into a three-course menu with modern twists and plenty of flavour. 6pm-9pm
ZERO WASTE CHRISTMAS: Looking for ways to make your Christmas more eco-friendly? Head over to Poplar Union for an evening of workshops covering how to wrap presents with as little impact on the environment as possible, how to upcycle decorations, and how to make sustainable gifts for family and friends. 6.30pm-8.30pm
LIVE STORYTELLING: Who's the best storyteller in London? Ten masters of the true story compete live on stage in the beautiful Union Chapel, Islington. The GrandSLAM Championships are hosted by The Moth, the renowned podcast and radio show. Expect a battle of wits and words, with tales that are terrifying, regrettable, stupid, unplanned, un-re-doable, once-in-a-lifetime, fleeting or unique. 7pm doors for 8pm start (sponsor)
Sponsor message
St Paul's Cathedral is open to everyone this Christmas
Expect the warmest welcome in London when you visit St Paul's this Christmas. The cathedral's festive activities celebrate the original meaning of Christmas, in a way that is uplifting to all.
The rich programme of events includes charity carol concerts, classical music — including Handel's Messiah and Britten's Ceremony of Carols — and, on 15 December, a wonderful Celebration of Christmas in words and carols for all to sing. Share in the lighting of the Christmas trees, and the blessing of the crib. The cathedral will also run regular services, a sung Eucharist and Evensong on Christmas Day, and many other opportunities for quiet contemplation or prayer (no ticket required).
Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you are welcome to experience the festive season at St Paul's Cathedral. Browse the full programme now.
Wednesday 30 November
INJECTING HOPE: The race to develop a vaccine against Covid-19 is one of the great scientific triumphs of recent memory, and now the Science Museum opens a new exhibition detailing the process. Injecting Hope looks at the worldwide effort to develop vaccines during a pandemic, and the work done by scientists and researchers in a bid to keep us all safe. Artworks, interactive exhibits and personal objects all feature. There's a late night opening tonight to celebrate the exhibition's launch. FREE, 30 November 2022-January 2024
LONDONERS OF NOTE: Londonist's editor-at-large Matt Brown is MC at London Historians' History in the Pub event, open to all. This month's theme is Londoners of Note, with eight experts giving a short (8 min) talk about exceptional Londoners from the past, over a pint or two. Pay attention, as Matt will throw in a speed quiz at some point in the evening — and from our experience, he's a fiendish quizmaster. 7pm-9pm
GEORGIAN CHRISTMAS: The National Archives hosts an online talk about what Christmas was like in the Georgian period. Hear from food historian Dr Annie Gray about a period when Christmas was in decline, before Christmas trees and crackers. 7.30pm
ENGINES OF WAR: Author and transport specialist Christian Wolmar is at the Norwegian Church in Rotherhithe to talk about how the development of the railways changed the nature of war. The Napoleonic Wars were the las major battles fought before this development, and were fought very differently to first world war battles. 7.30pm
NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE: Hailing from Australia, new music ensemble Decibel are touring the UK for the first time, including a gig at Cafe OTO in Dalston tonight. Expect to hear a blend of acoustic and electronic instruments in a chamber music performance. 8pm
Thursday 1 December
SPARKLE IN THE PARK: Residents of the Royal Borough of Greenwich are invite to Sparkle in the Park, a free, family-friendly light festival through Well Hall Pleasaunce Park in Eltham. Wander through gardens and courtyards and around moats after dark, illuminated by fairy lights. Though it's free, you do need to book in advance. FREE, 1-4 December
TRAFALGAR SQUARE TREE: Tonight's the night that London's most famous Christmas tree is illuminated for the festive season. Head to Trafalgar Square for the lighting ceremony, which see the Norwegian Spruce's lights switched on, usually accompaniedby some sort of ceremony and live music. FREE, 6pm
FOYLES CHRISTMAS EVENING: The Charing Cross Road branch of bookshop Foyles holds its first ever Foyles Christmas Evening. Enjoy live music on the Ground and Fifth floors, readings by authors published by independent presses, and author book signings. FREE, 6pm-9pm
JAPANESE WREATH: Nordic-Japanese restaurant Pantechnicon hosts a shimekazari Japanese wreath making workshop, led by Japanese floral designer Mariko Kinoshita of Matsurika Flowers. It marks Japanese festive celebration Shogatsu, the New Year, preparations for which begin in December, and the wreaths symbolise prosperity and good luck in the coming year. 6.30pm-7.30pm
FIST CLUB: Forget everything you think you know about wrestling shows... Fist Club is a raucous night of queer cabaret, featuring drag kings, comedy, and of course — action-packed bouts of wrestling. It's all kicking off at Bethnal Green Working Men's Club tonight. 7pm-1am
Friday 2 December
FESTIVE FAYRE: Head to the Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre for Christmas food galore. Wander among the courtyards and grounds perusing artisan food stalls selling everything from Christmas pudding and brownies to chocolate, cheese, biltong, coffee, cakes, and a lot of booze. 2-4 December
VEGAN WEEKEND: Visit a special vegan edition of Canopy Market in King's Cross. Browse traders selling completely vegan food and drink, skincare and candles, including plant-based cheese, kimchi, chocolate and sushi. FREE ENTRY, 2-4 December
ALDGATE WINTER FESTIVAL: Watch a lantern parade move through the streets of east London at the Aldgate in Winter Festival. Live performances, stalls and creative workshops are also part of the festival, and the lanterns — made by local artists, school children and community groups — go on display in a free exhibition next week. FREE, 12pm-9pm
CHRISTMAS IN WARTIME: Katherine Howells from The National Archives and Anthony Richards from the Imperial War Museum join forces for an online talk about what Christmas looked like during wartime. They cover the creative ways people still managed to celebrate Christmas during times of conflict, as told in war diaries, propaganda films and other sources. 2pm
COMEDY NIGHT: Be in the audience at the first ever Still Got It Stand Up Comedy Night at the Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garret in London Bridge. Still Got It! is comedy show featuring a group of older comedians who are also friends, including Dina Elisa, Mark Flynn, Georgia Thorp, Derya Yildirim, Lissi Field and Arthur Mitchell. 7pm
CHRISTMAS CONCERT: London City Chorus holds its Christmas concert at St Andrew Holborn. The programme includes a performance of Fantasia on Christmas Carols by Vaughan Williams, as well as familiar carols for audience members to join in with. 7.30pm
Saturday 3 December
CHARITY EXHIBITION: Food for Thoughts is a group art exhibition at Mercato Metropolitano in Mayfair, raising money for food bank The Trussell Trust. Browse and buy contemporary, colourful, affordable, and fun artworks, and enjoy an evening of live music. Your ticket includes a glass of prosecco. 3-4 December
A VERY CAMLEY CHRISTMAS: Camley Street Nature Park near St Pancras hosts a festive celebration every weekend between now and Christmas. Browse a Christmas market, take part in wreath-making and tea-blending masterclasses, let the kids loose on craft projects, or attend winter wildlife workshops. 3-18 December
GINGERBREAD CITY: London's tastiest exhibition returns to Belgravia, showcasing model buildings, transport hubs and other cityscapes, designed and created by teams of architects and engineers, and made from gingerbread and other sweet treats. This year's Gingerbread City consists of five miniature cities across five different climate zones: Polar, Continental, Temperate, Dry and Tropical. 3 December 2022-2 January 2023
LGBTQ+ HISTORY: The LGBTQ+ collection at London Metropolitan Archives turns 20 this year, and celebrates with a day of talks, workshops, presentations and film screenings, putting young people at the forefront. Hear from The Mosaic Trust, which supports, educates and inspires young LGBTQ+ people aged 13-19, Schools OUT UK, which aims make schools and educational institutions safe spaces for LGBTQ+ communities, and several other organisations.11am-4pm
STORYTELLING WITH SANTA: He's a busy man, especially at this time of year, but Santa's found time to stop by Woodberry Wetlands today, tomorrow, and other weekends until Christmas. While at the Walthamstow site, he hosts a wildlife-themed storytelling session, plus there's a chance to have a meet and greet session with him in his wooden cabin and receive a gift. 11.30am-4.30pm (and other selected dates until Christmas)
HAMMERSMITH CHRISTMAS MARKET: King Street in Hammersmith goes traffic-free for the day for the Hammersmith Christmas Market, which also spreads into Lyric Square. Browse more than 100 stalls, watch an ABBA tribute band live on stage, and join in with Christmas carol singing. FREE ENTRY, 11am-6pm
CATO STREET CONSPIRACY: Westminster Guides, Rosemary Barnes and Pernille Ahlström lead a guided walk, offering an insight into the men behind the Cato Street Conspiracy, a plot to overthrow the government and create a radical parliament in 1820. Find out what prompted the conspiracy, and what happened next. 2.30pm-4pm
GUILTY FEMINIST: Deborah Frances-White of The Guilty Feminist podcast teams up with comedian Tom Allen to host festive celebration A Camp Christmas at Southbank Centre. Guests including Rosie Jones, Larry Dean, Kemah Bob, Suzi Ruffell, Sophie Duker, Rob Diament and Russell Tovey take part in a raucous evening of music, cheeky readings and stand-up comedy. 7.30pm
SOFAR SOUNDS: Faith's Place in Vauxhall City Farm is the location for Sofar Sounds tonight — an intimate set from two or three talented performers (only revealed 36 hours before the show). Let's just hope the sheep don't bleat over everything. 7.30pm
Sunday 4 December
CHRISTMAS MAKERS MARKET: Support local East End businesses at the Christmas Makers Market at Poplar Union. Browse and buy crafts, beauty products, cards, food and drink and more. FREE ENTRY, 10am
MINI RAILWAY EXHIBITION: The Model Railway Club holds a December mini exhibition at its HQ near King's Cross station. Wander round to see a number of different layouts by both club members and guest exhibitors, and purchase pre-owned models from the shop. 11am-4pm
HANGOVER CLUB: Big Saturday night? Haul yourself out of bed, and get thee to the Sebright Arms' Hangover Club, to find hair of the dog cocktails and pizza — plus bedroom DJs can bring along their own records and spin them on the pub decks. FREE, 1pm
FESTIVE FAMILY RAVE: Take the kids along to the Big Fish Little Fish family rave at Between the Bridges on South Bank. It's like a normal rave, with club classic tunes — except there's child-friendly entertainment thrown in, and everyone gets home in time for bed. Ideal for parents who aren't ready to give up the raving lifestyle just yet. 2pm-4pm
CHRISTMAS AT THE MOVIES: Hear the Philharmonia Orchestra playing music from the likes of Elf, Home Alone, ET, Love Actually and The Polar Express at a special Christmas at the Movies concert at Southbank Centre. Recommended age 7+. 2.30pm
DRAG MARATHON: Not one, not two — but FOUR drag queens light up the stage at Clapham's Two Brewers this Sunday, namely Marsha Mallow, Miss Jason, Davina Sparkle and Sandra. DJ Demon fills in the gaps, and keeps the party swinging till the wee small hours of Monday. 4pm-2am
CHRISTMAS COMEDY: Head to the Amersham Arms in New Cross for a Happy Sundays Comedy Christmas special. Hear jokes from the likes of Sara Barron and Stella Graham with some live music thrown in, and a post-show festive singlong, all hosted by MC Sion James. First 30 people to arrive get a free mince pie too. 7pm
Urban oddity of the week
Heading to Aldgate for the Winter Festival (see Friday)? Be sure to check out these peculiar snail-human hybrids. They're the work of artist Jocelyn McGregor and form part of this year's Sculpture in the City. Urban oddities don't get more odd than that.
Good cause of the week
Tis the season for a chilly dip in aid of charity. One of the most important ones takes place at Brockwell Lido on 3 December. Homelessness charity Crisis is looking for fundraisers willing to take the chilly plunge in its Icebreaker Brockwell challenge. All you have to do is swim one length of the 30 metre pool, either solo or as part of a relay with friends.
Despite the event name, the pool is unlikely to be covered in ice, but it will be unheated and very bracing. The brief chill is a reminder that many will be facing cold nights on the streets or in underheated accommodation this winter. Any money you can raise will go towards helping. Entry is £15 with a minimum £150 sponsorship target.
