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. 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 your door. Bookmark it for the new year and support them in January and beyond.
VEGANUARY: Speaking of delivery services, there's no need to leave the house if you're doing Veganuary this year. These vegan delivery services include Mexican, Indian, and Caribbean dishes, and even doughnuts.
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 a very tough tube quiz, picture rounds and anagram teasers to keep you puzzling well into 2022.
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
NEW YEAR VIRTUAL TOUR: Former Museum of London archaeologist Kevin Flude celebrates the start of 2022 with a virtual tour, which looks at how London has celebrated the new year for over 2,000 years. From Roman god Janus to the novels of Charles Dickens, you can hear about different traditions and approaches to the new start it offers. Sunday 2 January, 7.30pm
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.
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
WRONG SIDE OF THE TRACKS: Join a Look Up London tour guide for a wander around the King's Cross area, covering both historic back streets and newly regenerated areas such as Granary Square. Find out about the people who shaped the area and made it into what it is today. Sunday 2 January, 11am-12.30pm
CEMETERY TOUR: The Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery run regular tours of this evocative space, on select Sundays, and 2 January is one of those. Small groups of up to 20 will be led by a tour guide who will explain the notable monuments and history of the site. Sunday 2 January, 2pm
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. Why not take the challenge of walking the London Spiral in 2022? Alternatively, enjoy some of London's best views on this 9.5 mile stroll.
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.
