Free And Cheap Things To Do This Week In London: 2-8 December 2024

Things to do for a fiver or less.

Budget-friendly things to do in London this week for £5 or less.

Looking for more free things to do in London? Here are 102 of em! We've also compiled this epic map of free stuff in London.

Check out Somerset House's Es Devlin show

If you missed Es Devlin's shortlived Congregation installation at St Mary Le Strand in October, fret not, because Somerset House is now displaying Face to Face: 50 Encounters with Strangers, featuring a version of Congregation. There's also a replica of Devlin’s south London studio, and a room of new works by the well-known artist and set designer.

Free, until 12 January.

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See photos of the Rolling Stones

Following on from the successful exhibition in Notting Hill earlier this year, Bayliss Rare Books in Soho opens a free display of photos of the Rolling Stones. They're the work of friend of the band 'Spanish Tony', and include iconic and, in some cases, never before seen shots. The exhibition is free to visit (you'll need to book) though prints are available to buy.

Free, 3-5 December.

Head along to this free lunchtime concert

The delightful setting of the Great Hall of the Queen's House in Greenwich offers a free lunchtime concert. Students from the nearby Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance are the performers, but no further details are given until the day — just turn up and let them work their musical magic.

Free, 4 December.

Hear from a curator at the Courtauld

Hear a curator at the Courtauld Gallery giving a free 15-minute talk, offering deeper insights into works by a specific artist. No need to book for this one — just show up.

Free, 5 December.

Witness a Miracle on Leake Street

Free 'alternative Christmas party' Miracle on Leake Street is back in the Leake Street tunnels beneath Waterloo station for an evening of free live entertainment including karaoke, graffiti workshops and dance performances. Refreshment is available from stalls, bars and restaurants.

Free, 5 December.

See the Trafalgar Square tree lit for Christmas

See London's most famous Christmas tree illuminated for the season in a special lighting ceremony in Trafalgar Square, hosted by St Martin-in-the-Fields. As always, it takes place on the first Thursday in December, and everyone is welcome. Of course, it's free to visit anytime after the ceremony too, as are all of London's other Christmas lights and decorations.

Free, 5 December.

Indulge your senses... with scientists

Imperial College opens its doors this evening for a free Lates event themed around senses. Chat to sensory experts to find out how your senses work... and what happens when they get impaired (your senses, not the experts). Need to give your senses a break? Head to the Sensory Room to relax with some mindful drawing and fidget toys. Plus, a sense-sational quiz, storytelling from the Story Collider, a DJ set from the Rhythm Studio, snacks and drinks.

Free, 5 December

Dig into our relationship with the land

Lethaby Gallery at Central Saint Martins opens Soil, Toil & Table, which explores our complex relationship with land, food production, culture, consumption and waste. Curated entirely by students and alumni, the exhibition features over 70 innovative works spanning fashion, ecological design and immersive installations.

Highlights include the repurposing of used coffee grounds to create sustainable dining ware, showcasing how waste can be transformed into everyday objects. Other installations dive into the landscapes that support our agriculture, including audio-guided walks through UK farmland that allow visitors to immerse themselves in rural spaces.

5 December-25 January.

Decorate a Christmas biscuit

As part of Canary Wharf's Deck the Malls season, the Jo Malone store here invites you to decorate biscuits, retro Christmas style (and presumably take them home to eat). The workshops are free, although we can't promise the staff won't also encourage you to browse Jo Malone's definitely-not-free fragrance range.

Free, 6 December.

Watch a Christmas lantern parade

The Aldgate in Winter Festival takes place on Friday afternoon, with live music, dance performances and stalls. It culminates in a lantern parade through the streets, beginning and ending in Aldgate Square, with local community and school groups showing off lanterns they've made.

Free, 6 December.

Set foot on London's private island

The secretive Eel Pie Island in west London has one of its open weekends, inviting the public to cross the magic footbridge and step inside artists' studios. Browse and buy ceramics, oil paintings, jewellery, sculptures and more. Note that although the event is free as always, for the first time you need to book tickets in advance, giving you a two-hour timeslot on the island.

Free, 7-8 December.

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