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Things To Do This Week In London: 23-29 December 2024
What's happening in London over Christmas and beyond.
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All week
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CHRISTMAS TRANSPORT: Before you make any plans for the upcoming week, check the Christmas transport situation in London. Thankfully there's not as much disruption as there has been in previous years, but you'll find a couple of closures worth knowing 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 some of the places you can take to the ice this year — here's a full ice skating guide. The JW3 Ice Rink even opens on Christmas Day!
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CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: London's Christmas lights stay on up until and 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 — you can do it by bus (not Christmas Day), or on foot with our self-guided festive walking route though central London.
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 entry in advance. Until 5 January
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PANTO: From classic Aladdin at the Lyric Hammersmith, to Snow White with a sassy twist, via Jack and the Beanstalk, Dick Whittington and Peter Pan, London's panto scene is thriving this year. Read our guide to London's pantomimes to choose your show.
FESTIVE THEATRE: The Snowman, Cinderella and The Nutcracker are among the many festive productions taking place on stage in London this year. From ballet to circus to musicals, take a look at these fantastically festive theatre shows in London, and book yourself a seat this Twixmas. We've also got a guide to family-friendly shows, if you're treating the whole clan to an outing.
IMPROV MOVIE: Yes, you read that right. At Mischief Movie Night (In), the audience suggests a genre, location and title — and with this, comedy troupe Making Merry Mischief puts together an entire improvised movie. The made-on-the-spot show also comes complete with rewinds, fast forwards, director's cuts and a thrilling live score. Watch in person at Sadler's Wells or livestream at home. From £15. Runs 18-23 Dec and 7-12 Jan, with live-streaming 20-23 Dec. (sponsor)
TWIXTMAS: Our full guide to things to do in London between Christmas and New Year has oodles more ideas for ways to keep out of mischief this week.
CINEMA OF THE WEEK: It's got to the Leicester Square's Prince Charles Cinema, hasn't it. During the earlier portion of this week, catch Christmas classics old and new inc. It's A Wonderful Life, A Muppet Christmas Carol and The Holdovers. Post Xmas, watch a Blade Runner double feature, and the new Daniel Craig film, Queer.
Monday 23 December
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MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGALONG: After screening it at least once a day all month, the Prince Charles Cinema dials up The Muppet Christmas Carol action today, with three screenings... all singalongs. Warm up your pipes to join in with Kermit, Miss Piggy and co. retelling Charles Dickens' festive story. 12pm/2.50pm/5.30pm
BIG CHRISTMAS PARTY: Clock off work early (we won't tell if you won't...) and head over to Barbican for The Big Christmas Party, a lively musical show featuring the London Concert Orchestra covering traditional and pop festive tunes. 2.30pm
CANDLELIT CAROLS: For a traditional celebration, make for Cadogan Hall's Candlelit Carols where you can hear the likes of Joy To The World, Hark The Herald Angels Sing and O Little Town of Bethlehem interspersed with festive readings. 3pm/7.30pm
GAS LAMPS: Just before Christmas, there's another chance to explore London's remaining gas lamps with guide Jane Parker. The tour goes round the Westminster area, looking at some of the first buildings and streets to be lit by gas — a transformation that must have been extraordinary at the time. 4pm-6pm
ASWAD: British reggae group ASWAD are at Camden's Jazz Cafe performing tracks from their 50-year career. Restaurant tickets have sold out but standing places are still available at time of writing. 7pm
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS: The Actors' Church in Covent Garden hosts the Southend Boys' and Girls' Choirs performing Britten's Ceremony of Carols with harp accompaniment. The Spirit of Christmas concert also includes music by Chilcott, Rutter, festive favourites and Christmas carols performed by choirs and a chamber orchestra. 7.30pm
Christmas Eve: Tuesday 24 December
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CHRISTMAS EVE: Christmas Eve is a funny one. There aren't too many one-off events happening in London, but if you've got all your shopping done and find yourself with a few hours to spare, there are still plenty of festive things to do. We've got a full Christmas Eve guide here, but here are some highlights:
MEAT AUCTION: The traditional Christmas Eve meat auction takes place at Smithfield Market, with traders selling off their surplus stock before closing for the Christmas break. Head down there to bag yourself a bargain hunk of meat, or just to watch the quirky London ritual. With the news that Smithfield Market is to close down permanently, this is a tradition which may not last much longer. 10am
DANCE SESSION: Southbank Centre offers a free afternoon of dancing in partnership with Five Go Jiving. All ages and abilities are welcome, and the event starts with a free dance lesson, so you can learn the steps before getting into the free dance portion of the day. Expect plenty of festive tunes courtesy of band leader John Bayley and a line-up of musicians. FREE, 1pm
DICKENSIAN LONDON: Join Footprints of London guide David Charnick for a guided walk through the London of Charles Dickens, explored through the author's own words. Visit sites Dickens would have been familiar with, and hear his urban insights as you go. 2pm-4pm
CALIFORNIA SCREAMING: Escape the endless renditions of Last Christmas, with a visit to the snuggly Pelton Arms in Greenwich, where California Screaming are playing rock covers from the 1960s through to today. Come to think of it, they may even do a Christmas song or two... Wham! anyone? 8pm
Christmas Day: Wednesday 25 December
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Thinking of venturing outside into the wide world on Christmas Day? Here's what you need to know:
CHRISTMAS DAY EVENTS: As you might expect, there aren't many events in London on Christmas Day, though you will find the occasional guided tour or sightseeing cruise, and a rather special swimming race to watch in Hyde Park. Read our guide to things to do in London on Christmas Day if that's something you're interested in.
WHAT'S OPEN: Understandably, it's slim pickings in terms of venues open in London on Christmas Day — you'll find the occasional restaurant, pub or cafe, but it's far from business as usual, and many require advance booking. Crucially, open public toilets can be hard to find, so bear that in mind before guzzling down a flask of mulled wine.
WHERE TO EAT: Many places serve up lunch or dinner on Christmas Day, though in almost all cases, you'll need to have booked in advance. Read our guide to where to eat on Christmas Day for the full lowdown.
CHRISTMAS DAY SWIMMING: Not everyone's cup of tea, but if you fancy a few laps of a swimming pool before you tuck into your turkey, find out where you can swim in London on Christmas Day.
ICE SKATING: Worth noting that the ice rink at JW3 Centre in Finchley opens on Christmas Day. It's an outdoor rink with penguin stabilisers and banana toboggans available for younger skaters, and a cafe for refreshments. Likely to sell out, so book in advance. 12pm-6pm today (open until 5 January)
CHRISTMAS DAY TRANSPORT: Of course, if you're planning to go to any of the above, you'll need to get there. Public transport doesn't run on Christmas Day — this means no buses, Tube, trains, DLR, trams etc. Cycle hire or taxi (if you can find one) are your options. Or, if you're lucky enough to have a car, note that the ULEZ and Congestion Charge don't apply on Christmas Day — full details here.
Boxing Day: Thursday 26 December
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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. Here are a few highlights:
BOOZE AND THE BOROUGH: Footprints of London guide David Charnick offers both a tour around the Borough area, focusing on its links to the booze industry. Hop wagons from Kent, Sussex and Surrey used to unload into warehouses in the area, and it was also home to one of London's largest breweries. 2pm-4pm
HOME ALONE 2: W Film Club returns to W London for the last in its series of festive films. Kick back and watch Home Alone 2 in the hotel's screening room. Tickets include options for cocktails, popcorn, and even the hotel's après-inspired afternoon tea if you fancy going all out. 4pm-6pm
DIAMOND LIFE: Celebrate the 40th anniversary of London-based Sade's album Diamond Life with a full live band performing tracks from the award-winning album. Expect a blend of smooth jazz, soul, and RnB. Note: the event is not in association with Sade, and Sade will not be performing. 5pm-9pm
BOXING DAY CABARET: For a lively Boxing Day evening, head to the Two Brewers in Clapham where drag queens Ember and Marsha Mallow perform live, accompanied by DJ Amy LaQueefa, until 3am. 5pm-3am
BOXING DAY PUB QUIZ: Test your general knowledge, niche obsessions, and maybe even your ability to make a paper aeroplane at Big Penny Social's Boxing Day pub quiz. It's £2 entry per person with a chance of winning a £100 bar tab. 7.30pm-9pm
Friday 27 December
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THE TYBURN ROUTE: Join tour guide Richard Watkins for a walking tour exploring the history of condemned prisoners in Holborn, stopping at historic pubs along the route to Tyburn. Learn about the chilling past of the Tyburn Fair, including the last drinks taken before executions. 2.30pm-4.30pm
GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA: Enjoy a tribute to the Kings of Swing plus the Swing Time Jivers and The London Belles as big band The Glenn Miller Orchestra takes over Barbican Hall for a show of wartime chart toppers and hits from the 1940s. 2.30pm
AFROBEATS ORCHESTRA: The 12-piece Love & Afrobeats Band return for their last show of the year at the Jazz Cafe, offering a lively night of Afrobeats and Amapiano, with the audience encouraged to dance and sing along. 7pm-10.30pm
OPERA BY CANDLELIGHT: The London Concertante presents an evening at the opera, performing arias and overtures from Puccini, Verdi, Rossini and Mozart. Enjoy some of the best from Madame Butterfly, Turandot, Tosca, The Barber of Seville, Carmen, Così fan tutte and more at Cadogan Hall. 7.30pm
SOUL OF WOMAN: St Gabriel's Pimlico hosts Soul of Woman, a reading-concert of works by female composers. It's the creation of musician, writer and journalist Maggie S. Lorelli, who researched and rediscovered scores from all historical eras composed by women, many of which are performed tonight. 7.30pm
JOHN WILLIAMS: Musical scores from films including Harry Potter, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones and Hook are performed by the London Concert Orchestra, in a celebration of the work of composer John Williams. You'll be amazed how many you recognise. Takes place at Barbican. 7.30pm
SUPER LEAGUE BASKETBALL: Catch a Super League Basketball match at the Copper Box Arena in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Home team the London Lions host Cheshire Phoenix. 7.30pm
Saturday 28 December
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XMAS SLAYCATION: Heavy metal meets wrestling at Xmas Slaycation at The O2, combing Lucha Libre wrestling with Slay Duggee, a five-piece band which performs metal versions of family favourites and kids theme tunes. The whole event is family-friendly — and probably the only place you'll ever see masked Luchadore fighters alongside music from Baby Shark, Bluey, and Spongebob Squarepants. Doors 12pm
SUFFRAGETTE LINE: Footprints of London marks the recent renaming of the London Overground lines with a series of walks along the Suffragette line. Meet at Leytonstone High Road station and explore the history of the local area, spanning an internationally renowned naturalist; a cancer specialist who courted controversy when he treated the heir to the throne of Germany; filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock and highwayman Dick Turpin. 2pm-4pm
SWING INTO CHRISTMAS: Down for the Count Swing Orchestra return to Cadogan Hall for annual show, Swing Into Christmas. The 38-piece big band with strings recreate the music of Nat 'King' Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday and many more of the greats. 2.30pm/7.30pm
BIG GAME 16: Harlequins' Rugby Union Big Game is one of the biggest events in London in the downtime between Christmas and New Year. This is the 16th edition, and like last year, both Harlequins Men and Women's sides are playing the same opposition in a double header against the Leicester Tigers. Entertainment comes courtesy of dance music group Rudimental. Takes place at Twickenham Stadium. 3pm
DULWICH HAMLET: Make your way to Champion Hill to see south London footie club Dulwich Hamlet take on local-ish rivals Carshalton Athletic. With tickets at just £13 for adults, and under-12s free, it's a bargain way to watch some top-quality footie. Fab atmosphere too. 3pm
BONGO'S BINGO: 'Bingo all the way' is the theme of the Bongo's Bingo Christmas show at Big Penny Social — though really, the bingo takes a back seat behind festive tunes, dance-offs and singalongs. 6pm-11pm
Sunday 29 December
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THE NUTCRACKER: Once again, the Birmingham Royal Ballet brings its production of festive ballet The Nutcracker to the Royal Albert Hall. The Royal Ballet Sinfonia plays Tchaikovsky's famous score in this family-friendly show, as world-class ballerinas portray Clara's toys coming to life and getting drawn into the world of the Sugar Plum Fairy. 29-31 December
PARADE WARM-UPS: Ahead of the New Year's Day Parade on Wednesday, several of the bands take part in warm-up concerts around the capital, including at St John's Smith Square and St John's Waterloo today. Many of the performers are school bands who fly in from the USA for the week. 29 December-2 January
FAMILY RAVE: Start the New Year's Eve celebrations early as Big Fish Little Fish holds two of its famous family raves at Longfield Hall in Brixton. Take to the dance floor as a family, while a DJ plays club classics, with bubbles, crafts and other activities to keep younger partygoers entertained. 12pm/3pm
FOUR SEASONS BY CANDLELIGHT: How's this for atmospheric? The Mozart Festival Orchestra performs Vivaldi's Four Seasons by candlelight, along with works by Bach and Handel, among others. Takes place at Barbican. 2.30pm
CRAFT AND CHILL SUNDAY: Colour expert and Londonist contributor Momtaz Begum-Hossain runs one of her regular crafting afternoons for adults at Well Bean Co Cafe in the Royal Docks. All art and crafts materials are provided, no artistic experience is necessary, and the session runs on a pay-what-you-can basis, with a different project each month.4pm
MUSIC OF THE MOVIES: Immerse yourself in musical scores from fantasy films including Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, Avatar and Star Wars. The London Concert Orchestra performs Music of the Movies at Barbican. 7.30pm
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