Things To Do In London This Week: 1-7 December 2025

Looking for something fun to do today? Something eye-opening to watch tonight? Something delicious to eat tomorrow? Our guide to things to do this week in London is personally curated, ensuring there's always a diverse range of events for you to choose from. Get stuck in!

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DECEMBER IN LONDON: As a new month gets underway, start planning with our guide to things to do in London in December 2025. Our events team has picked the best things to see and do in London this month, whether you want to fully commit to Christmas or avoid it altogether.

CHRISTMAS IN LONDON: Speaking of Christmas, we've compiled our (dare we say, extensive) knowledge of the festive season in the capital into one handy guide. Have a read for everything you need to know about Christmas lights, Christmas shows, Christmas dinner, Christmas films, Christmas Day...

CAROL CONCERTS: We're now entering peak carol concert season. We've listed a few of this week's highglights further down in this article, but if you want a bigger fix of Silent Nights and Away In A Mangers, have a read of our guide to the best carol concerts in London this season. Many of them are for charity, so you can do some good while feeling all kinds of festive.

THE WEIR: Brendan Gleeson stars in The Weir, a play set on a stormy night in an isolated pub in rural Ireland, where the everyday lives of four men are interrupted by the arrival of a woman called Valerie. See it at Harold Pinter Theatre until this weekend. Until 6 December

GINGERBREAD CITY: December kicks off on a tasty note, with the return of annual exhibition The Gingerbread City, featuring a miniature town made from gingerbread and decorated with icing and sweets. It's serious stuff, constructed by teams of engineers and architects — but it's a lot of fun too, with model trains and gingerbread-making workshops. Until 4 January

SHOW OF THE WEEK: There are more versions of A Christmas Carol on the London stage than you can shake a prize turkey at, but one that should be on your radar is the return of Mark Gatiss' ghostly adaptation to Alexandra Palace Theatre. The combination of ghoulish visuals with Matthew Cottle's Leonard Rossiter-esque Scrooge — plus a healthy pinch of yuletide jollity — make this a production to remember. ★★★★☆Until 4 January

EAT OF THE WEEK: Meet Bros — the upmarket halal Asian-fusion steakhouse — has just opened its second venue, in Shoreditch. The menu features BBQ sesame chilli beef short ribs, lobster curry noodles, and pineapple pudding turnover. Good to bear in mind for a slap-up meal over the festive season.

DRINK OF THE WEEK: St Pancras has a new cocktail bar — well sort of. The former Gothic Bar, ensconced in the stunning setting of the Midland Grand Hotel, has regenerated into the Martini Bar, part of the new Hawksmoor venture. You can come here ahead of chowing down on a steak, or just show up for drinks. Unsurprisingly, given its name, martinis are a speciality; the bar slinging a selection of Vespers and house-style martinis — as well as super punchy Dukes'-style bangers. The bars snacks are very good too; get the Yorkshire pud sloppy joes.

Today's events: Monday 1 December

MARTIN PARR: Legendary British photographer Martin Parr gives a free Gresham College lecture, talking about his five-decade career in documentary photography. Hear him talking about memorable projects and exhibitions, and his own personal archive. Tickets to attend in person have sold out but you can still watch via livestream. FREE, 6pm

ELIF SHAFAK: The annual Sebald Lecture at the British Library is this year given by British-Turkish novelist Elif Shafak, and though tickets to watch in person have sold out, you can tune in online. The lecture explores elements of literature in translation and is named after writer W.G. Sebald. 7pm

CABARET SHOWCASE: Participants from Soho Theatre's Cabaret & Drag Lab perform new sets developed over ten weeks, in a showcase evening at the Dean Street venue. Expect kings, queens, things, lip sync, burlesque and comedy, created with input from course leader Len Blanco and guest artists Wet Mess, Donna Poderosa, Richard Energy, Breakfast and Me the Drag Queen. 7.15pm

RICHARD HERRING: Comedian Richard Herring hosts a recording of his semi-regular Leicester Square Theatre Podcast (aka RHLSTP) in which he interviews well-known guests in front of a live audience. Today it's TV host and author Richard Osman, and actor and comedian Mathew Baynton who get a grilling. 7.30pm

FINN ANDERSON: Scottish singer-songwriter Finn Anderson plays tracks from his back catalogue, as well as new material, at Servant Jazz Quarters tonight. Support comes from Chisara. 7.30pm

Today's events: Tuesday 2 December

SARAH KEYWORTH: For the last time, Sarah Keyworth performs her show, My Eyes Are Up Here, about family, acceptance, and loss. This week's performances, at Soho Theatre Walthamstow, are being recorded for a stand-up comedy special. 2-3 December

PRESCRIPTION: MURDER: Flemming is a brilliant psychiatrist who thinks he has committed the perfect murder against his wife... that is, until he meets Lieutenant Columbo. Watch the 1962 stage play that inspired the legendary TV Columbo series. It's on for the next five nights at Clapham's Bread and Roses Theatre. 2-6 December

PERILS OF FANDOM: Writer, performer and Michael Jackson superfan Vanessa Kisuule talks about the pleasures and perils of fandom, at Conway Hall in Holborn. She discusses why famous musicians mean so much to us, why it's hard to accept that people we admire are capable of doing terrible things, and how, or if, we can hold people to account while loving them at the same time. 6.30pm-8pm

A YEAR IN WESTMINSTER: With the end of 2025 looming, the Guardian’s parliamentary sketch writer John Crace, columnist Marina Hyde and political editor Pippa Crerar take a look back at the year in Westminster. At Barbican, they're joined by special guests for a recap of a tough year for Keir Starmer, endless drama within Reform, and whatever's going on with Trump across the pond. 7.15pm

REBECCA FERGUSON: Singer-songwriter Rebecca Ferguson performs a selection of her favourite Christmas songs as well as songs from across her five solo albums, in a special festive concert at Union Chapel in Islington. 7.30pm

JACK DEE: Multi-award-winning radio show I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue concludes its 84th series for the BBC with a special recording at Southbank Centre, with chairman Jack Dee, pianist Colin Sell and a panel of very funny people. The evening is recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at a later date. 7.30pm

GITS & SHIGGLES: Rich Hall, Ayoade Bamgboye, Luke McQueen and Amy Annette are all on the bill at tonight's Gits & Shiggles comedy night at the Half Moon in Putney. The regular event offers a combination of emerging, established and alternative stand-up, sketch, musical, character and improv comedy acts to guarantee giggles. 7.30pm

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Cosy up in the Winter Hideout at Television Centre

It's all go at Television Centre this festive season, with Christmas music, DJs, classic films and seasonal food and drink at the former home of the BBC in White City.

In the glow of the iconic Christmas tree on the forecourt, head for the Winter Hideout, a cosy canopy venue with heaters. Here, local gastropub The Broadcaster unveils a pop-up bar, serving festive cocktails, mulled wine and other drinks, with a side of entertainment. Kick back with friends and a festive cocktail and enjoy music from talented local performers with Television Centre Unplugged (4 December), or live sets by Laid Bare Music’s resident DJs (3, 11 and 18 December).

Foodies are catered for with a cosy wine and cheese tasting evening (10 December) combining — let's be honest — two of the best bits of Christmas. We brie-lieve this one will sell out fast, so book soon if you want in. 17 December is movie night, bring a blanket, grab a drink and settle down to watch the much-loved classic Elf.

During the day, head to the towering Christmas tree to enjoy lunchtime carols from Sacred Heart School and St George’s School (3 and 10 December), guaranteed to get you feeling festive and joyful.

The Winter Wrap Up at Television Centre has festive events throughout December. Check the programme and plan your visit.

Today's events: Wednesday 3 December

CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL: The Highgate International Chamber Music Festival brings together leading musicians from around the world to perform in unique combinations. Expect a mix of concerts at St Anne's Highgate, including a screening of Buster Keaton comedy classic College, accompanied by a live piano quintet. 3-7 December

VICTORIA'S SEASIDE CHRISTMAS: Christmas at Kensington Palace begins today, in the form of Victoria's Seaside Christmas. Decorations and displays tell the story of the year in which Queen Victoria and her family spent Christmas at the seaside in Ramsgate, Kent. View a model pier scene, and encounter some of the sailors and fishermen that the Queen met during her trip. 3 December-4 January

MAKERS FROM JAPAN: Japan House in Kensington opens free exhibition Hyakkō: 100+ Makers from Japan, a celebration of contemporary Japanese craft with works in clay, glass, wood, metal, leather and bamboo. FREE, 3 December-10 May

CHRISTMAS IN FITZROVIA: Head to the Fitzrovia Quarter tonight to enjoy a complimentary drink from the mobile hot chocolate bar in Market Place, before getting stuck into your Christmas shopping at a wealth of local stores. Music lovers are catered for at Gibson Garage London, with a range of exclusive Gibson gifts and accessories, while fashionistas can get their festive sparkle sorted at popular dress store JJ's House. Pick up an heirloom they'll treasure at Time+Tide Watches, or simply browse the myriad other shops, galleries, spas and restaurants, all a short walk from Oxford Circus. 4pm-7pm (also 10 and 17 December) (sponsor)

CHRISTMAS WEDNESDAYS: Columbia Road's Christmas Wednesdays takes place tonight, when the independent businesses on the charming east London street stay open late for Christmas shoppers. Note there's no road closure nor carol singers this year. 5pm-9pm

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Head to St John's Church in Waterloo for the Look Good Feel Better Christms concert, raising money for the charity which helps people to face cancer with confidence. X Factor winner Louisa Johnson headlines the concert, which is hosted by Jay Aston, an original member of Bucks Fizz, and a cancer survivor herself. 7pm

MARS: Join Prof Chris Lintott (from The Sky at Night) at Gresham College for a look at 50 years of Mars exploration. Lintott will present some of the best photography from the various robotic missions to the Red Planet and how our knowledge has grown over the decades. FREE, 7pm

QUIZ CHRISTMAS PARTY: A Christmas version of chaotic quiz show Not Another Quiz Night comes to the Clapham Grand. Jake Bhardwaj hosts the high-energy evening of music, comedy, mayhem, interactive bonus rounds, ridiculous prizes, surprise appearances, and a prize for best costume. 7pm

COLLYWOBBLERS COMEDY: Tooting-based stand-up comedian Carl Donnelly headlines a special edition of Collywobblers Comedy at The Railway in Streatham. He blends honesty and wit to share his experiences as a married middle-aged father with recurring stomach ulcers and a bald patch. Note that the show will be filmed. 8pm

Today's events: Thursday 4 December

ALDGATE WINTER FESTIVAL: Watch a lantern parade move through the streets of east London at the Aldgate in Winter Festival. The main festival is extended this year, and takes place across two days with live music and dance performances. Or follow a lantern trail around the area 24 November-15 December. FREE, 4-5 December

CANINE CAROL CONCERTS: As is tradition, Battersea Dogs Home holds its fundraising carol concerts at St Luke's in Chelsea — and brings the dogs into church to join in the fun. No confirmation yet on exactly which carols will be sung, but we'd hazard a guess at Bark! The Herald Angels Sing. 4, 5 and 12 December

COCKFOSTERS: Cockfosters returns to London for another run, opening at Southwark Playhouse Borough tonight. The surreal comedy is set on the Piccadilly line, and follows the story of two strangers who meet at Heathrow on their journey across London. 4 December-3 January

HMS PINAFORE: The English National Opera offers a new production of Gilbert & Sullivan's HMS Pinafore. Mel Giedroyc stars in the nautical comic opera about a love triangle on the high seas, on at the London Coliseum. 4 December-7 February

NATIONAL THEATRE: Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton), Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) star in The Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre. It's the story of a man who walks into a pub and confesses to murder... and finds himself a local hero. 4 December-28 February

TRAFALGAR SQUARE TREE: See London's most noted Christmas tree illuminated for the season in a special lighting ceremony in Trafalgar Square. FREE, 5pm-6.30pm

LANTERN LIGHT NIGHTS: Experience the magic of the ballet at Christmas, as stars from Pineapple Dance Studios don Nutcracker-inspired costumes for a free, family-friendly outdoor performance beneath the spectacular lantern lights installation in The Yards Covent Garden tonight. World-renowned harpist Valeria Clarke accompanies them, creating an ethereal soundscape for this week's Lantern Light Nights, which combines an immersive performance, beautiful decorations, and Christmas shopping and dining, all in one fantastically festive location. FREE, 5pm-8pm (sponsor)

HO HO HOME LATE: Hoxton's Museum of the Home stays open late for an after-hours celebration of its Winter Past exhibition with music, festive treats, and crafts. See the individual spaces in the permanent Rooms Through Time exhibition decked out for Christmas, in accurate decorations for each time period. Plus, take part in crafts, carols, and candlelit tours. FREE, 6pm-9pm

TRUMP AND EXECUTION: Today's Gresham lecture looks at the death penalty in the USA. An increasing number of innocent people are being executed, says Prof Clive Stafford Smith, who will also look at Donald Trump's impact on capital punishment laws. FREE, 7pm

SPIES AND MAPS: Tying in with its current Secret Maps exhibition, the British Library hosts historian and broadcaster Michael Wood, cartographer Dr Alex Kent and maps expert Peter Barber to talk about the covert world of spies and maps. Find out how maps can (and have) been used in the world of espionage. 7pm

VARIETY NIGHT: Comedian Thanyia Moore, musical comedy duo Flo & Joan, the Stratford East Singers, and jazz dance company Jiving Lindy Hoppers are among the performers at A Merry Old Variety Night, the annual festive bonanza at Stratford East Theatre. 8pm

Today's events: Friday 5 December

NIGHT VISIONS: Promising to bring the magic of the West End to Bexley, Night Visions comes to Sidcup's Doreen Bird Foundation Theatre for the next three days, with students performing a medley of musical theatre and seasonal favourites — featuring the debut of new college choir, Birdsong. 5-7 December.

FESTIVE FAYRE: Head to the Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre for Christmas grub galore. Wander among the courtyards and grounds perusing artisan food stalls selling everything from Christmas pudding and brownies to chocolate, cheese, biltong, coffee, cakes — plus gallons of booze. 5-7 and 12-14 December. For a thoroughly festive day out, take a twirl on the palace's winter ice rink while you're there.

JANE AUSTEN: With the 250th anniversary of author Jane Austen's birth this month, the National Archives hosts renowned Jane Austen scholar Paula Byrne to talk about who the real Austen was, and how people have misinterpreted her since her death. Byrne uses everyday objects to show why common depictions of the "spinster" author are often inaccurate. FREE, 2pm-3pm

YULETIDE SPARKLE: Head to the Foundling Museum this evening for a festive evening themed on sparkling wine, with drinks historian Jane Peyton. Take part in a sparkling wine tasting, hear the unexpected history of women at the heart of champagne (and why the drink is more British than you thought), and enjoy other stories and surprises about bubbles. 6.30pm

SOFAR SOUNDS: Three surprise acts appear at the recently renovated Barts Hospital for tonight's iteration of Sofar Sounds, turning it into a music venue like no other. There's comfy seating, and a bar. Doors 7.30pm

WIZARD OF OZ: The Deptford Film Club — which actually now takes place in Kennington rather than Deptford — hosts a screening of the Wizard of Oz (1939) at St Anselm's Church. Expect mince pies, drinks and singing as you watch Judy Garland in her most famous, magical role. 7.30pm-9.30pm

CEILIDH CLUB: Put on your dancing shoes and head to Grand Junction in Paddington for London Ceilidh Club. Everyone's welcome, from complete beginners to experienced dancers, with a live ceilidh band providing the soundtrack and a caller guiding you through the steps. 8pm

Today's events: Saturday 6 December

EEL PIE ISLAND: The secretive Eel Pie Island in west London has one of its open weekends, inviting the public to cross the footbridge and step inside the artist studios to meet the people who work there. Browse and buy ceramics, oil paintings, jewellery, sculptures and more. Note that although the event is free as always, you need to book tickets in advance to access the island. FREE, 6-7 December

SANTACON LONDON: Hundreds of Santas descend on London for Santacon, which sees members of the public "dress up in Santa suits, run around, give gifts, sing songs, have strangers sit on our laps and decide who is naughty or nice". Festive chaos in the best possible way — and a bit of a mad one if you stumble across it unexpectedly. Exact timings and locations aren't announced until the day before. 6 December

FESTIVE DOG SHOW: The Museum of Homelessness holds a festive dog show to raise funds for emergency supplies such as warm clothing and sleeping bags for those experiencing homelessness. It takes place at the museum in Finsbury Park, with various categories your dog can enter, plus canine and human treats, a festive tombola and other entertainment. All are welcome; street dogs especially welcome. 1pm-4pm

HIP-HOP BRUNCH: Saturday is the Hip-Hop Orchestra Brunch day at the Blues Kitchen Shoreditch, with an eight-piece orchestra dishing up hip-hop, R&B and Afrobeats — while you gorge on American grill classics (think grilled shrimp sandwiches, fried chicken with gravy and pickles) plus the option of bottomless booze. 1pm-5pm

REGENT STREET CHRISTMAS: Regent Street goes traffic-free for the afternoon and evening, making it easier to see the festive lights and get your Christmas shopping done. Several stores on the 'Festive Mile' stay open later than usual, with live music, roving street performers, refreshments stalls and three parked-up vintage London buses: a selfie bus; a disco bus; and a festive crafts bus. FREE, 2pm-9pm

AFROSTALGIA: Best Served Cold comes to Boxpark Wembley, promising a dose of 'Afrostalgia' with WSTRN and Kojo Funds headlining alongside DJ P Montana, Amika Ezer b2b ChloeKnows, Fatz Official and 14-piece orchestra The Love & Afrobeats Band. 6pm-12am

MICHAEL PALIN: Comedian, presenter and author Sir Michael Palin is at Bloomsbury Theatre for a special show raising money for Age UK Camden. He reflects on growing old disgracefully, travelling the world and attempting to answer that most important question, ‘Where next?’. 8pm

CHRISTMAS MOVIE MARATHON: Not content with showing The Muppet Christmas Carol every day until Christmas Eve, the Prince Charles Cinema ups the festive ante with A Not-So-Christmas Mystery Christmas Movie Marathon. Yeah, took us a while to get our minds around that too, but it basically means they're screening five random alt-Christmas films throughout the night. 11.15pm

Today's events: Sunday 7 December

OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE: It's the first Sunday of the month, which means £5 entry to Greenwich's Painted Hall and Skittle Alley, plus related talks and tours, and the Discover Greenwich exhibition in the visitor centre. It'll be popular though, so book your slot in advance. 10am-4.30pm

CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA: For one day only, Forty Hall in Enfield serves a Christmas afternoon tea in its Banqueting Suite. Meet family or friends for a selection of finger sandwiches including smoked salmon, lemon and black pepper, and turkey, cranberry and stuffing. Follow that with sultana and plain scones with strawberry preserve and clotted cream, and end on a high with desserts including Christmas fruitcake with marzipan, mini mince pies with spiced orange mascarpone, and berry and crème patissiere tartlets. 12pm/2.30pm

KERMODE & MAYO: Film critic Mark Kermode and host Simon Mayo bring a live version of their podcast Kermode & Mayo’s Take to the Prince Edward Theatre. The Christmas movie spectacular encompasses reviews, interviews and film-chat, including their opinions on the week's newest releases. 2pm

COMEDY 4 KIDS: James Campbell, pioneer of stand-up shows for younger audiences, performs his Comedy 4 Kids show at the Museum of Comedy in Bloomsbury. Aimed at age six+, expect exploding penguins, 17 ways to eat jam, and songs to sing to the worms in your dog’s bottom. 2.30pm

BASEMENT ORCHESTRA: You've got two chances to see the Basement Orchestra's Christmas show at Big Penny Social in Walthamstow today. The matinee is for the whole family, while the evening performance is age 18+. Both shows feature the 50-piece Basement Orchestra and their choir performing lively festive tunes, from classical Yuletide favourites to big pop Christmas numbers. 3.30pm/7pm

LONDON CITY VOICES: The art deco Great Hall in the People's Palace, Mile End is the setting for two festive concerts from London City Voices today. Take your pick from a matinee or evening show. 4.30pm-6pm and 7.30pm-9pm