👀 London's Best Events This Week

London Shower Thoughts

If you haven’t heard already, London’s iconic Smithfield and Billingsgate Market are due to close by 2028.

Smithfield meat market was where I routinely passed on my way to work near Farringdon.

If it weren’t for my office job I wouldn't have known this amazing meat market existed.

The place reeked of fresh meat and it was huge!

Every morning I would walk by and see the stall owners unpack their produce from the vans ready to sell for the day.

Certainly, a little bit of London history will die with it.

What's Interesting?

Do you fancy a cold swim outdoors on Christmas day? 🥶

I prefer a cozy warm blanked and home any day.

But each to their own.

Since 1864, the Serpentine Swimming Club has hosted a 100-yard race in Hyde Park's Serpentine Lake every Christmas morning.

In 1904, author J.M. Barrie, creator of Peter Pan, began awarding the Peter Pan Cup to the race winner, a tradition that continues today.

This festive event is exclusive to club members, who brave the icy waters at 9 a.m. on December 25th, while spectators gather to cheer them on.

Photo Of The Week?

There is something surreal about the Alexandra Road Estate. I never knew it was in London having only seen the estate in the song “somebody else“ by the 1975.

It is a notable example of Brutalist architecture in London's Camden borough. In 1993, it became the first post-war council housing estate to receive Grade II* listing, recognized as "one of the most distinguished groups of buildings in England since the Second World War."

Events

Standup Comedy Club Leicester Square

Unfiltered, unapologetic London comedy clubs, showcasing award-winning, international comedians. Unbeatable London show and dinner packages, serving up killer stand up comedy, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Thursday onwards, Dec 12 | More info

Neon Life Drawing

Neon Naked Life Drawing offers a unique experience, focusing on the creation of unusual and expressive designs through vibrant living sculptures. The fusion of UV light, reactive body paints, and hand-crafted flamboyant accessories nurtures a creative and immersive atmosphere.
Thursday onwards, Dec 12 | More info

Hampton Court Palace Fair (FREE)

Discover a food lover's winter wonderland at this year's Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre. By popular demand, this much-loved event is back for two glittering weekends. There is no better way to kick off a festive season to remember!
Friday, Dec 13 | More info

Free Bar Drink at Bermondsey Square's Christmas Market

Bring the whole family for an afternoon of festive fun! Expect live music, Gift Market Stalls, Street Food & Bar, Tarot Readings, Arts & Crafts, Face Painting. Attendees can also receive a complimentary drink from the bar by registering for a ticket in advance.
Saturday, Dec 14 | More info

Picadilly Xmas Concert

Enjoy an outstanding musical evening in the run-up to Christmas with a performance of Vivaldi's timeless classic, The Four Seasons, and other much loved works in the spectacular candlelit setting of St James Church Piccadilly.
Saturday, Dec 14 | More info

Pantomime Horse Race (FREE)

The London Pantomime Horse Race is a whimsical annual charity event where participants, dressed in pantomime horse costumes, race through the streets of Greenwich, London. After the race head over to the after-party featuring live music, comedy, and DJs.
Sunday, Dec 15 | More info

A Battersea Christmas

Battersea Power Station transforms into a festive wonderland during the Christmas season, featuring sparkling lights, over 150 Christmas trees, supersized decorations like a 40-foot tree adorned with 1,500 baubles in Malaysia Square.

Visitors can enjoy "Glide," London's only riverside ice rink, Santa's School for Elves, as well as a series of Christmas markets showcasing unique gifts from independent makers.
Various dates | More Info

Cluster Contemporary Jewellery Fair

With over 150 exhibitors, Cluster is a global platform where both emerging and established jewellers showcase the art of material transformation.

Immersive Exhibition: Discover jewellery and installations that push the boundaries of design and material, blending age-old craftsmanship with cutting-edge techniques.
Friday, December 13 · 6pm - December 18 · 5pm | More info

Special Events

Christmas Lates at the Science Museum

Explore the science, technology, mathematics, and engineering that makes Christmas the most wonderful time of year—delving into the science of extreme cold environments, revealing the chemistry of festive food and questioning the physics of exactly how Santa manages to visit so many homes all in one night.
Wednesday, Dec 11 | More Info

Gingerbread Greenwich (FREE)

Can you imagine Greenwich made from Gingerbread?

This festive season, feast your eyes on this sugary cityscape, featuring gingerbread buildings, candy-lined streets, frosted feature, and much more in a mouth-watering metropolis.
Daily, Dec | More Info

Christmas by Candlelight

Join St James’s Singers and brass players for a festive concert and enjoy all the familiar carols of the season.
Sun, 15 Dec | More Info

Christmas Market at Vauxhall Farm (FREE)
There will be choir singers, hot food, mulled wine a’plenty!

While at The Farm, you can visit our Santa’s Grotto, the Winter Light Trail or join one of our fantastic Macramé Wreath Making Workshops.
Saturday, Dec 14 | More info

The friends experience

Step into the heart of everyone’s favourite TV show, at the European flagship of The ​FRIENDS™​ Experience.

​​The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in London promises a taste of New York City, and never-before-seen content including “London, baby!” and FRIENDS™ Station. ​
Various dates | More Info

Family Events

Guidehall Gallery Family Exhibitions (FREE)

A revolving programme of family activities may have you heading into the Roman Amphitheatre and hearing tales of Roman conquests, or creating crafts from the Victorian paintings surrounding you.
Saturday, Dec 14 | More info

Winter Crafts at Southbank

Bring all the family down for craft workshops using recycled and scrap materials to create your own hilarious, homemade crackers.
Saturday, Dec 14 | More info

Make a festive lantern to light up your Christmas holiday.

In this magical workshop delivered by artist Laura X Carlé, create a twinkly Christmas lantern. Once you’ve made your lantern, light it and join other families in a procession through the Museum galleries
Various Dates |More Info