What's on in London this week: 4 - 10 December 2023
Discover our pick of events in London this week: 4 – 10 December 2023.
Cabaret: The Kit Kat Club at Selfridges
Selfridges is hosting a one-of-a-kind experience from The Kit Kat Club. Envisioned by Cabaret's designer, Tom Scutt, this collaboration showcased at Selfridges' fourth-floor Lounge brings the award-winning theatre production to life. It features live performances by the show's dancers alongside champagne cocktails by Moët & Chandon. Open for the next five weeks, reservations are available for both counter and table service.
Date: 29 November - 31 December 2023. Location: The Selfridges Lounge on 4, enter via the Kit Kat Lift on G, 400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB. Price: from £72. Book now.
Cabaret: The Kit Kat Club at Selfridges London
The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House
The Nutcracker's back at the Royal Opera House this week! Experience Clara's enchanting journey, set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score and beautifully choreographed by Peter Wright. You'll be surrounded by gorgeous period designs by Julia Trevelyan Oman, and The Royal Ballet's exquisite dance will bring this whole magical experience to life.
Date: 6 December 2023 – 13 January 2024. Location: Royal Opera House Bow St, London WC2E 9DD. Price: £5- £160. Book now.
Edward Scissorhands Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures
Matthew Bourne's dance production, Edward Scissorhands, retells the magical story of an extraordinary boy thrust into an ordinary town. Premiered in 2005, this performance, inspired by Tim Burton's classic film, weaves a bittersweet narrative. Set to the hauntingly beautiful music of Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, Bourne's New Adventures Company portrays the tale of Edward, a boy with scissors for hands, left unfinished and alone after his inventor's passing. Invited into a suburban family's life, Edward grapples to find acceptance in a community that struggles to see beyond his unconventional appearance to discover the gentleness and innocence within.
Date: 5 December 2023 – 20 January 2024. Location: Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Ave, London EC1R 4TN. Price: £15. Book now.
December Supper Club at Bureau Restaurant
Chefs Sean and Matt at Bureau Restaurant are hosting a festive supper club this week, featuring a tasty array of seasonal dishes designed for sharing. Delight in Juniper & Black Pepper Venison, Whole Roasted Creedy Carver Duck, and more, complemented by meticulously crafted drink pairings.
Date: 8 December 2023 Time: 6pm – 9pm. Location: Bureau Restaurant, Building C3, 13 Soames Walk, SE10 0AX. Price: £70 per person for a three-course menu with drinks pairing.Book now.
Chefs Sean and Matt at Bureau Restaurant are hosting a festive supper club. Image: @bureau.club
London Symphony Orchestra/Gianandrea Noseda
The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) celebrates Prokofiev's Symphonies and Brahms's Second Piano Concerto, conducted by Principal Guest Conductor Gianandrea Noseda. Prokofiev's Fourth Symphony reflects his tumultuous history, while Brahms's concerto showcases his artistic peak.
Date: 10 December 2023. Time: 7pm. Location: Hall, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Price: £18 - £70 plus booking fee. Book now.
Discover classical music to experience this autumn at the Southbank Centre and the Barbican Centre.
Sky high Christmas carols at the London 02
Get into the Christmas spirit at the top of London's O2 Arena with live carol singers from the Vocal Dimension Chorus serenading you against a backdrop of panoramic city views. This special festive climb, part of the Up at The O2 experience, will be available this week only at select times. Alongside the carol singers, indulge in hot chocolate and capture memorable photos. It’s the ideal event if you're looking to try something different in the city while embracing the Christmas cheer!
Date: 9 – 10 December 2023. Time: 4.45pm, 5.15pm, 5.30pm, 5.45pm, 6.30pm, 6.45pm, 7.15pm or 7.30pm.Location: The 02 Arena, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX. Price: £41pp. Book now.
The view up at the 02. © MTotoe.
Accidentally Wes Anderson Exhibition
The Accidentally Wes Anderson Exhibition will open in West London this week, offering an immersive experience showcasing the best photos from the Instagram sensation. Inspired by vibrant, symmetrical scenes reminiscent of Wes Anderson's films like Grand Budapest Hotel and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, the exhibition invites visitors to step inside these kaleidoscopic images. Featuring pastel-hued hotels, retro train carriages, and striking symmetry, discover the real-life stories behind these locations and capture your own Anderson-esque photos!
Date: from 8 December 2023. Location: 81-85 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, SW7 3LD. Price: from £10.99/ £6.99 adult/children. Book now.
Christmas Dinner and Jazz with Julian Joseph
Join celebrated pianist and composer Julian Joseph for an exclusive evening of music, fine dining, and conversation. Indulge in a three-course dinner in the Elgar Room before Joseph's intimate live jazz performance at 8pm. With three entry times (6:15pm, 6:30pm, or 6:45pm) and desserts served during the interval, enjoy a night curated by a British jazz icon.
Date: 10 December 2023. Location: Royal Albert Hall, Elgar Room, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP. Price: £150. Book now.
An Audience with Dolly Alderton returns to the Barbican this week.
An Audience with Dolly Alderton
Dolly Alderton returns to the Barbican this week by popular demand, celebrating her new novel, Good Material. Known for her hit memoir turned BBC series and beloved agony aunt column, Alderton shares witty insights on love, heartbreak, and more. Join her and special guests for an intimate evening of relatable musings and sharp observations on 4 December at this special release event for her latest book.
Date: 4 December 2023. Location: Barbican Hall, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Book now.
Wineyard London
This week, Wineyard is back at East London's Round Chapel in Clapton, offering a festive blend of sipping and shopping. Discover top wine importers and producers presenting mulled wine, craft beverages, and tasty dishes from local cafes. WSET wine educator Sam Povey leads engaging talks on ideal Christmas wine pairings and exploring diverse wine varieties. Tickets include a branded tote bag, a stylish GoVino glass, and tasting tokens to try before you buy!
Date: 10 December 2023. Time: 1pm - 6pm. Location: Round Chapel, 1D Glenarm Road London E5 0LY. Price: from £19.67. Book now.
Wineyard returns to the Round Chapel, Clapton this week.
Christmas in London
December means a plethora of festive activities in the city. Here's a delightful reminder of all the fun and festive things you can enjoy:
Christmas Actually
Presented by Senbla and Roast Productions in partnership with Comic Relief Christmas Actually is a delightful Christmas variety show curated by Richard Curtis and directed by Daniel Raggett. This festive show captures the spirit of Christmas through a star-studded lineup of live music, heartwarming stories, poetry, and comedy.
Date: 7 – 11 December 2023. Location: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Price: £25.50 – £124.50. Book now.
Southbank Centre's Winter Market © Pete Woodhead.
Christmas markets
London's Christmas markets are in full swing, offering a delightful blend of shopping and festive experiences. From mulled wine and mince pies to fairground rides and Santa's grotto, these markets have it all.
Click here for our guide to 14 must-visit Christmas markets in London this holiday season.
Christmas carols and concerts
London's holiday season is filled with a variety of Christmas carols and concerts, from traditional sing-alongs to unique themed events. Whether you prefer the grandeur of St. Paul's Cathedral, charitable fundraisers, or pet-friendly services, there are events to suit everyone.
Click here for our guide to help you find the right Christmas music experiences across the city.
Queen’s House Ice Skating. © MTotoe.
Ice skating
London has several ice rinks ready to help you make the festive period fun. From the Queen’s House, the iconic rink at Somerset House, and Hampton Court Palace, plus the return of Glide at Battersea Power Station.
Click here for more places to ice skate in London this week.
Carnaby Christmas Lights 2023. © MTotoe.
Festive displays
There is no shortage of festive lights to see in London right now, from the dazzling displays along Regent Street, Oxford Street, New Bond Street, to Marylebone. There are plenty of places to soak in the holiday glow. Don't forget to catch the iconic Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lighting up the city from 7 December 2023.
Wreath making workshops
Few things capture the charm of Christmas like elegant wreaths on doorways. Delve into the world of festive creativity as numerous florists in the city offer engaging wreath-making sessions.
Click here to discover the best wreath making workshops and masterclasses happening in London this month.
Festive wreath making workshops return to the city.
Christmas pop-ups
London is buzzing with an array of pop-ups this month, from charming Christmas bars filled with nostalgia to immersive culinary adventures and snug, festive igloos.
Click here for our pick of 14 must-visit pop-ups to discover in the city this winter.
Christmas at Kew
Christmas at Kew is back and better than ever. Enjoy the beauty of stunning light displays and new additions like illuminated flowers and a record-setting light tunnel. Plus, there are plenty of places to eat and keep yourself warm with mulled wine and hot chocolate along the route.
Date: 15 November 2023 – 7 January 2024. Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond TW9 3AE. Price: from Adult: from £22.50, Family: from £69, Child 4 – 16: from £15, Under 4s free. Book now.
Palm House light show at the 10th Christmas at Kew. © Raymond Gubbay Ltd, Richard Haughton.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is back for its 15th edition! Glide across the UK's largest outdoor Ice Rink, discover the new Magical Ice Kingdom, and soak up the 80s apres-ski atmosphere at Bar Ice. Enjoy Zippos Christmas Circus, Cirque Berserk shows, and take in the view from the towering Giant Wheel. Experience the excitement of the Real Ice Slide and explore six new attractions, including the world's largest transportable Starflyer. There's so much to explore!
Date: 18 November 2023 - 1 January 2024 Time: 10am – 10pm (open every day except closed on Christmas Day. Location: Hyde Park. Book now.
Winter Wonderland returns to Hyde Park until 1 January 2024.
Christmas at Kenwood House
Christmas at Kenwood returns with a new 2023 light trail, featuring 13 fresh installations and a unique festive experience. Produced by Kilimanjaro Live and English Heritage, this revamped event offers vibrant colours and picturesque moments!
Date: 1 December 2023 - 1 January 2024. Location: Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane, Hampstead, NW3 7JR. Price: from £25.50/19.25 Adult/child. Book now.
Christmas at Kenwood House is back, until 1 January 2024.
Arts & Culture
Opening this week
Robyn Lynch: Greetings From Ireland
NOW Gallery presents Greetings From Ireland by designer Robyn Lynch as part of its 2023 Fashion Commission. Lynch's avant-garde installations delve into her playful menswear label, celebrating Irish culture and humour. As an International Woolmark Prize finalist, Lynch creatively incorporates Irish symbols to challenge stereotypes, blending retro influences with contemporary styles. Housed in an inflatable structure, the exhibition explores nostalgia, family, and Irish heritage. Visitors can interactively 'try on' Lynch's garments too!
Date: 8 December 2023 – 25 February 2024. Location: NOW Gallery, Soames Walk, London SE10 0SQ. Price: Free. Website: nowgallery.co.uk
Greetings From Ireland by Robyn Lynch opens at the Now Gallery 8 December 2023.
The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks at Lightroom
Tom Hanks narrates The Moonwalkers, an immersive exhibition exploring past and future lunar voyages. Using Lightroom’s advanced technology, the show transforms into a celestial journey. With original NASA footage and interviews, the exhibit showcases Apollo missions and previews Artemis crewed missions to the moon. Accompanied by an original orchestral score by Anne Nikitin.
Date: 6 December 2023 - 21 April 2024. Location: Lightroom, 12 Lewis Cubitt Square, King's Cross, N1C 4DY. Price: from £25. Book now.
The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks at Lightroom. © Justin Sutcliffe.
Shauna Fox presents: Peckham is Beautiful! What?
Shauna Fox's solo art exhibition,unveils a 25 6ft paintings displayed around the main entrance of Peckham Levels. Celebrating the beauty of Peckham, these artworks will feature on the building's walls and the alleyway leading to Peckham Levels for the next twelve months until December 2024, providing a year-long outdoor showcase accessible to the public day and night. The Private View on 7 December features a reception and pop-up shop in Peckham Levels' basement, offering prints and original paintings for purchase, accompanied by a complimentary drink with each purchase. Additionally, Level 5 inside Peckham Levels will host more drinks and street food during the event.
Date:7 December 2023.Time:6.30pm - 8.30pm. Location: 95a Rye Lane, London,SE15 4ST. Book now.
Paul Vanstone. Senator, Portugese marble, 220cmx190xmx43cm, 2022.
Colour and Form: Sculptures, Frescoes, and Drawings
Muirne Kate Dineen and Paul Vanstone collaborate in Colour and Form: Sculptures, Frescoes, and Drawings, a joint exhibition at the Royal Geographical Society. Displaying Dineen's mastery in Araash Fresco, utilising vibrant pigments and marble dust, the showcase immerses viewers in a vivid spectrum of colour, while Vanstone's sculptures capture exquisite form. The exhibition explores their distinct mediums, emphasising Dineen's fascination with vibrant hues and Vanstone's focus on sculptural elegance, offering a journey through raw material transformation.
Date: 7-19 December 2023. Location: The Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AR. Price: Free.
#FLOFavourite: This Week
Drawn on iPad by David Hockney
Artist David Hockney has brought Christmas enchantment to Battersea Power Station with his latest artwork. Named 'Bigger Christmas Trees,' this 10-minute iPad-drawn animation covers the iconic façade, depicting two majestic Christmas trees overlooking the River Thames.
Date: 1 - 25 December 2023. Time: 5pm - 10.30pm. Location: Battersea Power Station,London, SW11 8BJ.
From December 1 until Christmas Day, visitors of London’s Battersea Power Station can see Hockney’s Bigger Christmas Trees, drawn on iPad Pro using Apple Pencil.
Heecheon Kim:Double Poser
Heecheon Kim's debut UK exhibit delves into technology's impact on our perceptions. Blending virtual and physical realms, Kim challenges our reliance on advanced tech. Using GPS and augmented reality, he questions digital space's effect on identity and daily life. The exhibit features a new commission using a game engine, merging computer-generated imagery with video game aesthetics inspired by Hayward Gallery's architecture.
Date: 1 December 2023 – 7 January 2024. Location: HENI Project Space, Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX. Website: southbankcentre.co.uk.
The Song of Psyche: Corners of a Soul's Otherworlds
The Song of Psyche is a unique collaboration between two artists who explore the connection between the physical and the subconscious. Edward Bekkerman condenses forms into symbols, portraying the twists of the human mind, while Nicola Turner's ambiguous figures have a dark, corporeal presence. Together, they create realms where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Turner, known for site-specific interventions, presents new work interacting with the gallery space, while this marks Bekkerman's debut exhibition in the UK.
Date: 25 November 2023 - 12 January 2024. Location: Shtager&Shch, 51-53 Margaret Street, W1W 8SQ. Price: Free. Website: shtager-shch.com.
What Happened by Nicole Eisenman at the Whitechapel Gallery. Photo by MTotoe.
Nicole Eisenman: What Happened
Nicole Eisenman's 'What Happened' showcases 100 artworks spanning her three-decade career, including previously unseen pieces in the UK. The exhibition, divided into eight sections, encompasses paintings, sculptures, prints, animations, and drawings. Exploring socio-political themes such as gender, identity, US politics, activism, and technology's impact on relationships.
Date: 11 October 2023 - 14 January 2024. Location: Whitechapel Gallery, 77-82 Whitechapel High St, London E1 7QX. Price: from £9.50. Concessions available. Book now.
Grace Ndiritu: Labour
Grace Ndiritu's debut at Kate MacGarry spotlights her multidisciplinary art aimed at reshaping our world. Her exhibit, Labour, explores the role of shamanic healing in restoring art's sanctity, featuring film and a performance that connects themes of motherhood, lineage, and collective care. Through 'Protest Carpets' depicting historic protests and interactive experiments, Ndiritu merges the activism of the past with its present relevance.
Date: 3 November – 16 December 2023. Location: Kate Macgarry, 27 Old Nichol St, London E2 7HR. Price: Free. Website: katemacgarry.com.
Women’s Strike by Grace Ndiritu. Grace Ndiritu: Labour Kate MacQuarry Gallery. Photo by MTotoe.
Nikita Gale: BLUR BALLAD
BLUR BALLAD by Nikita Gale at Emalin marks her first solo show, exploring vision through sculpture, installation, and drawing. Delving into the concept of sight, Gale uses materials like prescription lenses to challenge norms and provoke different ways of seeing. Her works capture movement and touch, questioning the impact of entertainment industries and corrective norms on the body. The exhibit culminates in a sound installation merging a vision test with music, highlighting the intimate relationship between technology, vision, and the body. Throughout, Gale scrutinises the complexities of vision and the social pressures affecting the body within various systems.
Date: 22 September – 9 December 2023. Location: Emalin, 1 Holywell Lane, EC2A 3ET. Price: Free. Website: emalin.co.uk.
Lucy Stein: La Muñeca
Lucy Stein's La Muñeca exhibition in London after almost a decade showcases her multifaceted art rooted in psychoanalysis, feminism, and personal experiences. The title, meaning 'doll' and 'wrist' in Spanish, embodies the intricate blend of process and imagery. Stein explores diverse themes—feminine archetypes, historical references like da Vinci's Head of St Anne, and personal connections to a nurse doll representing her grandmother. Her paintings evoke childhood nostalgia with floral motifs while probing societal complexities, merging emotions of guilt, complicity, pleasure, and rage within her compelling artworks.
Date: 23 November 2023 – 20 January 2024. Location: Hales Gallery,Tea Building, 7 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E1 6LA. Price: Free. Website: halesgallery.com.
Lucy Stein: La Muñeca by Lucy Stein at Hales Gallery Shoreditch. Photo by MTotoe.
House of Voltaire presents 'Twenty-Nine' downstairs at Thomas Dane Gallery
House of Voltaire presents Twenty-Nine at Thomas Dane Gallery, featuring unique and limited edition works by 29 renowned artists, including Aaron Angell, Anish Kapoor, and others, alongside beloved Artists’ Blankets. All sales support Studio Voltaire's acclaimed artistic and public programmes. This exhibition continues the House of Voltaire legacy of fundraising, established in 2010 and having raised over £5 million to date.
Date: 29 November – 16 December 2023. Location: Thomas Dane Gallery, 3 Duke Street St James's London SW1Y 6BN. Price: Free. Website: studiovoltaire.org.
Johanna Billing: Each Moment Presents What Happens
Johanna Billing's Each Moment Presents What Happens is a film commissioned by Bristol Grammar School. It follows students exploring John Cage's experimental performance piece, emphasising learning through creativity and collaboration. The film challenges traditional education norms, advocating for artistic freedom and experimentation in learning, crucial in today's evaluation-focused systems.
Date: 11 October 2023 - 14 January 2024. Location: Gallery 2, Location: Whitechapel Gallery, 77-82 Whitechapel High St, London E1 7QX. Price: Free.
Yage Guo: Traces of Swords
Yage Guo's exhibition explores human transformation through interconnected artworks. Inspired by tarot's Sword suite, it embodies themes of intellect and masculinity. The paintings depict an androgynous knight's story, symbolising individualism, romance, and queerness in past, present, and future stages. Yage challenges gender norms, blending ancient armour with Japanese manga aesthetics. The exhibition navigates self-reflection, transition, and personal growth, capturing the emotional spectrum from youth to adulthood.
Date:10 November 2023 –18 January 2024. Location: PM/AM (First Floor), 37 Eastcastle Street, London W1W 8DR. Price: Free. Website: pmam.org.
Cinema
Maestro
The Barbican will showcase an exclusive cinematic biography of American composer Leonard Bernstein, a rare screening that sets it apart as one of the select cinemas globally to feature this enthralling portrayal. Directed by Bradley Cooper, this stirring drama stars Cooper himself alongside Carey Mulligan, delving into the life and trials of Leonard Bernstein. It showcases his career as a composer and conductor, along with his turbulent marriage to stage and screen star Felicia Montealegre Bernstein, played by Mulligan. Maestro, produced by Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Todd Phillips, navigates the second half of the 20th century with humour, beauty, and grace, addressing evolving societal attitudes towards race and sexuality, promising an engaging exploration of Bernstein's life and musical legacy.
Date: until 7 December 2023. Location: Cinema, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Price: £13+ booking fee. Book now.
Maestro 2023 USA dir Bradley Cooper will be on show at the Barbican this week.
Pop-ups & Venues
Save the Children, Story Knits Pop-Up
Story Knits is a special preloved Christmas jumper pop-up by Save the Children, launched in honour of Christmas Jumper Day on 7 December 2023. Each jumper holds a unique story of a child supported by Save the Children. Curated from donations by Beyond Retro, the collection represents 91 children—the number helped by the charity every minute worldwide. You can purchase these heartfelt knits for £30, with every penny going directly toward supporting Save the Children's projects worldwide.
Date: 1- 7 December 2023. Opening hours: 11am – 2pm and 4.30pm – 7.30pm. Location: 5-7 Shorts Garden, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9AZ. Website: christmasjumperday.org.
Save the Children, Story Knits Pop-Up, 5-7 Shorts Gardens, Covent Garden. Until 7 December 2023.
#FLOFavourites: Pick of the Week
FREE EVENT OF THE WEEK
Let it Snow in Covent Garden
Covent Garden is adding an extra sprinkle of Christmas magic this month with daily snowfall on the hour, right next to their iconic Christmas tree. It's a delightful and free way to embrace the festive spirit!
Date: 1 – 31 December 2023. Time: Expect flurries on the hour near the Christmas tree from 12pm-9pm daily. Location: Covent Garden. Price: Free.
Snowfall returns to Covent Garden daily, on the hour from Noon.
Interview of the week
In conversation with Cedar Lewisohn
Cedar Lewisohn is a versatile artist, writer, and curator recognised for his contributions to esteemed institutions such as Tate Britain, Tate Modern, and The British Council. He boasts three published books—Street Art (Tate, 2008), Abstract Graffiti (Marrell, 2011), and The Marduk Prophecy (Slimvolume, 2020)—as well as a collection of edited and self-published works. Notably, he curated the groundbreaking Street Art exhibition at Tate Modern and played a pivotal role in The Museum of London’s Dub London project. In 2020, he assumed the position of Site Design curator for The Southbank Centre.
Click here to read the full interview.
Food of the week
Bottle + Rye
Bottle and Rye. Photo by Billy Bolton.
Nestled in the heart of Brixton Market, Bottle + Rye beckons with French-inspired cuisine and an inviting Parisian café atmosphere. Specialising in natural wines and tantalising small plates, it's the perfect spot for lunch, a laid-back afternoon sip, or an intimate date night. Their concise yet dynamic wine list showcases vibrant, minimal intervention wines crafted by passionate European producers. Currently, they're hosting a kitchen takeover by Rice Paddy until 27 January, offering Northern Thai cuisine bursting with smoky, spicy, and lively flavours. Indulge in grilled meats, zesty dips, and refreshing salads paired with a thoughtfully curated selection of cocktails and wines.
Location: Bottle + Rye,Ground Floor, 404-406 Market Row, London SW9 8LD. Website: bottleandrye.com. Instagram: @bottleandrye.
Cause of the week
ELBA Toy Appeal at Canary Wharf
The ELBA Toy Appeal at Canary Wharf returns for its fourth year, inviting residents, visitors, and workers to spread Christmas joy by donating gifts to local children. The appeal, in collaboration with ELBA and BIG Alliance, aims to collect newly bought presents to wrap and hand-deliver to children in need. The initiative runs until 15 December 2023, with the toy drop-off location at Level -1 Jubilee Place mall. For those unable to visit, online donations via the JustGiving page are available. With many families affected by financial challenges, the appeal addresses the predicted impact of poverty on children during Christmas. The donations are aimed at bring joy to families facing hardships and help them experience a brighter festive season. Click here for gifting guidelines.
Date: Monday 20 November – Friday 15 December 2023. Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 10am - 4pm; Sunday: Closed. Toy Appeal drop off point: Mall Level -1, Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5NY. Website: elba-1.org.uk.
