What we're reading
- Photos of 1970s London (and some photos which are definitely not London).
- 50 metre painting of the journey from London to Hong Kong goes on sale.
- Spotted this motorbike around London?
Things to do
RAPUNZEL: Hoxton Hall's 2018 pantomime Rapunzel debuts today, telling the story of the young girl with flowing tresses, locked away in a tower by an evil witch (just in case you've been on a different planet for your entire life). Expect plenty of audience participation, lively songs, and jokes for adults as well as kids. Hoxton Hall, from £12.50, book ahead, 13-30 December
KINDERTRANSPORT: Take a tour of Jewish Museum's current Kindertransport exhibition, led by its curator Dr Kathrin Pieren, and hear some of the stories behind the exhibits. Jewish Museum (Camden), free, book ahead, 3pm-3.30pm
ENCHANTED ELTHAM: A light maze, a talking tree and dancing, illuminated fountains are all part of Enchanted Eltham, a light trail through the gardens and around the moat of the art deco palace. Finish your walk by toasting marshmallows over a fire pit, or having a go on the funfair rides. Eltham Palace, £12/£7.50, book ahead, 4.30pm-9pm 13-16 December/20-22 December
TASTER SESSIONS: Fancy learning a new skill in 2019? Decide whether it'll be calligraphy or chair yoga, beatboxing or laser cutting, at City Lit's taster days. Take sample classes and workshops of some of the courses on offer at a reduced rate, and take a tour of the building and facilities. City Lit (Covent Garden), £5-£10, book ahead for individual sessions, 5pm-8pm (and tomorrow 1pm-6pm)
DICKENS AFTER DARK: Explore the Charles Dickens Museum — set in the house where he once lived — after dark, have a tipple or two at the candlelit bar, and see scenes from A Christmas Carol acted out right in front of you. Dickens Museum (Bloomsbury), £18/£10, book ahead, from 6pm
CAROL CONCERT: As carol concert venues go, Westminster Cathedral is an impressive one. A line-up of celebrities will do festive readings, and music comes courtesy of the English Ensemble Brass Band. Westminster Cathedral, £15, book ahead, 7pm-8pm
PLANT-BASED DINING: A plant-based diet is no reason to miss out on a festive feast; smoked Brussels sprouts, brandy-steamed stuffed dumplings and molten gingerbread are all on the menu at this three-course supperclub feast. Sixty:2 (Shoreditch), £35, book ahead, 7pm-10pm
LOVE ACTUALLY: This film is worth watching just to see Hugh Grant dancing on the stairs of 10 Downing Street — the rest is a festive, soppy, star-studded bonus (Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Rowan Atkinson, Martine McCutcheon, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson and Colin Firth are just a few of the famous faces to look out for). Well, eight is a lot of legs, David. Hackney Showroom, £20, book ahead, 7.30pm
DOCTOR DEE: Learn all about polymath, alchemist, bibliophile and genius Doctor Dee and his precious book, with South East London Folklore Society. No idea what we're on about? Find out more here. The Old King's Head (Borough Market), £5, book ahead, 7.30pm
A CAUSLEY CHRISTMAS: Folk singer Jim Causley's Christmas show is a little bit different to your regular carols. He serenades the audience with lesser-known West Country carols, medieval and secular carols from around the British Isles, Christmas poems by his relative, the late Cornish poet Charles Causley, and even a spot of panto. Makes a change from Jingle Bells. Kings Place (King's Cross), £14.50, book ahead, 8pm
SOUL OF CHRISTMAS: Best-known for live jazz, Hideaway switches to soul tonight. Singers Lily Dior and Kevin Leo, accompanied by a full live band, perform soulful and funky Christmas tunes for a lively festive night out. Hideaway (Streatham), £15, book ahead, 8.30pm
Good cause of the day
Tonight's family-friendly carol concert at Holy Trinity Sloane Square raises money for charity World Child Cancer. Expect music from professional harpist, Les Magee, festive carols and orchestral music from Knightsbridge School and Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School. More information and tickets here.
