Because we’re all extra skint this month…
by Jen (follow Jen on Twitter: @JenBarnes207)
In case you hadn’t noticed – it’s definitely winter now. This means you will struggle between two things – wanting to attend all the festive happenings you can to bring some warmth to your soul and also wanting to stay indoors as much as humanly possible. Luckily this month’s list has all the holiday cheer you can handle balanced out with a few exhibitions as well. As always, if nothing on my list tickles your fancy, some of my fellow BrokeinLondoners have some more ideas for you in the Free Entertainment in London section.
#1 | Santacon | 10th December
Santacon ©timeout.com
It isn’t Christmas without loads of people drunkenly roaming the streets dressed as Santa – that’s right – Santacon is back. You know you’re going to the pub anyways, so you might as well do it in style. If you don’t fancy taking part, head to your local boozer to watch everyone else making a fool of themselves.
When: 10th December.
Where: Locations across London – check links above.
#2 | Surrey Docks Farm Christmas Fair | 3rd December
Surrey Docks Farm Christmas Fair ©timeout.com
What could be better than a festive Christmas Market? A festive Christmas Market with FUZZY ANIMALS at Surrey Docks Farm! Apart from the usual Christmas Market fare – there will also be donkey rides, roasted chestnuts, craft-making, Santa’s grotto and all the usual farm animals will be looking for some love. All proceeds go towards the farm so if you still have Xmas shopping to do you can feel good about supporting a local institution.
When: 3rd December, 11am – 4pm.
Where: Surrey Docks Farm, Rotherhithe St, London SE16 5ET.
#3 | The Great Christmas Pudding Race | 3rd December
The Christmas pudding race ©londontown.com
You read that right – there’s a Great Christmas Pudding Race in Covent Garden to raise money for Cancer Research – that might be the most British thing I’ve ever heard! It’s 100% free to be a spectator and the piazza is decorated for the holiday season so you might as well stop by. Rumour has it that the UK’s No 1 Vintage Sister Duo, My Favourite Things, will also be performing!
When: 3rd December, 11am.
Where: Covent Garden Piazza, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD.
#4 | A Peninsula Christmas | 3rd – 22nd December
A Peninsula Christmas ©londontown.com
North Greenwich is quickly establishing itself as a destination for festivals and fun and Christmas is no different. A Peninsula Christmas is their new Christmas shindig brought to you by the team behind Wilderness Festival so you know it will look beautiful. There are free music performances on the weekends, a designer Christmas market and an enchanted forest. After all that, if you need to warm up drinks are available in the Teepee Snug Bar (which sounds pretty great).
When: 3rd – 22nd December.
Where: Gateway Pavilion, Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0SQ.
#5 | East End Independents’ Day | 3rd December
East End Independents’ Day ©timeout.com
Whether you love it or love to hate it, London’s East End has lots of things to be proud of. Join the celebration on the 3rd December for East End Independent’s Day by checking out the Roman Road Christmas Fair or searching for Alice in Wonderland performers at Columbia Road Market. There’s loads going on so check the listings before you head but if you go East you’re sure to run into something interesting!
When: 3rd December.
Where: Various locations around East London.
#6 | Redchurch Street Christmas Market | 1st December – 7th December
Redchurch Street Christmas Party ©timeout.com
If you haven’t had enough holiday cheer yet – head to the Redchurch Street Christmas Market for live music, carol-singing and cocktails. Apart from a great vibe, there will be discounts in shops all week so it’s a good opportunity to grab something beautiful for less!
When: 1st – 7th December.
Where: Redchurch Street, London E2 7DP.
#7 | Game Plan | All Month
Game Plan ©londontown.com
If it’s too cold to venture out, head to the V&A Museum of Childhood instead for Game Plan: Board Games Rediscovered. Rediscover games from your childhood (and your parent’s and grandparent’s childhoods) before finding out your “player style” and testing prototypes of new games. It’s an excuse to re-live your childhood and act like an 8-year old for a day so you might as well take it!
When: All Month.
Where: V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA.
#8 | Anselm Kiefer: Walhalla | All Month
Anselm Kiefer: Walhalla © whitecube.com
Think you know what White Cube looks like? Think again. Artist Anselm Kiefer has turned the entire gallery into what feels like an internment camp in his newest exhibition: Walhalla. There isn’t much of a narrative for the exhibition so your mind is free to come to its own conclusions. If you’re tired of seeing exhibitions of white walls with art on them then this is for you.
When: All Month, Tuesday – Sunday.
Where: White Cube, 144-152 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3TQ.
#9 | Acoustic Sundays Festive Party | 4th December
Acoustic Sundays ©sound advice UK
What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than all cosied up listening to music in De Beauvoir Town. Sound Advice UK is hosting a free Acounstic Sundays Festive Party with a fab lineup of acoustic musicians across a range of genres including jazz-pop fusion, Afro-fusion and more.
When: 4th December, 2:30pm-8pm.
Where: St Peter’s Church, Northchurch Terrace, N1 4DA.
#10 | Making Nature | From 1st December
Making Nature: How We See Animals © wellcomecollection.org
The Wellcome Collection is taking a critical look at our relationship with animas in a new exhibition: Making Nature: How We See Animals. It’s not all cat videos and dancing ponies – human’s relationships with animals has always been complex and we have introduced our idea of hierarchy and classification to the natural world.
When: All month.
Where: Wellcome Collection, 183-193 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE.
