The best things to do this weekend in London

The first London location of the esteemed Middle Eastern favourite, Somewhere Café, is situated on the fourth floor of the Harrods department store. Inside its chic and inviting setting, guests can savour a selection of premium mezze and globally inspired dishes, including Wagyu bao buns and French coffee baklava. The establishment also boasts an outdoor terrace for al fresco dining.

“The Nutcracker” is a timeless seasonal favourite, and the Birmingham Royal Ballet's production is an exceptionally memorable one. Join Clara's toys on a journey through a mesmerising winter wonderland to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy in this enchanting ballet, running for a very limited time at the Royal Albert Hall.

A family-friendly extravaganza combining live heavy metal and high-flying wrestling action, Christmas Slaycation features masked luchadores, comedy, and dance, alongside Slay Duggee's heavy metal renditions of kids' favourites like “Baby Shark” and “Bluey”. With an inclusive atmosphere, it promises a thrilling afternoon for all ages to rock, laugh, and cheer.

Craft 'n' Chill offers monthly afternoon sessions combining creativity and mindfulness through surprise activities like painting, origami, and embroidery, perfect for ages 16+ seeking a calming break. Led by Colour Therapist Momtaz Begum-Hossain, these workshops require no prior experience, with all materials provided and a pay-what-you-can admission model. They take place every last Sunday of the month.

The world's biggest club rugby event, Big Game 16, returns this Saturday, offering an unforgettable day of sports and entertainment. The double-header features the Harlequins Women aiming to set a record-breaking 20,000-strong crowd against Leicester Tigers, followed by the men's teams reigniting their fierce rivalry. Adding to the festivities, Rudimental will perform a pre-match show, while the West Fan Village will offer food, drinks, and family-friendly fun, making it the perfect festive outing.

No one will fault you if you grab some downtime before what is traditionally the biggest night of the year. The last weekend of the year offers an excellent opportunity to get some rest in preparation for New Year's Eve, as well as get in some last-minute planning if needed. Figure out where to go to see out 2024 with the help of our NYE guides.

The Gingerbread City showcases intricate biscuit creations of buildings and structures crafted by architects and civil engineers, all based on this year's theme, "Recycled City." This stunning display is constructed at the Gaumont in Chelsea this year and comprises an entire city built from gingerbread, candy and frosting with moving parts. Don't miss the Hornby train weaving between the sugary skyscrapers. 

Lightroom's immersive exhibition “Vogue: Inventing the Runway” offers a front-row seat to the evolution of fashion runway shows using cutting-edge projection technology and archival footage. Narrated by Cate Blanchett, the show explores the journey from early 1900s couture salons to today's grand fashion spectacles, featuring iconic designers like Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, and Christian Dior.

This one requires a bit of a journey as it's located on the outskirts of London, not far from Wimbledon. However, the trip is definitely worth it. The area is filled with charming wooden cabins adorned with beautiful Christmas decorations, offering a range of handmade gifts. You'll also find stalls serving hot mulled wine and festive snacks to get you into the holiday spirit.

108 Brasserie's Jazz Brunch offers a luxurious mix of fine dining, live jazz, and a glass of Charles Heidsieck Champagne. On every last Saturday of the month, guests can enjoy a lavish antipasti buffet, sumptuous mains like slow-braised short rib ragu or roast porchetta, and an indulgent dessert bar with unlimited returns. Set in stylish Marylebone, this elegant brunch combines exceptional food with vibrant jazz performances for a memorable experience.

This holiday season, Woolwich Works in Greenwich offers a whimsical treat with a charming edible cityscape featuring gingerbread structures, sugary streets, and icing-covered details that bring a magical atmosphere to life. The enchanting Gingerbread Greenwich has been meticulously crafted by local schools, blending sugar, spice, and endless imagination. Best of all, it's free to visit during Woolwich Works' opening hours.

The Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize, now in its 17th year, celebrates rising talent in contemporary photography and is open to both amateurs and professionals. This year's exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery features a diverse range of portraits, alongside works by Diana Markosian, the In Focus Photographer, and a new piece by last year's winner, Serena Brown.

Artist Stephen Wright's House of Dreams in East Dulwich is a vibrant, ever-evolving personal art museum filled with discarded and unloved objects from around the world. Open on select Saturdays, including this coming one, visitors can book timed 90-minute slots to explore the quirky collection, which includes contributions from guests.

By mid-November, most neighbourhoods around London have put up their Christmas ornaments and switched on the lights, suffusing the city in a twinkling glow. Get in on the action early and tour the various festive displays with the help of our guide to where to see Christmas lights in London, avoiding the peak crowds of the holiday season and taking advantage of the milder weather.

The “AdWomen” exhibition at the Museum of Brands, in collaboration with the History of Advertising Trust, explores a century of women's roles in advertising. Drawing from the Robert Opie collection and brand archives, it highlights how ads have influenced and mirrored societal shifts. It's inspired by Channel 4's “Mad Women” and features iconic ads from the 1920s to today, celebrating pioneering women in the industry.

“The World of Tim Burton” offers fans of director Tim Burton a chance to explore his unique gothic fantasy worlds through items from his personal archives, including sketchbooks, storyboards, photography, and paintings. Showcasing both iconic works and lesser-known projects, the exhibit celebrates the distinctive style that made Burton a beloved filmmaker worldwide.

Step into the future of wildlife at the Natural History Museum's new mixed-reality exhibition, "Visions of Nature". They use cutting-edge tech to take visitors to explore eight ecosystems and discover how animals and habitats might evolve over the next century, showing the impact of human intervention and scientific innovation.

An immersive exhibition dedicated to the beloved US sitcom "Friends" is coming to London this summer as part of the new Immerse LDN entertainment district. Fans can explore recreated sets, including the iconic Central Perk couch and Joey and Chandler's foosball table, reliving memorable moments from the show. Photo opportunities abound throughout.

Open on Sundays only, the Crystal Palace Museum explores the history of the architectural masterpiece that gave its name to the entire area. Three times the size of St Paul's Cathedral, the Crystal Palace was originally built to house the Great Exhibition, later relocated, and finally destroyed in a fire in 1936. You can see original bits and pieces at the museum, as well as photographs, scaled models, and other exhibits exploring the building's fascinating past.

The annual Sculpture in the City has returned for its 13th edition, transforming the urban landscape of the Square Mile into a free, accessible gallery featuring 17 artworks by 15 contemporary artists. Spread across the area between Liverpool Street, Aldgate, and Fenchurch Street, the exhibition runs until Spring 2025 and is accompanied by workshops, talks, and other events. You can download a map of the trail and learn more about the artworks on their website.

You've probably noticed, but just in case your address for the past couple of years has been “1 Under a Rock Rd” – Barbie has made a major comeback on the back of Greta Gerwig's blockbuster film. The iconic doll is celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2024 and is the star of a major new exhibition at London's Design Museum, exploring her evolution from 1959 to the present. The exhibition offers the chance to see rare and unique items from the Barbie archive in California, thanks to a partnership with Mattel.

Launching at the V&A on Saturday 22 June, “NAOMI: In Fashion” explores the career of Naomi Campbell, showcasing items from her wardrobe alongside designer archives and V&A exhibits. The exhibition, produced in collaboration with Campbell, covers her journey from being scouted as a teenager to her supermodel years, relationships with designers, global fame, and impact on fashion, and is slated to be one of the year's unmissable events.

“Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” a prequel to the popular Netflix series, is making waves in London's West End as a major theatrical hit. The play, unfolding the backstory of the series' villain Henry Creel, is co-directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin, and has been praised for capturing the essence of “Stranger Things” as well as putting on an astounding visual feast.

Head on a Greek journey to the island of Skopelos for an unforgettable evening of dining and dancing at this Mamma Mia-inspired event. As the sun sets, discover yourself at Nikos' family-run taverna, feasting on a tasty four-course Greek meal, including dishes like Greek mezze, salad, confit lamb shoulder, and slow-cooked beef with garlic-roasted potatoes. A live band will play iconic ABBA tracks throughout the night, ensuring the dance floor stays lively with their best hits. 

Our event calendar highlights the top things to do in London.