Claire Wong

There’s nothing quite like Christmas in London. From the twinkling lights on Oxford Street to sipping mulled wine at the city’s most festive pub (it’s literally covered in Christmas trees), there are so many quintessential London activities to get you in the festive spirit. Whether you fancy doing some good and volunteering or feel like a bit of wreath-making, London’s got you covered. Read our full guide to Christmas in London right here.

Want to do something to help the homeless but not sure where to start? There are loads of great initiatives in London to help people in need. Ordering baked goods from a bakery that employs people who've experienced homelessness, going to a supper club that helps people in  temporary accommodation and sponsoring a room in a shelter are just some of the ways you can help. Read on for more small things you can do that'll make a big difference to someone in need. Illustrations: Sophie Cunningham

Time Out’s 100 best dishes of 2018 have been revealed. We count down the top seven with the people who created them for the inside scoop on how they make the dish one of the best in the city. Expect vibrant salads, heaps of spice, loads of texture and... brains.

…according to Hugh Smith, 27. The St James’s Park pelicans are surprisingly self-sufficient ‘I’m the senior wildlife officer of all the Royal Parks in central London, which includes feeding and looking after the exotic and non-native birds in St James’s Park. Historically, my role would have been the “birdman”, and I’d have lived in the park at Duck Island Cottage. The pelicans were originally a gift to King James and have been around since the 1600s. They’re actually quite capable of feeding themselves under the right conditions, despite being born and bred in captivity.’ Being surrounded by nature in the city can feel surreal ‘One of the best bits about my job is being in the middle of the largest city in western Europe, yet surrounded by more than 1,000 acres of green space. It’s always such a thrill when I stumble across really unusual or cryptic creatures: I could be less than 200 metres from 10 Downing Street and see a woodcock fly off! Just recently we saw two kingfishers inhabiting the lake, which is spectacular. It says something about the quality of the habitat.’ There are some quietly amazing people who care a lot about wildlife… ‘We get a lot of returning visitors, who mostly remain anonymous. We had a blogger who dedicated pretty much all his spare time to writing about the wildlife in Hyde Park. Occasionally they do approach you and you realise there are exceptional people out there who really care about nature.’ …but we’ve still got a long way to go ‘It does

Ever needed a fresh start – to broaden your horizons, open new doors, begin a new chapter… but didn’t feel like straying too far from home? It seems Stanfords, the travel bookshop in Covent Garden, shares the same sentiment: after more than a century on Long Acre, and facing a hike in its rent, it’s just relocated to a new site around the corner. The much-loved emporium claims to stock the world’s largest selection of maps, globes and travel books. Captain Scott, Florence Nightingale and the British Army have been customers; it has even helped out James Bond and Sherlock Holmes. Now it has officially opened its new digs at 7 Mercer Walk, complete with updated versions of its famous map-print floors and excellent café. We’ll miss the old shop, but it’s great to have a new spot for hours of wanderlust-inducing guidebook-browsing. Your 2019 travel goals start here. Take a peek at the new Stanfords:  Love London? Sign up here to get Time Out tips in your inbox every week.

Put your money away! Here are the week’s best free events Napapijri x Pxssy Palace Party Catch performances by grime artist Karnage Kills and sip free drinks all night at Pxssy Palace’s takeover at the Napapijri store. The London-based collective is all about inclusive clubbing and ‘celebrates womxn, queer, trans, intersex and femmes of colour’. Book tickets online and get ready to party. Napapijri. Shoreditch High St Overground. Thu Dec 20.   Festive film screenings Veg out in front of the big screen at Lost Rivers’ showings of seasonal films. Catch ‘Cool Runnings’ at 8pm this Wednesday – there will be free Jamaican cake and rum cocktails too. Lost Rivers. Tube: Elephant & Castle. Tue Dec 18-Wed Dec 19. Mother Clucker giveaway See off your Christmas party hangovers at the pop-up Open Gate Brewery taproom. From 6pm this Thursday, chicken connoisseurs Mother Clucker will be there handing out fried chicken. Cluck yeah! Old Truman Brewery. Shoreditch High St Overground. Thu Dec 20, 6pm-7pm. Other Side Fried burgers The folks from fried chicken faves Other Side Fried are opening a takeaway spot in Soho. To celebrate, there are 200 free buffalo burgers up for grabs. Flock to it. Other Side Fried. Tube: Leicester Square. Fri Dec 21, noon. Find more free things to do in London

Ever wondered about the people who put Time Out London magazine in your hands every Tuesday? We hit the streets to interview one of the hard-working Time Out distributors. Name Nicholas Brennan Age 45 Find him at Arsenal Nominated by Emma H and Becky S Hi, Nicholas! What’s it like handing out Time Out?‘Arsenal is a lovely station to work at. I build a rapport with my regulars. I think it’s an important part of my job to have that interaction with people: to try and brighten their day. I want to promote positivity, and I see myself as an actor – the street is my stage and I’ve got three hours to win over my audience!’ Know a Time Out distributor who always makes you smile? Fill in the form below and let us know: Loading...

If the prospect of watching a movie in 3D fails to excite the senses, you’re not alone. This year saw a rise in increasingly immersive cinema experiences, where audiences can (almost) literally be catapulted into the action. We’re not talking people in costumes handing out popcorn here. Maverick venues have been busy working behind the scenes to transform what it means to see a film. The wildest example? Cineworld’s ‘4DX’ seats in Leicester Square, Enfield and Wandsworth, which use technology similar to that in Universal’s theme parks. They buck like broncos! Elsewhere, you can be blasted by gusts of howling winds and caught in tropical rain showers. We coined ‘seatbelt cinema’ to describe these movie experiences earlier this year, and we suggest buckling up as we head into 2019. There’s more action on the way.  Read our full list of ways London changed in 2018

London gained a load of new places to hang out in 2019, here we run through a few of the biggest new launches  1. Boxpark Wembley (above) After success in Shoreditch and Croydon, shopping and eating destination Boxpark’s headed to Wembley. The new addition is brimming with foodie faves like Ugly Dumpling and Hola Guacamole. Yum! Olympic Way. Wembley Park. 2. Coal Drops Yard View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marcus Fairs (@marcusfairs) on Dec 15, 2018 at 8:57am PST Looking for a new social haunt? Featuring an eclectic mix of stores, bars and restaurants, King’s Cross’s former Victorian coal depot-turned-trendy shopping district (hello, Cos!) should fit the bill. Stable St. King’s Cross. 3. Dabbers Social Bingo View this post on Instagram A post shared by Martha de Lacey (@marthadelacey) on Nov 28, 2018 at 9:09pm PST The East End venue is reinventing the classic game with interactive game show elements, drag, cocktails and craft beer. 18-22 Houndsditch. Aldgate. 4. World Gallery at the Horniman   View this post on Instagram A post shared by vitry (@vitry0511) on Dec 16, 2018 at 8:16am PST With a focus on sharing the stories from cultures and countries from around the globe, the eclectic World Gallery at the Horniman Museum exhibits dedicated areas for different regions of the planet. It’s a gap year in a museum. 100 London Rd. Forest Hill Overground. 5. V&A Photography Centre Will Price   London’s fanciest mu

Put your money away! Here are the week’s best free events Sub Cult’s ’90s-themed party Slide back in time at Sub Cult’s ’90s-themed shindig with DJs spinning old-school hits, archive rave photos and free sarnies. There are 350 ’90s-inspired subs up for grabs including the Piggy Smalls with slow-cooked pork shoulder and the halloumi-based Cypress Grill. Book tickets online and dig out those cargo pants. Boxpark Shoreditch. Shoreditch High St Overground. Wed Dec 12. Jumper for Joy Make Do and Mend is hosting a festive jumper-themed workshop at Christmas by the River. Bring along an old jumper and they’ll help you give it a new lease of life with some festive sparkle. Book a ticket online and be prepared to get covered in glitter. London Bridge City Pier. Tube: London Bridge. Fri Dec 14. Konditor & Cook mince pies Want to score a tasty mince pie and do some good? Don your most festive jumper, snap a pic, share it on social media and tag Konditor & Cook. Then pop into one of its six stores  to claim your prize. The bakery will donate £1 to Save the Children too. Sweet! Various locations. Fri Dec 14. Santa Bike Ride Get on yer bike and join the merry hoard of St Nicks on two wheels at IBikeLondon’s festive ride. Cyclists of all levels are welcome and you can expect disco bikes blasting festive bangers to keep you cheery. Santa suits and luscious facial hair are optional. BFI Southbank. Tube: Waterloo. Sat Dec 15, 2pm-7pm. Hot dog giveaway Need a break from Christmas shopping? Harv

If you’ve had enough of thundering fireworks and gaudy Christmas lights over the past month, this gentle celebration of light might be a welcome respite. Make like the Swedes and join the Saint Lucia’s Day festivities. In Scandinavia, the day is a big deal. Known as Sankta Lucia, it takes the form of a candlelit procession on December 13 to the Santa Lucia song. View this post on Instagram York is now #advent and #christmas ready. From #services to #markets to #icerinks...there's not much you can't do in #York! ❄🔔🌲🎄 - #yorkchristmas #visityork #placestovisit #thingstodo #ChristmasMarket #noel #fesitive #ice #snow #winter #family #sale #yorkminster #Minster A post shared by YorkMinstagram (@york_minster_official) on Nov 23, 2018 at 4:06am PST Afterwards, there are more festive melodies with glowing singers clad all in white, one sporting a distinctive crown of real, flickering candles (which looks like the most festive health-and-safety issue ever). The festival is based on the martyrdom of St Lucy, a young Sicilian who was executed in the fourth century. Nowadays she is a symbol of light during the long, dark winter. You glow, girl! View this post on Instagram A post shared by London Nordic Choir (@london.nordic.choir) on Dec 1, 2018 at 7:03am PST London has a few (mainly sold out) Santa Lucia services this year, but it’s worth heading out of the city for atmospheric evenings like these. The huge, gothic York Minster is play

If you’re partial to the odd doodle and occasional notebook masterpiece every now and again, prepare to be inspired at the annual Hastings Illustration Festival (HiFest), which is returning for its fifth year this weekend.  View this post on Instagram One of the (many) brilliant photographs taken last year by @edpavez - thank you Ed!❤️ -------------------------------------------- Don’t forget to see our website for WHO is exhibiting on WHICH day as it’s a different line up on both Saturday and Sunday. See you soon! 👋 A post shared by Hi-Store / HiFest (@hifestuk) on Dec 1, 2017 at 1:14am PST There will be exhibitions, stalls, screenings, talks and Q&As from a panel of over 50 illustration pros including Ben Newman, Grace Helmer, Laura Callaghan andNina Cosford. They’ll cover subjects such as journalling, daily drawing projects, travel and female illustrators.   View this post on Instagram HiFest programmes have arrived! Do you like our new little fun size this year? Easy to slip in your pocket! Pick one up from around town or on the door this weekend 💙 - #hifest #hifestuk #hastings #programme #illustration #festival A post shared by Hi-Store / HiFest (@hifestuk) on Nov 27, 2018 at 1:58am PST Whilst you’re there, catch some arty animation screenings, get your portrait drawn and then get stuck in on a range of crafty workshops and interactive events. You’re sure to leave feeling more than capable of goin

Put your money away! Here are the week’s best free events Maître Choux giveaway Get ready to say merci beaucoup to fancy French pâtisserie Maître Choux. To celebrate the launch of its shiny new branch in Chelsea, it has 200 éclairs up for grabs on Friday and Saturday (100 each day). The choux specalist is known for its seriously pretty pastries – and these bad garçons are (almost) too good to eat. 59 King’s Rd. Tube: Sloane Square. Fri Nov 30-Sat Dec 1, from 11am. LGSC’s birthday London Girls Surf Club is throwing a party to celebrate its first birthday. Join them for free beer and tequila, get your hair done at the braid bar and snap some surf-themed pics in the photo booth.  Email rsvp@londongirlsurfclub.com  to reserve a spot. 52 Mintern St. Tube: Old St. Thu Nov 29. Free burgers Give boring bean patties a swerve at new vegan fast food joint Halo Burger. It’s giving away 100 buns stuffed with Beyond Burger’s ‘bleeding’ (it’s beetroot juice, don’t worry) plant-based patties topped with cheese and a tangy signature sauce. Pop Brixton. Tube: Brixton. Wed Nov 28, noon-10pm. Curated by Nimmo Kick off your weekend with an evening of live  music curated by London electro duo Nimmo. Featuring  electro poppers Ider, LGBT+ party collective Sink The Pink, choreographer Holly Blakey and more, it’s set to be an ace night. Snap up a ticket online. House of Vans. Tube: Waterloo. Fri Nov 30, 8pm-1am. Pay with a problem Got something on your mind? Online counselling app Spill is offering f

Planning to join the hordes of shoppers in the annual festive frenzy in town? It’ll all kick off this Black Friday… when an estimated 63,000 tonnes of single-use plastic will be dumped into our oceans as the UK spends over £5 billion in the shops. To try and reduce that amount even a tad, Sky Ocean Rescue and Project Zero are launching a one-day plastic amnesty at a pop-up store in Soho, where shoppers will be able to dispose of excess plastic packaging to be recycled. (The campaign previously toured a ten-metre whale made out of single-use plastic packaging around the UK.) If you’re shopping in central London this Friday, you can ditch your plastic bags, cable ties, cellophane wrapping, bubble wrap and other single-use plastic nonsense at 20 Beak Street. You'll need to bring proof of purchase, so make sure you keep those receipts. While you’re there, you can also discover some Christmas presents that won’t end up in the ocean: the #PassOnPlastic Reusable Range of bags, wraps, bottles and cups, with all proceeds going to environmental charities including WWF and Project Zero. The first 400 people to visit the shop and dump their plastic will bag a free set of sustainably-produced beeswax wraps designed by Kate Moss, Sienna Miller or Fearne Cotton. But more importantly, you’ll be helping to keep the planet clean and tidy. Neat! The Sky Ocean Rescue x Project Zero #PassOnPlastic pop-up store opens at 20 Beak St, W1F 9RE, from 10am on Friday November 23. Sign up here to get the

  Put your money away! Here are the week’s best free events ‘Cats on the Page’ Cats have captured our cultural imagination for centuries – way before they were the stars of many excellent videos and memes. This British Library exhibition celebrates all things feline with moggy-inspired literary artwork, rare books and manuscripts. See illustrations by much-loved artists including Judith Kerr, Quentin Blake and Axel Scheffler. Purr-fect! The British Library. Tube: King’s Cross. Fri Nov 23-Mar 17 2019. Thanksgiving at Porky’s BBQ Jim Beam has teamed up with Porky’s BBQ to host a Thanksgiving feast of smoked turkey, bourbon brownies and more. RSVP to thanksgiving@hopeandglorypr.com And thank us later. Porky’s BBQ Bankside. Tube: London Bridge. Thu Nov 22-Fri Nov 23. Free pastries French bakery Paul is starting the festive gluttony early by handing out free mince pie croissants. Look out for its branded car in the City, Spitalfields, Covent Garden and South Kensington. Sweet! Various locations. Tue Nov 20. Carnaval Construction Spend the day weaving, collaging and crafting parts of the Latin American Carnaval float for London’s New Year’s Day Parade. Pick up new skills and learn about the region’s cultural heritage. Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre. Tube: Elephant & Castle. Sat Nov 24. Espresso martini masterclass Try being a boozy barista at Black Sheep Coffee’s cocktail masterclass. Watch the pros do their thing and then get hands-on. You’ll definitely leave buzzing. Black She