It’s that time of year again. No sooner have we thrown our pumpkins on the compost heap and swept away the remains of soggy sparklers, London has suddenly had a glitzy makeover and is covered with Christmas lights, ice rinks and chalet-lined markets.
If you’re the kind of person who wants to eke out as much Christmas cheer as possible, get yourself down to Covent Garden, which is turning on its dazzling festive lights this week and has a whole load of new decorations this year too. This week also marks the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, adding even more sparkle to the city.
Otherwise, there are plenty of other cultural treats on offer in the city. Hear walking basslines and plenty of improv at the EFG London Jazz Festival. Listen to authors and great London thinkers at Tottenham’s literature festival. See messy beautiful landscapes of the English countryside at the William Morris Gallery’s latest exhibition. Or, watch ‘Clyde’s’, Lynn Nottage’s radiant sort-of-sequel to her brilliant play ‘Sweat’.
Still got gaps in your diary? Embrace the beginning of the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness at London’s best parks and green spaces or by treating yourself to a perfect autumnal day out in the city. If you’ve still got some gaps in your week, check out London’s best bars and restaurants, or take in one of these lesser-known London attractions.
RECOMMENDED: listen and, most importantly, subscribe to Time Out’s brand new, weekly podcast ‘Love Thy Neighbourhood’ and hear famous Londoners show our editor Joe Mackertich around their favourite bits of London.
