Our round-up of festive shows covers the traditional – pantomimes (oh yes we did), the Christmassy (a couple of Dickens) and the shows that happen to be going on in December, which is good enough for us.
STAGE
Hackney Empire
Dick Whittington and His Cat – firm favourite Clive Rowe appears in a story that has the Windrush Empire at its heart.
Until 5 January, various times, from £10, details
Theatre Royal Stratford East
Dick Whittington – will Dick defeat the villainous rodent who’s taken control of the city?
Until 11 January, various times, from £10, details
Wilton’s Music Hall
Christmas Carol: A Fairytale – Scrooge’s sister Fan receives three ghosts in a twist to the classic story.
Until 4 January, 7.30pm (2.30pm mats), from £20, details
Barbican
Three Shakespeare plays – Measure For Measure, As You Like It and The Taming of the Shrew from the RSC.
Until January 18, various dates and times, from £10, details
Greenwich Theatre
A Christmas Carol – John O’Connor recreates Charles Dickens’ famous performance of the author’s ghost story.
9-23 December, 7.30pm (mats 2.30pm), £17, details
Tim Key at the Arcola
Arcola Theatre
Tim Key: Chrimbo Bimbo – poems have all been dug back out of trusty Christmas chest. Classic Christmas Fayre.
12-20 December, 9.30pm, from £15, details
The O2
Jack Whitehall: Stood Up – the comedian makes scabrous observations. Critically panned but always popular.
15 December, doors 6.30pm, from £25, details
The O2
Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic – Join a cast of more than 50 Disney characters old (Mickey Mouse) and new (the cast of Frozen) as they sing 30 unforgettable songs.
26 Dec – 5 Jan, various times, from £33, details
MUSIC
The O2
Jingle Bell Ball – A-list headliners including Stormzy, Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Sam Smith etc account for the sell-out..
7-8 December, 6pm, returns only, details
The O2
An Evening With Michael Buble – the master crooner brings festive cheer.
9-10 December, doors 6.30pm, from £83, details
The O2
Pete Tong Presents Ibiza Classics – with guests Beverley Knight, Becky Hill, Robert Owens and Maxi Jazz.
13-14 December, doors 6.30pm, from £42, details
The O2
Rod Stewart – after showing off his monster model railway, the singer is back to what he does (second) best.
17-20 December, doors 6.30pm, from £65, details
SPORT
Copper Box Arena
Basketball: London Lions v Glasgow Rocks – the Lions are looking to defend their trophy after winning the league last season.
8 December, 4pm, from £9,90, details
ART & ARCHITECTURE
Canary Wharf
Art, Architecture and Old Flo – a guided tour around Canary Wharf with architectural photographer Grant Smith
7 December, 11am-1pm, FREE, details
EXHIBITIONS
Museum of London Docklands
The Clash: London Calling – behind the scenes on the making of the ground-breaking London Calling album on its 40th anniversary.
Until April, 10am-6pm, FREE, details
