London events in December

The Jungle Book is the National Theatre’s ‘Big Christmas Show’. A lavish, family-friendly adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s India-set story cycle, it’s adapted by Indian playwright Anupama Chandrasekhar (of the excellent The Father and the Assassin fame), and emphatically not a stage version of the beloved Disney film. Specifically, we know that the action is being relocated to the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans in the country’s east. But one would imagine Chandrasekhar’s spin will be distinctly postcolonial, and while Disney’s plot was cobbled together from selected bits of Kipling’s collection of stories, the playwright may opt for others.

Even if you think Christmas is a load of consumerist claptrap, you can’t deny that London looks a whole lot better when it’s hung with strings of glistening lights. And London is never in short supply of some thoroughly excellent festive light displays. From the classic angels that beam over Regent’s Street to the snazzy, themed displays over Carnaby Street, a trip to one of these gleaming streets will flutter the heart of even the most Scrooge-like of souls. 

Swiss writer Christian Kracht’s acclaimed autofiction novel about a mother and son (named Christian) who head out on a road-trip through the Alps in an effort to give away the family fortune (and escape a shameful legacy). In this new adaptation from Irish writer Colin Teevan – directed by Walter Meierjohann – big names Ben Whishaw and Kathryn Turner star as the roadtripping duo.

Sir Ian McKellen returns to the stage to lend his star power to the reopening season of the Yard Theatre in Hackney Wick. Not just for a show or two either. Lear is a new adaptation of King Lear, but also – it seems – McKellen’s life and thoughts, by playwright Simon Stephens, Yard boss Jay Miller, with contributions (naturally) from McKellen himself. What is all this going to look like? Hard to say exactly but it’s probably going to be very cool indeed and sell out more or less instantly and it’ll star Ian McKellen – you’d be not in your perfect mind to miss out. 

At time of writing the show was not on sale and precise dates and times were TBC.

Markets, eh? They’re pretty nice to wander around at nearly every time of year. But, at Christmas? Well, that’s when London’s markets really come into their own. Every year the capital fills with the kind of markets that host fairy-light-lined stalls, festive street-food sellers and community tombolas, with a playlist of Christmas songs on loop in the background. In fact, whether you’re looking for tasty treats, traditional decorations and cutting-edge arts and crafts or are just shopping for a last-minute present, the capital’s selection of Yuletide stalls are here to help. 

David Nicholls’ tearjerker novel, revisiting the couple Dex and Em on July 15 every year for 20 years, starting from the first night they spend together, has already been made into a film and a TV series, and now here comes the musical. Written by playwright David Greig with songs by Abner and Amanda Ramirez, One Day: The Musical debuted in Edinburgh earlier this year at the Lyceum Theatre – which Greig used to run – and while there was some controversy about reviews not being permitted (to keep powder dry for a potential London transfer) word of mouth was good and it extended its run by a couple of weeks. Now the London transfer is here, and Edinburgh leads – and West End theatre heavyweights – Jamie Muscato and Sharon Rose are back onboard as Dex and Em for this run. Max Webster – Life of Pi, the NT’s Importance of Being Earnest – directs.

It’s been a great year for fans of Aardman Animations – the beloved studio’s 50th – and it just keeps getting better. Following the Young V&A’s blockbuster Inside Aardman exhibition and ahead of new film Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, the latest immersive film from the Lightroom in King’s Cross is Larger Than Life, an immersive documentary that tells the story of the studio from its Morph-era roots to the cuddly cultural supremacy that began with the first Wallace & Gromit film. We’re promised ‘never-before-seen archival content and bespoke new animation’ for the 50-minute journey through the highs and highs of Britain’s best loved animation studio.

Though the days when he directed a production of Measure for Measure in which the set entirely consisted of sex dolls are probably in the past (more’s the pity) Joe Hill-Gibbins is one of British theatre’s most consistently entertaining leftfield directors and it’ll be fascinating to see what he does with Shakespeare’s all-time classic Julius Caesar in the 26/27 indoor winter season. We know nothing about the production beyond its director, but that’s really enough to make it worth booking if you enjoy left-of-centre takes on the classics.

It wouldn't be Christmas in London without Somerset House's famous rink serving up festive prettiness, brews, and edgy Skate Lates. But it's not the only skating spot in town. This year, rinks are popping up all over the city: head to Battersea Power Station for industrial chic or try Alexandra Palace for stellar views over the city. Here's our pick of the very best.

An evening of proper Christmas carols is an absolute must if you’re interested in getting entirely wrapped up in unalloyed festive cheer. Check out our comprehensive round-up of the jolliest and most moving services in the capital. Indoors and outdoors, cathedrals, churches and secular spaces, we’ll be adding to it constantly, as more events are announced.