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It’s an unavoidable fact of the festive season: the closer we get to Christmas Day, the emptier our wallets get. On top of all the Christmas shopping that we’re obliged to do, it’s hard to say no to all the cosy pub gatherings, mulled wine-fuelled dinner parties and spenny festive activities that arise this time of year.
So, give your bank account a break for one weekend. No, that doesn’t mean sitting around and doing nothing – London has a sparkling assortment of Christmassy (and non-Christmassy) things to see and do over the next three days that won’t cost you a single penny. Besides the things that are free year-round (city farms, museums, galleries, etc) and the the city’s many free festive displays, there’s loads of one-off events worth checking out.
From a seriously silly horse race in Greenwich to an Irish oyster fest in Walthamstow to a wholesome gardening gathering in Clapton, here’s Time Out’s guide to the some of the wonderful things you can do for free this weekend.
The best free things on in London this weekend
1. Cheer on the contenders in the London Pantomime Horse Race
In scenes only slightly less dramatic and probably far more entertaining than the Grand National, more than 40 pantomime horses will gallop through Greenwich dodging bizarre obstacles, stopping at the local pubs for ‘refuelling’ breaks and generally horsing around, all while raising money for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital. This year’s theme is ‘Rockstars’ meaning you can expect horsey acts including Beatles tribute The Fab Foals, Liam & Noel Gallopher and Amy Winehorse. Expect plenty of other entertainment throughout the day, including an opening procession on King William Walk, and an after-party with live music, comedy and DJs. There may even be a celebrity appearance or two.
Greenwich Park, SE3 7QD. Sunday December 14, 1pm. Free to watch.
2. Wander around loads of great indie Christmas markets
Whether you’re on a mission to grab the last of your Christmas gifts or just want to amble around soaking up cosy festive vibes, London’s independent Christmas markets have you covered. In central this weekend, you’ve got the oh-so-classy Monocle Christmas Market (the only London fair with real life reindeer); out west there’s the Hawk’s Nest Christmas Market and in the north there’s the Turning Earth Winter Ceramics Market. East of the city, there’s the Urban Makers Market, Third Man Xmas Fair with DJs and vinyls from a range of independent labels, Oslo Xmas Market and the market at Next Door Records Two with workshops, flash tattoos, records, food and more.
Various venues. Fri December 12-Sunday December 14. Free entry.
3. Get shucking at 40ft Brewery’s Irish oyster fest
This day-long shuck-fest is a big fat ode to Irish oysters. With premium molluscs supplied by Rock Oysters, head to the bar to throw ’em back fresh or guzzle down hot ones straight from the barbecue. There’ll also be tank-fresh pints supplied by 40ft Brewery and live Irish music from 6pm. While entry is free, you will have to part with some cash for the food and booze. Happy hour deals have been promised, though!
40ft Brewery Blackhorse, 10 Lockwood Way, E17 5RB. Saturday December 13, 12pm-8pm. Free entry.
4. Embark on the ultimate Christmas pub crawl with Tour de Sarnie
Christmas was made for being merry, and what better way to get into the jolity of the season than a big ol’ pub crawl. Food blogger Tour de Sarnie will lead the expedition, stopping at some of the best-loved pubs and top-notch food spots in the city. Attendees will start off by lining their stomach with a Christmas sando from Rogue Sarnies before heading to the Dundee Arms, Salmon & Ball, The Shakespeare, The Old George, Star of Bethnal Green, The Marquis of Cornwallis, The King’s Arms, Well and Bucket and the Owl and Pussycat. There’ll be refuelling at Bad Boy Pizza and then a Beigel Bake to look forward to, for those hard-core enough to make it to the end. Along the way, there’ll be food giveaways and plenty of good vibes. Christmas jumpers are encouraged. Entry is free, but be sure to book tickets in advance.
Various venues. Saturday December 13 from 1pm. Free entry.
The best Christmas markets in London, according to Time Out.
5. Pick up free beer at the La Fontana di Peroni pop-up
You read that right – free beer. Italian lager brand Peroni Nastro Azzurro is setting up a grand Italian Renaissance-style fountain that’ll spout not water but lager for four days. Head to the Observation Point on the South Bank to secure your free half straight from La Fontana, while stocks last. We advise rocking up as early as you can, they’re guaranteed to fly.
South Bank, SE1 9PP. Until December 14, 12pm-8pm. Free.
6. Give London’s green spaces some TLC with the Tree Musketeers
Spend your Saturday getting down and dirty with Hackney’s Tree Musketeers in a wholesome plantathon. The group will be in Millfields Park planting trees, mulching the woodland, enriching the soil and create perfect little spaces for insects to thrive. They’ll supply all the necessary equipment, but if you’ve already got gardening gloves bring them along. Volunteers are also encouraged to take a thermos filled with their hot bev of choice.
Millfields Park, Chatsworth Rd, E5 0AR. Saturday December 13, 10am. Free.
Make the most of the end of the year with our roundup of the best things to do in December and plan for 2026 with our guide to the best things to do in January.
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