Liv Leftwich

There’s a whole load of cool stuff happening across the world in 2026, but if you’re after some outstanding art to add to your bucket list for the year, Time Out has you covered. We’ve called on our international network of editors and writers, and dug around the ‘upcoming’ sections of galleries across the planet, to curate our very own list of all the art and culture worth travelling for in 2026. From retrospectives of greats like Raphael and Matisse to city-wide biennales and beautifully crafted fashion retrospectives, read on for all the very best exhibitions taking place across the planet in 2026. RECOMMENDED:🎪 The world’s best music festivals for 2026🛍️ The coolest streets in the world🏘️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🌍 The best new things to do in the world in 2026 Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.

There’s no denying that January is the most miserable month of the year. But if you’re not shy of singing and want to inject some positive vibes into the dark, cold days of early 2026, then this ancient tradition might be for you. The word ‘wassail’ has pagan roots and basically translates to ‘good health’. Historically, it involves blessing apple orchards and trees. But Londoners have been embracing this winter custom more and more in recent years, particularly in Walthamstow, where this longstanding celebration combines singing, drinking, chanting and all-around merriment.  Head to Walthamstow Cricket Tennis and Squash Club for a friendly singing workshop – the bar will be open if you need a bit of liquid courage – and then join the walk from Wood Street to Orford Road, stopping off at different venues along the way – all in the spirit of celebrating the New Year in song. And if the British weather holds out, they’ll even be a bonfire in a secret wood afterwards. 

Blame it on the criminally forgotten 2001 movie Barbie in the Nutcracker, but ever since childhood, I’m absolutely convinced that sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers are an integral part of Christmas.  More famous as a ballet, the classic tale comes with nostalgia, magic, and best of all – a superb score from Tchaikovsky. If you’re not a ballet lover, don’t fret: aside from Barbie‘s stab at it there have been numerous non-dance interpretations, most pertinently this one from Olivier-winning theatre company, Little Bulb. Directed by Alexander Scott, this playful production aimed at children ages five to 12 was originally seen at the Polka Theatre, and has now transferred to St Martin’s Theatre for the season.  Pantomime meets puppet show in a bright and bold spectacle that is full of life and laughter. There are plenty of Christmas bangers to sing along to – plus the Tchaikovsky score playing in the background – and above all there’s an abundance of enthusiasm from the brilliant cast.  Sam Wilde’s set design is quirky and inventive. Cardboard boxes are transformed into creative moving parts such as a Christmas tree, a car and much more – all highlighted by Joshua Pharo’s clever use of lighting. Dramatic colour variations change the atmosphere at pivotal moments in the performance; from moody blues to ominous reds at the arrival of the dreaded Mouse King (played by Clare Beresford). The entire production has a DIY feel to it, which feels fresh, successfully capturing the imagin

If colourful bath bombs are your go-to stocking filler, you’ll love this festive shopping pop-up from eco-friendly and cruelty-free cosmetics brand Lush. Parking up outside Battersea Power Station this weekend, the Cosy Cup van will be giving away testers of its seasonal Yog Nog and Posh Chocolate shower gels, as well as offering Christmas shoppers a free cup of hot chocolate. Just download the Lush app or buy something from the van’s curated edit of good-enough-to-eat smellies – think Crème Brulée candles, sticky date body spray and cardamom coffee perfume – to claim your cosy cup of cocoa on the house. Get ready for full-on festive sensory overload. 

Quando se pensa em Londres, verde não é, provavelmente, a primeira coisa que vem à cabeça. Afinal, mais de 270 arranha-céus foram construídos na cidade na última década e outros 600 estão já planeados. E, no entanto, a capital do Reino Unido garantiu um lugar entre as cidades mais sustentáveis do mundo. De acordo com um novo Green City Index da Reinders Corporation, uma empresa de soluções climáticas, Londres ocupa o 10.º lugar a nível global em matéria de sustentabilidade, com uma pontuação respeitável de 66,85. Na verdade, segundo alguns especialistas, a cidade é quase uma floresta – sabia que mais de um quinto de Londres é composto por árvores? O estudo analisou em profundidade cidades de todo o mundo com base em seis pilares ecológicos essenciais: a qualidade dos espaços verdes, o uso de energias renováveis, a qualidade do ar, os transportes públicos, a facilidade de circulação em bicicleta e a implementação de taxas turísticas. Cada categoria foi ponderada de acordo com o seu impacto relativo na sustentabilidade do destino, sendo depois combinada numa pontuação final, o Green City Score. Em suma: isto não se resume a ter alguns parques agradáveis – trata-se de avaliar quão bem uma cidade funciona tanto para as pessoas como para o planeta. Basicamente, quanto mais elevada for a pontuação, melhor é o ambiente urbano. Photograph: Shutterstock No entanto, foi uma cidade canadiana que liderou o ranking, com Vancouver a conquistar o primeiro lugar, alcançando uma pontuação d

Think of London, and greenery probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. After all, more than 270 skyscrapers have been built in the city over the past decade, and 600 more are lined up.  And yet, the UK capital has landed itself a spot among the world’s most sustainable cities. According to a new Green City Index from Reinders Corporation, a climate solutions company, London ranks 10th globally for sustainability, scoring a respectable 66.85. In fact, according to some experts, the city is technically a forest – did you know that more than a fifth of London is trees?  The study did a deep dive into cities around the world using six eco essentials: the quality of green spaces, renewable energy usage, air quality, public transport, bike-friendliness, and the implementation of tourist taxes. Each category was weighted based on its relative impact on a destination’s sustainability, before being combined into a final Green City Score. RECOMMENDED: The world’s 20 best cities for green space and nature  In short: this isn’t just about a few nice parks, it’s about how well a city functions for both people and the planet. Basically, the higher the score, the better the environment.  London’s public transport was praised with a score of 64.5/100 and with cycling rising by 12.7 percent in the past year, it’s not surprising that ‘bikeability’ was rated 49.7/100.   Photograph: Shutterstock But a Canadian city toppped the ranks, with Vancouver taking the number one spot with a

Cuando termina la Navidad, se instala por completo la tristeza invernal. Días cortos, noches largas y falta de vitamina D solo pueden significar una cosa: es hora de reservar tu próxima escapada para 2026. Tenemos un montón de guías para ayudarte a planificar tus viajes del próximo año, pero si necesitas aún más inspiración, los exploradores de confianza de BBC Travel han recorrido el planeta para elegir los 20 mejores destinos de vacaciones para visitar el año que viene. En la lista de la BBC hay destinos de todo el mundo; desde Uluru, en Australia, donde los viajeros pronto podrán embarcarse en una expedición a pie de cinco días a través de dunas y llanuras de spinifex hasta ahora inexploradas; hasta Osa, en Costa Rica, que Time Out consideró a principios de este año como el destino más infravalorado del mundo. Foto: Shutterstock/Uluru El país centroamericano es un paraíso de fauna exótica, con más de medio millón de especies, y la BBC lo ha descrito como “una rara convergencia de naturaleza salvaje y bienestar”. Además, se lanzarán nuevos vuelos domésticos desde San José hacia este rincón remoto del país, donde se encuentra el Parque Nacional Corcovado. Estados Unidos también está en la lista. La costa de Oregón se ha ganado un lugar en la guía de viajes 2026 de la BBC por sus paisajes impactantes, la observación de ballenas y sus faros, y Filadelfia ha recibido una mención especial por sus eventos deportivos y las celebraciones de su 250.º aniversario. Foto: Shuttersto

Quan s'acaba Nadal, s’instal·la de ple la tristesa hivernal. Dies curts, nits llargues i manca de vitamina D només poden significar una cosa: és hora de reservar la teva pròxima escapada per al 2026. Tenim un munt de guies per ajudar-te a planificar els teus viatges de l’any vinent, però si necessites encara més inspiració, els exploradors de confiança de BBC Travel han recorregut el planeta per triar les 20 millors destinacions de vacances per visitar l’any vinent. A la llista de la BBC hi ha destinacions d'arreu del món; des d'Uluru, a Austràlia, on els viatgers aviat podran embarcar-se en una expedició a peu de cinc dies a través de dunes i planes de pinífer fins ara inexplorades; fins a Osa, a Costa Rica, que Time Out va considerar a principis d’aquest any el destí més infravalorat del món. Foto: Shutterstock/Uluru El país centreamericà és un paradís de fauna exòtica, amb més de mig milió d’espècies, i que la BBC ha descrit com "una rara convergència de natura salvatge i benestar”. A més, s’iniciaran nous vols interiors des de San José cap a aquest racó remot del país, on hi ha el Parc Nacional Corcovado. Els Estats Units també són a la llista. La costa d’Oregon s’ha guanyat un lloc a la guia de viatges 2026 de la BBC pels seus paisatges impactants, l’observació de balenes i els fars, i  Filadèlfia ha rebut una menció especial pels seus esdeveniments esportius i les celebracions del seu 250è aniversari. Foto: Shutterstock/Oregon Altres destinacions destacades són Samb

Assim que o Natal passa, a melancolia do Inverno instala-se a sério. Dias curtos, noites longas e falta de vitamina D só podem significar uma coisa – está na altura de marcar a próxima viagem. Não faltam guias para ajudar a planear as viagens de 2026, desde uma selecção de novas e emocionantes viagens de comboio com início no novo ano até ao nosso calendário anual das melhores novidades para fazer pelo mundo fora. Mas, se ainda precisa de mais inspiração, os exploradores de confiança da BBC Travel viajaram pelos quatro cantos do globo para escolher os 20 melhores destinos de férias a visitar no próximo ano. Alguns favoritos bem conhecidos surgem na lista da BBC, incluindo Abu Dhabi, que a Time Out destacou como uma aposta certeira para uma escapadinha urbana cheia de cultura em 2026. O emirado conta com várias novas aberturas, como o Museu Nacional Zayed e o ainda por inaugurar Guggenheim.  Photograph: Zayed National Museum Noutro ponto da lista da BBC Travel está Uluru, na Austrália, onde os viajantes poderão em breve embarcar numa expedição pedestre de cinco dias por dunas e planícies de spinifex, até agora inexploradas. O guia destaca também a Península de Osa, na Costa Rica, que a Time Out nomeou como o destino mais subvalorizado do mundo no início deste ano. O país da América Central é um refúgio de vida selvagem exótica, albergando mais de meio milhão de espécies. Descrita pela BBC como uma “rara convergência entre natureza selvagem e bem-estar”, aqui pode esperar aco

Hornsey Town Hall is one of north London’s most storied venues. Over the years the Crouch End venue has hosted the likes of Queen, Electric Light Orchestra and Dexys Midnight Runners. Yes, that’s right, ‘Come on Eileen’ really did echo through the halls of this iconic assembly hall, which was designed by New Zealand architect Reginald Uren in 1935 and is one of the earliest examples of British modernism.  Nearly a century after it first opened, in recent years Hornsey Town Hall has been in need of some TLC – and thanks to a £29 million deal from the Far East Consortium (FEC) in 2017, the venue has received just that.  After closing for a major refurb all the way back in 2019, on December 6 the venue finally reopened its doors to the public. And it’s good news for culture vultures. The Grade II-listed landmark has been transformed into a full-blown arts centre. Think live music, theatre, comedy, cinema, food, drink and festivals – all under one very stylish roof. Photography: Make Architects   So, what’s on at Hornsey Town Hall? While no official schedules have been released yet, organisers promise a year-round calendar packed with everything from world-class theatre to concerts and dance shows. There’ll also be a specially curated cinema programme showcasing contemporary and classic films from around the globe, plus live-streamed ballet and opera.  If the arts aren’t your thing and you’re a firm foodie instead, worry not – HTH has stuff for you too. The revamped building w

This December a host of excellent new restaurants opened up across the city, from the Dover Street Counter in Mayfair to Passione Vino wine bar in Clerkenwell. We’re truly spoiled for choice this festive season, but before we get too wrapped up in decadent Christmas dinners and mulled wine binges, let’s say our goodbyes to the London restaurants that have shut up shop for good over the past few months. Here are the 11 we’re going to miss most.  London restaurants that closed in autumn 2025 Anton Rodriguez 1. Saltine  This neighbourhood offering in Highbury was known for grab-and-go bites by day and small seasonal plates by night, as well as great wine. Opened by the founders of north London cafe chain Fink’s, the beloved bistro is shutting after just two years. The owners said: ‘The climate for small restaurants is a tough one – and though we would love for the Saltine story to be a longer one, this was not our time.’ It shut in December.   Photograph: Joe Mackertich 2. FKABAM  After 10 years, this cult classic, previously known as Black Axe Mangal, has sort of closed its doors. But if this heavy metal grillhouse, famous for its flatbreads and fusion flavours, was your Islington go-to, don’t fret. Owner Lee Tiernan has said: ‘This is a pause, not a stop. For now, I want to focus my creative energy towards a ‘pop up’ within my own restaurant space.’  Photo: Andrew Livingstone 3. Sesta  Sesta opened on Hackney’s Wilton Way in September 2024, and quickly made its way onto

Once Christmas is out of the way, the winter blues well and truly settle in. Short days, long nights and a lack of vitamin D can only mean one thing – it’s time to book your next getaway for 2026.  We’ve got plenty of guides to help you plan your travels next year, from a roundup of exciting new train journeys launching in 2026 to our annual calendar of the best new things to do in the world. But if you’re in need of even more inspo, the trusted explorers at BBC Travel have travelled far and wide to pick the top 20 holiday destinations to visit next year.  Some familiar favourites appear on the BBC’s list, including Abu Dhabi, which Time Out spotlighted as a go-to for a culture-packed city break next year. The emirate boasts a slew of new openings, like the Zayed National Museum and the soon-to-open Guggenheim.  Photograph: Zayed National Museum Elsewhere on BBC Travel’s list is Uluru in Australia, where travellers can soon embark on a five-day walking expedition through previously unexplored dunes and spinifex plains.  The guide also spotlights Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, which Time Out named the world’s most underrated destination earlier this year. The Central American country is a haven of exotic wildlife, home to more than half a million species. Described by the BBC as a ‘rare convergence of wilderness and wellness’, expect to wake up to the sound of howler monkeys and an accompanying symphony of tropical birds. New domestic flights are launching from San Jose to this

Calling all animal-loving Londoners! Soon you’ll be able to spot more than just pigeons, seagulls and the odd rat in the capital, as a new rewilding project is bringing back two rare animal species to the city. The project is called Rewilding East London, and it’s taking place in Eastbrookend Country Park in Dagenham. After going extinct as breeding birds in the 1400s due to overhunting and habitat loss, white storks are coming back to the capital – but that isn’t all. The Mayor of London-backed scheme will also reintroduce beavers to the area. White storks are distinguished by their lanky legs, monochrome feathers and large stature (standing up to 1.5m tall). The birds’ return to the capital will be quite the occasion – and not just for bird-nerds. While white storks are native to the British Isles, up until now they have mostly been breeding across central and southern Europe.  Beavers aren’t so unheard of in London. The creatures, famed for building dams and lodges all with their teeth, already feature at Paradise Fields in Ealing, which is the UK’s only publicly accessible urban beaver site.  Photography: Nick Upton Cornwall Wildlife Trust The goal of Rewilding East London is to boost biodiversity and improve access to nature and green spaces in Dagenham. But how will these animals be looked after in the capital? Well, as well as restoring wetland habitats, the project will boast a purpose-built aviary – or in layman's terms, a ‘bird house’ – for the storks (and hopeful

When you think of Islington, quirky theatres, diverse dining, fancy boutique shops and a vibrant arts scene likely come to mind. A new opening in the borough sounds like it will fit right in: Holloway Road is getting a new neighbourhood record shop. Named One Eighty One, the venue will serve coffee and craft beer as well as vinyl records – an ideal combo for music lovers seeking extra refreshment. By day it will be a chilled record shop and café, and by night it will transform into a vibey venue for collectors, artists and local residents. The venue sits about midway between two stations: Holloway Road (on the Piccadilly line) and Highbury and Islington (on the Victoria, Windrush and Mildmay lines). One Eighty One is the first permanent venue from Rod ‘Spin Doctor’ Gilmore, a long-standing London promoter. He said of the opening: ‘Islington has a rich musical heritage, and I am excited to now be the next part of that in the area I’ve called home my entire life.  ‘With quality on all fronts, whether that is drink, records, food or DJs, this will be an unpretentious friendly hangout spot for all of London.’  For over 30 years, Gilmore’s parties, club nights and live events have helped shape London’s music scene, spanning everything from warehouse sessions in Shoreditch to The Royal Albert Hall. His shop will deliver a diverse selection of records both old and new, across plenty of genres. Photography: One Eighty One The official opening is Friday December 12. There’ll be DJs

Alexandra Palace and darts go hand in hand. The north London darting destination is practically a Christmas staple: every December, fans come together for the PDC World Darts Championships, which dates back to 1963 but has been held at Ally Pally since 2007.  And now it’s been confirmed that the PDC tournament is staying in north London. A five-year deal has officially been agreed at the ‘Palace of the People’, meaning Ally Pally will host the World Darts Championship until at least 2031.  The tournament welcomed 125,000 fans in its 2025 edition, with 18-year-old Luke Littler winning his first world title. It’s also become something of a global phenomenon, with people travelling from all over the world to attend the event and don their best festive fancy dress.  Matt Porter, PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) chief executive said: ‘The venue has become synonymous with the World Darts Championship. ‘Ally Pally at Christmas is the identity of the tournament – its atmosphere is unmatched anywhere in sport.’  According to Porter, demand for tickets for the championship has never been higher. If you’ve never managed to get your hands on ’em, we have good news: from 2026, even more fans will be able to attend. The event is moving from the West Hall into the venue’s Great Hall, which will increase the total tournament capacity to 180,000. Lucy Fenner, Commercial Director at Alexandra Palace said: ‘We’re delighted so many fans will have the opportunity to experience an electric atm