Carol concerts, Northern Lights and sustainable markets: Five events to enjoy in London this weekend

We’re in the final stretch before Christmas and if you’ve managed to finish your shopping there are plenty of fun activities in the capital.

Many Londoners have been left concerned about Omicron, however there are still plenty of safe ways to have fun in the city, with outdoor events, masks and Covid passes being required at venues.

For those of you still keen to venture out, here are five events happening in London this weekend, December 17 to 19, we think you should check out.

The Curated Christmas Market

Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, E16 QR December 18 & 19 Entry Free

This weekend, the London Artisan’s Christmas fair is back for the sixth year running – one of London’s top Christmas markets for sustainable gifting and handmade crafts.

There will be more than 50 stalls to browse from selling a unique selection of jewellery, ceramics, glassware, textiles, homewares, illustration, and beauty products.

Meet the makers and be inspired by the creative industry with this special shopping experience.

The newest Everyman Cinema

Everyman Borough Yards, 3 Dirty Lane, SE1 9PA Adult tickets from £15.90

Head to Everyman’s latest London venue in Borough Yards, right in the heart of London Bridge.

Enjoy House of Gucci or Stephen Spielberg’s West Side Story in the comfort of a plush sofa.

There’s also a full bar serving beers, wine and cocktails and a food menu that can be delivered directly to your seat.

Borealis

Guildhall Yard, EC2V 5AE Till December 22 Entry Free

Marvel at artist Dan Acher’s version of the Aurora Borealis which will light up the skies this weekend.

Archer uses a mixture of coloured lights and swirling smoke to recreate this wonder-inducing natural phenomenon.

Advance tickets are booked out online but there will be walk-up spaces available each day for spontaneous Northern lights fans.

Omid Djalili

Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7EZ December 18 Tickets £48 to £73

For those of you looking for a laugh, British-Iranian comedian Omid Djalili is performing at the Apollo on Saturday night.

Well-loved for his legendary stand-up shows, Omid’s performances are famed for their piercing wit - with routines that range from the provocative to the silly.

Omid’s stand-up is always highly energetic, incredibly passionate and above all supremely entertaining.

Carols by Candlelight

Barbican Centre December 18 to January 1 Tickets £16.50 to £44.50

Classical music impresario Raymond Gubbay is once again presenting a handpicked selection of music at the Barbican for the festive season, starting this Saturday and running until New Year’s Day.

There’ll be two major concerts across the opening weekend, the first being a Christmas Carol Singalong conducted by Jonathan Cohen.

On Sunday there’ll be a candlelit concert staged in full 18th Century costume and featuring seasonal classics from Handel and Bach alongside all your favourite carols.