The 6 best free things to do in London this weekend [December 5-7]

Yep, the first mince pies sneaked into supermarkets back in August, to be eaten only by twisted types who don’t see the essential wrongness of consuming dried fruit while wearing shorts. But now it’s finally the first weekend of December, and that means it’s time for even normal, right-thinking people to turn their attention to the wild annual consumerist smorgasbord that is Christmas.

The shops are heaving with trinkets, all begging you to take them home and pop in them someone’s stocking. Pubs and restaurants are tempting you into lavish three-course roasts, where in other, more rational months a simple packet of prawn cocktail crisps would suffice. And they say that in London, you’re never more than six feet away from an opportunity to squander your cash on festive entertainments, be they dangerously tempting ice-rinks or enticingly steamy little pop-up drinking globes. How will you resist? Well, we’re here to help. 

Even in December, London offers a surprising number of things to do that don’t involve making like Santa and showering the city’s businesses with your hard-earned cash. You can gaze upon this city’s gorgeous lights and creative Christmas tree displays without so much as opening your wallet, for example. Or think bigger by going to one of these thoroughly festive but totally free events. Like Father Christmas’s elves, we’re here to help, so read on for inspiration to fill your weekend with joy.

1. Get Christmas decorating inspo at Ho Ho Home Late

Okay, so technically this one’s on Thursday. But if you’re brave and fearless enough to go out on a school night, you’ll be rewarded with an after-hours opportunity to explore Museum of the Home’s wonderfully festive array of rooms through different time periods, all decked out for Christmas. Pick up a hot chocolate or mulled wine, listen to carols, and even try your hand at a seasonal craft or two: perhaps it’ll inspire you to decorate your actual home with homemade paperchains in retro, affordable style.

Museum of the Home, E2 8EA. Thursday December 4. Free. 

2. Watch lanterns illuminate the night skies at Aldgate in Winter

If you’re willing to risk another Thursday outing, you’ll find Aldgate in Winter's big launch party, which features mulled wine, hot chocolate and pastry giveaways (12noon to 2pm), live performances on The Aldgate Stage (12noon-2.30pm and 3.30pm-7pm), and a big Christmas tree switch-on at 5pm. Hang on until Friday instead and you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous lantern parade through the neighbourhood, where local primary school children showcase their glowing creations. There’s also a free trail, so you can see the lanterns lighting up local windows for the next fortnight.

Aldgate Square, EC3N 1AF. Thursday December 4-Friday December 5. Free. 

3. Cycle in festive style at Burgess Park Reindeer Ride

Unfortunately, no actual reindeer will be present at this Christmas event: you’ll have to head a little further north for that. But there’ll still be loads of festive jollity on offer for cyclists of all skill levels. This wintry bike ride through Burgess Park begins at the Giraffe House before taking in a 10-mile route through local green spaces. Kids are welcome, and there'll be a half-hour break in the middle to catch your breath. So dig out a pair of antlers and get ready to bring a little nordic magic to south London, whether or not the weather obliges with a little snow.

Burgess Park, SE5 0RJ. Saturday December 6. Free.

4. Hop aboard a Christmassy double-decker on Regent Street

Back in 1954, Regent Street was the very first road in London to put up Christmas lights. Nowadays, this gorgeously curved shopping thoroughfare is still a hotspot for anyone looking to enjoy London’s skies at their very most festive. And this Saturday, there’s an added incentive. The whole street will be pedestrianised from 2pm-9pm, and there’ll be loads of fun free stuff to enjoy. Three bright red double-decker buses will welcome passers-by aboard for Christmassy activities. One’s perfect for photography buffs, with opportunities to take the perfect snap of the glowing angel-themed lights hovering overhead. And the other two offer disco DJs and choirs from charity Choose Love, plus craft workshops (book in advance). There’ll also be in-store events, special offers and prizes from participating shops on the street, if you’re prepared to risk entering these tempting temples of commerce.

Regent Street, W1B 5AH. Saturday December 6. Free. 

5. Browse your way around loads of great indie Christmas markets

Early December is peak season for the city’s independent Christmas markets, so you’re spoilt for choice if you’re planning on getting some gift shopping done this weekend. Head to Rotherhithe to pick up traditional Finnish toys, design pieces, Christmas cards at the Finnish Church Christmas Fair (Fri Dec 5-Sun Dec 7), find presents for the Nipponophile in your life at Dalston’s Yokimono Japanese Christmas Market (Sat Dec 6-Sun Dec 7), pick up some sustainable bits and bobs at a festive edition of Chiswick’s Duck Pond Market (Sat Dec 6), check out stalls from some of south London’s finest creatives at Sid’s and Friends Christmas Fair (Sat Dec 6), or grab some gothy gifts at Parliament Tattoo’s Krampus Market (Sun Dec 7) . That’s your Christmas presents sorted, then!

Various venues. Fri December 5-Sunday December 7. Free entry.

6. Join the Blackhorse Beer Mile’s Christmas party

Blackhorse Beer Mile is a boozy east London powerhouse, linking up 10 Walthamstow watering holes for special events all year round. But this Christmas, they’re really pulling out all the stops. On Saturday, you’ll find an explosion of festive spirit at each participating venue, from a live mariachi band at Exale to a festive market at Renegade Urban Winery to arcade games and curling lanes at Big Penny Social, soundtracked by nine-piece brass band Brass Funkeys. Turn up and soak up the atmosphere: and dig into your pockets for a drink or two if you can bear to.

Various Walthamstow locations, E17. Saturday December 6. Free. 

Start planning a great end to the year with our roundups of the best things to do in December and our ultimate guide to Christmas in London.

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