Free things to do in London this week.
Looking for more free things to do in London? Here are 102 of em! We’ve also compiled this epic map of free stuff in London, and have a helpful guide on where to see art in London for free, and where you can catch cheap and free comedy.
Catch the final days of Canary Wharf Winter Lights
Free light festival Canary Wharf Winter Lights is on every evening until Saturday, illuminating the Canary Wharf area with a trail of glowing installations and artworks including an iridescent mist over the docks, flashing wheels in Westferry Circus and glowing recreations of the planets in the Crossrail Place Roof Garden. Find them dotted among the docks and skyscrapers, for the 10th anniversary edition of the event.
Until 31 January.
Visit the Crystal Palace Subway
A chance to visit the striking Crystal Palace Subway on a free open day. Visits to the ornate structure — which looks not unlike parts of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba — are mainly self-guided, with staff and volunteers on hand to tell you more about its history.
27 January.
Watch new comedy acts for free
Bethnal Green’s Backyard Comedy Club holds New Act Night on Tuesday, a chance to see fresh comedy talent in action, hosted by David Ward. Acts are TBC, and entry is free if you arrive before 7.15pm — otherwise you’ll be charged a £3 “late fee”.
27 January.
Stay late at Imperial
Happiness and Health is the theme of this month’s late-night opening at Imperial College, which is open to everyone age 18+. Expect an evening of science, music and fun for your body and mind, with activities including tai chi workshops, mindful crafting, a chance to test your gait and balance, planet-friendly snacks at a pop-up kitchen and talks about immune health hacks and how nightmares can improve your health.
29 January
See a free light festival in the City
In addition to Canary Wharf Winter Lights (above), the City of London gets a glow-up this week in the form of two-night light festival Vibrance. Artists, designers and performers from Guildhall School take part in the sound and light show, at five locations across the Square Mile: Guildhall Yard (where the Guildhall facade is illuminated), St Alphage, Salters’ Garden, St Giles Cripplegate and Milton Court.
29-30 January.
Watch a free show at the Royal Opera House
Live at Lunch returns to Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House, offering a free performance by Royal Ballet and Opera and guest artists in the Paul Hamlyn Hall. Exact performers aren’t announced in advance, but this Friday’s show entails dance.
30 January.
Hear about the aftermath of the Holocaust
Following Holocaust Memorial Day, historian Dan Stone is at the National Army Museum in Chelsea to give a free lunchtime talk about the experiences of Holocaust survivors and the challenges they faced at the end of the Second World War. Even after the camps were liberated, the journey back to normal life for those who had been held in them was long and challenging, not least due to physical and mental health problems.
Free, 30 January.
Claim a free hot chocolate
To mark National Hot Chocolate Day, Islands Chocolate is giving away 10,000 cups of hot chocolate nationwide, including 1,000 at Battersea Power Station on Saturday. Find the pop-up outside Battersea Power Station Tube station between 10am and 6pm, with the freebies given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
31 January.
Attend an evening of free live gaming and music performances
SPACE Ilford takes a gaming session out of a bedroom and into the middle of an art exhibition, with a live soundtrack produced by an instrument made out of PC liquid cooling tubes. In Hiddenware by artist Robert Cervera, the music reacts to what’s happening on the screen, created in collaboration with local gamers and musicians.
31 January.
Take a wander around Dacres Wood
Every last Saturday of the month, a group of volunteers at Dacres Wood in Sydenham open up the space from 1pm-4pm, and will happily chat about the local flora and fauna, which includes horse chestnuts, turkey oaks and smooth newts. This is the only chance you have of visiting the woods without having to book an appointment via Lewisham Council.
31 January.
Enjoy an evening of Chinese theatre
Theatre group Tiangu Troupe takes over Euston’s Shaw Theatre for an evening of Chinese theatre with English subtitles. Watch three parables on themes of awakening and returning home, in a 90-minute show. As part of the group’s charitable mission, the performance is completely free.
1 February.
