With Bells On!

For an X-Rated Xmas party, look no further. If robins bouncing around in the snow and cute little reindeer are not for you, this is a Christmas party with a difference.

Workshops explore different erotic crafts and games, with a stage show featuring burlesque perfomer Matt Fraser (above) and more.

There’s a darkroom photo booth, erotic storyboard and life-drawing workshops and a burlesque dance class.

The evening promises to reveal hidden talents, both your own and other participants. A night that would make Santa blush. 

December 8, 6pm-2am, £20
Green Carnation, 5 Greek Street, W1D 4DD 
Tube | Tottenham Court Road 
withbellson.eventbrite.com

 

Late at Tate: Stella Polaris

The founders of Denmark’s electronic music fest Stella Polaris soundtrack an evening of pre-Raphelites artistry.

There’ll be the acoustic charms of Mads Bjorn, producer August and Lulu Rouge (DJ set), too.

This evening of performance, music and more will also include a craft fair and an interaction installation.

Dec 7, 6pm-9.30pm, free
SW1P 4RG 
Tube | Pimlico
tate.org.uk

 

The World Series of Pong

The UK’s only all-day ping-pong challenge is back at Europe’s first purpose built pong club.

As well as testing your skills and endurance at table tennis with six different bar tab prizes up for grabs, there is a half time show with street dancers, cheerleaders, beat-boxers and limbo dancers, and it’s all in aid of Breast Cancer Care UK.

Dec 8, 12pm-7pm, £12+
Bounce, EC1N 2TD 
Tube | Holborn
facebook.com/wsopong

 

All Out of Time and Into Space

William S Burroughs, renowned as the father of the Beat Generation, was a man known for his narcotic indulgence as much as his literary verve.

But it’s his artwork that is the focus of this All Out Of Time And Into Space exhibition, with paintings, drawings and a selection of his ‘talismanic art objects’ on display.

Dec 6-Feb 16, Tues-Sat,
12.30pm-5.30pm, free 
WC1N 3AL
Tube | Holborn 
octobergallery.co.uk

 

Meow Meow’s Little Match Girl

Originally conceived for the Sydney Festival, this award-winning, critic-wowing, audience-stunning show makes its London debut at Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Twisting and turning its way around Hans Christian Anderson’s festive tale, the international cabaret sensation brings a wholly new take on the famed fable through her comedic, musical and theatrical skills.

A sterling alternative to a carol concert or traditional panto.

December 13-30. Wed-Fri, 7.30pm;
Sat, 6.30pm, 9pm; Sun, 2pm, 6.30pm, £15+
SE1 8XX 
Tube | Waterloo 
southbankcentre.co.uk

 

Taste of Christmas

If, like many, the best thing for you about Christmas is not the presents, the excess partying or the awful-but-ace office party, but the guilt-free, fab festive foodie indulgence, then this two-day fest at the ExCel London is for you.

There are pressos from top chefs, including Jamie Oliver (above), live cooking demos and much more.

December 7-9. 10am-6pm, £18.50+
E16 1XL 
Tube | Custom House
tasteofchristmas.com

 

Totally Bazaar

Business lister Yelp keeps things festive and local this year with a London-themed Christmas market at The Stables Market, Camden.

There’s free entry, drinks and nibbles on offer too, as well as offerings from more than 50 independent companies with top tips on gifts and food to make sure you’re all set for Crimbo and the party season this year.

December 6, 7.30pm-10pm, free
The Stables Market | Camden
Tube | Mornington Crescent 
yelp.co.uk

 

Photos: Jeff Busby, Getty, Jim Marks Photography