Welcome, listeners, to Things to do in London with your globe-trotting sports nut Oly Bennett, coming to you on Thursday 11 December 2025. London’s in full festive swing today: crisp winter air, low golden sun, twinkly lights everywhere, and that classic “coat, scarf, but still eating ice cream on the South Bank” vibe.

Let’s sprint into today’s standout events. Over at the Southbank Centre, Robert Plant’s Saving Grace hits the Royal Festival Hall tonight, a dream gig for rock fans who love their legends up close and loud. The Royal Albert Hall is serving up serious soul with Trevor Nelson’s Soul Christmas, turning the old arena into one huge festive dance floor. For theatre lovers, WhatsOnStage highlights festive openings like The Nutcracker and immersive experiences such as A Christmas Carol Cocktail Experience, perfect if you like your Dickens with a side of gin. Dance fans can catch PLATFORM at Rambert School in Twickenham, showcasing fresh choreography from the next generation. And if reggae and roots are more your tempo, Reggaeville lists London’s own Riddim Relief 2025 bringing bass, beats, and big vibes to the city.

Quick news lap around London: public transport is busy but steady, with the usual rush-hour squeeze, so give yourself extra time if you’re heading into central tonight. South Bank and West End areas will be particularly crowded around gig and theatre kick-off times. Across town, new festive pop-ups and seasonal menus are landing everywhere from Regent Street to Shoreditch, with places like San Carlo near Soho getting plenty of buzz for Christmas dining, and luxury hotels rolling out indulgent afternoon teas inspired by London’s museums and winter flora.

Now for your must-do playbook for today. Warm up with a riverside stroll along the South Bank, then duck into the National Gallery for a guided tour or a Stories of Art session if you want culture without the cold. As the light fades, head to one of London’s many Christmas light trails or immersive experiences like Neverland at Kenwood or other glow-filled gardens highlighted by local guides. Families, you’re spoiled: from Santa experiences in theatres and soft play venues in areas like Wimbledon, to festive kids’ shows across town, there’s no shortage of sugar-free excitement. Night owls can line up a double-header: pre-gig drinks near the Royal Festival Hall or Royal Albert Hall, then hit a late bar or speakeasy-style club for cocktails and dancing into the early hours.

Local tip from Oly: when you’re hopping across central London, don’t underestimate walking. Often, it’s faster than squeezing onto a packed Tube for just one stop, and you get front-row seats to London’s street life and Christmas lights. And if you’re jumping on a bus, grab the front row on the top deck for a free panoramic tour of the city.

Fun fact to drop on your mates tonight: London’s iconic red buses didn’t become officially red across the whole city until the early 1900s, when the London General Omnibus Company picked red to stand out in the street chaos. So your festive night out is literally powered by a branding decision.

Tomorrow, we’ve got weekend-level energy loading: Christmas markets, quirky charity races, family concerts, and more late-night mischief across the capital. Tune in for a fresh game plan for your Friday in London.

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