Using a bit of his Christmas magic, Santa is appearing at spots all over the capital this month, sometimes even at the same time!

Santa’s Grotto in Duke of York Square
Kids can have their photo taken with Santa and receive a gift at Duke of York Square’s free grotto, where there’s also a special post box to send your Christmas lists to Lapland. On some dates in December, Liz Earle will provide complimentary hand and arm massages in the back of the grotto, so parents can get pampered while the kids chat to Santa. Advanced booking recommended. 
Until 23 Dec

Santa’s Grotto at Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City
Seeing Santa in the flesh is exciting enough, but at Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City he’ll be appearing in 5D. Every child will see their name and picture appear in a personalised film, which sees Elbow the Elf save Santa’s presents. Visiting also lets you download the “Elbow Saves Christmas” mobile phone game, so you can take him away in your pocket. Tickets are £3 per person or £10 for a family.
Until 24 Dec

Santa Baby
Santa will be popping into this pop-up Christmas cocktail bar, tucked away in the arches under the railway lines at 347 Old Street in Shoreditch. Indie Christmas tunes provide the soundtrack and top mixologists have designed treats like mulled champagne and molecular Santa Baby Eggnog, using techniques like high-pressure distillation. Santa Baby has a vintage feel - the venue is modelled on a 1950s American suburban living room. 
Until 23 Dec

Santa and His Reindeer at London Zoo
Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Blitzen and of course Rudolph are all at London Zoo this Christmas. You can visit them in their paddock, as well as meeting Santa and telling him your present list (as long as you’ve been good). Cheeky elf photographers will be on hand to take a picture and each child will receive a gift to take home. Tickets are £7.
Until 24 Dec

Winter Wonderland
Every Winter, Hyde Park becomes more festive than a penguin in a Christmas jumper. Winter Wonderland is back in the park with a Christmas market, ice skating, observation wheel and a kingdom of ice and snow sculptures. Santa Land includes a free visit to Saint Nick, as well as the new “Santa’s Factory” where the elves are making gifts ready for the big day.
Until 6 Jan

Find Christmas grottos all over London with our Christmas grottos guide

By Louise Ridley

If you haven’t yet made plans for the Diamond Jubilee weekend, we’ve rounded up the best parties you can head to without a ticket. Just pitch up and start celebrating.

Jubilee Jam Festival at Proud Camden

Proud Camden will be decked out in bunting for a four-day festival, with afternoon tea and vintage swap shops in the daytime and performances from burlesque to folk in the evenings – including a New Bands On The Block event on Tuesday. 2-5 Jun

Don’t miss: Cocktails in teapots in the South Gallery’s vintage tea room

Duke of York Square’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Party

Royal footmen will serve high tea in Duke of York Square accompanied by a military band. The dress code is whatever you’d wear for tea with the Queen. There’s a prize for the best outfit – and you can also catch the pageant on big screens. 3 Jun

Don’t miss: The look-a-like Queen greeting her subjects

God Save the Clam, London Fields

A British punk twist on a US clam bake will take over the rooftop of  The Emigre Studios, overlooking London Fields for the weekend. Expect seafood in buckets, beach huts and deckchairs, rounded off with a cocktail bar and DJs. You’ll need to book for the bake but the Snack Shack selling lobster corn dogs and crackling popcorn is open to all. 31 May-3 Jun

Don’t miss: Finding out what a Fat Elvis sundae is at the ice cream bar

Piccadilly Big Jubilee Lunch

Piccadilly will be closed to traffic for the first time on Sunday for a huge street party with food stalls, fairground rides and entertainment laid on by the area’s legendary establishments like The Ritz and Fortnum & Mason. The lunch table is fully booked but the rest of the party is open to all. 3 Jun

Don’t miss: The chance to pose with an iconic BAFTA award

Street party at Westfield Stratford City

Head to Westfield Stratford City’s Four Dials and Chestnut Plaza areas, which will be carpeted with grass for a barbecue and festival-inspired performances from musicians, jugglers, street artists and more. Food stores will offer tastings and a large screen will show the pageant and procession. 2-5 Jun

Don’t miss: Giant versions of games like Jenga and Connect 4

What are your plans for the Jubilee weekend in London?