With Christmas and New Year’s Eve both mid-week, there are fewer unique events than usual on in London this weekend. However, with the opening of the January sales, spectacular new theatrical productions such as Fuerzabruta and the usual wide range of attractions, it’s still very hard to get bored!

January Sales

Although they’re traditionally called the January sales, most shops actually start discounting their goods very shortly after Christmas. This weekend there are fantastic bargains to be had at famous department stores such as Harrods, Selfridges and Fortnum and Mason, although be warned that, for the most sought-after items, it’s very much a case of ‘the early bird catches the worm’! Take a look at our January Sales 2013 guide for tips and sale dates.

Ice Rinks

Head to London’s many ice rinks for a frosty seasonal treat that the whole family will enjoy. The city’s largest ice rink is at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, which also contains rides, shows, seasonal refreshments and the enchanting Magical Ice Kingdom. Elsewhere, lots of ice rinks are conveniently located within other great attractions – why not combine skating with shopping at Westfield London, a trip on the London Eye or a visit to the Natural History Museum?

Museums and Galleries

Most of London’s fantastic museums and galleries are open this weekend, giving you the chance to catch up on some of the great exhibitions that have opened in recent months. You could see stunning works by Pre-Raphaelite painters at Tate Britain (£14), see Mario Testino’s photographs of the Royal Family at the National Portrait Gallery (free), or browse fascinating exhibitions on medicine and death at the Wellcome Collection (free). The Tower of London is also running special Charles Dickens-themed events this weekend, check this flyer for full details.

Theatre & Pantomimes

As ever, London is full of great theatrical productions. Why not celebrate Girl Power at the Spice Girls musical Viva Forever, see the hotly anticipated return of mind-blowing Argentinian show Fuerzabruta, or super-size your theatrical experience at Walking with Dinosaurs at The O2? If you’re in the mood for something more frivolous, you can indulge your silly side at a traditional pantomime in London: find out more about these hilarious, celebrity-filled shows on our dedicated panto page.

Walks 

If you’ve over-indulged at Christmas, a guided walk around London is a great way to burn off some of the calories – not to mention learn something new about our great city! London Walks have a fantastic range of sightseeing tours on everything from The Beatles to Jack the Ripper, and you can view the full schedule by visiting the London Walks website.

Taste of Christmas at Excel London

Make this year’s Christmas dinner extra special by stocking up on tips, recipe ideas and special ingredients at this festive food fair. Taste of Christmas not only features demonstrations from top UK chefs such as Jamie Oliver and Michel Roux Jnr, but there are also lots of tempting stalls at which you can buy ingredients, find unique gifts or simply enjoy seasonal dishes from top London restaurants. Book tickets. 7-9 Dec 

Fourth Plinth: Contemporary Monument, at the ICA

Standing in the northwest corner of Trafalgar Square, the Fourth Plinth was originally intended to hold an equestrian statue but lay bare for more than 150 years. Since 1999, however, the space has played host to  temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, which have been delighting and baffling London in equal measure. A new free exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Arts explores the recent artistic history of  the plinth, as well as reactions to it. Until 20 Jan

Chocolate Festival at the Southbank Centre

Put down that giant tin of Quality Street and head over to the Southbank Centre for a taste of what you can really do with a cocoa bean. Not only can you sample your way through endless chocolatey delights, but top chocolatiers such as Paul A. Young and Damian Allsop will be on hand to show you how their tempting confections are made. Entry is free. 7-9 Dec

The British Military Tournament 2012

See incredible displays of military skill and precision at this spectacular annual event in Earl’s Court. Not only does the British Military Tournament highlight the accomplishments and dedication of Britain’s armed forces, but it also raises money for charities that support the military family. This year’s event celebrates The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and features hundreds of troops, horses and vehicles participating an astonishing variety of re-enactments, competitions and displays – including the legenday Field Gun Run.  Visitors also have a chance to try their own skills in the Tournament Exhibition Area. Adult tickets start from £29.25. 8-9 Dec

Royal College of Art Christmas Fete

Christmas gifts don’t get any artier than this: the Royal College of Art in Kensington is hosting its first-ever Christmas fete, at which you can buy original items straight from the students that made them. Not only can visitors pick up gifts for prices as low as £2, but they will also have the opportunity to view the College’s 175th exhibition for free. The fete is open from 12pm every day. 6-9 Dec

Pantomimes, various venues

This weekend sees the opening of many pantomime shows in London. (Oh no it doesn’t! Oh yes it does…) From lavish productions featuring famous faces to smaller affairs just for grown-ups, there’s something to get everyone laughing, groaning and entering into the spirit of a quintessentially British silliness. For a full list of London pantomimes, see our guide.

More events in London

The London panto season is in full swing and in a casting of twisted genius, David Hasselhoff and Louie Spence are starring together in Peter Pan at the New Wimbledon Theatre.

Last night I went along to see the show – the inexplicable lure of the Hoff is too strong to resist – and it’s a brilliant night out.

When I saw the Hoff playing Billy Flynn in Chicago the Musical in London in 2004, one fan was so excited he was sick and was hanging on to the balcony refusing to leave the auditorium till the Hoff left the stage. This passionate obsession the world seems to have for David Hasselhoff makes him perfect for panto. The audience loved every minute of his confident, dastardly Captain Hook and loved shouting, booing and cheering him.

Louie Spence won over everyone with his charm and hilarious dancing, much of which was aimed at the Hoff, which made it even funnier. (Starting to wonder if I’m just blogging a weird dream…)

The other outstanding performance was from the Panettes, a super singing Supremes trio who serenade Peter Pan.

David Hasselhoff isn’t appearing in every performance. Just when this whole thing couldn’t get any stranger, the role of Captain Hook will also be played by Jeremy Jackson (the actor who played Hoff’s son Hobie in Baywatch) and Jerry Springer.

I’m not going to claim this production of Peter Pan is the best thing I’ve ever seen on the London stage because I’ll never live it down, but it is. Really. My face hurts from laughing. Book your tickets now!

Peter Pan at the New Wimbledon Theatre. 10 December – 16 January. Tickets from £18.50. www.ambassadortickets.com/New-Wimbledon-Theatre

We’ve been lucky enough to see the Hackney Empire pantomime a couple of times. And it’s always completely brilliant.

Here’s your chance to win VIP tickets to see Jack and the Beanstalk at the Hackney Empire this Christmas. You get a whole theatre box to yourself (for you and three friends) plus a gorgeous surprise-filled goodie bag on the night.

This year’s show stars Clive Rowe, one of London’s favourite panto dames. He’s joined by Jack, a singing harp, the golden hen, the giant of all giants and Buttercup, the breakdancing cow!

So, get your best audience participation voices ready to shout “He’s behind you!” and join in with all the fun in Hackney this Christmas.

Enter the Day 14: Hackney Empire Panto Tickets competition here

Hurrah! Panto season is here! (Oh no, it isn’t! etc)

From Brian Blessed to Pamela Anderson, Lesley Joseph to Jane Asher, various celebrities are stepping into their sparkly costumes over the coming weeks to entertain London in the traditional Christmas show.

You’ll find there are plenty of Aladdins (Epsom Playhouse, Hackney Empire, Millfield Arts Centre, New Wimbledon Theatre and Theatre Royal Stratford East) and Cinderellas (Broadway Theatre, Beck Theatre, Harrow Arts Centre, Jacksons Lane Theatre, Orchard Theatre, Unicorn Theatre and Watford Palace Theatre) to chose from.

But there’s also a couple of Dick Whittingtons, and a handful of Snow Whites too.

London also offers some fantastic alternative Christmas entertainment, taking the traditional panto and spicing it up for the adults. If this is more your scene, you can choose from Robin Hood at Brick Lane Music Hall, and Sinderfella at Leicester Square Theatre…

Where will you be getting your dose of fairy dust, improbable plot twists and throat-hoarsening audience participation this Christmas?