December is here and with it (usually) comes the need to get into the festive spirit.

Part of that, in our opinion, is the emphasis on the whole ‘eat, drink and be merry’ philosophy; and our London weekend guide is filled with events where you’ll be eating, you’ll be drink, and you’ll definitely end up being merry!

So check out all the things to do in London this weekend and get in to the festive spirit.

Jim Beam presents Bourbon and Bluegrass

Join Jim Beam at The Blues Kitchen Brixton for a night of Bourbon and Bluegrass with none other than Frederick Booker Noe III, Jim Beam’s great-grandson. Hear Fred’s stories, learn about one of the greatest Bourbon dynasty in the world and share a drink with Fred, the current Master Distiller of Jim Beam. With your ticket you’ll get a Jim Beam cocktail, three Jim Beam tastings, as well as Southern-style light bites that you can enjoy to the sounds of Kentucky all night; brought to you by bluegrass band The Thumping Tommy’s. We’ll drink to that!

Nearest Station:  Brixton
Date & Time: Thursday, 3 December 2015 from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Cost: £15

Three Little Birds: Après Ski

We have a question for you…do you, fondue? Whether you fondue, or you fon-don’t head to Three Little Birds, who will be joined by Cobble Lane Cured; bringing their delicious selection of charcuterie meats, as well as joined by Fabrique Bakery London; bringing tasty artisan bread to the party. To wash all this exquisite food down, Three Little Birds will have their special hot cocktails available, as well as a festive favourite; mulled wine.

Nearest Station:  Farringdon
Date & Time: Friday, 4 December 2015 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Cost: From £12

London Chess Classic: Grand Chess Tour 2015

According to our knowledge (our ability to type ‘when was chess invented’ into Google) chess has been around since the 6th Century AD, that’s a fair old bit of time of Gambits, pawn grabbers, and swindles (once again Googled) but we’re excited to be seeing some live tournaments, especially when each tournament in the Grand Chess Tour has a prize fund of $300,000, with a bonus pool of $150,000 for the top three finishers in the Grand Tour. Check (this out) mate!

Nearest Station:  Kensington Olympia
Date & Time: Friday, 4 December till 13 December 2015
Cost: From £20

Brew By Numbers 3rd Birthday Bash & Gyle 100 Beer Launch

When a brewery celebrates a birthday, you can be sure there is going to be beer a flowing and that’s exactly what will be going down at Brew By Numbers this weekend. Not only will there be the widest ever range of beer on draught, including some specials that you won’t be able to find anywhere else….They’re launching their limited edition 100th brew bringing out some of the most exciting beers they’ve reserved over the years. To make sure you don’t get too tipsy, tasty food will be available from Burger Bear and winter favourites, MyPie. Salad Sound System will be there making sure the party vibes are ever present.

Nearest Station: Bermondsey
Date & Time: Friday, 4 December 2015 from 7:00 pm till 11:00 pm
Cost: Free

Super Warehouse! (Joypad x Vice Gaming Party)

Many of you will remember waking up on Christmas day; running downstairs; opening your ‘main’ present to find Father Christmas brought you that games console you wanted – what a feeling! Well now you can somewhat re-live that experience as Joypad are teaming up with Vice Gaming to bring you a selection of over 1000 retro games to play. Play classics on the NES, SNES, Megadrive, Mega CD, PSone, Sega Saturn, N64, Dreamcast and Gamecube – yes, Christmas has come early!

Nearest Station:  Hoxton
Date & Time: Saturday, 5 December 2015 from 8:00 pm till 1:00 am
Cost: £11.45

The Science of Disco: Dance Your Way Into Scientific History

Want to take part in a science experiment that will have you go to a roller disco, learn disco moves from rollergirls, and get free disco accessories and a glitter makeover? The answer to this can only be YES! The guys at Guerilla Science are looking at how during peak moments in a DJ set, people often report a sense of collective unity, as if they’re moving together as one on the dance floor. This experiment investigates these ecstatic shared musical experiences by recording and analysing spontaneous synchrony across people in a real club environment. So basically…turn up to a free roller disco and have fun!

Nearest Station: Bond Street / Oxford Circus
Date & Time: Friday, 4 December 2015 from 7:00 pm till 11:00 pm
Cost: Free

Anerley Christmas Craft Fair

Looking for some truly unique gifts for Christmas? Look no further than the Anerley Christmas Craft Fair. With over 40 stalls featuring everything from artisan jewellery, clothing and artwork, through to upcycled furniture, home decor, and children’s gifts, there’s something for everyone.  With street food stalls, a teashop, mulled wine and music from gramophone DJ Rose Bartlett, this Christmas fair would even get Scrooge into the festive spirit.

Nearest Station: Anerley
Date: Saturday, 5 December 2015 from 12:00 pm till 4:00 pm
Cost: Free

Fourpure Beer & Cheese Sampling at Mother Kelly’s Bottle Shop

Looking for an excuse to start munching away before Christmas? Why not come to this cheese sampling and Fourpure beer tasting and just say you’re looking for the perfect cheese and beer for Christmas day? That’s what we’re doing! sample four beers alongside four carefully matched cheeses supplied by Mother Kelly’s Bottle Shop, receive discounts and better yet – it’s all free!

Nearest Station:  Homerton
Date & Time: Saturday, 5 December 2015 from 3:00 pm till 7:00 pm
Cost: Free

Pop Up Vintage Fairs at Ally Pally

Looking for some unusual or unique gifts to give people for Christmas? Or maybe a gift for yourself? (you deserve a gift, why not?) Well if you’re a lover of vintage, or know vintage lovers, head to Alexandra Palace for the Antiques and Collectors fair, where you’ll find none other than Pop Up Vintage fair, selling some amazing and unique items, you won’t find anywhere else. And with a 2 for 1 over thrown in the mix, there’s no reason not to go.

Nearest Station:  Alexandra Palace
Date & Time: Sunday, 6 December till 13 December 2015
Cost: 2-4-1 offer

Monday Blues Busters…

Gospeloke Christmas Spectacular

Did you ever watch Sister Act and wish you were there singing up front, with a gospel choir backing you up? We certainly did! Now all our dreams can come true with Gospeloke! Toni Robinson and her 15 strong gospel choir will be backing you up all the way as you belt out some pop classics, making you feel like your singing at the Grammys! If you’re feeling a bit shy, have no fear, there’ll be other congregation participation in the way of anthemic, big sing-­alongs, getting you all involved too.

Nearest Station:  Piccadilly Circus
Date & Time: Monday, 7 December 2015 from 7:00 pm till 11:30 pm
Cost: £11.49