Featured Events in London in December, 2025 (March Updated)

Discover how pictorialism, the first international art photography movement, developed across the world from the 1880s to the 1960s. Bringing together over 50 artists from Shanghai to Sydney, New York to Cape Town and Brazil to Singapore, this truly international exhibition takes a fresh and inclusive look at the history of art photography. Featuring never-before seen works from around the world alongside pieces from Tate’s Collection, Light and Magic highlights the vast and varied artistic possibilities of photography as a medium.

This is a special exhibition celebrating the birthdays of William Turner and John Constable, which will run until 2026. These two painters have very different styles but are equally influential. Through the artists' personal stories, sketchbooks and handicrafts, they explore the process of industrialization and urbanization, as well as the deep love for nature behind them. This exhibition can be called a blockbuster of the year.

The definitive exhibition of two pivotal British artists in the 250th year of their birthsTwo of Britain’s greatest painters, J.M.W. Turner and John Constable were also the greatest of rivals. Born within a year of each other – Turner in 1775, Constable in 1776 – they used landscape art as a way to reflect the changing world around them.

Set against the backdrop of cultural and artistic rebellion, Nigerian Modernism celebrates the achievements of Nigerian artists working before and after the decade of national independence from British colonial rule in 1960. Nigerian Modernism tells the story of artistic networks which spanned Zaria, Ibadan, Lagos and Enugu, as well as London, Munich and Paris. Through groups like the Zaria Art Society and Mbari Artists' and Writers' Club, they fused Nigerian, African and European techniques and traditions to create vibrant, multidimensional works. Explore a diverse range of paintings, sculpture, textiles and poetry from over 50 artists including Uzo Egonu, El Anatsui, Ladi Kwali and Ben Enwonwu MBE.

Set against the backdrop of cultural and artistic rebellion, Nigerian Modernism celebrates the achievements of Nigerian artists working before and after the decade of national independence from British colonial rule in 1960. Nigerian Modernism tells the story of artistic networks which spanned Zaria, Ibadan, Lagos and Enugu, as well as London, Munich and Paris. Through groups like the Zaria Art Society and Mbari Artists' and Writers' Club, they fused Nigerian, African and European techniques and traditions to create vibrant, multidimensional works. Explore a diverse range of paintings, sculpture, textiles and poetry from over 50 artists including Uzo Egonu, El Anatsui, Ladi Kwali and Ben Enwonwu MBE.

A Virtual Reality Art Exhibition that you can view in any location and on any device. Please see the above picture instructions for how you can view it on a tablet/mobile. You can view the exhibition with or without a virtual reality headset. Copy this link to view the Virtual Reality Art Exhibition on a computer/laptop: https://edu.cospaces.io/PMB-KAV The Virtual Private View of the Exhibition was held on Thursday 14th of May 2020 at 8:15pm on Zoom (Virtual drinks provided.)

Priscilla The Party! is an immersive reimagining of the iconic and award-winning musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Delivered in three acts with breaks between for fine dining in the Mezzanine or bar snacks on the Dance Floor. Featuring the dance-floor classics like I Will Survive, It's Raining Men and Finally, doors open one hour before show time where two cocktails cost just £15 and a pre-show entertains you before the main event. The performance ends with a dazzling finale show-casing the award-winning costumes and head-dresses which the show is famous for. The evening ends with a disco from our resident DJ. The audience can expect an extravagant display of eye-popping costumes, an exhilarating soundtrack that encourages everyone to sing along and a show which unfolds all around them. There will be immersive dance floor tickets as happens at Guys and Dolls at the Bridge Theatre, with DJ and pre-show entertainment similar to Here Lies Love at the National Theatre, a party sing-a-long atmosphere like ABBA Voyage at the ABBA Arena, cabaret tables with dining options similar to Cabaret at the Playhouse Theatre and dining options and post-show party as happens at Mamma Mia! The Party – in other words, something for everyone! From its dazzling debut in Sydney in 2006, the musical created by Allan Scott and Stephan Elliott has taken the world by storm. It initially graced the London stage in 2009, before conquering Broadway in 2011. The enduring message of acceptance and inclusivity that Priscilla carries remains as significant today as it was when the curtains first rose.

Agony and ecstasy go hand-in-hand in Pablo Picasso’s exuberant masterpiece The Three Dancers. A milestone in modern art from 1925, this painting now forms the centrepiece of an exhibition celebrating the work’s centenary. For Picasso, The Three Dancers marked a radical break away from his serene, classical phase and the beginning of a new period of emotional violence and expressionist distortion. It sits at a crossroads between madness, philosophy and the avant-garde: a place where identity is disrupted and the body itself is at stake. Tate Modern’s exhibition tells the story of this landmark painting through a selection of key works from across Picasso’s career, exploring themes of sex, death, and the politics of dance. A vibrant programme of live performances accompanies the exhibition, taking inspiration from one of the most influential artists of the 20th century and bringing The Three Dancers to life 100 years after its creation.

Agony and ecstasy go hand-in-hand in Pablo Picasso’s exuberant masterpiece The Three Dancers. A milestone in modern art from 1925, this painting now forms the centrepiece of an exhibition celebrating the work’s centenary. For Picasso, The Three Dancers marked a radical break away from his serene, classical phase and the beginning of a new period of emotional violence and expressionist distortion. It sits at a crossroads between madness, philosophy and the avant-garde: a place where identity is disrupted and the body itself is at stake. Tate Modern’s exhibition tells the story of this landmark painting through a selection of key works from across Picasso’s career, exploring themes of sex, death, and the politics of dance. A vibrant programme of live performances accompanies the exhibition, taking inspiration from one of the most influential artists of the 20th century and bringing The Three Dancers to life 100 years after its creation.

Experience an exciting new work in Tate Modern's iconic Turbine Hall Since Tate Modern opened in 2000, the Turbine Hall has hosted some of the world’s most memorable and acclaimed works of contemporary art, reaching an audience of millions each year. The annual Hyundai Commission gives artists an opportunity to create new work for this unique context.

Experience an exciting new work in Tate Modern's iconic Turbine Hall Since Tate Modern opened in 2000, the Turbine Hall has hosted some of the world’s most memorable and acclaimed works of contemporary art, reaching an audience of millions each year. The annual Hyundai Commission gives artists an opportunity to create new work for this unique context.

Experience an exciting new work in Tate Modern's iconic Turbine Hall Since Tate Modern opened in 2000, the Turbine Hall has hosted some of the world’s most memorable and acclaimed works of contemporary art, reaching an audience of millions each year. The annual Hyundai Commission gives artists an opportunity to create new work for this unique context.

The first retrospective exhibition of the work of film director Wes Anderson will follow the evolution of his films from his first experiments in the 1990s, right up to his most recent, Oscar-winning frescoes.

The two most famous British landscape painters of the 18th century - Turner used an almost abstract expression method to depict magnificent sunsets and surging oceans; Constable used precise and realistic brushstrokes to depict classic British landscapes. This year, the British Tate Gallery commemorated the 250th anniversary of the birth of the two artists and specially brought the two artists together in the double exhibition "Turner and Constable". Their paintings are like "the collision of water and fire". The exhibition specially restores how the two artists created very different but equally fascinating paintings 250 years ago, allowing us to appreciate their competing and different charms side by side.

The artwork is displayed on powder-coated steel gates, designed by Whittle and made at Glasgow Sculpture Studios. It was unveiled on 5 October 2023 at the Queen’s House in Greenwich. Feeling Blue has been developed in response to RMG’s large and varied collections, as well as the history and cultural significance of Greenwich. The 160 x 155 cm tapestry is filled with richly evocative textures, symbolic shapes, and tropical colours. It was woven by hand over a period of six months by Naomi Robertson and Elaine Wilson at Dovecot Studios. They used a variety of techniques, yarns, and over 150 colour mixes to add variety and depth to the surface of the tapestry. Dominating the tapestry is the phrase ‘feeling blue’ which stands out from a background of blues and greens, the combination of different shades resembling water in motion. Blue is immediately associated with oceans and seas but there are also more emotive connotations which Whittle chose to explore. The colour blue, and in particular the term ‘feeling blue’, is used to describe sadness or depression. While the exact origin of the term is uncertain it has been suggested that it comes from the tradition of ships flying blue flags and officers bearing a painted blue band when a captain or officer died. For others, blue symbolises tranquillity. In the Queen’s House the colour blue is used throughout for decoration, notably the balustrade of the Tulip Stairs. Drawing on her research of the British naval uniform, Whittle also reflects on the legacies of British colonialism. From the mid-eighteenth-century, the Royal Navy introduced a uniform for officers made from a deep blue fabric. The colour was achieved using a dye from the indigo plant that was native to India. Until the end of the eighteenth century the indigo plant was grown, harvested and processed by enslaved people on North American plantations. Indentured labourers in India and modern-day Bangladesh also produced indigo for the East India Company. Today, Navy blue endures as a colour of authority from police to military officers, though the history of the colour and connection to colonialism is little known. Whittle continues her exploration of maritime worlds by the inclusion of coloured ropes – reminiscent of those used on ships. For Whittle, rope is a symbol of both hope and oppression. Ropes are associated with bondage, imprisonment and even execution but are equally symbolic of lifelines for people in distress. Whittle’s ongoing engagement with the climate crisis is found in the decorative coral that frames the tapestry. The delicate pastel pinks and vibrant yellows evoke the beauty of tropical oceans and are a reminder of the importance of reefs. Decorative cultured freshwater pearl beads have also been stitched onto the tapestry. As well as representing an oceanic realm, Whittle connects Feeling Blue with two sixteenth-century paintings the Armada Portrait and Sir Francis Drake which will be displayed alongside the tapestry. In both portraits, pearls are used as a symbol of wealth, some of which was derived from colonial trade and exploitation. The tapestry is hung on a set of blue ‘gates’, which are an important component of Whittle’s work. Whittle sees the ‘gates’ as reminiscent of fencing, suggesting containment and control. Placed within the gallery space the gates no longer act as a barrier. Instead, Whittle uses the gates to expand rather than restrict as visitors are free to walk around them and view the tapestry from both sides. The decorative fretwork on the panels evokes the architecture of the Queen’s House, in particular the Tulip Stairs. Alberta Whittle, said: “The commission has been a wonderful opportunity to think deeply about maritime histories and consider the powers in place that decide how these histories are portrayed. This new tapestry is a chance to explore these ideas of power alongside the rhythms of the ocean and its vulnerability under climate colonialism. The commission has also provided me with the opportunity to continue to work with Naomi Robertson and Elaine Wilson at Dovecot Studios and the rest of the fantastic weaving team.” Celia Joicey, Director of Dovecot Studios, said: "This commission represents the contemporary significance of tapestry as a collective medium. Started in the midst of the 2021 lockdown, it is testimony to a group of people responding creatively and collaboratively to the Museum collections. Feeling Blue embodies the passion, focus and skill of Dovecot’s weavers, Alberta Whittle’s endlessly interesting ideas and the care and enterprise of the commissioning team." Katherine Gazzard, Curator of Art, Royal Museums Greenwich, said: “At Royal Museums Greenwich, we are committed to working with contemporary artists whose practice engages with our historic sites and collections, as well as with the present challenges facing our communities and our planet. The opportunity to commission a contemporary tapestry from Alberta Whittle and Dovecot Studios spoke powerfully to this ethos. The finished tapestry will go on public display in the Queen’s House, our flagship art gallery. When the Queen’s House was built in the early 17th century, it was at the cutting edge of art and design. Commissions like Feeling Blue help us to honour that legacy, ensuring that, four centuries after the building’s completion, the Queen’s House continues to showcase artistic innovations and new perspectives.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Feeling Blue Alberta Whittle Tapestry by Dovecot Studios 2023, cotton, linen, synthetic yarn, cultured freshwater pearl beads Tapestry woven for Dovecot by Naomi Robertson, Master Weaver, and Elaine Wilson Displayed on powder coated steel gates made by Glasgow Sculpture Studios Purchased with assistance from the Contemporary Art Society

With the hottest headliners and music legends both past and present, this is the ultimate festival experience that you do not want to miss!

Step into the world of regal elegance with Royal Style in the Making, a captivating new exhibition at Hillsborough Castle. Unveiling the intimate bond between royal clients and fashion designers, discover how the British fashion industry has crafted the iconic style of the British royal women. The exhibition showcases three stunning outfits on display, including the extraordinary toile used in the design of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s coronation gown, worn in 1937. Original design drawings feature some of Britain’s finest designers including Madame Handley Seymour, Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies and Oliver Messel. Don’t miss sketches from David Sassoon, for Diana, Princess of Wales, including her handwritten comments. A thrill for fashion fans, don’t miss this unique journey into regal elegance and history, only until 04 January 2026.

When critics first saw Georges Seurat’s new style of painting, they thought it might bring about the death of painting itself. But what was it about artists like Paul Signac, Anna Boch, Jan Toorop and Henri-Edmond Cross, that ruffled so many feathers? Neo-Impressionists painted in small dots of pure colour. Viewed from a distance, the colours blend to create nuanced tones and an illusion of light. Now known as pointillism, this technique simplified form and played with colour in an entirely new way, verging on the edge of abstraction. Alongside this exciting approach to colour, their style went hand-in-hand with radical political ideas. They captured late 19th-century European society through luminous landscapes, portraits and interior scenes, while also depicting the struggles faced by the working class, in reaction against the industrial age. Most of the paintings we’re exhibiting were collected by Helene Kröller-Müller, one of the first great women art patrons of the 20th century. She assembled the most comprehensive ensemble of Neo-Impressionist paintings in the world. Collected with the aim of being publicly accessible, these works now form part of the Kröller-Müller Museum in the Netherlands, which Helene Kröller-Muller founded. See these radical visions of pure colour for yourself in Radical Harmony: Helene Kröller-Müller’s Neo-Impressionists. This exhibition is a collaboration between the National Gallery and the Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo

Kerry James Marshall is an internationally acclaimed artist. Marshall enhances the presence of Black figures in paintings built on principles codified in the tradition of Western picture-making he encountered in books and museums available during his childhood. He places Black bodies front and centre in his lyrical, frequently large-scale figurative paintings and murals.Marshall’s work is informed by his own memories, art historical styles and genres, contemporary culture and science fiction, among other points of reference. He uses these to comment on the past, celebrate everyday life, and imagine more optimistic futures.Organised thematically, this exhibition features 70 works including a new series of paintings made especially for the show and his commemorative sculpture Wake which evolves each time it is exhibited.

Marie Antoinette, the famous queen who was regarded as a symbol of vanity by later generations and was guillotined during the French Revolution, was the godmother of fashion that led the trends in France and even Europe in the 18th century and was known as the "Rococo Queen". The V&A Museum in London will explore the story between this luxurious queen and Britain. It is said that Marie regularly sent courtiers to Britain to obtain fashion information, which triggered a craze for tracking British clothing, books and gardening at the time. In addition, this special exhibition will also analyze the profound influence of Marie on today's fashion and popular culture.

Kerry James Marshall is an internationally acclaimed artist. Marshall enhances the presence of Black figures in paintings built on principles codified in the tradition of Western picture-making he encountered in books and museums available during his childhood. He places Black bodies front and centre in his lyrical, frequently large-scale figurative paintings and murals.Marshall’s work is informed by his own memories, art historical styles and genres, contemporary culture and science fiction, among other points of reference. He uses these to comment on the past, celebrate everyday life, and imagine more optimistic futures.Organised thematically, this exhibition features 70 works including a new series of paintings made especially for the show and his commemorative sculpture Wake which evolves each time it is exhibited.

Marie Antoinette, the famous queen who was regarded as a symbol of vanity by later generations and was guillotined during the French Revolution, was the godmother of fashion that led the trends in France and even Europe in the 18th century and was known as the "Rococo Queen". The V&A Museum in London will explore the story between this luxurious queen and Britain. It is said that Marie regularly sent courtiers to Britain to obtain fashion information, which triggered a craze for tracking British clothing, books and gardening at the time. In addition, this special exhibition will also analyze the profound influence of Marie on today's fashion and popular culture.

In an interplay of light and darkness, Joseph Wright of Derby conjures sublime pictures of discovery and learning. 'Wright of Derby: From the Shadows' is the first major exhibition dedicated to the British artist’s ‘candlelight’ paintings. We celebrate and look again at his most admired works. Illuminated faces gather around a variety of objects – from classical sculptures and scientific instruments to bones, bladders and animals. Through his unflinching scenes of people watching, Wright of Derby proposes moral questions about acts of looking. The strong light and deep shadows create drama, reminding us of great painters from earlier centuries like Caravaggio.

DUE TO DEMAND WE'VE ADDED A NEW DATE! The Emo Festival is coming to London! 💀🖤 The greatest tribute night to the music that was never just a phase… 🖤 TEENAGE NOSTALGIA featuring all your biggest emo songs in existence with A LIVE BAND & LIVE DJs spinning all the angst your teenage dirtbag heart desires all night long! LIVE Performers, confetti & much more! Put on your eyeliner, lace up your high-tops and get ready to rock to all your favourite nostalgic emo anthems! This event is 14+ show (u16s accompanied with an adult). Please note this is a standing event! Security - Bag Policy: Large bags including rucksacks are not allowed. There are no facilities to leave large bags or luggage. If you really have to bring a bag - and it's preferable you don't, please make sure it's small. Only one small bag per person is permitted and it must not be bigger than A4 size. Height: 28.7cm Width: 21cm Depth 15cm Disclaimer: The Emo Festival and its events are not affiliated with the artists listed. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Please note that in-line with normal consumer standards for ticket purchases, tickets for The Emo Festival are non-refundable, unless we move the event or cancel it - any issues please don't hesitate to contact our support team! Information Source: The Emo Fest | eventbrite

Mumford & Sons Cardiff is set to be an unforgettable evening of music and emotion at the renowned Utilita Arena Cardiff. On December 8, 2025, at 18:30, fans will gather to experience the Grammy Award-winning band's electrifying performance in the heart of Cardiff, United Kingdom. Known for their unique blend of folk rock and powerful lyrics, Mumford & Sons will undoubtedly captivate the audience with their chart-topping hits and soulful melodies. The Utilita Arena Cardiff, a premier venue known for its excellent acoustics and vibrant atmosphere, provides the perfect backdrop for this highly anticipated event. With tickets expected to sell out quickly, securing a spot at Mumford & Sons Cardiff promises an evening of musical brilliance and memorable moments.

Mumford & Sons London is set to be an unforgettable event, taking place at the renowned O2 Arena in London, United Kingdom. On December 10, 2025, at 18:30, fans will gather to experience the electrifying performance of this iconic band. Known for their unique blend of folk rock and energetic live shows, Mumford & Sons promises an evening filled with captivating music and memorable moments. With a ticket price of 442 USD, attendees can expect an exceptional concert experience in one of the world's premier venues. The O2 Arena, famous for hosting top-tier events, provides the perfect backdrop for this highly anticipated performance. This event is a must-see for music enthusiasts and promises to be a highlight of the year.

Many contemporary artists make works that are abstract, yet they do not define them as such. Talking Sculpture Making (TSM)want to reclaim the word and open up conversations about how abstract sculpture and painting speaks to many through their visual languages which, through use of material and space refers indirectly to the complex world we live in. Visual concepts of form, spatial relationships, presentation and visual independence become apparent across the works in the show, fuelling discussions that explore and dissect the language surrounding the artists’ respective practices and how they each engage with ideas. TSMis an exhibiting and discussion forum formed in 2019 by abstract sculptors Gillian Brent, Alexandra Harleyand Sheila Vollmer. The group has an established exhibition profile exploring contemporary abstract sculpture, generating dialogue and supporting multi-generational women’s practices in the genre. In this Hypha Studios show, TSMinvites sculptors Katrina Cowling, Charlotte Cullenand Beatrice Galletley and, for the first time, painters Jackie Askew, Day Bowmanand Ellen Ransom to show with them. Join us to find out more about the artists' work and have the opportunity to contribute your thoughts and responses to the personal and collective experiences they encounter as women and non-binary abstract artists. Information Source: Hypha Studios | eventbrite

Experience the enchanting melodies of a Piano Recital in London at Bechstein Hall on December 19, 2025. Immerse yourself in a night of classical music at this prestigious venue located at 20 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 2RZ. Tickets for this extraordinary event are priced at £100. Don't miss this opportunity to witness a breathtaking performance by talented pianists in the heart of the city.