8 Cool Things To Do This Weekend: 20.11.25

Ballet Shoes

In the run-up to Christmas, the National Theatre has a history of taking on a beloved children's classic. Following on from last year’s success, Ballet Shoes is back – based on the 1936 book that inspired so many aspiring ballerinas. The story follows three sisters – Pauline, Petrova and Posy – who turn to ballet to support themselves after their adopted father doesn’t return from an expedition. Under the watchful eyes of their guardians and some unexpected lodgers, they try to chase their dreams. But in a world not built for ambitious little girls, can they keep their family together? 

Olivier Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX; 17th November-21st February 

Visit NATIONALTHEATRE.ORG.UK

Wes Anderson At Design Museum 

For film buffs and aesthetes alike, this new exhibition at the Design Museum is set to be one of the season’s must-sees. Granted rare access to Wes Anderson’s personal archives, the museum charts three decades of the director’s meticulous world-building – from his earliest 90s experiments to his most recent cinematic creations. Expect over 600 artefacts that reveal the making of Anderson’s cult classics, including The Grand Budapest Hotel, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Royal Tenenbaums and Asteroid City. On display are miniature models, storyboards, puppets, notebooks, costumes and hand-painted sets – among them, a candy-pink Grand Budapest, the vending machines from Asteroid City, and Gwyneth Paltrow’s Fendi fur coat as Margot Tenenbaum. 

224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG; 21st November-26th July 

Visit DESIGNMUSEUM.ORG

Wicked For Good At Westfield 

Westfield has gone all out for the festive season. Step into the magical world of Wicked: For Good with a trio of immersive experiences inspired by the beloved musical. Choose your own adventure as you wander through an enchanted Oz-themed walkthrough – will you follow Glinda’s sparkling path or Elphaba’s bold trail? At the heart of it all stands the dazzling 12-metre Wicked: For Good Tree, where visitors are invited to leave messages celebrating friendship, love and those who’ve ‘changed them for good’. Continue your journey along the Yellow Brick Road on a digital interactive trail full of surprises and photo-ready moments. It’s a whimsical, family-friendly escape – and all for a good cause, with donations supporting Barnardo’s vital work transforming children’s lives across the UK.

Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush – The Atrium, W12 7GF; until 4th January

Visit WESTFIELD.COM

Museum Of The Home’s Winter Programme

For a dose of festive charm with a cultural twist, head to the Museum of the Home as it transforms for the winter season. From 18th November, the East London favourite becomes a cosy celebration of creativity, featuring a towering Christmas tree in the atrium, artist installations and a full line-up of workshops and events. The much-loved Winter Past exhibition returns to the Rooms Through Time, exploring how traditions, rituals and celebrations have shaped winter life at home through the centuries – all reimagined with the help of the museum’s Community Authors. Later in the month, don’t miss wreath-making with head gardener Heather Stevens BEM, plus a series of new craft sessions and festive courses. The annual Winter Market on 29th November rounds it all off – a one-day showcase of independent makers, perfect for picking up thoughtful gifts and artisanal treats.

136 Kingsland Road, Hoxton, E2 8EA; 18th November-11th January

Visit MUSEUMOFTHEHOME.ORG.UK

Chelsea Grill 

A new chapter has started on the King’s Road with the arrival of Chelsea Grill – taking over the Fantomas space, it’s a neighbourhood spot built around fire, smoke and seriously good ingredients. Headed up by chef Anton Vasilyev (formerly of Paris’s acclaimed Sugaar), the restaurant celebrates open-flame cooking with a menu centred on prime cuts of meat, day-boat fish and vegetables slow-cooked overnight in ash. Expect rotisserie poussin brined and dried for 24 hours before hitting the flames, alongside dry-aged fish and charcoal-grilled seasonal sides. The bar menu features clever twists on classics – like the Green Apple Gimlet made with fresh Granny Smiths – while desserts include an indulgent house cherry pie.

300 King's Rd, Chelsea, SW3 5UH

Visit CHELSEAGRILL.CO.UK

Manzi’s Sunday Roast

Soho seafood institution Manzi’s is adding a Sunday roast to its line-up. From noon until 5pm, settle in for sirloin of Herefordshire beef with all the trimmings, a standout monkfish Wellington with prawn mousse or a comforting pumpkin raviolini with tarragon. Dessert-wise, it’s hard to beat a molten hot chocolate fondant or a tiramisu to share. Pair it all with a crisp white or a classic cocktail.

1-8 Bateman’s Buildings, Soho, W1D 3EN

Visit MANZIS.CO.UK

TOVE’s Mayfair Residency

TOVE has opened its first London residency in the heart of Mayfair – a serene, curated space that reflects the brand’s refined, modern femininity. Set within the Mayfair Conservation Area, the design blends clean lines and soft textures with the area’s heritage, creating a calm backdrop for the label’s signature ready-to-wear collections. Across two intimate rooms, you can explore timeless pieces crafted from consciously sourced materials, and book private appointments to browse exclusive drops.

14 Hay Hill, Mayfair, W1J 8NR; until 1st December

Visit TOVE-STUDIO.COM

Rixo’s Soho Sample Sale

If you’re on the hunt for a standout party look, put Rixo’s Soho sample sale at the top of your list. Expect rails of never-before-seen samples and last-chance pieces – all ideal for the festive season, with fresh stock added daily. It’s card-only and you’ll need to book a slot – but the chance to snap up one-off designs makes the planning worth it.

19 D'Arblay Street, Soho, W1F 8ED; until 23rd November

Visit EVENTBRITE.CO.UK