The 6 best free things to do in London this weekend [December 5-7]

"Yep, the first mince pies sneaked into supermarkets back in August, to be eaten only by twisted types who don't see the essential wrongness of consuming dried fruit while wearing shorts. But now it's finally the first weekend of December, and that means it's time for even normal, right-thinking people to turn their attention to the wild annual consumerist smorgasbord that is Christmas."

"The shops are heaving with trinkets, all begging you to take them home and pop in them someone's stocking. Pubs and restaurants are tempting you into lavish three-course roasts, where in other, more rational months a simple packet of prawn cocktail crisps would suffice. And they say that in London, you're never more than six feet away from an opportunity to squander your cash on festive entertainments, be they dangerously tempting ice-rinks or enticingly steamy little pop-up drinking globes."

"Even in December, London offers a surprising number of things to do that don't involve making like Santa and showering the city's businesses with your hard-earned cash. You can gaze upon this city's gorgeous lights and creative Christmas tree displays without so much as opening your wallet, for example. Or think bigger by going to one of these thoroughly festive but totally free events. Like Father Christmas's elves, we're here to help, so read on for inspiration to fill your weekend with joy."

London presents a busy, consumer-driven Christmas atmosphere with early mince pies, crowded shops full of trinkets, and seasonal dining temptations. Shops, pubs and pop-up venues offer paid festive entertainments such as ice-rinks and heated drinking globes. A surprising number of free festive activities are available, including illuminated displays, creative Christmas trees and fully free events. Weekend highlights include a costumed reindeer ride, a masterclass in historical Christmas decorations, and a cosy winter lantern parade. The Museum of the Home hosts after-hours period rooms decorated for Christmas with hot chocolate, mulled wine, carols and seasonal crafts.

Read at Time Out London