Things To Do December–March

For the best part of four decades the Italian photographer’s work has focused on the overlooked, a kind of forgotten rural geography. This exhibition narrows in on his home in Ronta, highlighting everyday objects and artfully simple scenes.
Large Glass. Until February 28. Free. largeglass.co.uk

For 2026, 26 artists have been selected to form the annual south London exhibition of emerging talent. Their multi-disciplinary work has been chosen by curator Grace Ndiritu for being both “visually arresting and [able to] bring a little bit of joy and beauty into an increasingly difficult world.”
South London Gallery. January 30–April 12. Free. southlondongallery.org

Emin’s four-decade career is celebrated in her largest retrospective yet, with more than 90 works spanning large-scale installations (including My Bed), painting, neons, video and sculptures, including some exhibited for the very first time.
Tate Modern. February 27–August 31. £20. tate.org.uk

The Royal Academy hosts a sweeping showcase of “rebel painter” Rose Wylie. Despite only embracing art as a career in her fifties, Wylie has established herself as a singular voice, capturing mostly female characters in scenes rich in humour and pathos.
Royal Academy. February 28–April19. From £21. royalacademy.org.uk

Known as “la maestra” in her native Colombia, the influential artist presents her first ever solo show in the UK, featuring works from the 1960s up to the present day. González’s assertion that “art says things that history cannot” is writ large throughout.
Barbican. February 25–May 10. Tickets on sale January 2026. barbican.org.uk

For 35 years, Resolution has been the UK’s biggest celebration of contemporary choreography. This year, 60 forward-thinking dance companies from London and beyond take to the Euston stage to showcase flamenco, ballet and all manner of interdisciplinary fusions.
The Place. January 9–February 25. £16. theplace.org.uk.

Cynthia Erivo hangs up her broom to sink her teeth into this high-tech adaptation of Dracula by the creative team behind Sydney Theatre Company’s Picture of Dorian Gray with Sarah Snook. Erivo plays the eponymous villain and 22 other roles.
Noël Coward Theatre. February 4–May 30. From £30. draculawestend.com.

Following its acclaimed two-year run of Guys & Dolls, Nicholas Hytner’s Bridge Theatre once again revives a classic musical: Stephen Sondheim’s twisted fairytale Into the Woods. It’s directed by Jordan Fein, who won acclaim for his Fiddler on the Roof revival at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
Bridge Theatre. December 2–April 18. From £25. bridgetheatre.co.uk.

Bethnal Green’s beloved Irish cocktail pub is shifting allegiance in style to toast Rabbie Burns with raucous readings, a haggis feast from Deeney’s on Broadway Market and guest Aberfeldy cocktails including the Bobby Burns (12-year-old single malt, sweet vermouth and benedictine).
The Sun Tavern. January 25. thesuntavern.co.uk.

Mark Sir David Attenborough’s centenary with this one-off screening of Ocean with an orchestra and a vocal ensemble performing Oscar-winning composer Steven Price’s score live.
Royal Festival Hall. February 28. From £27. southbankcentre.co.uk.

Raise the bar for next year’s festive table, or use your new-found skills to wow your dinner party guests, after this crash course in artful tablescaping from a professional stylist in the most inspiring of settings.
Dulwich Picture Gallery. February 26. £79. dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk.

A true multi-hypenate, Simone Brewster is an artist, a maker of jewellery and furniture, a writer and an educator. This February her work takes up a yearlong residency across the walls of the Design Museum’s first floor with insight into her inspiration and process.
Design Museum, February 13–January 2027. Free. designmuseum.org.

To mark 30 years of its annual Orchid Festival, the Princess of Wales glasshouse hosts a China-inspired display featuring lanterns, dragons, koi ponds, plant sculptures and a kaleidoscopic array of orchids. “A reminder of how plants connect cultures,” says Kew’s research leader, Rui Fang.
Kew Gardens. February 7–March 8. £24. kew.org.

London’s last intact 1950s ballroom feels particularly special at Christmas. This year’s pop-up cinema is bringing festive classics like Home Alone, Elf and Die Hard (yes, it’s a Christmas movie) to the big screen, and hotdogs, popcorn and ice-cream will be served.
Rivoli Ballroom. December 20–22. £10. rivoliballroom.com.