As we enter into December, it seems as though there are already too many Christmas fairs and markets to write about. So, if you need a break from the busy streets, then why not retreat to a gallery, an interesting talk, or to a botanical wonderland to avoid the rush of (early) Christmas shoppers? 

Check back regularly to keep up to date with London's latest happenings and our weekly recommendations!

Tour: Great British Buildings - Thornsett Road | 7 December

Image: Allies and Morrison

Thornsett Road, designed by Allies & Morrison, completed in 2015 by architects was awarded the RIBA London Award  this year. The business headquarters  south London is, in part, a new building and in part a respectful response to the existing buildings and context. This architect-led tour is a fantastic opportunity to get to grips with this south-of-the-river gem. 

Robert Rauschenberg | 1 December - 2 April 2017

Image: Robert Rauschenburg

Opening this week is the comprehensive collection of the works of Robert Rauschenburg at the Tate Modern. Ranging from painting and print-making to installation and performance pieces, this exhibition goes some way in showcasing the impressive body of work of this legendary, award-winning, american artist.

WRK / LDN: Shaping London's future workplaces - Curator-led tour with Sarah Yates | 30 November

Image: WRK / LDN Exhibition ©Agnese Sanvito

Part of the WRK/LDN season at the NLA, this lunchtime talk will be exploring the future of the workplace, and the current exhibition's findings.  The insight gained from the project goes a long way to investigate the future of working in London, especially considering the current climate and the struggles faced by coming generation.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year | Open now until 10 September 2017

'A Tale of Two Foxes', 2015's grand winner. Image: Don Gutoski

Judged each year by a panel of esteemed professionals, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year is a culmination of 50,000 international entries, depicting the 'astonishing diversity of life on our planet'. If you have been enjoying the most recent documentary series of Planet Earth, then this exhibition, held in the impressive National History Museum, is not to be missed. 

Christmas at Kew 2016 | Open now until 2 January 2017

Image: Kew Royal Botanical Gardens

Returning with its sparkling lights and festive charm, Christmas at Kew offers a wonderland unlike many others. Though there are many Christmas fairs and markets already open to the public, Kew is unique in its botanical setting, which serves as a welcome retreat from the busy streets of central London. Kew Gardens, an institution which is over 250 years old, has made incredible advances in our botanical understanding, with many benefits for humankind from medicine to conservation. 

Talk - Social Impact Designers who've Failed and Thrived | 29 November

Image: FUN

F***up Nights (FUN) is a movement set up in Mexico 4 years ago, with the primary objective to publicly showcase stories of failure in businesses. Hearing stories from entrepreneurs' less successful moments leads to an environment that is more about learning than 'gloating'. This pecha kucha event, with its international momentum, will be as light-hearted as it is inspiring.

Find more events in London here.

Also keep track of our weekly event picks for New York City and Los Angeles.

Have an event you want to submit? Send it to Bustler for review here.