Six Things Not To Miss In London This Weekend: Dec 16 - 18

'What would Beyoncé do?' It's a question that will guide you wisely through most dilemmas in life. Not least when it comes to choosing a West End musical to go and see, because there is no doubt that La Knowles would definitely make for Dreamgirls. Yep, the original stage version of Bey's hit film has arrived in London, and it's just as fabulous as you would expect. Following all-female soul band The Dreams as they rise to pop stardom in 1960s America, Glee's Amber Riley is an emotional powerhouse in the Jennifer Hudson role, while jaws will be on the floor over the Swarovski dresses, designed by Gregg Barnes. That's right, SWAROVSKI DRESSES. So when we say this is a dazzling night out, we darned well mean it. Beyoncé would certainly approve. 

Set designs by Tim Hatley  using Swarovski crystals

Now in previews; £20-£120

Dreamgirls, Savoy Theatre, Strand, WC2R 0ET

It's true that many a Christmas Day has spiralled into a gin-soaked session. Which is why we're delighted that the good folks at The Gin Foundry are formalising the whole procedure, teaching us how to do it in a far classier, more discerning manner. Hosting a three-day pop-up bar at The Vinyl Factory in Soho, here they'll be giving us the chance to try each of the 24 'unusual, progressive and sublimely delicious' gins that make up their famous Ginvent Calendar. You can also expect speed tastings (yikes), masterclasses, cocktail slurping and a 12 Days of Christmas Ginvent Odyssey – although, let's face it, we had you at 24 gins, didn't we?

16-18 Dec; from £7.50

Gin Foundry, 18 Marshall St, Soho, London W1F 7BE

We reckon this weekend basically marks the start of Christmas (next week at work is all word searches and Quality Street, surely). So why not kick things off with one stormer of a party? And you'll find just that at Brixton venue The Prince of Wales, where, this Saturday, Carnival meets Christmas. Filling the covered rooftop winter garden with samba dancers, Caribbean street food and even a seasonal rum shack, this festive shindig also has two stages of music and performers, with DJs including Jus Now, Serocee and Hipsters Don't Dance keeping the dance floor rolling into the wee small hours. Eat, drink and get very very merry, we say.

17 Dec; £15

Brixton Christmas Carnival, Prince of Wales, 467-469 Brixton Road, London, SW9 8HH

Think Christmas, think Tooting. No? Well, you might well change your mind this weekend. Because from Saturday, the Toots becomes the most festive place this side of Lapland, filled with food stalls selling Yuletide treats (look out for Saffa Hut, Sticky Beaks and The Gravy Train), chocolate workshops, Santa's grottos, pop-up theatre and designer gifts. Plus, when it all gets too much, you can cosy down with specially crafted cocktails, DJs and live acts at venues including Dip & Flip, Ekcovision, The Antelope and Graveney & Meadow. Happy Tootsmas, everyone!

17-18 Dec

Various venues around Tooting Broadway