Originally published on Tuesday, 17th December 2013

The Culturist: November

Suddenly it's the end of the year. It wouldn't be December without festive markets, winter wonderlands and giant trees. We've also got a ton of restaurant openings (Peruvian, Caribbean or British cuisine: take your pick), a musical thriller for a change of pace, and a drinking festival to keep things jolly. Plus, there's even Art Basel Miami Beach for all you sun loving types. Merry December!

EAT I: ANDINA

Opens late November, The Ape & Bird Public House, Opens December 5, 1 Redchurch Street, E2 7DJ

Martin Morales shows no signs of slowing down. After getting Soho hooked on Peruvian cuisine, the dynamic chef has set up shop in Shoreditch. Inspired by family-style picanterias, Andina will serve up Peruvian soul food, mixing ingredients from the Andes with seasonal British produce. Think Emoliente de Maca (a hot Peruvian energy drink packed with superfoods) for breakfast, Chupe (prawns & black quinoa chowder) for lunch or dinner, and Mousse De Lucuma (Andean lucuma fruit, quinoa biscuit, amarillo chilli) for dessert. Downstairs, The Music Room will play host to ex-DJ Morales' extensive Peruvian funk record collection – the inspiration behind his label Tiger's Milk Records – while the Ceviche Bar and the Pisco and Chacha bar will satisfy cravings.

BOOK NOW: AMERICAN PSYCHO, THE MUSICAL

December 3, 2013 – January 25, 2014. More tickets go on sale on December 5. Tickets from £10, Almeida Theatre, Almeida Street, N1 1TA, Phaidon Store 

Finally, there's a musical we actually want to watch: Patrick Bateman is coming to the London stage. The well-dressed, serial killing banker from Bret Easton Ellis' cult (and creepy) novel is the focus of Almeida Theatre's new production. Billed as a "musical thriller", the play sees Doctor Who's Matt Smith cast in the title role (watch out Christian Bale). The musical is all about haute cuisine, decadent materialism, and murder in Manhattan, set against '80s-tinged tunes. Expect impeccable costuming: the performance is sponsored by men's e-boutique Mr. Porter. Leave the kiddies at home – this sadistic musical is strictly adults only.

SHOP: MONOCLE CHRISTMAS MARKET

December 7 & 8, free entry, Midori House, 1 Dorset Street, W1U 4EG, LEAF 2013 

The annual Monocle Christmas Market returns this month, so shop to it. As you'd expect from Tyler Brûlé and crew, this is a Christmas market with a global twist. Expect nothing short of Swiss Weihnachten, Japanese Kurisumasu and traditional Yuletide cheer combined. A reindeer petting zoo, guest musical performances, winter warming treats from The Monocle café, and shopping (with stalls by Allpress, COS and Japan Tourism Agency) are all on the agenda. Plus, we hear Santa himself will be making an appearance – via Finland, of course.

EAT II: HIXTER

November 8, J Crew, Open now 9a Devonshire Square , SW3 3AJ

Carnivore king Mark Hix is expanding his empire with the launch of Hixter. Located in Devonshire Square, the massive 5000 square foot restaurant will have a menu full of Tramshed favourites, including giant Yorkshire puddings with whipped chicken livers, whole Indian Rock roast chickens and marbled Glenham Estate cuts of steak. Newcomers such as a vibrant chicken curry nod to the venue's history as the 18th century warehouses of The East India Company. Plus, Hixter's basement will play host to Mark's Bar, which will serve up British beers and bespoke, infused cocktails with foraged ingredients – and best of all, the bar will be open until 2.30am. True to form there's an element of YBA in the restaurant's design: Tracey Emin is behind the neon Hixter signage.

DRINK: DRINK FEAST

Stay tuned W Verbier's search for a resident DJ continues, with the semi-finalists battling it out on the decks.

Street food markets are everywhere (Hawker House, Night Tales and Kerb we're looking at you), but when it comes to a festival where alcoholic beverages are king, it's gotta be Drink Feast. Dropping its anchor at Hoxton Docks, Drink Feast offers a line up of London's best drinking joints (think Rum Kitchen, Shoreditch Grind, Nola Bar, Ruski's Tavern and more). The city's premier mixologists will be shaking up a storm behind the bars, while Señor Ceviche, HIX, Rola Wola and Street Kitchen will be on hand with nibbles when hunger strikes. Cheers!

EAT III: RUM KITCHEN, CARNABY

Best of all, UJ readers get 25% off lunch from December 9-20, just quote the code UJ25% when, E2 9D

The Rum Kitchen boys are back. Having won over Notting Hill with Caribbean flavours, they have now set their sights on Soho. Injecting Kingly Court with their (much needed) trademark energy, Rum Kitchen Carnaby will showcase West Indies cuisine in an all-day dining menu. Expect everything from classic saltfish fritters to new offerings like swordfish sandwiches and pork belly, watermelon and mango salads. As for the drinks? Lashings of rum (of course) and a massive selection of hand-crafted cocktails to choose from. UJ have already had a sneak peek, and with concertina windows overlooking a twinkling courtyard and sunshine vibes, we plan on getting very comfortable here.

VISIT: WINTER WONDERLAND

Free entry, Hawker House, Open until January 5 2014, Hyde Park, W2 2UH. Night Tales, November 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30, Abbott Street Car Park, Dalston, E8 3DL

It wouldn't feel like Christmas without a visit to Winter Wonderland. So embrace the yuletide delight of Hyde Park and check out the country's vastest ice rink, a Magical Ice Kingdom (where temperatures drop to -8 degrees), a giant ferris wheel, a Bavarian Village…the list goes on. As for you bah humbug types: head straight to a bar – there are nine to choose from – for Glühwein (aka instant festive cheer). Ho ho ho.

INTERNATIONAL PICK: ART BASEL MIAMI BEACH

£12.50, Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore!, November 20- March 5, Somerset House, WC2R 1LA

If you're looking to squeeze in a pre-Xmas trip, Art Basel Miami Beach is the ticket to epic parties, great tunes, winter sun…and of course, must-see art. The schedule is jam-packed with Perez Art Museum Miami throwing open its doors, a Colette x Alchemist pop up, Tim Walker's Suspension of Disbelief film premiere, Curiosity by French art duo Kolkoz, a Maison Martin Margiela x Atelier Swarovski bash, Richie Hawtin at Story, Soul Clap at Soho Beach House…and that's not even scratching the surface. UJ will be heading to Miami for the occasion, so stay tuned for dispatches direct from ABMB #UJaway.

SEE: AQUA SHARD CHRISTMAS TREE

Opens late November, Oslo, Aqua Shard, Level 31 The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, SE1 9RY

London may not have the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree (boo), but there's no need to be a Grinch. This year, Aqua Shard has joined forces with Matthew Williamson, pulling out all the stops with a massive tree. Curated by the fashion designer, the tree is decorated with baubles courtesy of the city's creatives: think Zaha Hadid, Rankin and more. You can check out the giant fir in the triple-height atrium bar of Aqua Shard while indulging in some bubbly, then dig deep: the baubles will be auctioned off through December in aid of the Kids Company charity. 'Tis the season, after all.

EAT III: THE MAGAZINE RESTAURANT

Opens November 1, The Magazine, West Carriage Drive, Kensington Gardens, W2 2AR

The highly anticipated restaurant of the new Serpentine Sackler Gallery opens this month. Chef Oliver Lang has partnered with Kofler & Kompanie to bring experimental modern dining to Kensington Gardens. The 120 cover restaurant, inspired by the architecture of the contrasting Serpentine galleries, is expected to serve a fusion of Japanese, British and European cooking. Think black pudding and langoustines, Ibero pork cheeks with apple and elderflower and tapioca rice pudding. But this being Zaha Hadid's first restaurant space – it's about more than what's on your plate.