We’ve officially entered the second week of December, which means Christmas is already everywhere.
Festive markets are bustling, the smell of mulled wine is in the air, and while the weather might be colder, at least we have an excuse to eat lot of warm mince pies.
For the Scrooges among us, however – or just those that want a break from family gatherings and present-buying – this week’s highlights offer an escape into mystery and history.
From a fascinating exhibit on 20th-century artists Turner and Constable at London’s Tate Britain, to a supernatural-themed showcase in Basel sure to send shivers down your spine, there’s also the highly-anticipated third instalment of the ‘whodunnit’ Knives Out movie franchise.
But when it comes to the quandary of what to do this week, Detective Benoit Blanc need not worry – we’re already on the case.
Exhibitions
Turner and Constable
When: Until 12 April 2026
Where: Tate Britain (London, UK)
Two of Britain’s most famous landscape painters (and rivals) are being celebrated at London’s Tate Britain. Over 170 paintings and works by J.M.W. Turner and John Constable are displayed in unison, including Turner’s masterpiece The Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons, which has not been publicly displayed in the UK in over 100 years. Vast, varied and mesmerising to behold, it’s a fascinating insight into the lives and careers of both men that also marks the 250th anniversary of their births.
Ghosts: Visualising the Supernatural
When: Until 8th March 2026
Where: Kunstmuseum Basel (Switzerland)
Halloween might have been and gone, but ghosts and ghouls continue to haunt our collective imaginations. From filmic frighteners to painted poltergeist, they find us in all forms of art as representations of the unknown; all the space between life and death. This has made them ripe for creative exploration and expression, often utilised to explore grief, trauma and other intangible emotions linked to faded memories. The Kunstmuseum Basel delves into this supernatural sphere through a showcase of over 160 spooky works and objects created throughout the past 250 years.
**Bonus highlight: ‘**John Singer Sargent: Dazzling Paris’ is on at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris until 11 January 2026, celebrating one of the 20th century’s greatest artists.
Movies
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Where: Netflix
When: 12 December
Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) and his satisfying southern drawl returns for the third instalment of Rian Johnson’s Knives Outseries. This latest case might just be his most challenging yet, revolving around the murder of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin) at a small church in New York. Assisted in his investigations by young Father Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor), this time’s potential suspects include religious devotee Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close), doctor Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner) and lawyer Vera Draven (Kerry Washington). Prepare for exclamations of: “Oh, sh*tballs!”
Bonus highlight: Brazilian odyssey The Blue Trail, which premiered at this year’s Berlinale, is showing at select European cinemas this month.
TV series
The Accident (season 2)
Where: Netflix
When: 10 December
Netflix’s Mexican melodrama follows the aftermath of a terrible incident at a child’s birthday party, exploring the ripple effects of grief on a close-knit community. Set one year on from the first season’s events, new revelations come to light as characters old and new are still attempting to make sense of what has happened. Relationships are tested and dark secrets unravelled in what makes for an over-the-top, but addictively bingeable watch.
Bonus highlight: Man vs. Baby stars Rowan Atkinson as a house sitter for the ultra-wealthy who finds himself unexpectedly caring for an abandoned baby. Much haplessness and hijinks ensue! Streams on Netflix 11 December.
Music
Dove Ellis: Blizzard
When: Out now
From Fontaines D.C. to CMAT and Kneecap, some of the best new music of the past two years has come from Irish musicians. Joining them is Dove Ellis, whose debut single ‘To the Sandals’ hit number one in the official singles chart after its release in September. Through their ambient acoustics and humbly high-pitched vocals, Ellis’ sounds have an ethereal quality that sweeps you away into nostalgia-hued daydreams. It’s perfect listening for chilly afternoon walks as the sun sets and the warm lights of homes begin to glow.
Bonus highlight: It’s the most wonderful time of the year for live albums! Recent highlights include Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds ‘Live God’ and Depeche Mode’s ‘Memento Mori: Mexico City’.