The new Idler is out now. Tom Hodgkinson reveals some of the highlights

Our new issue was released yesterday. It’s our first ever Christmas special and offers a rich store of delights.

Read our interview with Stewart Lee on keeping his gigs small – “otherwise it’s a fascist rally”, his gloomy predictions for the next election, why he quit the Observer, and why he keeps away from social media.

There’s Mary Killen’s proposal for a castaways’ Christmas, plus a defence of Scrooge.

We have more delectable entertainment in the shape of a short story by the peerless Ben Moor, a Christmas quiz and ethical gifts guide.

Plus there’s me on why I hate Lime bikes with such passionate intensity.

Subscribers, you can read the issue online here.

If you have not yet subscribed, click here and join up for less than thirty quid a year.

Happy idling,

Tom

PS Art Flâneur Tim Richardson is our guest on “A Drink with the Idler” next Thursday. We’ll be discussing English landscape gardens (also the subject of Tim’s forthcoming online coruse for the Idler Academy). Click here to join us. 

Subscribe here and get 12% off the shop price plus a FREE copy of Idle Thoughts by Tom Hodgkinson, worth £8.95.

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A Drink with the Idler

“A Drink with the Idler” returns on 13 November when our guest will be the Idler‘s Art Flâneur Tim Richardson (below), who will be revealing the secrets behind England’s landscape gardens. Thursday 13 November, 6-7pm. Click here to book – it’s FREE to subscribers.

Our December 2025 issue is available in Waitrose, Waterstones, Smiths Travel outlets, select Smiths high street branches and around 100 indie stores. Click here for your nearest stockist.