LIBRARY
Things to see and do ……
Christmas 2021
CHRISTMAS LIGHT TRAILS Borealis Guildhall Yard, off Gresham Street, EC2V 5AE https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/events/borealis 11 – 22 December Borealis by Dan Acher offers a mesmerising mustsee moment of awe and wonder, lighting up the heart of the City of London. This spectacular immersive installation, inspired by the Northern Lights, will light up the skies over Guildhall Yard. Experience time slow down as your eyes look up at Dan Acher's spectacular installation. Come along and relax under the urban Aurora, complete with a gentle soundtrack, and festive food and drink offers. Open 5.30pm – 10pm Entry free but advance booking essential
Christmas Lights London by Night bus tour Bus tours depart from London Eye, Belvedere Road, Bus Stop 77, London, SE1 7GH https://tickets.london/gt/event/christmas-lights-london-by-night-tour/-/385245 Until 3 January 2022 See the capital sparkle with festive displays on the Christmas Lights London by Night open-top bus tour, led by an expert guide. Be dazzled by Christmassy shop window displays, sparkling fairy lights and famous landmarks lit up come nightfall, on this night-time bus tour. Drive past the worldfamous Regent Street Christmas lights and other key sights, including Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Marble Arch, The London Eye and Tower Bridge. Take photos along the way or just sit back and enjoy the sights. An expert guide entertains you with facts and stories about the city as you pass historical buildings and drive along notable streets. Audio guides are also available in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian Russian, Portuguese (Brazilian) and Chinese. Adults : £24, Children : £13
Kenwood House Hampstead Ln, London NW3 7JR https://christmasatkenwood.seetickets.com/content/ticket-options Until 9 January 2022 As night falls on the historical gardens at Kenwood this winter, the grounds come alive with a spectacular burst of Christmas magic and sparkle. Perched on the edge of Hampstead Heath, the tranquil gardens will become home to an illuminated trail that invites visitors to see the magnificent landscape in a new light, as they step into an enchanting winter wonderland. Visitors of all ages will be captivated by this visually stunning, multi-sensory mix of light, fire and sound. Adults from : £21.50, Children from : £14.00
Lightopia Crystal Palace Park https://london.lightopiafestival.com/ Until 2 January 2022 Lightopia London promises to bring the history of Crystal Palace Park to life, with a fantastic Christmas light walk, creating a winter wonderland of illumination. London’s largest Christmas light display, with immersive installations - perfect for a family Christmas outing. Adults from : £19.50, Children from £13.00
Christmas at Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas Until 9 January 2022 Enjoy after-dark festivities with family and friends, as you discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections, and trees drenched in jewel-like colour on your way to the panoramic Palm House light display. Journey through the mesmerising flickering flames in the Fire Garden, spot larger-than-life illuminations and say hello to Father Christmas along the way. Along the route, delicious independent street food vendors will offer tasty festive delights, from hot food and sweet treats to spiced winter warmers and hot chocolate. Adults from : £26.50, Children from : £16.50
Christmas at The Tower of London London EC3N 4AB https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/whats-on/christmas-at-the-towerof-london/#gs.g6fsjl Until 3 January 2022 Discover the iconic history of the Tower of London this Christmas through the animals that once lived within its walls, with a magical, festive experience for all the family. Explore spectacular displays of festive decorations and illuminated animalthemed areas across the fortress. From majestic elephants to a twinkling winter wonderland scene where polar bears roam and playful ravens nest; there is lots for all ages to see and enjoy in royal style. A unique experience for the perfect winter treat this Christmas. Adults from : £28.90, Children from £14.40
OUT AND ABOUT Warner Bros Studio Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden WD25 7LR https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/ Hogwarts in the Snow Until 16 January 2022 You are invited to get into the festive spirit as Warner Bros. Studio Tour London’s annual Hogwarts in the Snow feature returns! You will be able to explore another of your favourite sets in the snow as the Forbidden Forest undergoes a wintery transformation. The trees and woodland in the Forbidden Forest will be given a festive makeover, draped in layers of filmmaking snow, as well as the cobbled stones and magical shop fronts of Diagon Alley, Hagrid’s Hut and the Hogwarts castle model. Once again, the enchanting Great Hall will be dressed for the occasion with wreaths, garlands and trees topped with witches on miniature broomsticks. The long dining tables will be dressed as they were for the seasonal feast in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, complete with SFX flaming Christmas puddings and prop versions of the mouth-watering roast turkeys and hams studded with cherries. Tickets from £47 Ice-skating Various locations https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/whats-on/christmas/best-iceskating-rinks-in-london Have a go! There are numerous rinks opening up over London for the festive season including: Somerset House, Natural History Museum (in its final year), Queen’s House Greenwich, Canary Wharf and Hampton Court Palace. Check individual websites for prices.
Enchanted Eltham Palace https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/eltham-palaceenchanted-9-30-dec-2021/ 9 - 30 December Gather friends and family to banish the dark winter nights and experience the past in a spectacular new light this December. Explore the grounds and gardens of Eltham Palace to discover a magical world of illumination, sound and colour, and see the outside of the Great Hall bathed in light. Warm up with a glass of mulled wine, toast a marshmallow under the night sky or hop on a traditional fairground ride. Browse the shop for Christmas gifts or enjoy some festive foodie treats.
Tickets : £9.50 - £16
Snowman Sculpture Trail Bromley Town Centre https://yourbromley.com/events/walking-with-the-snowman-%EF%B8%8F-trailis-here
This new and enchanting family-friendly walkable trail features 12 incredible sculptures in a tribute to Raymond Briggs’ magical classic, The Snowman™️. Each Snowman has been individually decorated by a professional artist, inspired by the theme of the 12 Days of Christmas.
London Walking Tours https://www.london-walking-tours.co.uk/christmas-walks.htm Why not experience the enchantment of the old and historic City whilst many of the offices are closed during the Christmas period and the streets of the City of London are much quieter than usual. Festive walks include a Dickens Christmas Carol walk! Check website for dates and prices.
Retail therapy Warm up with some winter treats at one of the London Christmas markets and indulge in a little retail therapy at Southbank’s Winter Market, London Bridge City or support up and coming designers at the Crafty Fox Market.
Winter Wonderland - Hyde Park https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/ 19 November – 3 January 2022 Located in the heart of London in Hyde Park, immerse yourself in all things festive. Offering a wide variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food, drinks and so much more, there’s something for everyone! Mornings are great for families, where you can enjoy Winter Wonderland at a leisurely pace. When the evening comes around, Hyde Park is transformed by thousands of sparkling lights so grab your mulled wine, hot chocolate or stein of Bavarian beer and join in the festive fun!
Entrance and attraction prices vary – please see website for details
THEATRE A CHRISTMAS CAROL : A triple helping!
The Old Vic The Cut, London SE1 8NB https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on From 25 November Matthew Warchus’ big-hearted, smash hit production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic returns to The Old Vic, joyously adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and starring Stephen Mangan as Ebenezer Scrooge. The Old Vic’s A Christmas Carol fills the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment. A unique staging immerses the audience in this uplifting story. Tickets : £20 - £67.50
Alexandra Palace Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY https://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/a-christmas-carol-a-ghost-storynew-date/#
26 November – 9 January 2022 Mark Gatiss (Dracula, The League of Gentlemen, Doctor Who) leads an ensemble cast, in his own retelling of Dickens’ classic winter ghost story, filled with Dickensian, spine-tingling special effects. Prepare to be frightened and delighted in equal measure as you enter the supernatural Victorian world of A Christmas Carol. In his own words : “A scary, thrilling, joyous adventure to get the blood piping on a freezing winter’s night. A Victorian phantasmagoria!” Tickets : £25 - £62
Middle Temple Hall https://www.anticdisposition.co.uk/a-christmas-carol-2021 22 – 30 December Following five sell-out seasons, Antic Disposition’s much-loved musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens festive classic A Christmas Carol returns to the spectacular setting of Middle Temple Hall in London. This festive celebration combines the ghostly tale of Ebenezer Scrooge with original songs inspired by the carols of a traditional Victorian Christmas. Step off the bustle of Fleet Street and journey through cobbled alleyways and gas-lit courtyards to arrive at the hidden historical gem Middle Temple Hall – a location well-known to Dickens himself, who studied law at the ancient institution. Decked with boughs of holly, filled with the scent of mulled wine and mince pies and brimming with festive cheer, enter the magnificent wood-panelled hall and immerse yourself in this joyous adaptation of the beloved Christmas classic for everyone aged 6 and over. Tickets : £30 - £50
Southbank Centre Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/winter Circus 1903 15 December – 2 January 2020 https://circus1903.com/ Experience all the thrills and daredevil entertainment of a turn-of-the-century circus when CIRCUS 1903 returns to the Southbank Centre this Christmas! Sensational puppetry from the awardwinning team behind War Horse puts elephants back in the ring as never seen before, alongside a huge cast of the most unique, jaw-dropping and dangerous acts from all four corners of the globe. From strong men to contortionists, acrobats to musicians, knife throwers and much more, CIRCUS 1903 will amaze, captivate, and transport audiences of all ages to the mesmerising Golden Age of circus. Circus 1903 is in town for three weeks only!
Royal Festival Hall Tickets : from £25
Stick Man Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX https://www.leicestersquaretheatre.com/ Until 3 January 2022 Touching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is back. What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog, Tiddler and other Terrific Tales, and Tabby McTat features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. Tickets from : £19
Shakespeare’s Globe 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/ The Fir Tree 20 – 30 December Enjoy a festive family trip to the Globe Theatre this Christmas for a magical re-imagining of Hans Christian Andersen‘s fairy tale The Fir Tree. In a beautiful wood stands a little Fir Tree. Surrounded by neighbouring oaks and cedars, and kept company by friendly woodland creatures, it enjoys a peaceful life. But the Fir Tree is curious. It dreams of a world outside the forest, yearning for adventure. What will happen when it grows up? Where will it go? And will it be everything the Fir Tree wished for? Let imaginations run wild as the Globe transforms into a forest, take part in carol-singing and treedecorating, and keep cosy with a hot chocolate or mulled wine under the wintry star-lit sky. Suitable for all ages, big or small!
Tickets : £5 - £49
Beauty and the Beast Fairfield Halls, https://www.fairfield.co.uk/events/beauty-and-the-beast-21 From 10 December to 3 January 2022 Dick & Dom and Derek Griffiths will be starring in this year's pantomime : Beauty and the Beast. The show tells the story of a Prince who is cursed by an Enchantress and turned into a Hairy Beast, will he find true love and reverse the curse? Will village girl Belle be able to see his true heart under his beastly appearance? All will be revealed. Featuring all the ingredients of a traditional pantomime including big song and dance numbers, side-splitting comedy, lots of audience participation and a huge sprinkling of pantomime magic this is a show that will delight young and old. Check website for availability and ticket prices
Sleeping Beauty Churchill Theatre, Bromley https://churchilltheatre.co.uk/Online/bromley-pantomime-panto-kent 4 December – 2 January 2022 Once upon a time in a land far away, the beautiful Princess Aurora is given a sixteenth birthday present by her evil godmother Carabosse. By pricking her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel she is placed under a cruel curse and forced to sleep for 100 years. Can true love survive and the handsome Prince Charming break the spell? Can Aurora’s hilarious best friend Muddles help save the town and who will outwit the evil Enchantress and foil her wicked plans? Cast includes Lee Mead, Bonnie Langford. With magic, music, comedy and special effects, make Sleeping Beauty the pantomime of your dreams and book tickets now.
Tickets : £20 - £39.50
CHRISTMAS POP-UP CINEMA Backyard Cinema Winter Night Garden and Snow Kingdom – Capital Studios, Wandsworth https://backyardcinema.co.uk/shows/winter-and-christmas/
Venture through a magical wardrobe, explore the enchanted forest and rediscover your favourite films Or … Journey through a secret waterfall and take an adventure to a magical world to find an enchanted cinema like no other
Both experiences include showings of Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually and many more festive favourites.
See above website for dates, locations and prices.
Festive film releases this Christmas include:
West Side Story – Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of the 1957 musical, West Side Story explores forbidden love and the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. Spiderman : no way home - With Spider-Man's identity now revealed, Peter asks Doctor Strange for help. When a spell goes wrong, dangerous foes from other worlds start to appear, forcing Peter to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man. Silent Night - An extended family comes together for Christmas dinner at a country estate on the eve of an environmental apocalypse.
Or a ballet – choose from :
The Nutcracker : The all-time Christmas Classic at The Coliseum and The Royal Opera House
Giselle : Superbly atmospheric telling of Marius Petipa’s classic tale of love, betrayal and the supernatural
The Snowman : Fly through the air with James and his frosty friend as they head for the North Pole to meet Father Christmas
FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEAS Rubens Hotel 39 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0PS Until 2 January 2022 https://rubenshotel.com/dining-anddrinks/whats-on/festive This festive twist on a traditional afternoon tea includes Clementine Mousse, Cherry Choux and Christmas Pudding Tart and includes bottomless mulled wine! Adults : £59.50 Children : £19 B Bakery Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour https://b-bakery.com/london/bus-tours/christmas-afternoon-tea/ Until 9 January 2022
Combine a bus tour of the Christmas lights and sights with a festive tea on board a vintage Routemaster bus! All the classic treats included with optional bubbles! Adults : from £45 Children : from £35 The Orchid Lounge, Pan Pacific London 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-london.html Offers a traditional festive tea including turkey sausage rolls, cranberry scones and gingerbread hot chocolate or an Asian inspired Kopi-Tiam tea incorporating mini Asian delicacies alongside Christmassy delights such as pistachio mousse Christmas trees and dark chocolate sponge baubles. Decisions, decisions …… £72 per person
The Petersham Hotel Nightingale Ln, Richmond TW10 6UZ https://www.petershamhotel.co.uk/festive-afternoon-tea/ Until 31 December Served overlooking the Thames and the Petersham meadow – there’s guaranteed snowfall every day, promising a magical experience! After turkey and cranberry quiche, save some room for wrapped parcels of Christmas pudding, chocolate mousse and cherry rum jelly, and Christmas Baubles, filled with orange, salted caramel and white chocolate. £36.50 per person
Dotty’s Tea House 108 High St, Carshalton SM5 3AE https://www.dottysteahouse.co.uk/ Until 2 January 2022 The table at Dotty’s will be laden with Christmas favourites, including; gingerbread men, yule logs, mince pies and snowflake choux buns accompanied by their famous s’mores hot chocolate! Perfect to get you in the Christmas spirit!
Adults : £29.95 Children : £15
VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS CAROLS St Luke’s and Christ Church, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NH https://www.battersea.org.uk/support-us/christmas-carol-concert 2 and 3 December As well as festive carols, mulled wine, and mince pies, you’ll be treated to a very special guard of honour from some of our beloved Battersea dogs. Other dogs and cats are unable to attend the event. Do not bring your beloved pet with you, please leave them in a safe environment at home for the duration. Tickets from £22
Patron : Her Majesty the Queen
www.royalrussell.co.uk