Things to see and do ……
LIBRARY
Christmas 2022
CHRISTMAS LIGHT TRAILS
Enchanted Eltham
Eltham Palace, Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, SE9 5NP 2 30 December (selected dates only see website for details)
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 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. Stock up on a range of Christmas gifts, from traditional toys to award-winning food and drink in the gift shop.
Adults : from £15 Children : from £9
Illuminature
London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth Walk, London SW13 9WT Until 8 January 2023 https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/london/whats on/illuminature light trail
Meet giant light-up otters and explore the phases of the ever watching moon in owl woods.Discover the lustrous lake using night vision goggles to discover what the wetland's real-life inhabitants are getting up to. Sip delicious hot chocolate and munch on toasted marshmallows and scrumptious snacks at the Twilight Tweatery. Take the weight off your feet and relax under a sky of fairy lights before making the most of glittering photo opportunities. Hop between giant interactive lily pads, beneath glowing fireflies, as you race your friends across the peculiar pond. Head to the mystical marshland to start your illuminated bird spotting mission before heading into the fantastical forest full of mesmerizing neon birds. Finally, journey through the twinkling tundra tunnel and back out into the real world.
Adults : £18.50 Children : £14.50
Palace of Light
Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU 7 December – 2 January 2023
https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton court palace/whats on/palace of light/#gs.jd88h0
This Christmas, you’re invited on an enchanting festive lantern and light experience at Hampton Court Palace with brand new, bold displays through an extended route for 2022. The light trail at Hampton Court Palace is bigger and better than ever before, with more elaborate installations and dramatic displays, taking a route through the wilderness, formal gardens and palace. Encounter curious creatures, from glittering unicorns to polka dot panthers and from lurking lions to galloping greyhounds, as you wander through the atmospheric gardens and historic palace courtyards after dark. These captivating luminous and dramatic displays are created by a skilled team of artists and craftspeople, and are inspired by the Royal Beasts, a collection of heraldic statues commissioned for Hampton Court by Henry VIII himself. Palace of Light is a chance to experience this unique historic palace like never before.
Adults : £14.50 Children £9.50
Lightopia
Crystal Palace Park
https://london.lightopiafestival.com/ Until 2 January 2023
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 : £24.50, Children from £16.00
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street’s lights are typically pretty special, illuminating the street with eccentric, fun-loving tributes from everything to rock bands to robins to outer space. This year, the area’s bringing back some of its all-time faves with its zany theme ‘Carnaby Celebrates’, which will mark 25 years of delighting harried shoppers. Look up and you'll see palm trees, glittering Rolling Stones tongues, a giant snowman, and planets, all partying together in the dark night skies.
Covent Garden
There’s arguably nowhere in London Christmassier than Covent Garden Piazza in December. Alongside the giant baubles and mistletoe shaped decorations hanging from the marketplace roof, its famous 60ft Christmas tree will also be bathing the cobbles with 30,000 twinkling lights. From December 1, there’ll also be daily flurries of ‘snow’ and live performances from Royal Opera House ballet dancers. Pick up posh foodie bits and stocking fillers at Italian fashion house Dolce&Gabbana’s pop up Italian food market, take a picture on Santa’s sleigh, watch the cast from ELF the musical have a singsong (Dec 14), join the Mulled Wine or the Christmas Sandwich festival or wind your way through the ‘Wonder Wood’ a collection of festive trees. So. Much. Christmas.
Winter Light at the Southbank Centre
Everyone’s favourite riverside culture hotspot, Southbank Centre, will be aglow again with festive illuminations. Winter Light is an open-air exhibition featuring an electric smorgasbord of lightworks from super talented artists from around the world. All of them make mind-bending use of light, colour and even boundary pushing film to deal with issues and topics surrounding nature, technology, urban life and spirituality.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS … FOR FREE!
Warner Bros Studio
Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden WD25 7LR
https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/ Hogwarts in the Snow Until 15 January 2023
There’s no better way for wizards and witches to make memories this winter as you walk in the footsteps of your favourite characters in the Great Hall, dressed for the famous Yule Ball scene in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Prepare to be stunned by the shimmering silver decorations, dripping icicles and sparkling snow. Featuring a wintery orchestra arrangement, fans can expect to see the Great Hall in a new light for this festive season.Feel the warmth of the Gryffindor common room on Christmas Day, adorned with red and gold ornaments. The first snowfall of the season will cover the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley and the magnificent Hogwarts castle model.
Tickets from £47 Tower of London London EC3N 4AB
Until 3 January 2023 https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/whats-on/christmas-at-the-tower-oflondon/#gs.j53vs6
This Christmas, see the Tower of London transformed like never before with magical festive displays across the famous fortress. The 12 Days of Christmas will be brought to life in unique Tower of London style. As you wander around London’s iconic castle at this special time of year, spot 9 rowdy ravens, seek out a sparkling Christmas tree for each of Henry VIII’s wives (all 6 of them!) or snap a photo with 3 lordly life size lions in support of England’s World Cup campaign. Pick up a special trail map and find all the song’s famous verses with your true loves whether they’re friends or family. Complete a perfect festive day out with an indulgent mince pie and warming hot chocolate from the café, then dive into the gift shop for some last minute Christmas shopping!
Tickets : included in normal admission Adults £29.90 Children £14.90
OUT
AND ABOUT
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW8 5BN 11 November – 8 January 2023
https://glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk/
Set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings, Glide at Battersea Power Station will be the ultimate festive skating experience in the city this winter. Enjoy unrivalled views of the Thames as you spin around three interconnecting rinks surrounded by twinkling lights and a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree. The perfect location for that epic festive selfie.
Tickets : Adults £12 Children £8
Ice-skating
Various locations
https://www.visitlondon.com/things to do/whats on/christmas/best ice skating rinks-in-london
Have a go! There are numerous rinks opening up over London for the festive season including: Somerset House, Canary Wharf and Hampton Court Palace.
Check individual websites for prices.
A Rift In Time - Christmas Lights Trail
https://thesecret.city/locations/london/a rift in time/ Start location : Oxford Circus Tube Station, Oxford Street, London End location : Covent Garden
A Christmas adventure in London with a winding route through some of London's greatest festive lights. At the heart of Victorian London you're in pursuit of a mysterious stranger. Is he a victim or a villain? It's up to you to find out. Take on the role of a Dickensian detective, as you try to uncover the truth! Play as either the good-natured Pip or the dastardly Sikes as you chase the stranger through the city. Along the way, discover enigmatic passages, historic arcades, stunning shops and a host of charming pubs - 20% off food & drink half way around. With captivating clues to solve and a host of exciting details, you're in for a cracking time. But beware! Not everything is as it seems! Have you got what it takes to get to the heart of the story and unravel all 16 cryptic puzzles?
Tickets : £15 per person
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
Find the perfect Christmas gifts for loved ones and enjoy plenty of street food, twinkling lights and entertainment throughout the festive season at London's most popular Christmas markets. This year’s offerings include : Southbank’s Winter Market, Kings Cross : Christmas Under the Canopy and London Bridge City Market complete with wooden cabins, traditional craft stalls and artisan gifts.
Check individual websites for dates and opening times
Winter Wonderland Hyde Park
Until 2 January 2023
https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/
Now a London Christmas staple, Winter Wonderland returns with more attractions than ever. Rides, shows, activities, food and drink – there is something for everyone. Immerse yourself in all things festive and don’t forget to drop in and see Santa before you leave! All rides and experiences can be booked separately so you can create your own tailor made Christmas adventure.
THEATRE
A Christmas Carol
The Old Vic, The Cut, London SE1 8NB 12 November 7 January 2023
https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats on
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 Owen Teale 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
Elf Dominion Theatre, 268 269 Tottenham Court Rd, London W1T 7AQ 14 November 7 January 2023
https://www.nederlander.co.uk/whats on/elf
ELF is the funny and charming tale of Buddy, who mistakenly crawled into Santa’s bag as a baby and was raised as an elf! Way too tall and not so great at his job, Buddy is the North Pole’s biggest misfit…
When Santa tells him the truth, Buddy heads to New York to find his birth father (who turns out to be quite high on the Naughty List). After causing some merry mayhem in Manhattan, Buddy finally discovers the gift of family and falls in love. And when Santa’s sleigh crashes in Central Park, it’s Buddy who finds a way to save Christmas forever!
Tickets : £20 £175
Bugsy Malone The Musical
Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY 3 December – 15 January 2023
https://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats on/bugsy malone the musical/
Welcome to New York 1929! A city full of mobsters, showgirls and dreamers. Rival gangster bosses Fat Sam and Dandy Dan are at loggerheads. The custard pies are flying and the new-fangled “splurge” gun is causing mayhem. Enter Bugsy Malone, a penniless one-time boxer and all round nice guy. All he wants is to spend time with his new love, Blousey, but can he resist seductive songstress Tallulah and stay out of trouble long enough to help Fat Sam defend his business…? Packed with instantly recognisable songs from Oscar® winner Paul Williams including My Name is Tallulah, You Give A Little Love and Fat Sam’s Grand Slam, this fun-filled and riotous musical comedy offers the perfect festive treat for all the family.
Tickets from : £20
Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX 8 December – 8 January 2023
https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats on/performance dance/dolly partons smoky mountain christmas carol
Set during the 1930s in the Great Smoky Mountains of east Tennessee, this heartwarming and truly unforgettable production imagines Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town, where his callous greed blinds him to the joys and gifts of the season.
As a Christmas Eve snowstorm approaches, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who compel him to see life anew and discover that love is the greatest and most precious gift we have. Dickens’ classic characters and Parton’s one of a kind songwriting and storytelling expertise are certain to make this the most joyful Christmas event. Dolly Parton: ‘I’ve been busy writing new songs that I hope will bring some of the warmth, love and good memories that I have of Christmas time in the smoky mountains of my youth.’
Tickets : £18.50 £120
Circus 1903
Eventim Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline St, London W6 9QH 15 December 1 January 2023
https://circus1903.com/
Roll Up! Roll up! This Christmas, the marvellous Circus 1903 returns to London. Experience all the thrills and daredevil entertainment of a turn-of-thecentury circus in an all new home for 2022. There’s something to entertain all ages this Christmas, as sensational puppetry from the award winning team behind War Horse puts elephants back in the ring as never seen before, alongside a huge cast of the most unique, jawdropping and surprising acts from all four corners of the globe! From strong men to contortionists, acrobats to high wire and much more, Circus 1903 will astound, captivate, and transport audiences of all ages to the mesmerising Golden Age of Circus.
Tickets from : £22.50
A Sherlock Carol Marylebone Theatre, Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Rd, London, NW1 6XT 18 November 7 January https://www.marylebonetheatre.com/productions/a sherlock carol
Three Christmases since the Reichenbach Falls, Sherlock Holmes has little appetite for mince pies or for solving crime. Wandering through Victorian London, he meets a grown-up and not-so-Tiny Tim Cratchit who implores him to investigate the mysterious death of his reformed benefactor, one Ebenezer Scrooge.
An impossible murder, a threatening letter, and a missing diamond it’s just enough to intrigue the great detective. But it’s a dark and treacherous Christmas Eve, and once again the night is haunted by the spirits of the past, present, and future. Using his powers of deduction, can Holmes overcome his own ghosts to crack the case? The worlds of Dickens and Doyle combine in this 'instant holiday classic’, coming to London for the first time, just a stone’s throw from 221B Baker Street itself.
Tickets : £28.50 - £63.50
Peter Pan
Fairfield Halls, Park Ln, Croydon CR9 1DG
10 – 31 December
https://www.fairfield.co.uk/events/peter pan panto
With plenty of swash and buckle, Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Tinker Bell take up their residency this Christmas at Fairfield Halls. A super swashbuckling family adventure Peter Pan The Return of Captain Hook, is flying into Fairfield Halls this December. With a star studded cast, headed up by EastEnders bad boy Ricky Champ as Captain Hook and Gemma Hunt as Tinker Bell. Joining Ricky Champ and Gemma Hunt are CBBC and Crackerjack’s Mark Rhodes as Smee and Channel 5 Milkshake! presenter David Ribi as Peter Pan. Join Peter, Smee, Tinker Bell, Emily and Ethel Mermaid on a brand new swashbuckling adventure full of fun, laughter … and crocodiles! After defeating the evil Captain Hook and his crew of prancing pirates, life has been pretty perfect for Peter Pan. But when a stranger arrives in Neverland, he is forced to question his past and face his future. Will Peter ever grow up?
Tickets : £20 - £35
Jack and the Beanstalk
Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA
https://churchilltheatre.co.uk/Online/bromley-pantomime-panto-kent 4 – 31 December
A strictly magical adventure this Christmas! Fe fi fo fum, a giant of a panto your way comes! Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack and climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland in the spectacular 3D family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. The ultimate ballroom dancer and TV favourite Anton Du Beke leads the cast as our hero Jack, alongside Bromley panto favourite Lloyd Hollett and talented West End performer Rhiane Drummond. Join them as they fight to outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond their wildest dreams. Featuring special effects, plenty of audience participation and a 3D giant like never before, don’t miss out on this strictly sensational spectacle!
Tickets : £22 £40
CHRISTMAS POP-UP CINEMA
The Luna Cinema
Various locations and dates
https://www.thelunacinema.com/
Dig out your favourite Christmas jumper and get ready to feel festive! The Luna Cinema Winter season is back, sprinkling festive stardust at Kensington Palace or at Bluewater in Kent where you can watch a movie from the comfort of your own car at The Luna Drive In Cinema. Festive treats include: The Holiday, Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually and The Muppet Christmas Carol.
Festive film releases this Christmas include:
Maltida the Musical An adaptation of the Tony and Olivier award winning musical. Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results. Original story by Roald Dahl, music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, starring Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull!
Avatar : the way of water - Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar: The Way of Water” begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure.
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
On 2 and 9 December, guests will be welcomed by a very special guard of honour from some of Battersea’s amazing rescue dogs. With special guests and friends of Battersea (both human and canine), the evening promises plenty of festive cheer – as well as mulled wine and mince pies to be enjoyed by all. All the money raised will help to bring animals in from the cold and give a warm Battersea welcome, love and expert care to the dogs and cats who need it.
Tickets from £22
BALLET
The Nutcracker
The all-time Christmas Classic at The Coliseum and The Royal Opera House. Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed. Marvel at the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s score, as Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker fight the Mouse King and visit the Sugar Plum Fairy in the glittering Kingdom of Sweets.
See individual websites for dates and prices
Sleeping Beauty
Celebrating 10 years since its premiere, Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty returns to Sadlers Wells this Christmas. Enter a wondrous world of magical fairies and vampires, where the timeless tale of good vs evil is turned upside down, creating a supernatural love story that even the passage of time itself cannot hinder. Will Princess Aurora ever find her true love again?
Tickets : £15 - £85
The Snowman
Fly through the air with James and his frosty friend as they head for the North Pole to meet Father Christmas. Now in its 25th London Season, this year’s performances are dedicated to creator of The Snowman, Raymond Briggs CBE 1934-2022
Tickets : £18 £48
FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEAS
Wands and Wizard Exploratorium
26 Greek St, London W1D 5DE
https://www.wizardexploratorium.io/tea
Wizard Afternoon Tea at The Wands & Wizard Exploratorium® is an interactive tea-brewing experience where you step into an imagined world of childhood through the subtle science of tea brewing, molecular gastronomy, and technology. Spell Casting: After selecting your magic wand, you are led to an interactive work station where you cast spells with your wand to control your tea stand and open your locked puzzle chest, which contains your ingredients. Tea Brewing: Brew two different types of interactive teas, and then indulge in confectionary delights, scones and a carefully curated selection of “sand-witches,” and desserts. Magic wand and equipment rental is included!
Adults : £42 Children : £32
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea
One Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ
https://www.onealdwych.com/food-drink/charlie-the-chocolate-factoryafternoon-tea/
Fizzy lifting drinks, snozzberry jam, chocolate swudge milkshake mixed by waterfall indulge your inner child and adventure into the magical, mouth-watering world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with our enchanting afternoon tea inspired by Roald Dahl’s iconic story. Feast on scrumptious savouries such as the not-quite-as-it-seems salmon and beetroot macaron and juicy roast beef and horseradish, then journey on to fabulously fluffy floss and a box stacked high with wondrous cakes, sweets, mallows and creams – all washed down with chocolate or lemon sherbet tea, juicing room mix or water pistol punch cocktails, or fizzy lifting Champagne. Spot on for spectacular special occasions or simply an indulgent afternoon immersed in one of the tastiest tales ever told.
Adults : £75 Children : £45
Biscuiteers Christmas Afternoon Tea
Various locations https://www.biscuiteers.com/london-afternoon-tea
Biscuiteers luxurious festive afternoon tea is inspired by the indulgent flavours of Christmas. All handmade in the in house patisserie kitchen, featuring locally sourced ingredients, treats include: Mont Blanc tart and white chocolate and cranberry macarons, all topped off with a signature hand iced biscuit.
£45 per person
Festive afternoon tea at The Lanesborough
Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
https://www.oetkercollection.com/hotels/the-lanesborough/restaurantsbars/afternoon-tea/ Until 8 January 2023
Served daily in the majestic surroundings of The Lanesborough Grill, afternoon tea includes festive delights such as pear and bergamot snowflake and Rudolph pudding choux bun.
From : £80 per person
Grinchmas Afternoon Tea
Dotty’s Tea House, 108 High St, Carshalton SM5 3AE
https://www.dottysteahouse.co.uk/ Until 8 January 2023
Dotty’s Teahouse has had its Christmas stolen by none other than the Grinch! The Dotty’s Whos are filled with excitement to reveal our latest experience for Christmas 2022. In a time where it is often very easy to feel like a grinch Dotty’s are delighting in channelling the magic of Cindy Lou and creating their very own Whoville Wonderland. Their very talented chefs have created an amazing themed afternoon tea, that the Grinch certainly will not be stealing! Come and enjoy a playful Grinchmas experience brought to you with wonder from everyone’s favourite festive menace!
Adults : £32.95 Children : £19.95
Patron : Her Majesty the Queen www.royalrussell.co.uk
