WHAT'S ON

The AgendaEVENTS NOT TO MISS IN LONDON

EVENT

Winter Festival

UNTIL 8 JANUARY 2023, SOUTHBANK CENTRE

It’s time to eat, drink and be merry because Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival has returned to the bank of the Thames. A firm fixture of the season, the festival o ers a joyful programme of exhibitions and performances. A host of free e are also on the schedule, including the highly-anticipated Winter Light exhibition, a free open-air display of colourful LED light installations made by contemporary artists.

EVENT Palace of Light

7 December - 2 January HAMPTON COURT PALACE This royal retreat will be coming to life after dark. Inspired by Henry VIII’s heraldic beasts, this year's after-hours light trail is set to be bigger and more elaborate than ever before. Attendees should prepare to encounter a majestic menagerie of mythical creatures as they traverse the palace grounds. hrp.org.uk

EVENT Luna Cinema

10 - 23 December KENSINGTON PALACE There is perhaps no better holiday activity than cosying up with a movie. This winter, thanks to Luna Cinema, audiences can experience some of the most-loved Christmas classics, such as Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually and the Holiday, from within the warmth and comfort of Kensington Palace's Pavilion. thelunacinema.com

THEATRE

THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

The Royal Albert Hall has been the home of Christmas in London for 150 years. The 2022 season is full of heart-warming live events to be enjoyed with your loved ones. There’s something for everyone, from Christmas carols to traditional concerts, jazz, drag, soul, ballet and so much more. You can explore the full programme online and book your magical evening out. royalalberthall.com

EVENT Winter Wonderland

Until 2 January 2023 HYDE PARK One of London’s most anticipated winter events will be taking over Hyde Park for the 15th year. The magical ice Kingdom is back and better than ever in celebration of the anniversary, and more than 500 tons of ice and snow have been transformed into a series of secret passageways, ice-slides and beautifully carved sculptures. hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

This Month’s Must See

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

UNTIL 23 DECEMBER, THE PIAZZA WC2E 7BB

Santa is landing his sleigh at the London Transport Museum once again this year. You can meet Father Christmas and his elves in a wintery wonderland and even climb aboard his interactive Routemaster-inspired sleigh for a festive selfi e. Follow a trail around the museum’s galleries to discover silver Underground roundels nestled amongst the historic vehicles, or even get creative in a Christmas card-making workshop. ltmuseum.co.uk

Art

TO WATCH

Joyful antidotes to the dark winter days with three colourful exhibitions

DAVID SHRIGLEY, UNTITLED (BEES ARE BETTER THAN US), 2022. COURTESY OF HANG-UP GALLERY

Loved for his dry sense of humour, use of bright colours, whimsical characters, and ironic captions, David Shrigley’s intuitive sense of style and witty text always evokes a smile. Having dealt in his work for nearly a decade, Hang-Up will exhibit this full collection for the fi rst time, including over 30 Shrigley works across limited-edition prints, colour and monochrome originals, ceramics, and amazing posters. Hang-Up Gallery, London N1 until 27 January 2023. hanguppictures.com

Across town in Soho, OMNI is presenting two unmissable new solo exhibitions spanning their impressive Eastcastle Street space. First Light features 12 never-before seen paintings by Seattle-based artist Brian Sanchez. This show is a must visit for both the amateur art lover and the seasoned collector alike. Running concurrently, Jesse Edward’s solo show titled Little Jewels delicately combines his youthful, countercultural background as a gra ti artist, with a highly detailed oil painting and ceramic sculptural practice. Edward’s works have a playful sense of internal dissonance. OMNI, London W1 until 7 January 2023. omnigallery.com

BACK AFT BY BRIAN SANCHEZ