Celebrate Christmas in style this year
1. Slava’s Snowshow at the Royal Festival Hall
17 Dec – 7 Jan
After a sell-out session last Christmas, Slava’s Snowshow returns to London’s Royal Festival Hall this month. The internationally acclaimed show is ideal for a family day out, featuring performances from clowns and musicians with a finale that leaves the audience knee-deep in snow.
Tickets start from £20
Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
2. Taste of Christmas 2012
7 Dec – 9 Dec
If you’re in need of ideas for your Christmas menu, this is definitely for you. The three-day event plays host to workshops offering inspiration, culinary techniques and general advice on everything from what to do with the left over turkey to tips on choosing the perfect wines for different dishes; and it doesn’t end there. Renowned chefs like Michael Roux Jr will be on hand giving live demonstrations to ensure that you wow your guests this year.
Tickets start from £18.50
Excel London, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL
3. English National Ballet
The Nutcracker has been performed by the English National Ballet each Christmas since 1950 and this year is no different. Journey back in time with this fresh, and reworked version of the classic tale and follow Clara as she battles the mouse king and falls in love with the prince against a picturesque backdrop.
English National Opera, London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES
4. The Geffrye Museum: 400 years of seasonal traditions in English Homes
Ever wondered where kissing under the mistletoe or the tradition of hanging stockings comes from? Expect to have all of your questions well and truly answered at the museum’s annual Christmas exhibition. Its period rooms are transformed, taking visitors on a journey through time to show them the different ways Christmas has been celebrated over the past 400 years. Each room explains the traditions of the time and their origins. Festive food will be on offer in the museum’s restaurant.
Free entry
136 Kingsland Road, E2 8EA
5. London Glassblowing Christmas Open Studio
Shopping for Christmas gifts need not feel arduous this year. London Glassblowing has opened its doors for another year, allowing visitors to tuck into mulled wine and mince pies while watching gifts for loved ones being made in front of their eyes by some of the industry’s leading names.
London Glassblowing, 62-66 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3UD
Open from 10am-6pm Monday to Sunday
6. Hush presents: Classics in the Courtyard
The popular Mayfair hangout is indulging film lovers with another season of festive films at its cinematic pop-up, Classics in the Courtyard. Visitors will be able to cosy up and watch feel-good family classics like Love Actually and Elf, while indulging in warming cocktails and the extensive a la carte menu on offer.
£10 cover charge per table with no limits on numbers. To book call 020 7659 7500.