The What, Where, When: 6 December
WHAT: St Nicholas Day A Feast day before Christmas; commemorating the saint known as the friend and protector, and celebrating his reputation as a bringer of gifts which inspired Santa Claus.
WHERE: Worldwide www.stnicholascenter.org
WHEN: 6 December
WHAT: Canary Wharf Ice Rink in Association with Tresor Paris Bigger than ever before, at nearly 1100sq m!
WHERE: Canada Square, London, E14 5AB www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk
WHEN: Until 16 February
WHAT: Royal Mail Last International Airmail posting date for Christmas If you have relatives abroad Friday is the last day to post international items to South and Central America, the Caribbean, Africa and Middle East, to be received in time for Christmas. Items can be sent to France and Eastern Europe until December 10, and to the USA until December 13.
WHERE: UK www.royalmail.com
WHEN: 6 December
WHAT: Clothes Show Live Five day fashion festival, packed with top fashion and beauty brands, with hair and beauty demonstrations, non-stop catwalk shows, makeovers, experts, trend reports, celebrities and next generation talent. Love fashion- you'll love this!
WHERE: NEC Birmingham, West Midlands, B40 1NT www.clothesshowlive.com
WHEN: 6-10 December
WHAT: Christmas Market & Festivities Weekend Browse a selection of local craft and produce stalls while enjoying a host of music and festive.
WHERE: Pylands Lane, Bursledon, Southampton, SO31 1BH www.discoversouthampton.co.uk/visit/whats-on/2013/11/14/southampton-christmas-festival
WHEN: 7-8 December
WHAT: Longdown Farm Christmas Barn After last uears success Longdoen will be re-opening its doors for the 'animal magical' experience for children.
WHERE: Longdown Activity Farm, Deerleap Lane, Ashurst, Nr Southampton, SO40 7EH www.longdownfarm.co.uk/index.php?page=special-events
WHEN: 7-24 December
WHAT: John Lennon Peace Vigil A very special service marking 33 years since the performer was killed, led by local musicians.
WHERE: European Peace & Harmony Monument, Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool, L1 8LW www.visitliverpool.com/whats-on/search/john-lennon-peace-vigil-p328721
WHEN: 8 December
WHAT: Great Ormond Street Hospital Christmas Carol Service Features celebrity readings in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital, followed by champagne and canapé reception.
WHERE: St Paul's Church, 32a Wilton Place, London, SW1X 8SH www.gosh.org
WHEN: 10 December
WHAT: Carols by Candlelight at Fortnum & Mason Fortnum's is welcoming the choir of St Paul's into their new Candle Room, so the sound of this exceptional and traditional choir can be heard by all.
WHERE: First Floor, Candle Room, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St James's, London W1A 1ER www.fortnumandmason.com/c-1299-carols-by-candlelight.aspx
WHEN: 10 December
WHAT: Sloane Street's 'Five Star Christmas Shopping Experience' One of the world's most luxurious shopping destinations, (with retailers including Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabanna, Valentino, Dior, Miu Miu and many more) the street will be lined with traditionally dressed, multi-lingual butlers to assist shoppers with your every need- you'll feel like a Queen for a day!
Sloane Street are also partnering with two of London's finest hotels, The Dorchester and 45 Park Lane, for an indulgent offer to hotel guests, where they shall be chauffeured in a Rolls Royce Phantom where they will be met by acclaimed personal shopper and model, Angela Dunn. Then will enjoy the Dorchester's award-winning Festive Afternoon Tea in the hotel's majestic Promenade, followed by a soothing foot massage in the award-winning spa.
WHERE: Sloane Street (street runs from Knightsbridge to Sloane Square, in Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea) www.sloanestreet.co.uk/lifestyle/on-and-around-the-street/british-style-arrives-on-sloane-street-this-christmas/
WHEN: 11-14 December
WHAT: The Winter Shuffle Festival The brilliant community-run festival set up by Danny Boyle is back with a winter edition. Boyle will drop in to chat with Prof Brian Cox and Mark Kermode after a screening of his film sci-fi 'Sunshine'. Jarvis Cocker will also interview Brit director Nicolas Roeg on stage after 'The Man Who Fell to Earth'
WHERE: 2a Bow Rd, London, E3 4LL www.now-here-this.timeout.com/2013/12/05/winter-shuffle/
WHEN: 5-15 December
WHAT: Asian Winter Fair This is a great chance to snap up handicrafts, clothes, jewellery etc to make unusual Xmas gifts made from diverse parts of Asia, with more than 30 stallholders!
WHERE: 63 New Cavendish St, London, W1G 7LP www.asiahouse.org/
WHEN: 6-8 December
WHAT: 'Victoriana: The Art of Revival' Come and be beguiled by this fascinating miscellany of curiosities
WHERE: Guildhall Art Gallery, City of London www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/victoriana
WHEN: Until 8 December
WHAT: Magical Christmas at Hever Castle The romantic double-moated castle in Kent with festive decorations, twinkling lights and welcoming log fires, much as it would have been in Edwardian times.
WHERE: Hever, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk/christmas
WHEN: Until 15 December
WHAT: Christmas at the West Yorkshire Playhouse Showing the classic story of Jungle Book and the much loved story of Father Christmas. You can also book for family parties and fun workshops too.
WHERE: Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 7UP www.wyp.org.uk/
WHEN: Jungle Book showing: 30 November 2013 - 18 January 2014 Father Christmas showing: 6 December 2013 - 11 January 2014
WHAT: John Kingerlee & John Minihan Art Exhibit Two incredible artists (who never normally exhibit) will be showing their work next week, including Minihan's never before seen images of Princess Diana and Andy Warhol
WHERE: Cork Street Gallery, Cork Street, London, W1S 3NJ www.list.co.uk/event/20536566-cork-street-gathering/
WHEN: 9-14 December
WHAT: Spitalfields Music Winter Festival To brighten the long winter nights with a series of concerts in the magnificent architecture and hidden corners of London's liveliest neighbourhood.
WHERE: 61 Brushfield Street, London, E1 6AA www.spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk
WHEN: 6-17 December
WHAT: Father Christmas in Narnia at Penshurst Place Children and adults alike enjoy The Chronicles of Narnia by C S Lewis and this year at Penshurst Place, there is an opportunity for families to let their imagination run wild as they step into The Lion, The Witch and Wardrobe
WHERE: Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Kent, TN11 8DG
www.penshurstplace.com/christmasevents
WHEN: Until 22 December
WHAT: Santa Fun Run with Fire Fighters UK Get into the festive spirit by joining Santas of all shapes and sizes in this festive fun run in aid of the Fire Fighters UK charity.
WHERE: Pembury Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QN
www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/what-you-can-do/fundraise/create-your-own/tunbridge-wells-santa-run-dunorlan-park
WHEN: 8 December
WHAT: Petersham Playhouse - Mr Fezziwig's Christmas Cracker! Greeted by Mr Fezziwig, visitors will walk through the various rooms in the house which will each host a different performance, from storytelling to an historic cooking lesson.
WHERE: Charles Dickens Museum, 48 Doughty St, London WC1N 2LX
www.dickensmuseum.com/events/petersham-playhouse-presents-mr-fezziwig%E2%80%99s-christmas-cracker/
WHEN: Until 14 December. The museum itself is also open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
WHAT: Winter Wonderland comes to Retallack Resort & Spa Venture to Santa's favourite family spot in north Cornwall and enjoy a luxurious stay in a five-star cabin, whilst spending your days in Cornwall's latest Winter Wonderland. Packed full of winter fun, from ice-skating to Christmas shopping
WHERE: Winnard's Perch, St Columb Major, Cornwall, TR9 6DE
www.retallackresort.co.uk
WHEN: Until 31 January 31
WHAT: Julian Stair's Quietus: the vessel, death and the human body The exhibition will explore the artefacts and traditions surrounding the ritual of death, and holds both a universal and personal significance to the artist.
WHERE: Lightwells and Deadhouse at Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual-arts/quietus
WHEN: Until 26 January
WHAT: The Bee's Knees & the London Dixieland Jazz Band The evening will begin with a dance class from the Bee's Knees with all levels of talent welcome. Followed by live music from The London Dixieland Jazz Band
WHERE: 1 Graces Alley, London, E1 8JB www.wiltons.org.uk/event.php?p=694
WHEN: 12 December
WHAT: Sample Sale As part of Pullens Yard Open Studio, go get a bargain!
WHERE: 9a Iliffe Yard, London, SE17 3QA www.alexmonroe.com/blog/2013/11/alexmonroesamplesaledecember2013/
WHEN: 6-8 December
WHAT: Edwardian Christmas in last surviving Lock-Maker's House A feast of festive fun awaits and includes Edwardian seasonal music and Christmas carols played by a string trio; seasonal craft activities, rag rugging, storytelling, plus guided tours of the house.
WHERE: The Locksmith's House in Willenhall, West Midlands www.bclm.com
WHEN: 6-7 December
WHAT: Christmas at Duke of York Square Christmas comes to Chelsea as this free event includes Santa's Grotto and beautiful lights and music.
WHERE: Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY www.dukeofyorksquare.com/news/christmas-comes-to-chelsea
WHEN: Until 24 December
WHAT: Christmas Farmers' Market at Penshurst Place The award-winning Penshurst Farmers' Market is back!
WHERE: Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Kent, TN11 8DG www.penshurstplace.com/christmasevents
WHEN: 7 December
WHERE: Worldwide www.stnicholascenter.org
WHEN: 6 December
WHAT: Canary Wharf Ice Rink in Association with Tresor Paris Bigger than ever before, at nearly 1100sq m!
WHERE: Canada Square, London, E14 5AB www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk
WHEN: Until 16 February
WHAT: Royal Mail Last International Airmail posting date for Christmas If you have relatives abroad Friday is the last day to post international items to South and Central America, the Caribbean, Africa and Middle East, to be received in time for Christmas. Items can be sent to France and Eastern Europe until December 10, and to the USA until December 13.
WHERE: UK www.royalmail.com
WHEN: 6 December
WHAT: Clothes Show Live Five day fashion festival, packed with top fashion and beauty brands, with hair and beauty demonstrations, non-stop catwalk shows, makeovers, experts, trend reports, celebrities and next generation talent. Love fashion- you'll love this!
WHERE: NEC Birmingham, West Midlands, B40 1NT www.clothesshowlive.com
WHEN: 6-10 December
WHAT: Christmas Market & Festivities Weekend Browse a selection of local craft and produce stalls while enjoying a host of music and festive.
WHERE: Pylands Lane, Bursledon, Southampton, SO31 1BH www.discoversouthampton.co.uk/visit/whats-on/2013/11/14/southampton-christmas-festival
WHEN: 7-8 December
WHAT: Longdown Farm Christmas Barn After last uears success Longdoen will be re-opening its doors for the 'animal magical' experience for children.
WHERE: Longdown Activity Farm, Deerleap Lane, Ashurst, Nr Southampton, SO40 7EH www.longdownfarm.co.uk/index.php?page=special-events
WHEN: 7-24 December
WHAT: John Lennon Peace Vigil A very special service marking 33 years since the performer was killed, led by local musicians.
WHERE: European Peace & Harmony Monument, Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool, L1 8LW www.visitliverpool.com/whats-on/search/john-lennon-peace-vigil-p328721
WHEN: 8 December
WHAT: Great Ormond Street Hospital Christmas Carol Service Features celebrity readings in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital, followed by champagne and canapé reception.
WHERE: St Paul's Church, 32a Wilton Place, London, SW1X 8SH www.gosh.org
WHEN: 10 December
WHAT: Carols by Candlelight at Fortnum & Mason Fortnum's is welcoming the choir of St Paul's into their new Candle Room, so the sound of this exceptional and traditional choir can be heard by all.
WHERE: First Floor, Candle Room, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St James's, London W1A 1ER www.fortnumandmason.com/c-1299-carols-by-candlelight.aspx
WHEN: 10 December
WHAT: Sloane Street's 'Five Star Christmas Shopping Experience' One of the world's most luxurious shopping destinations, (with retailers including Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabanna, Valentino, Dior, Miu Miu and many more) the street will be lined with traditionally dressed, multi-lingual butlers to assist shoppers with your every need- you'll feel like a Queen for a day!
Sloane Street are also partnering with two of London's finest hotels, The Dorchester and 45 Park Lane, for an indulgent offer to hotel guests, where they shall be chauffeured in a Rolls Royce Phantom where they will be met by acclaimed personal shopper and model, Angela Dunn. Then will enjoy the Dorchester's award-winning Festive Afternoon Tea in the hotel's majestic Promenade, followed by a soothing foot massage in the award-winning spa.
WHERE: Sloane Street (street runs from Knightsbridge to Sloane Square, in Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea) www.sloanestreet.co.uk/lifestyle/on-and-around-the-street/british-style-arrives-on-sloane-street-this-christmas/
WHEN: 11-14 December
WHAT: The Winter Shuffle Festival The brilliant community-run festival set up by Danny Boyle is back with a winter edition. Boyle will drop in to chat with Prof Brian Cox and Mark Kermode after a screening of his film sci-fi 'Sunshine'. Jarvis Cocker will also interview Brit director Nicolas Roeg on stage after 'The Man Who Fell to Earth'
WHERE: 2a Bow Rd, London, E3 4LL www.now-here-this.timeout.com/2013/12/05/winter-shuffle/
WHEN: 5-15 December
WHAT: Asian Winter Fair This is a great chance to snap up handicrafts, clothes, jewellery etc to make unusual Xmas gifts made from diverse parts of Asia, with more than 30 stallholders!
WHERE: 63 New Cavendish St, London, W1G 7LP www.asiahouse.org/
WHEN: 6-8 December
WHAT: 'Victoriana: The Art of Revival' Come and be beguiled by this fascinating miscellany of curiosities
WHERE: Guildhall Art Gallery, City of London www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/victoriana
WHEN: Until 8 December
WHAT: Magical Christmas at Hever Castle The romantic double-moated castle in Kent with festive decorations, twinkling lights and welcoming log fires, much as it would have been in Edwardian times.
WHERE: Hever, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk/christmas
WHEN: Until 15 December
WHAT: Christmas at the West Yorkshire Playhouse Showing the classic story of Jungle Book and the much loved story of Father Christmas. You can also book for family parties and fun workshops too.
WHERE: Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 7UP www.wyp.org.uk/
WHEN: Jungle Book showing: 30 November 2013 - 18 January 2014 Father Christmas showing: 6 December 2013 - 11 January 2014
WHAT: John Kingerlee & John Minihan Art Exhibit Two incredible artists (who never normally exhibit) will be showing their work next week, including Minihan's never before seen images of Princess Diana and Andy Warhol
WHERE: Cork Street Gallery, Cork Street, London, W1S 3NJ www.list.co.uk/event/20536566-cork-street-gathering/
WHEN: 9-14 December
WHAT: Spitalfields Music Winter Festival To brighten the long winter nights with a series of concerts in the magnificent architecture and hidden corners of London's liveliest neighbourhood.
WHERE: 61 Brushfield Street, London, E1 6AA www.spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk
WHEN: 6-17 December
WHAT: Father Christmas in Narnia at Penshurst Place Children and adults alike enjoy The Chronicles of Narnia by C S Lewis and this year at Penshurst Place, there is an opportunity for families to let their imagination run wild as they step into The Lion, The Witch and Wardrobe
WHERE: Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Kent, TN11 8DG
www.penshurstplace.com/christmasevents
WHEN: Until 22 December
WHAT: Santa Fun Run with Fire Fighters UK Get into the festive spirit by joining Santas of all shapes and sizes in this festive fun run in aid of the Fire Fighters UK charity.
WHERE: Pembury Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QN
www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/what-you-can-do/fundraise/create-your-own/tunbridge-wells-santa-run-dunorlan-park
WHEN: 8 December
WHAT: Petersham Playhouse - Mr Fezziwig's Christmas Cracker! Greeted by Mr Fezziwig, visitors will walk through the various rooms in the house which will each host a different performance, from storytelling to an historic cooking lesson.
WHERE: Charles Dickens Museum, 48 Doughty St, London WC1N 2LX
www.dickensmuseum.com/events/petersham-playhouse-presents-mr-fezziwig%E2%80%99s-christmas-cracker/
WHEN: Until 14 December. The museum itself is also open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
WHAT: Winter Wonderland comes to Retallack Resort & Spa Venture to Santa's favourite family spot in north Cornwall and enjoy a luxurious stay in a five-star cabin, whilst spending your days in Cornwall's latest Winter Wonderland. Packed full of winter fun, from ice-skating to Christmas shopping
WHERE: Winnard's Perch, St Columb Major, Cornwall, TR9 6DE
www.retallackresort.co.uk
WHEN: Until 31 January 31
WHAT: Julian Stair's Quietus: the vessel, death and the human body The exhibition will explore the artefacts and traditions surrounding the ritual of death, and holds both a universal and personal significance to the artist.
WHERE: Lightwells and Deadhouse at Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual-arts/quietus
WHEN: Until 26 January
WHAT: The Bee's Knees & the London Dixieland Jazz Band The evening will begin with a dance class from the Bee's Knees with all levels of talent welcome. Followed by live music from The London Dixieland Jazz Band
WHERE: 1 Graces Alley, London, E1 8JB www.wiltons.org.uk/event.php?p=694
WHEN: 12 December
WHAT: Sample Sale As part of Pullens Yard Open Studio, go get a bargain!
WHERE: 9a Iliffe Yard, London, SE17 3QA www.alexmonroe.com/blog/2013/11/alexmonroesamplesaledecember2013/
WHEN: 6-8 December
WHAT: Edwardian Christmas in last surviving Lock-Maker's House A feast of festive fun awaits and includes Edwardian seasonal music and Christmas carols played by a string trio; seasonal craft activities, rag rugging, storytelling, plus guided tours of the house.
WHERE: The Locksmith's House in Willenhall, West Midlands www.bclm.com
WHEN: 6-7 December
WHAT: Christmas at Duke of York Square Christmas comes to Chelsea as this free event includes Santa's Grotto and beautiful lights and music.
WHERE: Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY www.dukeofyorksquare.com/news/christmas-comes-to-chelsea
WHEN: Until 24 December
WHAT: Christmas Farmers' Market at Penshurst Place The award-winning Penshurst Farmers' Market is back!
WHERE: Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Kent, TN11 8DG www.penshurstplace.com/christmasevents
WHEN: 7 December