The What, Where, When: 21 December
What: Ghosts of Christmas Specials Past
Enjoy the very best TV specials of Christmases past on the big screen, with stars including Robbie the Reindeer, Eric Sykes and Dame Edna Everage. A new BFI Mediatheque collection- Santa's Grotto- will feature festive classics such as 'The Snowman' and 'The Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show'. To further the festivities, the BFI's 'Camp Christmas' will feature delights such as the 'Christmas Snowtime Special' starring ABBA, Boney M and Kate Bush in an outlandish affair hosted by Dame Edna Everage, and 'The Crackerjack Christmas Pantomime: The Story of Aladdin'.
Where: BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XT
When: Throughout December 2012 www.bfi.org.uk
What: A Dickensian Christmas Experience
As part of the 2012 celebration of Dickens' bicentenary, Trowbridge Museum has created a unique experience to give a historical context to Christmas. An exhibition on the traditions of Christmas is accompanied by readings of 'A Christmas Carol' and Victorian hymns, alongside a local Christmas market, in which all food is locally sourced.
Where: Trowbridge Museum, Trowbridge, Wiltshire
When: 1st- 21st December www.trowbridgemuseum.co.uk/2012/11/dickensian-christmas/
What: Pop Up Screens
A series of classic Christmas films are to be screened in The Old Truman Brewery, made festive by a snow-covered setting and quirky entrance through a magical wardrobe. Graze on 'posh popcorn', hot chocolate and mulled wine whilst enjoying Christmas favourites such as 'The Grinch' and 'The Muppets Christmas Carol'.
Where: Dray Walk Gallery, 91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL
When: 19th- 23rd December www.popupscreens.co.uk/
What: Christmas in the Castle
The National Trust's Bodiam Castle has been transformed in to a Winter Wonderland, creating the ambiance of a royal festive occasion. Exploring the castle becomes especially enchanting due to a special seasonal challenge and a medieval Santa's grotto.
Where: Bodiam Castle, East Sussex TN32 5UA
When: 22nd-23rd December www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle/things-to-see-and-do/
What: Guided Walking Tours of Kew Gardens
Discover Kew as never before in an informative walking tour showcasing the Gardens at their winter's best. A spectacular collection of conifers and evergreens will be the main focus, alongside selected sculptures from the David Nash Kew exhibition.
Where: Victoria Plaza, Kew Gardens
When: Daily at 1.30pm, 1st December 2012- 6th January 2013 www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/whats-on/winter-at-kew.htm
What: Christmas Raceday
Ascot's most exciting day of Jumps racing is given a festive makeover, as the racecourse is transformed in to a Winter Wonderland. Aside from this event being the most high profile outside the Cheltenham Festival due to the two mile £150 000 Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle, many festive entertainments will be on hand. Activities include gingerbread man decorating, storytelling in the Bandstand and pony rides. An edible 6 foot gingerbread man will also be cut out and given to race goers. To top it off, 'Ascot's Christmas Carol-Oke', a festive singing competition for younger race goers provides the chance for two winners of leading the carol singing with a full choir after the racing.
Where: Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7JX
When: Saturday 22nd December www.ascot.co.uk/
What: Southbank Centre Christmas Market
Kitsch wooden chalets stretching along the Thames riverside and London's Southbank provide the perfect setting for an extremely festive Christmas market. From mulled wine to bratwurst and gingerbread hearts, this annual festive market offers traditional Christmas food and gifts including wooden and soft toys, unique jewellery and handmade soaps. To add to the festive ambiance, daily choir performances by Voicelab will offer entertainment in a variety of musical styles by local school and office choirs.
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
When: 16th November- 24th December www.ticketing.southbankcentre.co.uk/find/tickets/southbank-centre-christmas-market-1000329
What: The Brompton Bar and Grotto
This festive season, the award-winning Brompton Bar and Grotto have joined forces with Elizabeth Marsh Floral Design to create the ultimate Christmas grotto. Extravagant Christmas menus prepared by the Grill's Executive Chef, Gary Durrant, promise to offer gastronomic delights with crackers and champagne all round, in an atmosphere made all the more enchanting by professional musicians.
Where: The Brompton Bar and Grill, 243 Brompton Road, London SW3 2EP
When: Throughout December 2012 www.bromptonbarandgrill.com/NewsItem.asp?PropertyID=2746&t=dg
What: Shaka Zulu's South African Christmas
For an alternative to the traditional Christmas roast, London's largest South African eatery is to bring some heat to the capital with turkey on a braai barbecue. Stunning cocktails and live music will add to the vibrant atmosphere. December Sundays are set to be a festive affair, with a Santa's grotto and face painting to keep children entertained. With delicious dishes including ballontine of smoked chicken, spit roast loin of pork and plum pudding, guests will be spoilt for choice.
Where: Shaka Zulu, Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, Camden NW1 8AB
When: Throughout December 2012 www.shaka-zulu.com/
What: A Whamtastic Christmas
Maggie's nightclub is making 'Last Christmas' this Christmas, dedicating it's halls to Eighties icons Wham and their infectiously popular hit single. The Wham theme is evident all around, from limited edition cocktails served in Wham mugs (otherwise known as Christmas in a Cup) to various decorative delights. The already-existing Wham booth will be adorned with mistletoe, transforming in to Chelsea's kitchest kissing corner.
Where: Maggie's Club, 329 Fulham Road, London SW10 9QL
When: Throughout December 2012 www.maggies-club.com/
What: Tales under the Tree at Barts
Enter this secret speakeasy for a cosy Rudolph retreat away from the hustle and bustle of London Christmas shopping. In this year's cosiest festive corner, sip mulled wine and warm cider as you listen to harmonious Christmas carols and tales under the tree. Barts' book club will even host a Secret Santa!
Where: Barts, Chelsea, London
When: Throughout December 2012 www.barts-london.com/
What: Archer Street's Apres Ski
Archer Street's newly launched après-ski themed bar, Piste, is the perfect way to spend the party season. Versatile for warming oneself in the winter months or partying all night long, Archer Street's venues promise a range of party packages for groups of all sizes. Sip on apricot and cinnamon bellinis as the all singing bar team create a truly festive atmosphere.
Where: 3-4 Archer Street, Soho, London, W1D 7AP
When: Throughout December 2012 www.archerstreet.co.uk/
What: Winter Wunderland at Supperclub
Kick off the festive season in style with the enchanting Winter Wunderland at Supperclub this December. Despite the lack of snow, indulge in a white Christmas and escape the cold in one of Supperclub's signature beds, or enter the gorgeous grotto where guests can enjoy international DJs and a sumptuous five course meal.
Where: 12 Acklam Road, Notting Hill, London W10 5QZ
When: Throughout December 2012 www.supperclub.com/html/london/contact/
Enjoy the very best TV specials of Christmases past on the big screen, with stars including Robbie the Reindeer, Eric Sykes and Dame Edna Everage. A new BFI Mediatheque collection- Santa's Grotto- will feature festive classics such as 'The Snowman' and 'The Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show'. To further the festivities, the BFI's 'Camp Christmas' will feature delights such as the 'Christmas Snowtime Special' starring ABBA, Boney M and Kate Bush in an outlandish affair hosted by Dame Edna Everage, and 'The Crackerjack Christmas Pantomime: The Story of Aladdin'.
Where: BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XT
When: Throughout December 2012 www.bfi.org.uk
What: A Dickensian Christmas Experience
As part of the 2012 celebration of Dickens' bicentenary, Trowbridge Museum has created a unique experience to give a historical context to Christmas. An exhibition on the traditions of Christmas is accompanied by readings of 'A Christmas Carol' and Victorian hymns, alongside a local Christmas market, in which all food is locally sourced.
Where: Trowbridge Museum, Trowbridge, Wiltshire
When: 1st- 21st December www.trowbridgemuseum.co.uk/2012/11/dickensian-christmas/
What: Pop Up Screens
A series of classic Christmas films are to be screened in The Old Truman Brewery, made festive by a snow-covered setting and quirky entrance through a magical wardrobe. Graze on 'posh popcorn', hot chocolate and mulled wine whilst enjoying Christmas favourites such as 'The Grinch' and 'The Muppets Christmas Carol'.
Where: Dray Walk Gallery, 91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL
When: 19th- 23rd December www.popupscreens.co.uk/
What: Christmas in the Castle
The National Trust's Bodiam Castle has been transformed in to a Winter Wonderland, creating the ambiance of a royal festive occasion. Exploring the castle becomes especially enchanting due to a special seasonal challenge and a medieval Santa's grotto.
Where: Bodiam Castle, East Sussex TN32 5UA
When: 22nd-23rd December www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle/things-to-see-and-do/
What: Guided Walking Tours of Kew Gardens
Discover Kew as never before in an informative walking tour showcasing the Gardens at their winter's best. A spectacular collection of conifers and evergreens will be the main focus, alongside selected sculptures from the David Nash Kew exhibition.
Where: Victoria Plaza, Kew Gardens
When: Daily at 1.30pm, 1st December 2012- 6th January 2013 www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/whats-on/winter-at-kew.htm
What: Christmas Raceday
Ascot's most exciting day of Jumps racing is given a festive makeover, as the racecourse is transformed in to a Winter Wonderland. Aside from this event being the most high profile outside the Cheltenham Festival due to the two mile £150 000 Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle, many festive entertainments will be on hand. Activities include gingerbread man decorating, storytelling in the Bandstand and pony rides. An edible 6 foot gingerbread man will also be cut out and given to race goers. To top it off, 'Ascot's Christmas Carol-Oke', a festive singing competition for younger race goers provides the chance for two winners of leading the carol singing with a full choir after the racing.
Where: Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7JX
When: Saturday 22nd December www.ascot.co.uk/
What: Southbank Centre Christmas Market
Kitsch wooden chalets stretching along the Thames riverside and London's Southbank provide the perfect setting for an extremely festive Christmas market. From mulled wine to bratwurst and gingerbread hearts, this annual festive market offers traditional Christmas food and gifts including wooden and soft toys, unique jewellery and handmade soaps. To add to the festive ambiance, daily choir performances by Voicelab will offer entertainment in a variety of musical styles by local school and office choirs.
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
When: 16th November- 24th December www.ticketing.southbankcentre.co.uk/find/tickets/southbank-centre-christmas-market-1000329
What: The Brompton Bar and Grotto
This festive season, the award-winning Brompton Bar and Grotto have joined forces with Elizabeth Marsh Floral Design to create the ultimate Christmas grotto. Extravagant Christmas menus prepared by the Grill's Executive Chef, Gary Durrant, promise to offer gastronomic delights with crackers and champagne all round, in an atmosphere made all the more enchanting by professional musicians.
Where: The Brompton Bar and Grill, 243 Brompton Road, London SW3 2EP
When: Throughout December 2012 www.bromptonbarandgrill.com/NewsItem.asp?PropertyID=2746&t=dg
What: Shaka Zulu's South African Christmas
For an alternative to the traditional Christmas roast, London's largest South African eatery is to bring some heat to the capital with turkey on a braai barbecue. Stunning cocktails and live music will add to the vibrant atmosphere. December Sundays are set to be a festive affair, with a Santa's grotto and face painting to keep children entertained. With delicious dishes including ballontine of smoked chicken, spit roast loin of pork and plum pudding, guests will be spoilt for choice.
Where: Shaka Zulu, Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, Camden NW1 8AB
When: Throughout December 2012 www.shaka-zulu.com/
What: A Whamtastic Christmas
Maggie's nightclub is making 'Last Christmas' this Christmas, dedicating it's halls to Eighties icons Wham and their infectiously popular hit single. The Wham theme is evident all around, from limited edition cocktails served in Wham mugs (otherwise known as Christmas in a Cup) to various decorative delights. The already-existing Wham booth will be adorned with mistletoe, transforming in to Chelsea's kitchest kissing corner.
Where: Maggie's Club, 329 Fulham Road, London SW10 9QL
When: Throughout December 2012 www.maggies-club.com/
What: Tales under the Tree at Barts
Enter this secret speakeasy for a cosy Rudolph retreat away from the hustle and bustle of London Christmas shopping. In this year's cosiest festive corner, sip mulled wine and warm cider as you listen to harmonious Christmas carols and tales under the tree. Barts' book club will even host a Secret Santa!
Where: Barts, Chelsea, London
When: Throughout December 2012 www.barts-london.com/
What: Archer Street's Apres Ski
Archer Street's newly launched après-ski themed bar, Piste, is the perfect way to spend the party season. Versatile for warming oneself in the winter months or partying all night long, Archer Street's venues promise a range of party packages for groups of all sizes. Sip on apricot and cinnamon bellinis as the all singing bar team create a truly festive atmosphere.
Where: 3-4 Archer Street, Soho, London, W1D 7AP
When: Throughout December 2012 www.archerstreet.co.uk/
What: Winter Wunderland at Supperclub
Kick off the festive season in style with the enchanting Winter Wunderland at Supperclub this December. Despite the lack of snow, indulge in a white Christmas and escape the cold in one of Supperclub's signature beds, or enter the gorgeous grotto where guests can enjoy international DJs and a sumptuous five course meal.
Where: 12 Acklam Road, Notting Hill, London W10 5QZ
When: Throughout December 2012 www.supperclub.com/html/london/contact/