Happy Christmas

Promised Land New Year's Eve

31 Dec 2008 9:00 PM Shepherd's Bush Empire Shepherd's Bush Green Hammersmith London W12 8TT Welcome in 2009 to the sound of classic house at the Promised Land New Year's Eve Ball at London's Shepherd Bush Empire. This New Year's Eve, Shepherd's Bush Empire is going back to "The Summer of Love 88-89". Party into 2009 with a pumping soundtrack of classic house anthems, including Funky house Electro house Club classics Old skool house

London's 2009 January Sales

The post-Christmas period means only one thing: sales! John Lewis: 27 Dec-18 Jan The popular department store boasts that it's "never knowingly undersold" Liberty: from 26 Dec Hunt out all manner of hidden treasures behind the striking Tudor façade Peter Jones: 27 Dec-18 Jan Shop in comfort and style at the much-loved department store Harvey Nichols: from 27 Dec The chic department store offers shoppers impressive reductions Selfridges: traditionally from 26 Dec Definitely one of the...

Christmas Past to Christmas Present

17 December 2008 to 13 January 2009 Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising 2 Colville Mews Lonsdale Road, W11 2AR Christmas Past to Christmas Present is a new festive exhibition taking place at London's Museum of Brands. The display contains mementoes, products and everyday Christmas-related items dating from the Victorian period right up to the present day, including: Decorations Christmas stockings Crackers Chocolate boxes Biscuit tins Hundred of toys and games Images of Santa Claus Christmas...

Hansel and Gretel

6 December 2008 to 4 January 2009 Barbican Theatre , Barbican Centre, London. EC2Y 8BQ The Catherine Wheels Theatre Company are transforming the Barbican this Christmas for a promenade performance of this much loved children's story. Be part of the action as you wander around the set, joining Hansel and Gretel on their eventful journey through the forest. Seating will be available at different points throughout, but expect an exciting, interactive theatre experience. Don't miss this spine...

London's Fireworks on New Year's Eve

31 December 2008 to 1 January 2009 London Eye Westminster Bridge Road, County Hall, Riverside Building, London London SE1 7PB The event, organised by the Mayor of London, promises to be one of the best fireworks displays in Europe. Join in the oohs and ahhs as amazing fireworks are launched from the 135-metre (442ft) London Eye, projecting beautiful colours and lights across the capital in celebration of the New Year. The best views of the fireworks are from Victoria Embankment , the South Bank ...

Elton John's New Year's Eve Party

The O2 Peninsular Square, London London SE10 0DX 31 December 2008 to 1 January 2009 This year, you can: Elton John comes to London's O2 for an unmissable New Year's Eve party. The legendary music star will take to the stage with Red Piano, the biggest show of his career, featuring some of his greatest hits such as Candle in the Wind, Your Song, Rocket Man and Tiny Dancer.

Las Vegas Christmas and New Year

Casino Royale at The Casino at The Empire Enter the sophisticated world of James Bond this Christmas at The Casino at The Empire in London's Leicester Square. On arrival, you're greeted by showgirls dressed as Christmas elves, Elvis impersonators and a Martini – shaken not stirred, of course. The Casino Royale dinner is suitably luxurious, with a delicious spread that includes foie gras, traditional turkey (with all the trimmings) and Scottish venison. Finish with Christmas pudding, crème...

Santa's Grottos in London

See Santa at Selfridges Santa will be in residence at the famous department store, Selfridges over the festive period. Booking is advised but not compulsory as you can queue on the day – but be prepared to wait! When: 22 Nov-24 Dec Price: £2 if booked in advance; free on the day Kew Gardens Grotto Meet Santa in a beautiful woodland grotto at Kew Gardens . Children receive a souvenir badge and there are lots of other activities going on, including a "plantomime" (a pantomime with a plant...

Bankside Winter Festival

12 December 2008 to 21 December 2008 Bankside Riverside Outside Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe London SE1 You can find some beautiful and unique Christmas gifts at the Winter Market, part of Bankside Winter Festival. Browse more than 40 stalls to find handmade jewellery, fine ceramics and Christmas crafts. The Frost Fair Lantern Parade returns to London. Three strands of the parade will congregate outside Tate Modern at 4.30 pm on 12 December in a huge celebration of Frost Fairs past and...

Portobello Winter Fest

19 December 2008 to 21 December 2008 The Bridge Portobello Entrance 4-8 Acklam Road Notting Hill W10 5QZ The event takes place on Portobello Square under the Westway, crossing London's iconic market street Portobello Road . This Christmas, Portobello Winter Fest presents Alt-Xmas; a cosmopolitan winter wonderland with three days of festive fun and treats for all. There's lots to see and do at Portobello Winter Fest, including: Live music and DJs Gifts Limited-edition music stalls Hot cocktails...

Shop West End VIP Day

6 December 2008 to 7 December 2008 Regent Street and Oxford Street West End London W1B 4PH (0)20 7287 9601 VIP Christmas Shopping in London On Saturday 6 December, London's West End will be traffic free for VIPs (Very Important Pedestrians!) . All that extra space is sure to make Christmas shopping in London a much more enjoyable experience. There'll also be plenty of entertainment on offer, including VIP treats, celebrity appearances and live music to help get you into the festive spirit...

The Slopes at The O2

30 November 2008 to 25 January 2009 The O2 - Peninsular Square, London. SE10 0DX Skiing and Snowboarding in London Whether you're a total novice or an experienced skier or snowboarder, The Slopes at The O2 are the perfect way to experience these thrilling winter sports. The twin slopes, both 45 metres long, are designed for all abilities and offer a safe and fun way to discover a new sport or gear up for the real thing. If you're feeling adventurous, why not try out the snow tubes? These...

The Cancer Research UK Christmas Concert is at St Paul’s Cathedral, in London.

The Cancer Research UK Christmas Concert is at St Paul’s Cathedral, in London on the 16th of December. For tickets call 0207 638 8891 An evening of festive favourites, including Once in Royal David’s City, O Little Town of Bethlehem and With St Paul’s Cathedral Choir, The Barbican Brass Ensemble, and Sally Matthews And readings from Dame Eileen Atkins, John Sergeant, and Connie Fisher

A Christmas Sparkler

Date: Thursday 11th December 2008 Time: 7:30pm Location: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road London SE1 8XX Tickets: from £10 An evening of beautiful music, carols and dazzling celebrity performances at the Southbank Centre’s Royal, h osted by presenter Katie Derham. The concert will provide a fabulous finale to Leonard Cheshire Disability’s 60th anniversary celebrations, performances from a host of famous faces including - West End star Connie Fisher , former G4 member Jonathan...

Classic FM Christmas Concerts

Classic FM is to present 3 charity Christmas Concerts, in association with John Lewis and in aid of Classic FM Music Makers. From 13th to 18th December , they will be in Edinburgh, London and Rochester, bringing festive cheer and some of today's most celebrated classical artists. Each of the concerts are shown below, book your tickets today by ringing the Classic FM Ticket Line on 08444 124636: Christmas at St. Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh Christmas at Westminster Abbey Christmas at Rochester...

Christmas in Trafalgar Square

Each year since 1947, a Christmas tree has been given to the people of London from the people of Norway in gratitude for Britain's support for Norway during World War II. For many Londoners the Christmas tree and carol singing in Trafalgar Square signal the countdown to Christmas. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony will start at 6pm on Thursday 4 December 2008 with carol-singing led by the Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields. Then the tree will be lit by the Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Mayor...

The Great Big Christmas Treasure Hunt, London

For a novel way of getting in the spirit before December's even begun and you're in the London area, we've plenty of opportunities to join us for a bit of a sing-song and if you are really itching to get Christmas going: A sponsored event for all the family. Hunt out the elves to collect the gold coins while taking in the West End’s famous Christmas lights. 30 November, 2–5.30pm St James’ Church, 197 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL

Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair

From 12 – 16th November the Business Design Centre in Islington, London the Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair. Home to hundreds of craftspeople, you’ll find everything you need for the perfect Christmas, from hand-crafted decorations to traditional toys, the latest fashion, limited-edition jewellery and a mouthwatering array of festive food and drink. Longer opening hours this year, i n response to feedback from visitors to last year's Christmas Fair, the Fair hours have been extended with...

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park 2008

Hyde Park, London 22nd November - 4th January Winter Wonderland will return to Hyde Park from the 22nd November 2008 until 4th January 2009. Attractions will include London’s largest Ice Rink, the iconic 53 metre Giant Observation Wheel and the Giant Toboggan snow slide. There will be a number of traditional and modern attractions including the Mirror Maze, the Haunted Mansion, Carousel, Sleigh Ride, Wave Swinger and the Bungy Dome. The authentic German Market is back double in size and set to offer...

Winter Wonderland Ice Skating at Hyde Park

Open Saturday 22nd November - Sunday January 4th 2009 10am-10pm every day at London's Hyde Park . Along with London’s largest outdoor ice rink, Winter Wonderland has a giant observation wheel, toboggan slide, an array of children’s rides and many more attractions to thrill visitors of all ages. Throughout the Christmas period Londoners and tourists have the chance to take in amazing views of Hyde Park and the surrounding areas from the air. With a full 360° panoramic view 200 feet above Hyde...