Happy Christmas

1 February 2009 - 12:00 – 18.00pm

2009 is the Year of the Ox. Although Chinese New Year's Day falls on 26 January, the London Chinatown Chinese Association traditionally holds the capital's Chinese New Year celebrations on the first Sunday after Chinese New Year's Day.

Celebrate the arrival of Chinese New Year 2009 in Central London with lion dances, fireworks and performances from Chinese artists.

In Trafalgar Square, the main stage showcases traditional and contemporary Chinese arts from 12-6pm. Don't miss performances by artists from Qinghai and Kunming in China, including lion and dragon dances.

Other Chinese New Year festivities taking place near to Trafalgar Square include:

• Lion dance displays in Chinatown
• Performances from local artists on Shaftesbury Avenue
• Fireworks in Leicester Square
• An appearance by HaiBao, the mascot of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo

There's also plenty of opportunity to shop, with each area setting up stalls selling cultural items and decorations.

If you get hungry along the way, simply stop off and refuel at the food court in Trafalgar Square.

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

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 sales highlights, at Selfridges you'll find 6 floors of sale-packed shopping. Style at a snip of the price
• Harrods: 27 Dec-24 Jan
  The iconic Knightsbridge store's winter sales are famous for big savings on luxury goods.  Discounts will be store-wide with up to 75% off
• Fortnum & Masons: from 27 Dec
  London's most luxurious food emporium offers up a hearty sale

17 December 2008 to 13 January 2009

Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising

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 cards from every era
• Festive pictures from magazine covers
• Song sheets
• Children's scraps

London's Museum of Brands gets into the festive spirit with an exhibition of Christmas toys, decorations and products dating from the Victorian period right up to today.

Piccadilly Gardens
Manchester
M60 1HX

4th Dec 08 - 4th Jan 09 

Sunday - Friday: 11am - 9pm. Saturday: 10am - 9pm. Closed Christmas Day.

• Minimum height restriction: 1.1m unless accompanied by an adult.
• Slide surface is white astroturf.

This Christmas, Piccadilly Gardens hosts Manchester's new slide experience.

Feel the alpine rush as you whizz down the 50 metre long open air slide. Everyone can have a go - no skill or previous experience required!

At the bottom, stroll through the fir trees and Christmas lights to enjoy a refreshing drink or snack in the alpine chalet.

1 January 2009

Trafalgar Square - WC2 5DS

At 12pm on New Year's Day, the streets of London will be filled with music, dancing, marching and more as London's annual New Year's Day Parade gets into full swing!

Now in its 23rd year, the New Year's Day Parade in London will see more than 10,000 performers from all over the world come together in an amazing celebration.

More than half a million people are expected to line the streets of London to witness this incredible event as it winds its way along the two-mile route.

From American marching bands and dance troupes to local groups from London's 33 boroughs, the parade is sure to see in the New Year in style.

Starting at Parliament Square, the New Year's Day Parade sets off just as Big Ben strikes 12 noon.

The New Year's Day Parade passes many of London's most famous landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and 10 Downing Street.

The Parade travels from Parliament Square to Whitehall, through Trafalgar Square, along Pall Mall and Regent Street before finishing on Piccadilly at approximately 3pm.

21 November until 4 January 2009

Michael Edwards & Carole Winter in association with Novel Entertainment and Sheffield Theatres present The Watershed production of Horrid Henry - Live & Horrid!

This Christmas, Horrid Henry takes his rightful place in the spotlight on the West End stage! Along with Mum, Dad, Perfect Peter, Moody Margaret, Rude Ralph and all your favourite characters. Only they’re not going to be in the spotlight, of course, not if Henry’s got anything to do with it.

And Henry’s even got John Godber, author of Bouncers, Up ‘n’ Under, April in Paris, Teechers and many other great plays, to help make this an occasion not to be missed. Unless you’re a vegetable-eating, homework-loving, smelly-nappy baby – in which case, you should stay at home!

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-chilling adventure in London. The wonderful retelling of Hansel and Gretel is sure to thrill both children aged 8 and over and adults alike!

Hansel and Gretel have been abandoned by their cold-hearted stepmother and cowardly father.

Forced to travel through an eerie forest, they stumble across temptation when they discover a house made entirely of sweets.

But all is not quite as it seems. Will the pair manage to defeat the evil witch before they become her next meal?

31 December 2008 to 1 January 2009

London Eye

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, and Westminster and Waterloo Bridges. Hungerford Bridge and Westminster Bridge will be closed from 8pm.

The O2

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.

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 caramel and panettone, followed by petits fours and tea or coffee.

After dinner, a professional croupier will give you a "learn to play" lesson so you can show 007 a thing or two at the tables.

New Year's Eve at The Casino at The Empire

For New Year's Eve, The Casino at The Empire is going all out with a Las Vegas-inspired countdown.

Enjoy Rat Pack cabaret, dancing showgirls and a live DJ, before partying the night away in the Shadow Bar.

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 theme.)
When: 12-3.30pm, 13-23 Dec
Price: Included in Kew's entry fee (£13 for adults; children under 17 free)

Santa's Wish Kingdom at Westfield

A special interactive grotto. Enter a make-believe world, guided by the Wishfinder Fairy and elves. Take a magical journey into the Wish Kingdom and meet Santa in his grotto.
When: 13 November-24 December
Price: Suggested donation £1 (donated to 95.8 Capital FM’s Help a London Child)

Southbank Green Grotto

Santa's going green on the Southbank so visit him at the Ethical Christmas Emporium at the Bargehouse, OXO Tower. As well as a visit to the Green Grotto, there will be kids activities including arts and crafts.
When: 22-23 Nov
Price: £1

Santa's Winter Wonderland

Santa is enjoying Winter Wonderland at the Hyde Park bandstand along with his elves. There are special gifts for visitors to the grotto.
When: 22 Nov-24 Dec
Price: Free

London Wetland Centre

Visit Santa in his cabin grotto where he combines his work with a bit of wildlife spotting at the London Wetland Centre. He will be giving out goody bags too.
When: 6-7 Dec
Price: £4 in addition to entry fee (adults £8.95; children under 4 free)

Sandown Park Racecourse

Santa is watching the races from his inflatable grotto at Sandown Park Racecourse. Pick a gift from the lucky dip, and meet characters from Raymond Briggs' famous Christmas book, The Snowman.
When: 5-6 Dec
Price: Various prices (children under 16 free)

See Santa Shopping at Hamleys

Santa's roaming the seven floors of Hamleys looking for present ideas and is more than happy to meet you and hear about your favourite toys first hand!
When: 29 Nov-24 Dec
Price: Free 

Alternative Grotto At Ripley's Believe It Or Not

Enjoy a weird and wonderful Christmas at Ripley's Believe It Or Not. Kids can visit Santa in his grotto as well as enjoying some freakish festive items including the world's tallest Father Christmas and shrunken-head baubles on an upside-down Christmas tree. There are also special events such as a roller skating Christmas pudding (check with attraction for dates.)
When: 1-31 Dec
Price: Included in entry fee (Adult £17.95, child £13.95, under 4s go free)

12 December 2008 to 21 December 2008

Bankside Riverside

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 present. The parade will bring the Frost Fair to life with around 270 local school children bearing beautiful lanterns.

On 13 December, a celebratory procession of traditional Thames Cutters will carry Frost Fair flags along the Thames.

Head to the Millennium Bridge at 11am for the best view of this colourful river procession as it passes between Southwark and Blackfriars bridges.

A team of Siberian huskies are giving sled rides to under 12s for just £5.

Over the festival, a series of Frost Fair guided walks are also taking place. The tours are a great way to learn more about the connection between Bankside and the River Thames, plus the area's rich theatrical history. 

19 December 2008 to 21 December 2008

The Bridge

There's lots to see and do at Portobello Winter Fest, including:

• Live music and DJs
• Gifts
• Limited-edition music stalls
• Hot cocktails
• Street art
• Workshops
• International Christmas cuisine
• Stalls (including one hosted by Rough Trade)
• A bar run by Notting Hill Arts Club

Then in the evenings, a line-up of top British talent will take to the stage, including:

• The Thirst
• Ebony Bones
• Riz MC
• Rotten Hill Gang
• Bridgette Amofah
• Dels

6 December 2008 to 7 December 2008

Regent Street and Oxford Street

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 inflatable sledges will have you spinning and sliding down The Slopes in no time!

In keeping with the ski theme, the whole of the London Piazza will be transformed into a winter resort.

Wander through the snow covered trees and chalets and soak up the atmosphere.

28 November 2008 to 3 January 2009

Lyric Hammersmith

In a winter wonderland, the Queen announces a glittering festival of music, magic and dancing. Everyone is invited in the hope that her son will find a suitable bride.

However Cinderella can't go to the ball – unless she can complete the impossible chores that her mean sisters have set her!

Cinderella is determined to go and turns to her friends from the forest for help.

Everyone in the audience is invited to join in the celebration during the interval as the fabulous ice-themed ball at the King's Palace gets into full swing!

Norwegian ice-musician Terje Isungset has composed an original score for the Lyric's exciting production of Cinderella.

Coram Boy actors Katherine Manners and Kelly William will play Cinderella's sisters, joined by Tim McMullan as her father and Grainne Byrne as her mother.

The English National Ballet's The Nutcracker brings its Christmas magic to the London Coliseum.

17 December 2008 to 30 December 2008

The Story of The Nutcracker

When young Clara's favourite Christmas present – a nutcracker doll – comes to life, she's drawn into a magical adventure.

Clara, her Nutcracker doll and the magician Drosselmeyer travel to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of the Sweets.

Enjoy spellbinding ballet as Clara battles with a Mouse King, dances with snowflakes and, of course, falls in love with a handsome Prince.

The Music of The Nutcracker

The eternally popular, endlessly tuneful Tchaikovsky score features the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and many other familiar favourites.

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

Christmas Wishes with Alfie Boe
Saturday 13 December - Sunday 14 December

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra - John Wilson conductor - Alfie Boe tenor 

Celebrate the coming festivities with a glittering programme of seasonal delights. Tenor Alfie Boe, one of the leader of a new generation of young singers who combine vocal brilliance, classical training and a gift for entertainment, will take to the Liverpool stage for a programme in which the audience are very warmly
invited to join in. Meanwhile, twinkling on the musical Christmas tree are some traditional festive delights ranging from the slick lyricism of Leroy Anderson to the sparkling fantasy of Tchaikovsky.

Sunday 30th November, 3pm - 5.30pm

Centenary Square.

Entries are invited to take up the reins and participate in Birmingham's sixth Pantomime Horse Grand National to help raise money for the Lord Mayor's Charity Appeal. Or you can just come along and enjoy the thrills and spills as the pantomime horses jump the fences! This year includes a children's fancy dress competition for 5 to 12 year olds.

Entry forms are available to collect from the House of Sport, 300 Broad Street, or you can request a form using the contact details below.

Tel: 0121 303 3008
E-mail: collette.fallon@birmingham.gov.uk 

FREE but entry fee for competitors: £50 in sponsorship

Colston Hall
Colston Street
Bristol
BS1 5AR
Tel: 0117 9223686

Date 22 Dec 2008 - 23 Dec 2008

12 December, 7.30pm

Harry Christophers and his group The Sixteen are the voices of Classic FM.

At the heart of the partnership is a shared desire to build new audiences for classical music and choral music in particular. Under the inspirational leadership of Harry Christophers, The Sixteen has developed from its roots as a group of Oxford graduates passionate about the choral tradition to one of the world's most brilliantly honed chamber choirs.

An evening of carols from the 15th and 16th centuries. Featuring popular carols of the time - both sacred and secular - the programme shows how Christmas music evolved during this period. The singers are accompanied by the triptych of instruments often seen depicted on nativity Christmas cards played by angels, namely the lute, harp and rebec.

American Museum
Claverton Manor
Claverton
Bath
BA2 7BD
Tel: +44 (0) 1225 460503

The American Museum will become a candy box of delights filled with mouth-watering displays of Yule-time feasts. Frosted fruits, candy canes and sparkling sweets festoon the halls of the museum. A special activity for children: Gingerbread men play ‘Hide and Seek’ throughout the period rooms.

The theme for this year's Christmas at Claverton is "Festive Feasts". Come and find out what the early American's ate to keep themselves warm and jolly during the festive season
Happy revellers in Conkey’s Tavern tuck into a Thanksgiving feast, while the refined Mrs. Deming is preparing a magnificent centrepiece in her parlour, topped by a precious pineapple – a great rarity in the 18th century.

Carols by Candlelight, a long-established and favourite fixture in the city's pre-Christmas calendar, takes place in the Regency splendour of the Pump Room itself. The concerts include both traditional and new carols and the opportunity for audience participation; they also feature the CBBC Junior Choir and dazzling young instrumental soloists from Wells Cathedral School.

Pump Room
Stall Street
Bath
BA1 1LZ
Tel: +44 (0) 1225 463362

Each year the City of Bath Bach Choir returns to Bath's famous Pump Rooms for its annual carol concerts: a sure sign that Christmas has really begun.

28 Feb 2009 - 8 Mar 2009 

The next Bath Literature Festival takes place on 28th February to 8th March 2009. Mr B's Emporium of Reading Delights will be the official bookseller at the 2009 Bath Literature Festival.

Taking place annually over 9 days in February/March, and using The Guildhall in Bath as its base, the Festival seeks to make you think whilst it entertains, with unique events pairing like-minded authors, dynamic debates on topical issues, and specially commissioned work by leading contemporary writers.

Come to the Festival to be inspired, to enter the debates, to sit back and listen, and to participate in the many workshops and interactive experiences on offer. Highlights from the 2008 Festival included appearances by AC Grayling, Tariq Ali and Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, a commissioned performance by Hugh L