CHRISTMAS PREVIEW

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

 

tba Nov-Jan 2004	CHRISTMAS LIGHTS – OXFORD STREET – Oxford Street, W1. Lights will be switched on by a celebrity. Further details to be announced. Lights lit every evening from dusk to dawn. Spectators welcome.
tba Nov-Jan 2004	CHRISTMAS LIGHTS – REGENT STREET – Regent Street, W1. Lights will be switched on by a celebrity. Further details to be announced. Lights lit every day from dusk to dawn. Spectators welcome. www.regent-street.co.uk. Station: Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus, Bond Street.
Tue 25 Nov- Sun 4 Jan 2004	CHRISTMAS PAST: 400 YEARS OF SEASONAL TRADITIONS IN ENGLISH HOMES - Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Road, E2. Over 400 years of Christmas traditions in English homes are brought alive in the museum's period rooms, which are decorated to reflect the festive style of each era. Complemented by workshops, talks, storytelling and concerts. Open Tue-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1200-1700. Admission free. www.geffrye-museum.org.uk. Station: Liverpool Street then bus,Old Street then bus.

 

Thu 27 Nov- Sun 25 Jan 2004	SOMERSET HOUSE ICE RINK - Somerset House, Strand, WC2. In the daytime, the ice rink will be specially attractive to children and families, with skating lessons and ice guides to accompany inexperienced skaters. As darkness falls, the rink will be illuminated with flaming torches, and special architectural lighting. The Courtyard will be dominated by a magnificent 40ft high Christmas tree. Opening times and ticket details to be announced. Bookings and information: (020) 7413 3399. www.somerset-house.org.uk. Station: Charing Cross, Waterloo, Embankment, Covent Garden, Temple (Mon-Sat).
Fri 28 Nov- Sun 30 Dec	BOB WILSON FUNFAIR - Leicester Square, WC1. Traditional funfair with rides and attractions for all ages, featuring new and exciting rides. Open Mon-Thu 1200-2300, Fri-Sun 1200-midnight. Closed 25 Dec. Admission free, pay for individual rides. Station: Leicester Square.
Sat 29 Nov- Fri 19 Dec	ART FOR CHRISTMAS - The Fine Art Society, 148 New Bond Street, W1. The Fine Art Society has put together an eclectic group of new and established artists and craftsmen for their annual selling exhibition of contemporary art, craft and design. Stunning ceramics, silver necklaces and rings, cufflinks, enamelled cups and candlesticks, applique bags, textile hangings and small silverwork will all be available to buy. Open Mon-Fri 0930-1730, Sat 1000-1300. Admission free. Station: Bond Street.
­Sat 29 Nov – Sun 4 Jan 2004	MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT – Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond. Festive music brings Christmas spirits alive as does Father Christmas in his specially prepared dell in White Peaks. The festivities continue with Victorian rides providing traditional entertainment for all the family. Opening times and ticket details to be announced. Information: (020) 8332 5655. www.kew.org. Station: Kew Gardens.
Sun 30 Nov	IN HOUSE – The Landmark London, 222 Marylebone Road, NW1. A one-day quality craft and gourmet food event. Buy Christmas gifts or treat yourself! Open 1000-1800. Admission £1-£2. Bookings and information: (020) 8977 7558. Station: Marylebone.
Mon 1 – Wed 24 Dec	CHRISTMAS MARKET - Old Spitalfields Market, Brushfield Street, E1. Annual Christmas market arranged by the Spitalfields Traders. Opening times to be announced. Admission free. www.alternativearts.co.uk. Station: Liverpool Street.
Mon 1 Dec – Mon 12 Jan 2004	CHRISTMAS WITH DICKENS: VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS - The Charles Dickens Museum, 48 Doughty Street, WC1. Christmas display showing Dickens's drawing room decorated as he might have done it in the 1830s with a background on early Victorian Christmas customs. Open Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1100-1700. Admission adults £4, children £2, concessions £3, family £9. www.dickensmuseum.com. Station: Russell Square.
Wed 3 Dec – Sun 11 Jan 2004	ALADDIN - Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, N18. Traditional family pantomime. Performance and ticket details (020) 8807 6680. www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk. Station: Turnpike Lane, Arnos Grove, Bounds Green then bus.
­Thu 4 Dec – Tue 6 Jan 2004	CHRISTMAS TREE - Trafalgar Square, WC2. The tree is lit in Norwegian-style white lights and carols are sung around the tree from 1700-2100 on certain evenings until 24 Dec, by groups in aid of various charities. The lights will be switched on at approximately 1830 on 4 Dec. Lights lit daily from dusk to midnight. Admission free. Station: Charing Cross.
Sat 6 Dec	GREAT CHRISTMAS PUDDING RACE - Covent Garden Piazza, WC2. Celebrities and individuals conduct a relay race around the East Piazza in fancy dress, avoiding novelty obstacles whilst carrying a Christmas pudding on a tray, with the winning team receiving the Pudding Trophy. Entertainment and events before and after the race raise funds for Cancer Research Campaign. Events from 1100-1300. Information: (020) 7404 8760. Station: Covent Garden.
Sat 6 Dec – Sat 17 Jan 2004	SLEEPING BEAUTY - Queens Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch. Traditional family pantomime suitable for all ages. Performance details from (01708) 443333. Tickets adults £14-£16, children and concessions £9-£10. www.queens-theatre.co.uk. Station: Hornchurch, Romford, Emerson Park.
Sat 6 Dec – Sun 18 Jan 2004	HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK - Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court, East Molesey. Outdoor skating rink. Price includes skate hire. Open daily 1000-2045. Ten skating sessions per day. Admission adults £8.50-£18.50, children £6.50-£12.90, concessions £7.50-£14.80, family £26-57. Maximum price includes admission to Hampton Court Palace. Bookingsand information: 0870 060 01778. www.hrp.org.uk. Station: Hampton Court.
Sun 7 Dec	BLESSING OF THE CRIB - Trafalgar Square, SW1. Annual service of Blessing the Crib in Trafalgar Square. Meet at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church at 1720 for torchlit procession, led by the Salvation Army Band, to Trafalgar Square. Service starts at 1730. Admission free. www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org. Station: Charing Cross.
	MAINWARING'S CHELSEA ANTIQUES FAIR (CHRISTMAS FAIR) - Chelsea Old Town Hall, King's Road, SW3. Antique fair offering over 80 stands with an excellent mixture of silver, glass, linen, lace, paintings and unusual items for this very special Christmas fair. Open 1100-1700. Admission £2. Bookings and information: (01225) 723094. www.mainwaringsfairs.allinfo-about.com. Station: Sloane Square then bus, South Kensington.
Wed 10 – Fri 19 Dec	SPITALFIELDS WINTER FESTIVAL - Shoreditch Church, Shoreditch High Street, E1. Features an eclectic mix of seasonal music ranging from medieval times to the present day in Shoreditch Church, plus a related guided walk. Opportunity for everyone to participate in a community event and carol service. Programme details from (020) 7377 1362. Admission adults free-£27, children and concessions free-£25. Bookings and information: (020) 7377 1362. www.spitalfieldsfestival.org.uk. Station: Aldgate East, Liverpool Street.
Thu 11 Dec	FIND YOUR FESTIVE SPIRIT - Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Road, E2. The Christmas Past exhibition will stay open into the early evening, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience the magical atmosphere of Christmas through the ages by candlelight. Entertainment will include Christmas stories, carols, a special Christmas card making workshop, and a festive fair in the restaurant. Open 1700-2000. Admission free. www.geffrye-museum.org.uk. Station: Liverpool Street then bus 149 or 242, Old Street then bus 243.
Fri 12 – Mon 15 Dec	CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT – St John’s Smith Square, Smith Square, SW1. Traditional Christmas music and performance of Handel’s Messiah. Performances Fri-Mon 1930-2145. Tickets adults £10-£24, concessions £9-£21.60. Bookings and information: (020) 7222 1061. www.sjss.org.uk. Station: Westminster.
Sat 13 Dec	CHRISTMAS CONCERT - The Royal Star & Garter Home, Richmond Hill, Richmond. Children's choral group and orchestra playing traditional selections. Mince pies and mulled wine. Performance 1830-2230. Tickets £10. Bookings and information: (020) 8948 8865. www.starandgarter.org. Station: Richmond.
	CHILDREN’S FESTIVE WORKSHOPS – The Landmark London, 222 Marylebone Road, NW1. Children’s art workshops including Finger Fun (3-7 year olds) and Art Lab (6-11 year olds). Events from 1030. Admission Finger Fun £5, Art Lab £7. Bookings and information: (020) 8977 7558. Station: Marylebone.
Sun 14 Dec	FATHER CHRISTMAS VISITS THE GALLERY – Orleans House Gallery, Riverside, Twickenham. Enjoy an afternoon of art activities, storytime and a visit by Father Christmas. All children must book for this event. Event times and ticket details to be announced. Bookings and information: (020) 8831 6000. Station: St Margaret’s, Twickenham.
Tue 16 Dec	COMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE - Trafalgar Square, WC2. Carols and the Christmas story by those that live and work around Trafalgar Square. Doors open 1745. Performance 1745. Admission free.  Station: Charing Cross.
Wed 17 – Tue 23 Dec	HAZARD CHASE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL - St John's Smith Square, Smith Square, SW1. Annual Christmas festival featuring seasonal music including performances of Handel's 'Messiah', The Tallis Scholars, The Sixteen, Cardinall's Musick and Westminster Abbey Choir. Performances daily 1930. Tickets £11-£42. Bookings and information: (020) 7222 1061.  Station: Westminster, St James's Park.
­Fri 19 – Tue 23 Dec	OLYMPIA INTERNATIONAL SHOWJUMPING CHAMPIONSHIPS - Olympia, Hammersmith Road, W14. International showjumping event featuring top riders from all over the world. Includes a special appearance by Father Christmas. Opening times and admission to be announced. Bookings and information: (020) 7370 8206. www.olympia-show-jumping.co.uk. Station: Kensington (Olympia).
Sat 20 Dec	CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT – The Landmark London, 222 Marylebone Road, NW1. A festive family concert in an atmospheric setting with music and singing in a programme that will engage everyone. Featuring Surrey Brass, the Wessex Chamber Choir and St Anne’s School Choir. Performance 1930. Tickets £5-£7. Bookings and information: (020) 8977 7558. Station: Marylebone.
Sat 20 Dec – Sun 11 Jan 2004	JACK AND THE BEANSTALK - Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green, Catford. Traditional family pantomime. Performance details from (020) 8690 0002. Tickets adults £8.95-£9.95, children £7.50-£8.50, concessions £7.25-£8.25. www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk. Station: Catford Bridge.
Sun 21 Dec	NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS - St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square, WC2. The traditional Christmas service retelling the birth of Jesus of Nazareth in words and music. Doors open 1745. Admission free.  Station: Charing Cross.
Mon 22 Dec	EVENSONG WORKSHOP – The Landmark London, 222 Marylebone Road, NW1. Event from 1900. Ticket details and information: (020) 8977 7558. Station: Marylebone.
Wed 24 Dec	PARISH CAROL SERVICE - St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square, WC2. Parish Carol Service at 1830, Midnight Mass at 2330. Admission free. www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org. Station: Charing Cross.
Thu 25 Dec	CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES - St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square, WC2. Sung Eucharist at 1030, Evening Prayer at 1600. Admission free. www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org. Station: Charing Cross.
	PETER PAN CUP SWIMMING RACE - Serpentine, Hyde Park, W2. A 100-yards swimming race for the Peter Pan Cup always held on Christmas Day since 1864. Only members of the Serpentine Swimming Club may take part. Start time to be announced. Admission free. Station: Hyde Park Corner, South Kensington.
Fri 26 Dec	BOXING DAY SERVICES - St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square, WC2. Morning Prayer at 0900. Admission free. www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org. Station: Charing Cross.
Sat 27 Dec – Thu 1 Jan 2004	ELIZABETHAN CHRISTMAS - Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court, East Molesey. The Tudor kitchens produce the festive food of 1602-63 while upstairs visitors join the court of the aged Queen for festive fun and games. Open Mon 1015-1630, Tue-Thu, Sat, Sun 0930-1630. Admission adults £11, children £7.25, concessions £8.25, family £33. Bookings and information: (020) 8781 9500. www.hrp.org.uk. Station: Hampton Court.
	KING EDWARD'S CHRISTMAS - Tower of London, Tower Hill, EC3. Experience the richness of a Christmas in 1283. Edward I and his Court celebrate this important date with music, dance, stories and feasting in the king's own apartments at the Tower. This Christmas fit for a King will be celebrated four times daily. Open Mon-Thu, Sat 0900-1700, Sun 1000-1700. Admission adults £11.30, children £7.50, concessions £8.50, family £34. www.hrp.org.uk. Station: Tower Hill.
Mon 29 & Tue 30 Dec	THE NEW YEAR'S DAY PARADE 'MUSIC FOR LONDON' CONCERTS - Central Hall Westminster, Storey's Gate, SW1. A superb series of concerts, featuring top US high school bands, jazz, symphonic, choral, traditional styles and much more. Part of the New Year's Day Parade Festival. Performances Mon, Tue 130-2230. Ticket details to be announced. Bookings and information: (020) 8566 8586. www.londonparade.co.uk. Station: Westminster, St James's Park.
Wed 31 Dec	NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATIONS: GREENWICH & DOCKLANDS FIRST NIGHT - Cutty Sark Gardens, Greenwich, SE10. Programme and ticket details to be announced. www.festival.org. Station: Greenwich.
Thu 1 Jan 2004	THE NEW YEAR'S DAY PARADE - LONDON - Parliament Square, SW1 to Berkeley Square, W1. American-style extravaganza of 10,000 musicians, dancers, acrobats, cheerleaders, clowns and floats will twirl, march and drum their way to Berkeley Square via Whitehall, Trafalgar Square, Lower Regent Street and Piccadilly. The biggest parade of its kind in the world. Event from 1200-1445. Admission free. Bookings and information: (020) 8566 8586. www.londonparade.co.uk. Station: Westminster, Piccadilly Circus, Green Park, Charing Cross then 2 minutes' walk.
Sun 4 Jan 2004	EPIPHANY SERVICES - St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square, WC2. Eucharist at 1000, visitors to London service at 1200, Choral Evensong at 1700 and evening service focusing on relationships at 1830. Admission free. www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org. Station: Charing Cross.
Tue 6 Jan 2004	FAREWELL TO CHRISTMAS - Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Road, E2. Join the museum in its own tradition of burning the holly and the ivy, followed by a taste of mulled wine and Twelfth Night cake. Takes place in the garden, so wrap up warm! Events from 1600-1700. Admission free. www.geffrye-museum.org.uk. Station: Liverpool Street then bus 149 or 242, Old Street then bus 243.

VISITOR ATTRACTIONS

The following attractions have announced their provisional closures over Christmas and New Year:

2 Willow RoadCLOSED

Apsley House (No1 London)24-26 Dec, 1 Jan

Baden Powell House24 Dec-1 Jan

Bank of England Museum25 & 26 Dec, 1 Jan, limited hours 24 Dec

Banqueting House24 Dec-1 Jan

Barbican Art GalleryCLOSED

BBC Television Centre Tours24-26, 31 Dec, 1 Jan

BFI London IMAX Cinemaphone for details (020) 7902 1234

British Airways London Eye25 Dec, limited hours 1 Jan

British Libraryphone for details (020) 7412 7332

The British Museum24-26 Dec, 1 Jan

Cabinet War Rooms24 & 25, 31 Dec

Carlyle’s HouseCLOSED

Central Hall Westminster - Toursphone for details (020) 7222 8010

Chelsea World of Sport25 & 26 Dec, 1 Jan

Chessington World of Adventures25 & 26 Dec, 1 Jan

Chiswick HouseCLOSED

Courtauld Institute Gallery24-26 Dec

Cutty Sark Clipper Ship24-26 Dec

Dali Universe25 Dec, limited hours 24 & 31 Dec, 1 Jan

Design Museum25 Dec

Down House: Home of Charles Darwin22 Dec-3 Feb

Eltham Palace22 Dec-31 Jan

Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art24 Dec-2 Jan

Fenton HouseCLOSED

Firepower – The Royal Artillery Museumphone for details (020) 8855 7755

Florence Nightingale Museum24 Dec-2 Jan

Geffrye Museum24-26 Dec, 1 Jan

Gilbert Collection24-26 Dec, limited hours 31 Dec, 1 Jan

Guards Museum18 Dec-1 Feb

Guildhall Art Gallery25-28Dec, 1 Jan

Ham HouseCLOSED

Hampton Court Palace24-26 Dec

Handel House Museum24-26, 31 Dec, 1 Jan

Hayward Galleryphone for details (020) 7960 4242

Hermitage Rooms24-26 Dec, limited hours 31 Dec, 1 Jan

HMS Belfast24-26 Dec

Imperial War Museum24-26 Dec

Jewish Museum, Camden25 & 26 Dec, 1 Jan

Kensington Palace24-26 Dec

Kenwood House24-26 Dec, 1 Jan

Kew Gardens25 Dec, 1 Jan

London Aquariumphone for details (020) 7967 8000

London Brass Rubbing Centre25 Dec

London Dungeon25 Dec

London Wetland Centre25 Dec, limited hours 24 Dec

London Zoo25 Dec

London’s Transport Museum24-26 Dec

Lord’s Tour25 & 26 Dec, 1 Jan

Madame Tussaud’s & London Planetariumlimited hours 24, 25 & 31 Dec

Marble Hill HouseCLOSED

Museum in Docklands24-26 Dec

Museum of Childhood at Bethnal Green24-26 Dec, 1 Jan

Museum of London24-26 Dec, 1 Jan

Museum of Rugby and Twickenham Stadium Tours24-26 Dec, 1 Jan

National Army Museum24-26 Dec

National Gallery24-26 Dec, 1 Jan

National Maritime Museum24-26 Dec

National Portrait Gallery24-26 Dec, 1 Jan

National Theatre Tours24-26 Dec, 1 Jan

Natural History Museum24-26 Dec

Osterley Park HouseCLOSED

The Queen’s Gallery25 & 26 Dec

Queen’s House24-26 Dec

Royal Academy of Arts24 & 25 Dec

Royal Air Force Museum24-26 Dec, 1 Jan

Royal MewsCLOSED

Royal Observatory Greenwich24-26 Dec

St Paul’s Cathedralphone for details (020) 7236 4128

Science Museum24-26Dec

Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition and Tour24 & 25 Dec

Somerset House25 Dec, limited hours 1Jan

Spencer HouseCLOSED

Sutton HouseCLOSED

Syon Househouse CLOSED, gardens 25 & 26 Dec 

Tate Britain24-26 Dec

Tate Modern24-26 Dec

Theatre Museum25 & 26 Dec, 1 Jan, limited hours 24 & 31 Dec

Theatre Royal, Drury Lane Toursphone for details (020) 7240 5357

Tower Bridge Experience24-26 Dec, 1 Jan 

Tower of London24-26 Dec, 1 Jan

Victoria & Albert Museum24-26 Dec

Vinopolis24-26 Dec, 1 Jan

Wellington Arch24-26 Dec, 1 Jan

The Wernher Collection at Ranger’s House22 Dec-2 Mar

Westminster Abbey24-26 Dec, 1 Jan

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museumphone for details (020) 8946 6131

VISITOR ATTRACTIONS OUTSIDE LONDON

Leeds Castle25 Dec

Legoland WindsorCLOSED

Windsor Castle25 & 26 Dec

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