December Culture Fix: 8 Things To Watch, See & Do

The Christmas Lights To See: Carnaby 

With just over two weeks to go until Christmas, we’re on the final countdown. If you’re still not in the festive spirit, we’d recommend heading over to Carnaby to soak up the best of the season.

Bringing joy to festive shoppers through their innovative and magical installations since 1997, this West End destination has seen everything from underwater seascapes to oversized snowmen take centre stage across the streets. And this December is no different with Carnaby celebrating those iconic moments from the past 25 years with a medley of the most coveted pieces.

In the lead-up to Christmas, Carnaby’s retailers and restaurants will all be celebrating with everything from festive set menus perfect for parties to special discounts, offers and plenty of last-minute gifting inspo. Discover more here.

The Must-See Exhibition: The Fabulous World of Dior 

Harrods has teamed up with luxury fashion house Dior this Christmas to create a mesmerising festive partnership, complete with a glowing installation, a gingerbread exhibition, and multi-experience pop-ups. 

Hidden inside the department store is “The Fabulous World of Dior” exhibition space. A real “kingdom of dreams” designed especially for Harrods, it revisits the tradition of gingerbread houses, reproducing the architecture of Dior’s emblematic locations, from Granville to La Colle Noire.

From miniature to grandiose, the exhibition invites you to discover the history of Christian Dior in a whole new setting, uncovering landmark places in his life and career. Expect to see everything from the dream workshop where he drew his first fairy-tale dresses to moments where collections were created. 

As if we needed any more of an excuse to explore Harrods at Christmastime, you won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind historical moment.

The NYE Event To Book: The London New Year’s Eve Ball at Evolution London

Still on the hunt for the best New Year’s Eve event in London? Fear not as we’ve found the finest New York-inspired event that’s sure to impress. 

Bring in the new year in the city that never sleeps and book yourself in for an all-inclusive New York New Year’s Eve party in the heart of Battersea Park. 

You’ll be transported to New York as soon as you step foot inside this immersive ball. Expect to experience the best of NYC, from the infamous Wu’s to the Carnegie Deli. It’s all slotted alongside jaw-dropping acts, live music, top London DJs, all-inclusive drinks including unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks, a four-course banquet and dodgems. 

Plus, The Handbook readers get an exclusive 10% off! All you need to do is quote HANDBOOK10 when making your booking. Full T&Cs here.

The Film We’re Excited For: Corsage 

If you’re a fan of Sophie Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, we think you’ll want to sink your teeth into this new, raucous period drama charting the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. 

Arriving on cinema screens in December, Corsage follows the Empress as she approaches her 40th birthday and anticipates her dying legacy as she ages. Determined to fight against this, she devises a plan. 

Written and directed by Marie Kreutzer, this is a hotly anticipated film that’s set to finish off 2022 in upheaval.

The Book Everyone’s Talking About: Alone With You In The Ether by Olivie Blake 

Olivie Blake, the bestselling author of the highly acclaimed The Atlas Six, returns with another novel that’s set to be a big hit. 

Alone With You in the Ether follows two people who meet by chance, but when they return from their meeting, they stay the same but everything around them changes. With two obsessive, eccentric personalities, they struggle to be apart from each other after they meet and become troublingly reliant.

The New Podcast To Listen To: Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake

If you were given the option, how would you plan your perfect death? English actress and comedian Kathy Burke has turned her inquisitive mind to the challenge, launching a hilariously dark podcast where she finds out celebrities’ darkest fantasies. 

Follow along on this podcast journey as Kathy interviews the likes of Dawn French, James Acaster, and Jamali Maddix. She dives into the minds of celebs, asking unusual questions ranging from “how do you want to die?” to “where are you going next?”

The New TV Series To Binge: Emily in Paris 

Love it or loathe it, Emily in Paris returns to Netflix this December with more outrageous antics, epic fashion moments, and confusing love triangles.

Returning to the titular role is Lily Collins, who stars as Emily, an American marketing executive who transfers to a prestigious Paris firm. Season 2 (spoilers!) ended with Emily torn between two potential suitors, as well as attempting to juggle her career prospects. Expect this season to be just as messy and chaotic as the previous two. 

The Show To Book: The Nutcracker 

A London Christmas staple, the Nutcracker returns to the London Coliseum for a limited run of performances. See over 100 dancers and musicians perform in front of what’s set to be a sold-out audience. 

Expect stunning set design and Tchaikovsky’s score to be performed live as you follow Clara and her Nutcracker’s story unfold. Book your tickets early, as the return of the Nutcracker is set to sell like hotcakes. And check our guide for more Christmas theatre shows not to miss.