Weekend Guide: 22nd-24th December 2017
It’s the last weekend before Christmas. If you are feeling far too organised and pretty relaxed, with some spare time on your hands, then read on. We have compiled a little guide to help you get out and about, by yourself or with loved ones. Take a look at some of our inspired ways to pass the time and ease the frustrated anticipation brewing in us all.
The Edible City
Experience the ginger bread city at the Museum of Architecture
The Museum of Architecture (MoA) is a charity that creates pop-up exhibitions and programming to help the public better engage with architecture. For this Christmas season the gingerbread city is back. So come and marvel at its architecture. The exhibition spans over two floors and there is a chance to join in, in a gingerbread workshop.
Friday 22nd December is the last day of the exhibition.
Where: Museum Of Architecture, 27 Thurloe Street, Kensington, SW7
Website: www.thegingerbreadcity.com
The Enchanted Palace
Step back in time and immerse yourself in royal pageantry.
Step back in time and explore the grounds of Eltham Palace after dark. Experience the heritage of Eltham palace in a new light, sneek a peek at some of the pageantry of the Royal household as you amble through a time tunnel over the moat bridge. Be inspired as the armour, heraldic banners and bunting come alive to tell the story of Eltham’s medieval heritage.
Closes 9pm on Saturday 23rd December 2017
Where: Eltham Palace, Court Yard, SE9 5QE
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk
Follow The Twinkly Lights at Kew Gardens
Walk into your very own fairytale at Kew Gardens.
Christmas a Kew: This year Kew Gardens has curated a mile long walk, specifically to be enjoyed after dark. The paths will be lit up with thousands of twinkly lights. Fairy-tale meets fantasy in a world of singing trees, larger-than-life flora, ribbons of light, giant baubles, and a flickering Fire Garden. So grab someone by the mitten and lead them the Christmas lights with you.
Open until the 1st January 2018
Where: Kew Gardens, Kew Richmond TW9 3AE
Website: www.kew.org
A Nordic Dining Experience
Join Jonas Lorentzen for a special Nordic inspired dinner.
Join chef Jonas Lorentzen for an intimate Nordic dining club experience. Lorentzen is not only a brilliant chef but a master story teller and with each dish comes an extraordinary narrative. If you wish to step away from the Christmas shenanigans for a wee while, then immerse yourself in this warmhearted and rustic affair. Experience something a little different and enjoy a delicious meal while you’re at it.
Friday 22nd December
Website: www.designmynight.com
A Bit Of Festive Spookery
Follow Scrooge's story through the back streets of London.
Explore the streets of London and the famous landmarks that help tell the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly visitors. Snake down old Victorian passageways and rediscover one of the nation’s favourite Christmas stories. You will be accompanied by an expert guide and have the opportunity to experience the story like never before.
23rd-31st December 2017
Where: Across London
Website: www.london-walking-tours.co.uk
Magical Lantern Festival
A feast for the eyes, and a festival of lights.
The Magical Lantern Festival is back and it is bigger and better than ever before. The grounds of Chiswick house have been transformed into a fusion of huge lantern displays and artistic sculptures. Wander wide eyed, and take your time to really see and appreciate the array of awesome lights, colour, and festive atmosphere.
Open now until the 1st January 2018
Where: Chiswick House & Gardens Chiswick House, Conservatory Yard, W4 2QN
Website: www.chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk
Chalet Bordel
Grab your mates but leave your skis at home.
Chalet Bordel is set to take Shoreditch by storm, as the team behind the Experimental Cocktail Club have take up the apres-ski mantle. The menu showcases classic apres-ski drinks – think Hot Gin Punch & Green Chaud to share – paired alongside raclette and crepes suzette. We won’t quite be stumbling off the slopes, but it is still damn chilly outside and that is a good enough excuse.
Open until the 31st December 2017
Where: Chalet Bordel, 147 Curtain Road EC2A 3QE
Website: www.joyeuxbordel.com
Russian Standard Ice Bar
Ice Ice baby, and a bottle of vodka.
Taking inspiration from the world famous ice hotel, the Russian Ice Bar is popping up in East London. Spend the weekend lounging on couches and cushions set on transparent ice, and try the classic Russian Yule Mule plus many more Christmassy concoctions. Though the exterior may be icy the quality of vodka will be quick to warm your bones, and have you buzzing with all the festive feels.
Open until the 1st January 2018
Where: Russian Standard Ice Bar, 45 Old Broad St, EC2N 1HU
Website: www.babble-city.co.uk
