11 Magical Things To Do This Wintry Weekend
With one weekend to go until the big festivities commence, we’ve rounded up the very best things to do this weekend. From shopping last-minute gifts at Liv Purvis’ Christmas market to seeing timeless winter classics, here’s what to bookmark for a magical weekend ahead.
Book in for a festive performance at the Barbican
Still not feeling festive? From the return of Raymond Gubbay’s legendary Christmas Festival to the brilliant stage adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro, the Barbican is filled with endless experiences that are guaranteed to get you into the spirit.
Visit the spectacular sculpture installation created by Indian sculptor Ranjani Shettar, before catching Paul King’s new film, Wonka on the big screen with the kids. Or, book in for one of Gubbay’s magical performances, from a festive screening of Love Actually with a live orchestra to spellbinding candlelit carol concerts.
Refuel with a warming winter dish at the Barbican Brasserie and Barbican Kitchen or grab a Yuletide cocktail from the Martini Bar before your evening performance.
When: throughout the festive season
Where: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, Barbican, EC2Y 8DS
Website: www.barbican.org.uk
Shop sustainable fashion at this pop-up
Content creator and all-round style icon, Liv Purvis and award-winning Salad Days Market have teamed up to host a special sustainable Christmas market this weekend.
Perfect for last-minute gift shopping, you’ll be able to browse handmade gifts, vintage goodies and sustainable garments from over 60 talented UK makers.
This two-day event will see you find everything from handmade ceramics to vintage homewares, delicate tablescapes to pre-loved accessories.
When: 16.12.2023 – 17.12.2023
Where: Beckenham Palace Mansion, Beckenham, BR3 1SY
Website:www.beckenhamplace.org
Explore London’s coolest new neighbourhood
There’s a new hidden gem along the River Thames that’s set to redefine your winter experience in the city. Set on the doorstep of the City of London and Canary Wharf, London Dock by St George is a new thriving community allowing you to experience the very best of Zone One Living. Whether you’re looking to try out new independent restaurants and boutique cafes or want to explore wintry tranquil gardens and festive markets, this London neighbourhood is quickly becoming the capital’s coolest, cosmopolitan destination to live, work and explore.
A Christmas gem to visit, there are many reasons to visit this winter, from exploring magical festive markets to trying your hand at ice skating at Skylight on Tobacco Dock’s rooftop, located just a stone’s throw away. Refuel with exciting foodie experiences, from warming bowls of noodles at Slurp Noodles to glasses of French fizz at Champagne Route.
It’s not far from iconic London landmarks like The Shard, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, so grab a coffee from Urban Baristas and stroll along the river to explore the local area.
Find out more about why we love this cool new destination here or head down this weekend to see for yourself.
WHERE: LONDON DOCK, LONDON, E1W 2AA
WEBSITE: WWW.BERKELEYGROUP.CO.UK
Enjoy a festive Italian feast
Looking for the hottest Italian (restaurant) in town? Look no further than Paper Moon, established in Milano in 1977, now located in the newly opened OWO, Whitehall. The high-end Italian restaurant brings authentic Italian cuisine in the most beautiful setting, featuring olive trees, greenery, terracotta colours and travertine marble. Not to mention The OWO courtyard, currently showcasing several sparkling Christmas Trees, making it extra festive this time of year.
As for the menu, you can expect an array of delicious Antipasti’s Primi and Secondi Piatti, Pizze, Proposte Leggere and Dessert. House favourites include beef and tuna tartare and Mediterranean monkfish, traditional parmigiana and fresh homemade pappardelle and ravioli. For something a bit special, we’d also recommend the Linguine with Homarus lobster, datterini tomatoes and bisque sauce to share.
WHERE: The OWO, 7 Horse Guards Ave, SW1A 2EX
Website: www.papermoonrestaurants.com
Get your ski fix at these bars
Whether you’re a die-hard skiing fan or you’re after somewhere cool to take your friends, warm up this weekend at one of London’s top apres ski-themed bars.
From twinkling lights and mulled wine to oozy raclette and kitsch decor, some of London’s brightest bars have been transformed into ski-themed hideouts. Pimped with firepits, fondue and cosy chalets, we’ve rounded up the best you should visit this winter.
Fall back in love with this timeless tale
The Nutcracker has returned to the London Coliseum for another winter run. Over 100 dancers and musicians will be bringing this magical Christmas classic to life, all set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score played live.
Set on Christmas Eve, see Clara and her wintry tale come to life on the big stage, complete with puppetry, beautiful sets and sensational performances.
When: Until 13.12.2023
Where: London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES
Website: www.theatreticketsdirect.co.uk
Explore London’s best Yuletide markets
If you aren’t jetting off to one of Europe’s fantastical markets this weekend, enjoy the next best thing closer to home. London is home to a few Christmas markets of its own, all bursting with merriment, twinkling lights and stalls serving up warming mulled wines, cute ornaments and handmade gifts.
From Southbank’s magical winter market to Christmas by the River, we’ve rounded up the six best worth visiting this weekend.
Browse last-minute gifts at Skye McAlpine’s pop-up
Author, designer and cookery writer, Skye McAlpine is celebrating Christmas in the most beautiful way. Renowned for her collection of homewares, Londoners will be able to shop one-of-a-kind pieces at her festive pop-up on William Street.
Running until this Sunday 17th, you’ll find everything you need to create a memorable festive tablescape, as well as shop last-minute gifts for loved ones.
Expect everything from one-off vintage pieces and gifts to sweet treats, crackers and gift-wrapping
When: Until 17.12.2023
Where: 10 William Street, SW1X 9HL
Website: www.skyemcalpinetavola.com
3 Events Worth Travelling For
Experience the magic of Christmas at Tulleys Farm
Created by the same award-winning team behind Tulleys Halloween festivals, this December you’re invited to experience the magic of the Yuletide season at this Surrey farm.
Set within the woodland grounds of Tulleys Farm, expect to uncover everything from Christmas circus performances and 3D cinema screenings to ice skating and reindeer food making. You’ll find Santa’s elves waiting for you in the magical forest and might even have the chance to enjoy storytime with Mr C himself.
When: Until 24.12.2023
Where: Unit 1 Turners Hill Road, Crawley, RH10 4PE
Website: www.tulleyschristmas.co.uk
See The Snowman live in orchestra
Fall back in love with Raymond Briggs’ timeless tale this Sunday courtesy of the Brighton Dome’s magical live orchestral performance.
Howard Blake’s legendary score will be performed live by the Covent Garden Sinfonia, all while you watch this animated classic on screen.
After the performance has finished, wander over to the Brighton Pavilion and snap a photo in front of the local landmark to relive the magic all over again.
When: 17.12.2023
Where: Brighton Dome, Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1UE
Website: www.brightondome.org
Discover Northumberland’s myths and legends
Following the success of last year’s The Twelve Days of Christmas experience, Bamburgh Castle has created another mystical epic that’s set to bring smiles to little ones’ faces. Inspired by the area’s myths and legends, you’re invited to explore the castle’s staterooms to discover the folklore stories.
Expect plenty of fairy magic as you journey through the castle, meeting magical creatures and frosted forests. There’ll be fairies, mermaids and shell-encrusted lagoons waiting for you around every corner.
When: Until 07.01.2024
Where: Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh, NE69 7DF
Website: www.bamburghcastle.com
