If you can’t already tell from our socials this week, The Handbook team is very, very excited about Christmas this year – we’ve had our team party already, the tree is up in the office and the carols have been added to the work playlist. But our festive spirit is alive and well over the weekend too, and if you’re keen to join in the fun, you’ll find us at some of these spots in London over the next few days. Here’s our guide to what’s on this December weekend:

Book your seat at an Austrian dining experience

The Delaunay has partnered with the famed Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to host a spectacular concert series throughout the month of December. Akin to the Ball of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, which many deem the highlight of Austria’s ball season, The Delaunay will host a six-piece band playing the music of the Austrian Waltz while guests dine. As part of the Fifth Season celebrations, festive dishes will be available for diners to enjoy including duck liver parfait with sauterne jelly and toasted brioche, lobster thermidor with chips, beef wellington with French beans and port jus and sherry trifle.

when: 6th december
Where: 55 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BB
Website: www.thedelaunay.com

Try your hand at wreath-making

FLOWERBX is hosting a wreath-making workshop at the new Park Hyatt London River Thames that will be hosted in the hotel’s magnificent river-facing private spaces. This intimate session, accompanied by champagne and carefully crafted canapés, allows you to create bespoke wreaths under the guidance of FLOWERBX’s expert florists. Priced at £195 per person, classes are available to book now.

When: 7th december
Where: Park Hyatt London River Thames
Website: www.hyatt.com/en-US

Visit this new Lebanese restaurant

If you’re looking for a great new Lebanese restaurant, Toum seems like just the spot. With a modern take on Lebanese cuisine, the highlight of the menu here is the Rotisserie chicken made with a special house brine and marinade. There’s also a heated terrace and listening bar in the works as well, and the rest of the menu includes Samke Harra (sea bass with spicy walnut, coriander and tahini), octopus with green hummus and shallots and sauteed chicken livers with pomegranate molasses and pine nuts.

If you’re looking for a great new Lebanese restaurant, Toum seems like just the spot.

where: 18a Maddox Street, London W1S 1PL
WebsitE: www.toumrotisserie.com

Attend a Christmas concert with the kids

For a festive experience to take the kids too, head to the Royal Albert Hall this weekend for the My Christmas Orchestral Adventure where we hear Father Christmas will be present. The musical performance will feature Albert’s Orchestra, the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and a cast of special guests as they take the conductor, Tim, through Christmas’s past, present and future to try and bring his Christmas cheer back in time.

When: 8th december
Where: Kensington Gore London, SW7 2AP
Website: www.royalalberthall.com

Enjoy a delicious hot chocolate

Nothing beats a hot chocolate on a brisk winter afternoon – and we’ve been on the lookout for London’s richest and most indulgent offerings. One of our favourites is Hotel Chocolat – try the creamy, award-winning milky hot chocolate made with 50% cacao or go for the chilly-dark hot chocolate made with 70% cacao and habanero chilli for a spicy twist.

Nothing beats a hot chocolate on a brisk winter afternoon.

Where: across london
Website: Hotelchocolat.com

Watch this iconic play with a star cast

Tickets are almost fully sold out for these shows, but the good news is that some are still available with seats left this week. A joyful and flamboyant reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy, the play sees Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Doctor Who) joined by Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who, Sex Education) and Hugh Skinner (W1A; Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again) in this story of identity, impersonation and romance.

When: until january 2025
where: Lyttelton Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX
Website: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

Visit Japan Centre for their Christmas pop-up

Japan Centre Ichiba in Westfield London is hosting its own Winter Wonderland this Christmas at this themed pop-up. Purchase merchandise exclusive to Japan, as well as the popular plushies, lamps and other goods that make perfect stocking fillers and gifts this Christmas. There will also be a special Miffy-themed mochi donut and bubble tea, and kids will have the chance to meet the character at Ichiba on Saturday 7th December from 12pm, all while surrounded by some great Christmas decor.

When: till 31st january 2025
Where: Japan Centre Ichiba, Westfield London
Website: www.ichibalondon.com

Shop stunning party wear at this pop-up

If you’re looking for a particularly fabulous party dress this season, head to Annie’s Ibiza at the brand’s first-ever London pop-up at the iconic Liberty London flagship store that’s running till Christmas Eve.

The Liberty pop-up hosts an Annie’s Ibiza enchanting Christmas capsule collection, which includes stunning reinventions of her most loved designs (including Stella dress in midnight black, the bestselling Phoenix mini dress reimagined in a silver mosaic, and the Moonshine dress available in a deep ruby with gold beadwork).

When: till 24th december
where: liberty london
Website: www.libertylondon.com

Shop, walk and snack in Oxford Street

Oxford Street is hosting the Big Day of JOY this weekend with live performances on Saturday from 10am to 4pm. From a gospel choir and Christmas-themed stilt walkers to acrobats and other musical performances accompanied by Oxford Street’s traditional festive lights – there’s plenty of Christmas cheer to be expected here.

There’s plenty of Christmas cheer to be expected here.

When: 7th december
Where: oxford street
Website: www.oxfordstreet.co.uk

Attend a fireside weekend brunch

Warm up this winter at the Fireside Feast: A Winter Wonders Brunch at TH@51 in St James’ Court that’s on every weekend till 2nd February 2025. Featuring a collection of roast meats, steaks, and hearty seasonal dishes the delicious menu is perfect for a festive day out. On the menu, we spotted robata grilled sirloin steak and pistachio herb-crusted roasted lamb racks. There are also bottomless drinks on offer including Cobra Beer, bellinis, wine and festive cocktails.

When: every weekend till 2nd February
Where: 51 Buckingham GateSW1E 6AF London
Website: www.th51.co.uk/en

Culture, Weekend Guide

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