Parties and Events / 22 November, 2023 / Christina Walter
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to embrace the festive spirit than by immersing yourself in Christmas events that are simply too good to miss?
This year’s event features half a million twinkling lights, brand new illuminations, fun photo opportunities and interactive elements with double the magic, double the sparkle and double the fun.
Premium nights include an extra sprinkle of magic in the form of two surprise Glow acts that promises to dazzle guests of all ages.
New for 2023, they’re bringing majestic live puppetry to Marwell. Gaze in wonder at a giant illuminated Barn Owl as it circles and swoops gently overhead against the backdrop of the night sky.
The second spellbinding act is s a 7ft living Snow Globe. This magical human Snow Globe glides gracefully through crowds to the sound of festive music.
Event highlights include a 36 metre multicoloured light tunnel, a specially created Enchanted Tree, Rainbow Road and a magical Glow Forest.
New for this year, Father Christmas will spread some seasonal cheer in his festive grotto (on selected dates, subject to availability). Guests can simply turn up and pay for Father Christmas on the day. Tickets cost £10 per child (0-17) and include a gift.
From queer orchestral extravaganzas to The Messiah. From favourites like Kate Rusby to a special film screening of The Snowman with Royal Northern Sinfonia, Sage Gateshead has a huge range of warming winter treats and nights out to make Christmas extra special this year.
Kingdom of Winter will open from 8 December – 7 January across 21,332 sqm, complete with an ice rink, traditional fairground rides, an Instagrammable ‘Ice Expedition’, circus. Alongside the expansive array of festive entertainment and activities, visitors can hunker down at one of the two food and drink villages, visit the multiple alpine craft stalls or sip on a diverse selection of winter warmers at one of the chalet-inspired bars – all under one roof, safe from the winter weather!
GLIDE, Battersea Power Station
After a phenomenal debut year, Battersea Power Station and IMG are thrilled to announce the return of Jo Malone London presents Glide at Battersea Power Station, London’s only riverside ice rink. Opening to the public on 10 November 2023 for over eight weeks, this breathtaking open-air ice rink allows visitors to skate against the backdrop of the iconic Grade II* listed Power Station, making it a must-visit destination for the upcoming winter season.
Glide at Battersea Power Station, brought to you by the IMG team behind the highly acclaimed Natural History Museum Ice Rink and Lift 109 glass elevator experience at Battersea Power Station, promises to be even more enchanting and magical in its second year.
During this holiday season, the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort will be hosting a special event called LEGOLAND at Christmas on specific dates from November 25, 2023, to January 3, 2024.
The resort will undergo a magical transformation into a winter wonderland, adorned with sparkling lights, snow-kissed trees, and a magnificent 10-meter-tall DUPLO® brick Christmas tree decked out in vibrant decorations.
LEGOLAND at Christmas will bring back the much-anticipated appearance of Father Christmas, who will journey through the park on his enchanted sleigh alongside his elves. The festive parade will wind its way from Heartlake City to Pirate Shores, spreading holiday cheer and delight to visitors of all ages.
The celebrations continue with enchanting performances, including The Merry Mistletones serenading guests with timeless Christmas carols. Additionally, a whimsical DUPLO Valley puppet show will retell the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood, captivating young ones by bringing beloved fairytale characters like Little Red Riding Hood and Grandma to life. This charming performance will run in parallel with the beloved live show, Ollie’s Christmas Chaos in Miniland.
The UK’s go-to personalised biscuit company, Biscuiteers, invites friends and families to become a master at biscuit icing with Christmas-themed masterclasses at their Belgravia cafe. A 2-hour Christmas decoration-themed icing masterclass will run on 18th, 19th and 22nd November for £90 per person, including all the biscuits, icing and edible decorations you’ll need to hand-ice your own creative collection of bauble-shaped biscuits, plus a reusable Biscuiteers tin to take them home in. You’ll be guided by an expert icer who will teach you the tips and tricks of the trade, all whilst enjoying tea and coffee. Other themed classes are a Nutcracker-inspired class running on 9th, 10th and 16th December, and a Happy Christmas-inspired class on 17th and 21st December. The cafes also run ‘Icing Lates’ sessions for those looking to try their hand at icing after work, which are £70.
Hobbledown Heath – a fantastical adventure park, zoo and indoor play – will be welcoming Santa’s Secret Village this festive season from the 25th of November until 24th of December*. As the go-to family destination all year long, Hobbledown Heath is brimming with outdoor adventures and captivating animal encounters for families of all ages. It also boasts West London’s largest indoor play barn.
From the moment you step onto these enchanted grounds, you will be surrounded by festivities. With every experience tailor-made to craft lasting memories with your loved ones, Hobbledown Heath is ready to let you unwrap the magic and create cherished Christmas memories this year.
Guests will be able to immerse themselves in captivating festive tales during the heartwarming storytime sessions with Santa, embark on a treasure hunt through the realms of Hobbledown with the 12 Days of Christmas Hunt, enjoy special Reindeer Walks and listen to the joyous melodies of the Christmas Concert.
This Christmas, St John’s Smith Square are hosting two days of very special performances for their youngest visitors. On 9th and 10th December, families will be enthralled by the timeless classic, Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman, accompanied by The Southbank Sinfonia.
In partnership with Carrot Productions, world leaders in orchestra and film events for families, the enchanting programme also includes The Bear and the Piano, based on the award-winning book by David Litchfield. Featuring mesmerising music by Daniel Whibley, and narrated live by a surprise guest, this captivating performance will leave the whole family spellbound.
With the holiday season around the corner, families and Christmas enthusiasts can step inside this historic, riverside wonderland with magical events designed for all ages. From taking a trip to Santa’s Grotto to get a present personally handed from the big guy himself, to the Royal Arsenal Riverside Winter Festival featuring classic Christmas markets and bars serving up mice pies and mulled wines as well as a session of Festive Disco Yoga and Festive Cabaret and loads more – there is something for all!
Featuring festive markets, live music and a variety of street food, drink and dine on a Christmas feast with a cabaret of comedy and burlesque, and get everyone rockin’ around the Christmas tree at the End of Term Party.
Opening on December 1st, guests can book their tickets now to guarantee a visit to Woolwich Works; a joyful, lively Christmas adventure that allows guests to experience the holiday magic like never before.
Blenheim Palace has announced a 50% discount on adult tickets for Adventure Play, which is the perfect incentive for families who want to come and join in the fun whilst exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site, during autumn and winter.
Opening times at the new attraction have also been adjusted for the winter season. From 30th October until 1st March 2024, Adventure Play will only be open from Fridays to Sundays with time slots at 10:15am and 12:15pm.
The new £3.6 million outdoor experience located within the historic Walled Garden will however be open for seven days a week during school holidays including Christmas (21st December 2023 – 8th January) and February Half Term (10th – 18th February 2024).
Let the kids’ imaginations run wild in the series of immersive interconnecting zones with secret chambers, clamber nets, tunnels, slides, rope bridges – and giant carrots. Adventure Play has been carefully designed and created to ensure children of all abilities from the ages of 2-12 are able to explore and enjoy the extensive play area.
Rest assured that when visitors enjoy a trip, tickets are treated as charitable donations, and as a thank-you, a Palace, Park and Gardens ticket is converted into Annual Passes at no extra cost. This means you can enjoy Blenheim Palace for a whole year.
Read Next
Where To Shop The Ultimate Christmas Gifts For Her 2023
Mental Health Expert Shares Top Tips For ‘Festive Fatigue’
