Just one weekend to go, are you excited? I am, even though I’m desperately behind on Christmas shopping!
Fri-Sat: Once Upon a Wintertime at Hackney Downs Studios, Downs Park Rd, London E5 (Dalston Kingsland overground)
An immersive pop-up winter festival with 80ft banqueting table, medieval street scenes, roller disco, cutting-edge art, festive day and night market and top grub from Lucky Chip, Homeslice, Kimchi Cult, Hardcore Prawn and more Eat.St faves. 6pm-3am (Fri); 4pm-3am (Sat): £15 adv/£20 door; market only £3 adv/£5 door/under 12s free (Dec 16-17)
Fri-Mon: Alice in Winter Wonderland: Panto on Ice at Alexandra Palace, N22 (Wood Green tube)
That curious girl takes to the ice with White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, troublesome twins and tetchy Queen in this festive adaptation of the classic tale, with skates on. 7-9pm (Fri & Mon), 5.30-7.30pm (Sat & Sun), 1.30-3.30pm (Sun); adult £9/under 15s £7
Sat: Alternative Christmas at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green, E1 (Shoreditch High St overground)
The Snapshots series winds up the year with this cracking day of double bill Xmas movies (Miracle on 34th St & Home Alone), Christmas market, East End treasure hunt, family workshops, live choirs, DJing vicars and a £1 community meal. 12pm-late, FREE (Dec 17)
Ongoing: HiddenCity’s Festive Family Trail Paul A Young, 143 Wardour St, Soho W1 (Oxford Circus tube)
Kicking off at Paul A Young’s West End chocolate haven, you’ll follow a trail of clues that lead you on a mood-lifting 2 hour tour of London at Christmas, complete with dazzling lights and hot cocoa to keep you warm. For all ages, just bring a map! 11am-3pm daily, £16 per team (until Dec 31)
Local Pick
Sat: Christmas Fete in Islington Green, N1 (Angel tube)
Shelter from the Storm throws a seasonal party to to raise money for the cause with Christmas market, Santa’s grotto, kids’ corner, mulled wine and raffle prizes including Arsenal Stadium tour and a £250 Fortnum & Mason hamper. 12-6pm, FREE (Dec 17)
Designer Kids Coat by Caramel Baby & Child (12 Days of Xmas Giveaways)
Wow London truly knows how to do Christmas like no other city. OK maybe New York… I’m making a flying visit for my best friend’s birthday on Saturday night so might be able to catch one of these wonderful winterland beauties. I have such special memories of the Rich Mix too as it premiered one of my short films a few years back. Happy days x
New York at Christmas equals gorgeous. I’d like to make Rich Mix, love their events, but have something else on. Hope you get a chance! x