Some thoughts on things to do and places to go this year…….
LONDON.
Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square.
Running from 7 – 21 December. Performances are between 5pm and 9pm and four groups will perform each evening.
More info at http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/christmas-carols-london-feature-1454.html
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
Open now until 3 December. The whole family can enjoy this event in Hyde Park with over 200 rides, German markets, cafes, bars and choirs and bands performing each evening. It also houses London’s biggest ice skating rink.
www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Why not let someone else do all the work for Christmas lunch this year.
Brown’s Hotel http://www.brownshotel.com
Another traditional – and luxurious – option is The Albemarle at Brown’s Hotel. Mains include roast Lancashire suckling pig, free-range turkey, and steamed fillet of turbot. The four-course menu is served with a glass of Tattinger champagne. £220 per person
Or London Hilton on Park Lane http://www.hilton.co.uk/londonparklane
Christmas at London Hilton on Park Lane comes complete with family entertainment courtesy of a magician and a visit from Santa! You can choose from Christmas Day lunch or dinner in the Podium Restaurant and Bar, or Christmas Day lunch at Galvin at Windows. From £65 per person
Tradition with a twist?
See Matthew Bourne’s famous award winning all-male version of Swan Lake at London’s Sadler’s Wells. www.sadlerswells.com
The show went on to collect more than 30 international theatre awards, and became the longest running ballet in the West End and on Broadway. If you haven’t seen this version of Swan Lake, make sure you catch it this Christmas!
SCOTLAND
Carols by Candlelight in Edinburgh at the Usher Hall 22 December.
This is a great concert by candlelight with lots of music form the 18th century as well as carols for all to join in .What a good way to enjoy Christmas. Here is some of the music you can look forward to: HANDEL Zadok the Priest
Christmas sequence from Messiah including Hallelujah Chorus Let the bright Seraphim.
BACH: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring: Sleepers Wake.
GRUBER: Silent Night. Etc
If that isn’t your thing then there’s Christmas with the Rat Pack (19 December)
or the RSNO – Christmas Concert (18 December) Conducted and presented by the irrepressible Christopher Bell and including the magical family film The Snowman.
More details at http://www.usherhall.co.uk/concerts/index.php
In Glasgow on Christmas Eve?
Go out and enjoy the start of the festivities and take in a big screen version of White Christmas best of all it’s free!
More info at http://www.winterfestglasgow.com/christmas_eve_/
Bah Humbug!
In the 17th century, Oliver Cromwell’s parliament banned the celebration of Christmas. No presents, singing or carols were allowed.
Go along to Edinburgh Castle this Christmas Eve to find out what some of his soldiers think of this new law! Admission included in entrance free to the castle
https://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/places/events/event_detail.htm?eventid=25933
Eating out on Christmas day
Christmas Lunch at The Bonham in Edinburgh £90 per person for seven courses
Served from 12 noon – 4pm and 6.30pm – 8.30pm. Check out the menu here: http://www.townhousecompany.com/thebonham/restaurant/christmas_day_menu.aspx
Or try their Glasgow sister the Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow for £85.
http://www.townhousecompany.com/blythswoodsquare/dining/christmas_day_menu.aspx
