THE WISHLIST December concerts exhibitions and restaurant openings

THE WISHLIST

EXPERIENCE LONDON

ROYALLY CHRISTMAS: Renowned conductor John Rutter (see First London Home interview, p34), returns to the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The evening features choral classics, sing-along carols, and Rutter’s original compositions. And you'd better start brushing up on your festive trivia for the ever-popular Christmas quiz. 6 December. royalalberthall.com

THE WISHLIST

ART AND DESIGN

Winter Wonderland

The one stop destination for all things Christmas, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is back for another year. Attractions, entertainment, food, and festive drinks await visitors. It's never too early or late to start the festivities, so make a day of it and book your slot, pictured above.

Until 2 January

hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Christmas at Kenwood

Be mesmerised by the light trail at Kenwood House this winter. Nestled in the world-famous Hampstead Heath, festive food and drink will be available. The captivating trail showcases an enchanting display of light and colour.

2 December - 1 January 2023

christmasatkenwood.co.uk

EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS

Wild at Heart

Join Wild at Heart, right, in Liberty's Heritage Suite for a Christmas craft experience. Learn to design, create and decorate your masterpiece from the florist experts. Tickets are £150 and include materials and drink on arrival.

7-8 December

libertylondon.com/uk/events

The British Art Prize 2022

Readers of The London Magazine are invited to a private view of The British Art Prize 2022 at the Oxo Tower's gallery@ oxo on 24 November, 6-8pm. RSVP at britishartprize@chelseamagazines.com. The British Art Prize, in partnership with Artists & Illustrators, features works from artists across all levels and genres.

23-27 November

coinstreet.org

Southbank Winter Festival

Sprinkle some magic on your Christmas celebrations. If you're in search of warming mulled wine, fancy some festive food or want to take in the art at the outdoor Winter Light exhibition, you'll find it all here.

Until 8 Jan

southbankcentre.co.uk

THEATRE AND MUSIC

WaterAid’s Christmas Carol Concert

Delight in the magic of Christmas in the majestic St Paul’s Cathedral. The evening promises, poems, carols, and performances – actors Sir Tony Robinson and Amanda Mealing will join in with readings – that you won’t want to miss. Tickets are available via the Barbican’s or WaterAid's websites.

6 December

tickets.barbican.org.uk; wateraid.org

Jack and The Beanstalk

Fee-fi-fo-fum! Yes, it's already time for pantomime season. Dawn French joins Julian Clary and Alexandra Burke in a brand new production of the classic tale that's always a firm pantomime favourite.

Opens 10 December

palladiumpantomime.com

Merry Little Christmas Concert

In Cadogan Hall's Sloane Terrace, the NSPCC's Christmas concert in aid of Childline promises Christmas cheer with a children's choir, traditional carols, celebrity guests and mince pies on arrival. Tickets start from £40.

13 December

cadoganhall.com

Luna Cinema

Watch your favourite Christmas films including The Holiday, Love Actually and It's a Wonderful Life, in Kensington Palace Pavilion. Start the countdown to Christmas under the soft glow of fairy lights, while tucking into a selection of Christmasthemed food and drink.

10-23 December

thelunacinema.com

Skate at Somerset House

Bringing The Alps to the capital is Chalet Suisse by Jimmy Garcia. After spinning round the ice rink, gather for a post-skate treat such as traditional fondue, below. Private dining rooms are available.

The Strand Until 15 January

somersethouse.org.uk

The Little Scarlet Door

The Little Scarlet Door, below left, is the ideal setting for a quiet Christmas cocktail with friends or a late-night disco with festive classics. While there, why not sample the Boxing Day leftovers sandwich?

Greek Street

thelittlescarletdoor.co.uk

Aquavit

Serving delicious Nordic cuisine, head chef Jonas Karlsson is offering a Julbord traditional sharing feast for two or more at £90 per head. For parties, private dining for small or large groups is available.

St James's 14 November-24 December

aquavitrestaurants.com

COYA City x LAY

Experience festive dining decadence at Peruvian COYA City, which has collaborated with tablescape stylists LAY London to makeover the private dining room.

Throgmorton Street Throughout December

coyarestaurant.com L

LOOK AHEAD

ART FOR CHANGE

Catch the M&C Saatchi's collaboration with the Saatchi Gallery, a new international art intiative, the Art for Change Prize. The exhibition celebrates emerging artists from across the world responding to the theme Equality through visual art.

Until 6 January

saatchigallery.com

SWAN LAKE

The famous tale of Prince Siegfried falling in love with Odette, Queen of the Swans is taking centre stage at Richmond Theatre. Enjoy the backdrop of this historic Grade II* listed theatre, built in 1899, and prepare to be dazzled by the Nerubashenko Ballet's talent.

12-13 January Richmond Theatre

atgtickets.com

LIGHTOPIA LONDON

If still in need of brightness in the New Year, head to the Lightopia festival. See Crystal Palace in a new light, through interactive and life size installations. Among the many attractions include the land of fairies, illuminating night bees and a circus.

Until 2 January Crystal Palace

lightopiafestival.com