Absolutely London has rounded up London’s hottest happenings this month which includes Christmas at Kew, Festive Fayre & more.
Event – Christmas at Kew
Until 9 January 2002 at the Royal Botanic Gardens
Enjoy annual after-dark festivities with family and friends, as you discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections, and trees drenched in jewel-like colour on your way to the panoramic Palm House light display. Journey through the mesmerising flickering flames in the Fire Garden, spot larger-than-life illuminations and say hello to Father Christmas along the way too.
kew.org
Theatre – The Lion King
Until 3 April 2022 at the The Lyceum Theatre
Disney’s award-winning musical The Lion King is one to brighten up dreary winter days, given it explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. It follows the powerful story of Simba as he journeys from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.
thelyceumtheatre.com
Theatre – The Nutcracker
28-31 December at the Royal Opera House
It’s not Christmas without The Nutcracker, and for 2021 it’s wonderful to announce the return of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s festive favourite to the Royal Albert Hall stage. This enchanting production, featuring Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score, is the quintessential Christmas treat for all the family.
roh.org.uk
Family – Disney on Ice
22 December-2 January at the London 02 Arena
Disney On Ice is back with a magical adventure for the whole family to enjoy. You will discover what it truly means to be a hero as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends from around the Disney Kingdom come together to take families on a journey through timeless tales. Featuring more than 50 Disney characters, this production includes something for everyone, from contemporary stories to classic reimaginations.
disneyonice.co.uk
BACKYARD CINEMA
Until January, 2022, Capital Studios
Looking for a cinema experience with a spin? This December, The Backyard Cinema is back with their twist on your winter cinematic adventure. Your quest can begin either in ‘The Winter Night Garden’ or ‘The Snow Kingdom’. Showing all your festive favourites, The Backyard Cinema will get you into the spirit. It’s starting to feel a lot like Christmas.
backyardcinema.co.uk
ART TO WATCH
Lisa Baker’s picks of the month’s events and artists
Mini-masterpiece Christmas Gifts
For gift ideas with a philanthropic purpose check out Art on a Postcard, who produce beautiful postcard boxsets featuring the unique works from their successful annual auctions. An ideal stocking filler, they start at £14.95. This month they will also release a series of vibrant limited edition prints by Helen Beard at £150 each. For the more discerning photography collector check out their Fine Art Photography Boxsets, featuring ten museum quality prints by highly collectible photographers for £250. Art on a Postcard raises money for The Hepatitis C Trust towards its campaign to eliminate hepatitis C in the UK by the year 2030.
artonapostcard.com
The Art to Disarm – Bran Symondson
Head to the House of Fine Art in Mayfair for a new solo exhibition by Bran Symondson. The former soldier, whose powerful reportage pieces on Afghanistan appeared in The Sunday Times, continues to build a successful contemporary art career. Events this year compelled Symondson to revisit his experiences of Afghanistan and the result includes thought-provoking sculptures created from de-commissioned AK47s exploring issues of conflict, environment and the spoils of war. The authenticity and lived experience of his time spent in the conflict zone is evident in the detail of these delicate and powerful works.
December 2021 at thehouseoffineart.com
