10 Things To Do Between Christmas And New Year

HUM ALONG TO YOUR FAVOURITE FILM SCORES: The Barbican

A world-class arts and learning centre, the Barbican pushes the boundaries of all major art forms including dance, film, music, theatre and visual arts. It’s easy to while away an afternoon or evening here when it’s cold outside (check out its current exhibition Cabaret & Clubs in Modern Art), but we’re most excited about its forthcoming The Best of John Williams concert. From E.T. to Star Wars and beyond, the evening will be packed full of the Hollywood heavyweight’s most celebrated scores. Make sure to grab a drink in the martini bar beforehand.

Silk Street, Clerkenwell, EC2Y 8DS; 27th December

Visit Barbican.org.uk

HEAD TO LONDON’S BEST CINEMA: Prince Charles Cinema

Had your fill of festive films? Head to the Prince Charles Cinema, the Leicester Square indie movie spot which shows a rotating programme of cult, arthouse, and classic films alongside recent Hollywood releases. In the period between Christmas and New Year, the cult cinema will be showing a variety of Bond classics, plus non-festive treats The Irishman, Fight Club, NT: Fleabag Live, Phantom Thread and When Harry Met Sally.

Leicester Place, Covent Garden, WC2H 7BY; until 31st January

Visit PrinceCharlesCinema.com

GET YOUR SKATES ON: Natural History Museum

Set against the backdrop of the Waterhouse building, the ice rink at the Natural History Museum is one of the most wintery places to be this season. Surrounded by fairy lights and frost-covered trees, the open-air rink continues to be one of the capital’s most popular. We like the Café Bar, which has a bird's-eye view over the skaters and is open until the rink closes – guests can warm up with tea, coffee, hot chocolate and mulled wine. Make sure to see the museum’s crowd-pleasing Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition while you’re there.

Cromwell Road, Kensington, SW7 5BD; until 20th January

Visit NHM.ac.uk

SEE A PANTO HERE: The London Palladium

Matt Baker stars alongside returning Palladium royalty Julian Clary, Paul O’Grady, Nigel Havers and Gary Wilmot for this year’s must-see panto, Goldilocks & The Three Bears. Following up on last year’s sold-out production of Snow White, for five weeks only the London Palladium has been transformed into a sensational circus, where everything is possible. This festive extravaganza will be packed with riotous comedy routines, special effects, hair-raising stunts, international circus acts and the best cast in London.

Argyll Street, Soho, W1F 7LA; until 12th January

Visit PalladiumPantomime.com

SEE THE CIRCUS HERE: Southbank Centre

Experience the thrills and daredevil entertainment of a turn-of-the-century circus at the Southbank Centre. Circus 1903 has returned,with new acts including the Brazilian Wheel of Death. The ethical show includes life-sized elephants created by the puppeteers from War Horse, putting animals back in the ring as never before. The production offers a huge cast of dangerous acts from across the globe: expect acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, trapeze and high-wire performers and more.

Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XX; until 5th January

Visit SouthbankCentre.co.uk

SEE A FESTIVE FILM HERE: Backyard Cinema

Backyard Cinema opened its first permanent home in Wandsworth in September. Capital Studios previously played host to the Beatles, David Bowie and Ready, Steady, Cook; now it’s been brought back to life as an immersive, 250-seat cinematic playground, showing the likes of Home Alone, Love Actually, The Holiday and It’s A Wonderful Life over the festive period. The large, heated and seated courtyard, set out with feasting tables, will be transformed into the ‘Snow Kingdom’ for December, with food and drink available.

Wandsworth Plain, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET; dates throughout December

Visit BackyardCinema.co.uk

SEE LONDON IN A NEW LIGHT HERE: Me London 

Me London has collaborated with London-based photographer and influencer Siobhan Ferguson – aka @PrettyCityLondon – to curate a photography exhibition aimed at inspiring guests and visitors to discover some of the hidden gems and overlooked beautiful places in the capital. The exhibition is being hosted at the Marconi Lounge and is free for the public to enter. The ultimate spot if you’re in need of a bit of inspiration for where to visit for a dose of culture or tips on how to style Instagram snaps of your own.

Strand, Covent Garden, WC2R 1HA

Visit MELondonHotel.com

BOOK TICKETS FOR THIS: My Brilliant Friend

Based on the celebrated novels by Elena Ferrante, My Brilliant Friend is an epic tale of love, ambition, violence and self-destruction. Starring Niamh Cusack and Catherine McCormack, it follows the story of celebrated author Elena Greco. When her friend Lila disappears without a trace, Elena looks back at their 60-year relationship, which began in post-war and poverty-stricken Naples. The play is shown in two parts, so it will take a fair chunk of your time – but it’s well worth it.

National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX; until 12th February

Visit NationalTheatre.org.uk

WATCH THIS: Little Women

Greta Gerwig’s Little Women follows the lives of four sisters, Amy, Jo, Beth and Meg, as they come of age in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Though all very different, the March sisters stand by each other through difficult and changing times. Stars Timothée Chalamet, Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern and Meryl Streep. A must-watch.

In cinemas 26th December

BE A VIP HERE: The Rockwell

The Rockwell is a beautifully-designed and recent launch just off Trafalgar Square. Taking inspiration from the 17th and 18th century – an era which brought exotic fauna and travelling menageries to the streets of London – the bar evokes an almost mythical world, with herbaceous plants and vivid artwork capturing the strange and unfamiliar. Among the verdure, the lounge is fringed by large Longifolia Cabana trees and banquettes are upholstered in luxurious fabrics. This month, the bar is offering SheerLuxe VIPs 30% off the bill. Not yet a member up? Sign up using the link below.

Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square, SW1A 2TS; until 30th December

Visit SheerLuxeVIP.com