8th Post - December Overview

Finally, here are my recommendations for December, hope you enjoy them and find them interesting to watch, listen and eat. In the meantime, November has a lot to offer especially in London, so head this month and take in all the best new events, exhibitions and best events in the capital.

Christmas Market at The Tate Modern:

More than 70 pretty wooden chalets have appeared alongside the Tate Modern for the Christmas period adding some extra festive cheer (and extra shopping opportunities) to the Bankside area. Browse handmade wooden toys, unique jewellery, intricate decorations and plenty more, then tuck into bratwurst, crêpes, roasted nuts or a warming cup of glühwein.

Christmas at Kew Gardens:

Kew's annual seasonal makeover is returning. For 2014, a glittery, mile-long trail, guided by snowflakes, will wind its way through the landscape. French studio design team TILT are creating 27 botanically-inspired light installations, which will be dotted along the route. The large-scale pieces (the biggest is 12 by 12 meters), designed to give the appearance of fireworks frozen in time, include giant luminous lily-of-the-valleys and light-up thistles. We're imagining something like a neon version of Dale Chihuly's spectacular 'Gardens of Glass' installation at Kew back in 2005. The emphasis really is on sparkle this year, with illuminated fountains, reflective glasshouses and glittering trees. A shimmering tunnel of lights will guide visitors to twinkling holly bushes and Christmas trees. In front of the Palm House flumes of fire will dance to music inspired by 'The Nutcracker' and visitors can steal a Christmas kiss beneath the fairy lights and mistletoe. The evening openings will also offer plenty of family-friendly attractions including a Victorian carousel and vintage rides, the snowflake grotto and live festive music. A reduced entry price for an adult day visit to Kew Gardens (under-17’s go free during the day) is available to those booking trail tickets.

 

 

 

Skate at Somerset House:

 

The grand eighteenth-century courtyard at Somerset House is a truly stunning location for a session on the ice this winter, and no matter how impressive your skating skills a trip to this 900-metre-square outdoor rink will look the very picture of festive fun in the photos. Plenty of tempting extras are available to make your visit even more special: the Fortnum's Lodge will offer champagne, afternoon tea and even private dining; Club Nights will feature DJs from Ministry of Sound (Nov 14), Vintage (Nov 26) and Lovebox (Dec 12) among many others; and Glad Tidings Tuesdays offer a seriously merry evening of traditional Christmas entertainment and treats. The Christmas Arcade will bring 15 rooms of posh shopping from Fortnum & Mason, and guests can admire the ice with a drink in hand in the Skate Lounge, both of which can be accessed without a ticket. The Skate School and Penguin Club are on hand to help visitors of all ages build confidence and learn new tricks. Tickets are available now – book in advance on the Somerset House website.

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas at Covent Garden:

 

Even if you’re not a big fan of living statues or fire-eaters, Covent Garden’s cobbled piazza and market buildings are irresistible at this time of year. The cobbled piazza and market buildings are aglow with fairy lights and giant baubles, turning the traditional shopping arcades into a winter wonderland for the festive season. A huge Christmas tree glows with red and white lights on the west side of the square, and a rather magnificent silver reindeer stands majestically on a pile of gifts on the east side. Joining him every Saturday afternoon from noon until 4pm will be some live reindeer which visitors can help to feed and take photos with.



 

 

 

 

But, if you feel like relaxing this month by the fire then put your feet up and enjoy Glamour magazine, full of celebrity gossip, style and secrets!! Hope you all enjoy my recommendations and have a great Christmas and a great time in December...

See you in the new year, when I'll be sharing January style secrets, and tips for giving a great interview as well as places to go and things to do to get you 'in the know' for 2015!!!