Woo… just popped out for a quick breath of fresh air and came back inside with my hands feeling like blocks of ice! Yes, I think winter has definitely arrived and so I can safely say it’s time to write my annual Winter Breaks in London blog.
Winter Breaks in London 2015/2016
I’ll start first with Winter at Southbank Centrewith a theme focusing on family, charity and giving to others. There’s fun for all ages ranging from award-winning theatrical performances such as the delightful Slava’s Snowshow, the London premiere of We Are the Monsters plus a festive concert from The Choir with No Name. The event runs from 20th November to 31st December and as well as the theatre shows visitors can enjoy a BUMP Rollerdisco and the Southbank Centre Winter Market along the riverfront selling gifts, food and drink.
On the outside of London to the West side grow the beautiful oaks trees and gardens at Syon Park in Osterley. Here you will find the fauna and flora illuminated in spectacular fashion in the Enchanted Woodland. Visitors to the magical event are taken on a unique guided walk through a trail that leads around the 18th century lake – where the shapes and textures of the ancient winter trees are reflected in the water – and past intriguing corners of the estate, all of it floodlit to maximum Christmas effect! It’s open from Friday to Sunday from 20th November to 6th December 2015.
Now a firm seasonal fixture in London is Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland bringing lots of family fun to Winter Breaks in London, with its giant Ferris wheel, carousels and ghost rides. Then there’s the Artic Circle and Alpine Adventure to explore as well. And the world famous Zippo’s Circus is in residence too. Visitors can wander around the many shops picking up a Christmas gift or two for their nearest and dearest and even try their hand at ice skating. It runs from 20th November 2015 to 3rd January 2016.
Another regular event during the winter months is the ice skating rink behind the impressive Somerset Houseset on the banks of the River Thames. From now until 10th January 2016 visitors can don their woolly hats, muffs and skates and glide gently across the purpose built rink. You can make the occasion even more special by sampling Fortnum and Mason Champagne & Chocolate Truffles, Wine & Fondue for Two or Champagne & Smoked Salmon Blini which are all served in Fortnum’s Lodge onsite.
All the above events can be enjoyed during the day, leaving the evenings free for some exceptional theatre which London does SO well – especially at Christmas!
On offer for Winter Breaks in London this year we have zany ‘new kid on the block’ Elf at the Dominion theatre, the return of The Lorax to the Old Vic theatre and for families with older children there’s Jim Broadbent as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at the Noel Coward theatre.
