December 2024
You may be in the midst of festive parties and shopping lists, but why not take some time out and enjoy some of the festive activities our member venues have to offer this season. Experience a magical ride on the Mail Rail, once vital to delivering letters throughout London. Glide across London’s iconic ice-rink then enjoy delicious festive treats. Give gilding a go and create your own festive decorations or delight in traditional festive carols and candlelit concerts. Step back in time and learn about fascinating stories of historic festive fairs, enjoy storytelling with Santa and a festive sing-along. Alternatively uncover the magic behind the curtain with exclusive backstage tours and if you are still looking for that perfect gift and those stocking fillers, look no further than our member venues beautiful gift shops and once everything is wrapped, welcome 2025 in with a New Year’s Eve extravaganza!
Image credit: Ministry of Fun Santa School / Matt Alexander
Where would Santa be without the Postal Service?
This December, the Postal Museum was transformed into a hub of festive magic as it hosted the Ministry of Fun’s renowned Santa School. Aspiring Santas gathered to perfect their craft, learning everything from delivering the perfect “ho ho ho” to answering curious questions about the North Pole.
Set in the historic Mail Rail, once vital to transporting letters beneath London, the event celebrated the longstanding tradition of the postal service working with Santa to help deliver Christmas spirit around the country. For generations, children have sent their letters to Santa, entrusting their Christmas wishes to the dedicated “elves” of the postal service. Mail Rail used to transport up to 4,000,000 letters every day, so what better place for Santas in training to learn about the art of the perfect delivery!
Why not grab a little festive cheer by visiting the Postal Museum this season, exploring its unique exhibits, taking a magical ride on the Mail Rail, and picking up some stocking fillers from the museum shop, or take inspiration from Santa, and book your next event with us? Find out more at Venue hire - The Postal Museum.
Image credit: Smart Group Ltd
Image credit: Smart Group Ltd
This Christmas, at Royal Museums Greenwich, we have an array of wonderful festive events across our sites to explore.
At Cutty Sark, you can give gilding a go and create your very own festive decorations to add a golden sparkle to your Christmas tree. And let’s not forget that our historic ship's rigging will once again be lit up with twinkling lights in the shape of a Christmas tree! Enjoy live science demos led by our Royal Observatory’ astronomers as part of Greenwich Park’s Winter Solstice Festival on the 21st of December or immerse yourself in wintry landscapes and stunning skyscapes at the National Maritime Museum’ Astronomy Photographer Of The Year exhibition. And last but not least, you can come and enjoy a wonderful festive concert at the Queen's House on the 14th of December.
Why not tie in a museum visit, or experience with your next event?
With our wonderful catering, floristry & production partners, our experienced events team is on hand and ready to start discussing plans for your next event. Contact them now at events@rmg.co.uk or on 0208 312 8517.
Tally ho ho ho!
The RAF Museum has a large shop bursting with exclusive Christmas gift ideas for the whole family, from “Chocks Away” Gin to cuddly Spitfires to Christmas tree decorations, we have something for everyone. If you can’t make it to the Museum before Christmas then why not visit our online shop where you will find a wide range of festive flight-themed fancies - The Royal Air Force Museum – RAF Museum Shop
Image credit: Westminster Abbey
Christmas Concert
Drawing inspiration from the traditional Festival of Lessons and Carols, the Choir of Westminster Abbey presents an enticing Christmas programme featuring festive choral works interspersed with much-loved carols and seasonal readings.
The centrepiece of the programme is Benjamin Britten’s magical Ceremony of Carols for treble voices and harp, performed by the Abbey Choristers and harpist Cecilia De Maria.
The Choir of Westminster Abbey is renowned worldwide as one of the finest ensembles of its type, its repertoire extending from plainsong and Renaissance polyphony to twentieth-century masterpieces and new commissions. In addition to singing the daily services, as it has done since the fourteenth century, the Choir plays a central role in the many royal and state occasions which are held in the Abbey, most recently the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
For further information: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-events/choral-and-music/2024/december/christmas-concert-2024/
Image credit: Central Hall Westminster
Central Hall Westminster will celebrate the festive season with musical concerts. The Great Hall will host Candlelight concerts, where musicians perform by candlelight, including the City String Ensemble’s Tribute to Coldplay on 20 December. On 21 December, the Fulltone Orchestra and Cantiamo Singers will perform their Christmas Concert, featuring holiday favorites like The Polar Express and Phantom of the Opera. Special guests include tenor Emmet Cahill and Classical Brit nominee Camilla Kerslake, with narration by Stephen Fry.
The concert will raise funds for Mind, the mental health charity. With its stunning acoustics and central location, Central Hall Westminster promises an unforgettable experience, enhanced by a new state-of-the-art PA system. Tickets for these concerts are expected to sell out quickly.
For more information on the Candlelight concerts at Central Hall Westminster and to book tickets, visit Fever Up
The Fulltone Orchestra Christmas Concert takes place on Saturday 21 December 2024 at 7:30 pm at Central Hall Westminster. Tickets are available from www.fto.org.uk/christmas
Image credit: London Library
The festive season is now in full swing at The London Library with bookish gifts available online in our shop. We also have Gift Memberships available for those who would enjoy the gift of around one million books to browse and borrow, the opportunity to read and write in stunning atmospheric reading rooms, explore 17 miles of open-access shelves and exclusive access to the Library's online collections including JSTOR, special events programme, and more.
You can also Adopt a Book at the Library. Choose from any book on our open shelves to adopt for someone special or adopt a favourite title in your own name. Book adoption includes a permanent bookplate inside the adopted title, a certificate of adoption and the option for a tour of the Library.
For more information on Adopt a Book, please visit: https://www.londonlibrary.co.uk/support-us/adopt-or-sponsor-a-book
For Gift Memberships, please visit: https://www.londonlibrary.co.uk/join/join-online
Image credit: Khali Ackford
Skate at Somerset House, London's premier winter experience, is welcoming visitors for an unparalleled skating experience against the magical backdrop of Somerset House’s iconic courtyard.
Still looking for a Christmas party venue? Check out Somerset House’s Christmas Party Package.
You can also enjoy gourmet dining at The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia and rink-side views at Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel. Celebrate in style with Après Skate package on select dates, featuring a gluhwein welcome, a three-course feast starring British cheese fondue, and a lively Christmas sing-along.
Welcome 2025 at Somerset House’s New Year’s Eve extravaganza, featuring The Bitten Peach, the UK’s first queer Pan-Asian performance collective. Enjoy mesmerizing cabaret, DJs, and panoramic views of London’s fireworks.
An exclusive New Year’s Eve offer is also available. Speak to the team via events@somersethouse.org.uk or 020 7845 4618, and discover how you can make the most of their unique offering.
Image credit: The HAC
The HAC festivities: Corporate parties and Christmas carols
December at the HAC will be filled with corporate Christmas parties as we debut our two exciting new themes for 2024. With 12 Christmas parties across the month, guests will either be enjoying the Holly Jolly Christmas package, which brings the traditional charm of an 18th-century festive setting to the Armoury House, or a Secret Speakeasy with guests transported to the glitz and glamour of the 1920s, with dazzling chandeliers and luxurious touches that set the tone for an a stylish celebration.
Alongside these corporate parties, our HAC members will enjoy a special Christmas Carol Service, as everyone comes together to celebrate the season within our beautiful surroundings.
To book an event at the HAC, email our team on sales@hac.org.uk or call 020 7382 1533.
Image credit: BAFTA
Celebrate the Season at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly!
Join us for an unforgettable Christmas party at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, where festive elegance meets cutting-edge technology. Our exclusive Christmas party packages offer exquisite cuisine, stunning décor, and our spectacular Christmas Kaleidoscope projection mapping, all set within our beautifully adorned event spaces.
Indulge in gourmet holiday dishes crafted by our fantastic in-house chefs for a delightful dining experience. Enjoy our stunning projection mapping, transforming your event with dynamic holiday visuals set to the perfect soundtrack provided by top class live DJs.
Book your Christmas party with us and create lasting memories in the heart of London. Contact us today at baftapiccadilly@bafta.org to reserve your date and let the festivities begin!
More information: BAFTA 195 Piccadilly - 195 Piccadilly - Bafta
Image credit: London Museum Docklands
Celebrate a frosty wonderland at London Museum Docklands this Christmas
This December, London Museum Docklands invites visitors to experience the enchanting world of the Frost Fairs—an unforgettable winter tradition on the frozen Thames.
Step into history and discover the fascinating story of these historic fairs, which took place when the Thames froze over during London’s coldest winters from the 1600s to the 1800s. The gallery showcases the exciting activities that filled the ice, from ice skating and sledging to markets, games, and even feasts over open fires.
Perfect for the Christmas season, this exhibition brings to life a unique moment in London’s past, filled with fun and festivities. Whether learning about the carnival on ice or discovering the challenges of a frozen river, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.
To book an event at London Museum Docklands, get in touch with the team by emailing: venuehire@londonmuseum.org.uk
Image credit: John Stead
The Festive Season at Sir John Soane’s Museum is always a busy period, and this year is proving to be no different. All of our Christmas events have sold out, but fear not, we have a few more spaces for those eager to celebrate their festivities at the Soane to book private Candlelit Tours!
For those who may want to gift a visit to the Soane, we have our January events on sale and we are now taking bookings for tours, drinks receptions and dinners. In addition to our events offering, check out our online and in Museum shop for the perfect pieces, inspired by Soane, to gift this Christmas.
Image credit: RIBA 66 Portland Place
If you’ve a budding architect in the family or someone with a keen interest in the built environment, RIBA’s Bookshop has lots of options for Christmas gifting from children’s and adults books to stocking fillers such as themed playing cards and puzzles!
Whether it’s a ‘Hide-and-Seek at the Construction Site’ book or a Diggers & Cranes Jigsaw for a little one in the family, a 1,000-piece Puzzle for Curious Wanderers or an Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Masterpieces for the older generation, there’s something for everyone with the option of either purchasing online or at the bookshop itself at 66 Portland Place.
If you choose to head to the bookshop in-person, you can stop by our RIBA Café for a festive treat after all that Christmas shopping!
Click here to view RIBA’s range of Christmas gifts: https://www.ribabooks.com/offers
Image credit: Images, clockwise from top left: Fumi Kaneko as Cinderella ©2024 Sebastian Nevols, Christmas at the RBO café ©2022 ROH. Photographed by Charlie McKay, Production image of Hansel and Gretel, The Royal Opera ©2023 Tristram Kenton, Cinderella’s carriage being built ©2023 ROH. Photographed by Andrej Uspenski, Tutu tree, as part of Christmas at the RBO ©2024 Kirsty McLachlan, Christmas at the RBO shop ©2024 Kirsty McLachlan.
Winter Wonderland at the Royal Ballet and Opera
To mark the festive season, the Royal Ballet and Opera worked with artist and designer Hugo Dalton, to deliver sustainable decorations. The installation features music scores, snowflake projections, and a centrepiece of illuminated tree covered with 46 individual tutus on loan from The Royal Ballet and the Costume Revival Workrooms, creating a magical atmosphere that reflects heritage and artistry.
Festive Drinks and Seasonal Treats
Celebrate the festive season with some mulled wine and seasonal sweet treats in the Linbury Foyer Bar and the Piazza Terrace rooftop bar. No bookings required.
The Making of Cinderella Tour
Uncover the magic behind the curtain with an exclusive backstage tour of Cinderella available daily until slots last.
Our Christmas Collection
Our shop has released its Christmas collection perfect for opera and ballet lovers with amazing products celebrating seasonal productions on stage: Cinderella, and Hansel and Gretel.
For further information: https://www.rbo.org.uk/
Image credit: Andre Pattenden
Storytelling with Santa
Experience the magic as Santa welcomes children to his grotto for a festive sing-along, a captivating Christmas story, and a special gift for each young guest at Chiswick House and Gardens.
Sessions run from Saturday 30 November - Sunday 22 December. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Learn more and book: Storytelling with Santa
Christmas may be the traditional season of giving, but for 30 Euston Square charitable giving and community impact is a year-round priority that has culminated in two new initiatives this month.
December sees the installation of a clothing box at the venue to support Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity. The team will be spending the next year encouraging organisers and delegates hosting events at the venue to bring items of clothing to donate to those most in need.
In addition to this, the venue team will be visiting Euston Foodbank on Tuesday 10th December to donate essential food items that have been purchased following a cancelled event this month. To date, 30 Euston Square has donated more than £10,000 to the charity which helps feed people in the local Euston community.
To book an event at 30 Euston Square or to donate any items of clothing to Shelter via the venue’s collection box, please contact the team: 30eustonsquare@searcys.co.uk / 020 8453 4600
Image credit: Image credit: (c) Trustees of the Natural History Museum
Christmas at the Natural History Museum
The festivities are in full swing at the Natural History Museum! Its famous animatronic T. rex has donned the Museum’s 2024 Christmas jumper in what has become an annual tradition for the institution. Excitingly, Museumgoers are able to grab their own matching ferociously festive jumper in the Museum’s on-site and online shops amongst a full Christmas gifting range.
Little ones will be even more excited to hear that Santa will be visiting the Museum! The acclaimed Storytelling with Father Christmas sessions will be running daily until Sunday 15 December, including SEN sessions for neurodivergent audiences.
Still looking for the perfect Christmas party venue? The last few dates for out-of-hours hire at the Museum are still available, whether you’re after lavish Christmas dining under Hope the Blue Whale, or dancing the night away to Mariah Carey in the grandiose Earth Hall. Find out more or talk to the team via www.nhm.ac.uk/business-services/venue-hire
Image credit: © Science Museum Group and Eleanor Bentall
Science Museum Christmas Lates
Get ready to eat, drink, be merry and a whole lot more at the Science Museum’s first ever festive edition of Lates where you can explore the science, technology, mathematics and engineering that makes Christmas the most wonderful time of year.
Delve into the science of extreme cold environments, uncover the chemistry of festive food and question the physics of exactly how Santa manages to visit so many homes all in one night! You’ll also have the chance to get hands-on and use mathematics to create stunning decorations, enjoy a mulled wine and a mince pie or two while joining in an epic carol singing session. Plus, all of the iconic Lates regulars, including a Silent Disco spinning festive tunes and seasonal singalongs!
The event takes place on Wednesday 18th December 18.30-22.00 with VIP tickets priced at £12 and general admission free, over 18’s only.
To book your Lates place, click here: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/christmas-lates and to enquire about hosting an event at the museum, contact the team on venuehIre@sciencemuseum.ac.uk / 020 7942 4340
Image credit: Esther Teichman (B.1980), Untitled from Mythologies, 2012. C-type hand-print painted with inks. Courtesy of the artist and Flowers Galler
December... I know we can’t believe it either! Here at Whitechapel Gallery, we are celebrating December with a variety of events; from relaxing workshops to thought provoking performances and artist discussions.
>>inhabiting contact: Relaxation and Structuring of the Self - 07 Dec 2024
Take a break from all the holiday stress and join artist and cultural worker Ta’wa for some relaxation sessions exploring gentle play, embodied territories, and memory.
Mythmaking and Visioning in Contemporary Art – 12 Dec 2024
Mythmaking, as a form of storytelling, blurs the line between reality and the otherworldly, get cozy with artist Esther Teichman and curators Molly Clark and Cosima Straub as they discuss the role and importance of mythmaking in contemporary art.
Just a reminder, there’s still time to book your festive parties with us! We hear January parties are very popular.
There’s lots going on at the Design Museum this festive season as we begin our run of Christmas parties with our Tim Burton and Barbie packages providing a unique twist on the traditional office bash!
We’ve just launched a Tim Burton inspired Afternoon Tea with our in-house catering partner Restaurant Associates. Book the ultimate Burtonesque experience with a visit to The World of Tim Burton exhibition followed by afternoon tea or enjoy a weird and wonderful slant on the Christmas team social and lunch. Find out more here: https://designmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/the-world-of-tim-burton-afternoon-tea
If you’re looking for evening plans, we’re running our special museum lates every Friday and Saturday until the end of January 2025 with the museum open until 20:00. Take this opportunity to visit both Barbie: The Exhibition and The World of Tim Burton – two completely different but incredible shows!
Lastly, if you’re struggling for gift ideas, we’ve some great options in the Design Museum shop including our English Sparkling Wine partner, Nyetimber’s new book: Nyetimber: A year in the life of England’s finest sparkling wine. This elegant, linen-bound coffee table book chronicles Nyetimber’s journey over the past 36 years and is a must-have for wine enthusiasts.
To find out more or to enquire about hosting an event, email venuehire@designmuseum.org
Unique Venues of London
Henwood House
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