It’s (almost) Christmaaaass! What’s the verdict, was 2021 worse than 2020? We still haven’t made up our mind. Alas, we have created a list of fun things to do in London, Birmingham, Manchester, York and Leeds to finish off the year! As always, our listed events are run by small businesses and celebrate diversity, the arts and culture.
London
Up until 31st December – The Child in the Snow, Wilton’s Music Hall, Shadwell
Enjoy this eerie yet uplighting Christmas play to get you in the festive spirit. Wilton’s Christmas plays often get voted as one of the best Christmas plays in London and we’re sure this adaption of The Child in the Snow will be no exception. Ticket’s from £12.50 from here.
10th December – Slade, Islington Assembly Hall, Islington
What better way to get in the Christmas spirit other than by watching a live rendition of possibly the most successful Christmas song of all time (amongst Slade’s other glam rock hits)? Tickets £28 from here.
17th December – 1st January – Sleeping Booty, Bridge House Theatre, Penge
The Bridge House Theatre is back with a new production team – this Christmas they’re bring us an adult only pantomime of ‘Sleeping Booty’. Tickets from £18 from here.
31st December – Sink the Pink, SSE Arena Wembley, Wembley
Sink The Pink is putting on the UK’s biggest queer party this New Years Eve. The theme is ‘wig party doll’ so feel free to get creative with costumes! Tickets £42.45 from here.
Up until 9th January – Tunji Adeniyi-Jones That Which Binds Us, White Cube Gallery, Bermondsey
White Cube is pleased to present a solo exhibition of new paintings by Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, his first at the gallery. The exhibition features 12 new oil paintings in which luminous figures emerge from organic landscapes or disperse into tessellating shapes. Free entry, more information here.
Birmingham
Up util 5th December – Christmas Arts Markets, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), B12 9QH
With a long history of successful craft fairs, MAC is proud to present our annual Christmas Arts Markets, showcasing the work of local designer makers. Expect a range of stalls with a broad selection of quality handmade products including ceramics, jewellery, paintings, and craft items. Free entry.
3rd December – February – Betsy Bradley: Chasing Rainbows, IKON Gallery, B1 2HS
The exhibition of the recent works of Betsy Bradley displays translucent fabric which ply around with light. A really breathtaking exhibition. Free entry, more information from here.
Up until 2nd January – The Enchanted Gardens, Webbs of Wychbold, WR9 0DG
New for 2021 – immerse yourself in a fairy tale world, as you make your way through twinkling lights and lanterns to the snowy north pole at Webbs of Wychbold where you can wander through glowing toadstools and wave at Santa – perfect Christmas magic! Tickets from £10 from here.
Manchester
Up until 4th December – April in Paris, Curtain Theatre, OL11 1EB
Spend an Autumn evening watching a warm hearted comedy in the theatre. The plays sees Bet and Al live a quiet humdrum life in Yorkshire until Bet wins a “Romantic Break” competition in a magazine. Tickets £9 from here.
20th – 30th December – Glow 2021, RHS Garden Bridgewater
Join RHS Garden Bridgewater for Glow and see the garden in a whole new light. Follow the sparkling trail around the garden and discover RHS Garden Bridgewater transformed as spectacular illuminations light up the night. Tickets £2.75 – £11 from here.
Various Dates between 1st December – 15th December – Dining with Distinction, East Lancashire Railway, BL9 0EY
Enjoy a steam train journey through Lancashire’s very own winter wonderland. Pass snow sprinkled hills (weather dependent) and fairy-lit stations from the comfort of your beautifully decorated carriage, all whilst tucking into a traditional Yuletide menu with all the trimmings Tickets £49.90 per adult and £39.90 per child (5-12 years) from here.
Leeds and York
Saturday 4th December – Liquor Studio: Gin & Tonic Tasting with Cheese Board, Liquor Studio, LS1 6LY
Spend the evening sipping the nation’s favourite spirit. tickets include a freshly prepared meat and cheeseboard whilst your ‘Ginstructor’ fills you to the brim with gin knowledge! Tickets £30 from here.
18th December – Afrikan Market Leeds, Leeds West Indian Centre, LS7 8AJ
The Afrikan Market falls every 3rd Saturday of the month, and this month will be their special Christmas market. In addition to the market, there will be an opportunity to learn new skills such as natural product making and other workshops. Free Entry, more information can be found here.
Saturday 11th December – York Christmas Gin and Fizz Festival, Merchants Hall, YO1 9XD
Another event for the gin lovers out there! Spend the day sampling different gins and Prosecco whilst listening to bands, enjoy the games corner and Instagram selfie station! Tickets £15 from here.
