20% off immersive theatre and gift shopping galore
This year's Christmas list? Sorted!
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Embark on a magical festive family adventure
Here's a magical new festive family adventure — The Holly King and The Oak King, from award-winning immersive company Wild Rumpus. Team up with the kids for a memorable adventure through Battersea Arts Centre*, which, right now, is looking more bewitching than ever!
Christmas is coming, but there's not a glimmer of frost in sight. Under the rule of the Oak King, it's been summer for 100 years. But everyone's getting bored of ice cream — and now you must help the Holly King restore winter! Expect puppetry and curious characters galore — plus a liberal sprinkling of surprises along the way. The Stage called The Holly King and The Oak King "Enchanting", awarding it ★★★★★
Kids want to meet Santa? He's here too! Call in at his grotto until 24 December for a chat and a pressie. But hurry — you've only got till Christmas Eve, when this wondrous adventure vanishes altogether!
And by the way, you can score 20% off tickets until Sun 22 Dec when you use the code LONDONIST when booking online.
*Getting to the venue is thankfully not an adventure — it’s one stop from Victoria!
Festive fun at Television Centre
The historic home of the BBC-turned-buzzing west London neighbourhood is all dressed up for the festive season. Follow the galaxy of red and gold stars illuminating its famous facade, walk through (yep, through) its sparkling 30ft tree, and pull up a pew in its cosy pop-up bar for wintry cocktails. This week there are also carols and a DJ set.
East End architecture
From 18th century almhouses to the the Jamme Masjid Mosque, Shoreditch (and neighbouring Hoxton) boasts some fascinating buildings. Discover their stories with Shoreditch and Hoxton in 50 Buildings, a new book by Lucy McMurdo.
Christmas shopping in Hyde Park
Did you know that The Royal Parks has its very own treasure trove, packed with sustainable gifts, sweet treats, and seasonal decor? You’ll find it in Hyde Park — an excellent way to round off a crisp winter stroll and get the last of your Christmas shopping ticked off.
Give the gift of London history
Here’s some more Christmas shopping inspo for you: a gift subscription to Londonist: Time Machine. For £5 a month (or just £45 a year) the London history lover in your life can access to additional newsletters, in which we delve into little-known chapters of the capital’s past, in addition to occasional meet-ups and behind-the-scenes tours.
Kyoto comes to London
Fresh from a critically-acclaimed run in Stratford-upon-Avon, a new political thriller transfers to the West End in January. Kyoto transports audiences to the UN’s landmark 1997 climate change conference, where American oil lobbyist (and the play’s narrator) Don Pearlman stands in the way of the world’s first legally binding climate treaty.