We’ve put together a guide on some exciting things happening out of the City this Christmas. Read on to find out more.
Watch A Fabulous Performance
This beloved festive favourite features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and Crouch End Festival Chorus. Since its debut at the Royal Albert Hall in 2018, Home Alone in Concert has become a seasonal favourite with orchestras and audiences as this year marks its fourth appearance at the venue. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern). Also starring Catherin O’Hara and John Candy, and nominated for two Academy Awards® for Best Original Score and Best Original Song (Somewhere in My Memory), Home Alone is hilarious, heart-warming festive fun for the entire family!
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Plan A Family Trip To LaplandUK
If you’re looking for a magical experience to take the kids to this Christmas, then LaplandUK is the perfect choice. This four-and-a-half-hour immersive event which is inspired by six best-selling books, and which opens for a limited six-week run in the build-up to Christmas each year, brings together the scale and detail of film production, with the believability of live theatre to reimagine the untold story of Father Christmas.
Situated within Whitmoor Forest on the Crown Estate, Ascot, is a truly magical experience that both human folk and small folk will be fascinated by.
Highlights from the day, include visiting The Toy Factory, where elves, Whittle, Conker and Wish are thrilled to welcome your small folk to their workshop to help them with their toymaking. This is such a fun and interactive experience for the kids, where they can get involved and help with assembling a cuddly toy. The team at City Matters loved visiting The Elven Village – the perfect spot for ice skating, writing letters to Father Christmas with the kids for taking those social media shots.
The magical finale is an intimate and personalised visit to Father Christmas. As you travel deeper into the snowy forest, which looks spectacular, you’ll finally reach Father Christmas’ woodland home. As your small folk knock on Father Christmas’ door, you’ll meet the star of the show in his beautifully decorated home, where they will be gifted a lovely toy. You’ll have the chance here to get some festive pictures with Father Christmas.
The immersive theatrical performances by the Elves, Father Christmas, Mother Christmas and the performers at the Toy Factory is phenomenal. The level of detail that has gone into creating LaplandUK is spectacular.
The team at City Matters was absolutely amazed by the magical experience at LaplandUK. If you’re heading there this year, then be ready to create some unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
LaplandUK | Treasured childhood belief in Father Christmas
LaplandUK’s Elfcast and Lapland Bakes
LaplandUK’s Elfcast, which topped the festive podcast charts in 2023, will return from 1st December 2024 for the official countdown to Christmas. Expect daily broadcasts from Father Christmas to Small Folk all over the world, with updates on all of the activities from the toy factory, Mother Christmas’ kitchen, as the Lapland Elves work to make the final preparations for Christmas Eve. It’s a perfect festive family listen, available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And if that’s not enough, LaplandUK has just launched a new baking series, @laplandbakes, which is a completely free, at-home activity for families to enjoy over Christmas.
LaplandUK Father Christmas’ Elfcasts!
Bob’s Barn at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Bob’s Barn at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is the place to be! Bringing a taste of the Rocky Mountains to Hyde Park in this Canadian themed bar. Serving up a range of cold beers and Canadian-inspired cocktails, grab a drink from the street side terrace bar or step inside a cosy retreat and grab a table. The exclusive menu has been designed by the legendary Chick n Sours, packed full of festive twists on delicious fried chicken. There will also be live music and DJs.
For an alternative festive feast this Christmas, El Ta’koy is the perfect choice. Escape the regular festive celebrations and be transported to the beautiful beaches of Hawaii. Tiki cocktails are aplenty, good vibes and a dash of seasonal spice to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Enjoy A Feast At El Ta’koy, Covent Garden
Perfect for a work party or group booking with a boogie, guests can dive into a feast of Hawaiian street food, including ceviche, taquitos, tempura, empanada and of course – tacos! You can also enjoy El Ta’koy’s festive special of tiger prawn skewers – with coconut rice, dry shrimp crackers and green mojo sauce. Book a table of four or more before October 31st, get a free shot of tequila each to really get the night going!
El Ta’koy Restaurant | London Hawaiian Street Food
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