Unmissable Festive Fun

With the Christmas countdown underway, and the party season almost upon us, this is particularly busy time for anyone working in the events industry. But with so many exciting events happening around the world, we couldn’t resist sharing with you our shortlist of ways to spend your down-time this winter, and highlighting where we’ll be heading on our days off.

Etsy Christmas Market, Brighton (3^rd December)

Conveniently located for our Brighton team, this “Etsy Made Local” event promises to be full of creativity, artisanal goodness and crafty festive cheer. A great place pick up Christmas merchandise made by local and independent labels and to gather inspiration for your own craft sessions.

Bond Street Christmas lights, London (from mid November)

Of all the Christmas lights in London, the glamourous Bond Street display remains our favourite. We’re not sure we could love anything more than their previous sprays of peacock feathers, but we’re hoping to be proven wrong.

The Burning the Clocks, Brighton (21^st December)

Bringing the city together to celebrate the shortest day of the year, Brightonian art charity Same Sky produce a popular (and free) annual community event called Burning the Clocks. Around 2,000 people take part in the street parade of paper and willow lanterns, with over 20,000 spectators turning up to enjoy the fire show, live music and fireworks. To mark the year’s end, the lanterns are set ablaze by a huge bonfire on the beach.

Christmas at Kew Gardens, London (23^rd November – 2^nd January)

Lighting up the capital’s beloved botanical gardens, these festive illuminations promise to be a magical after-dark experience for adults and kids alike. Highlights will be the Tunnel of Lights, the scented Fire Garden and an impressive show of brightly coloured laser beams dancing over water – all of which will be complemented by the North Pole Village offering vintage rides, Christmas gifts and traditional festive fare. Santa himself is even rumoured to make an appearance.

Ice skating at Somerset House, London (17^th November – 15^th January)

Lacing up your skates and hitting the ice will never stop being one of the biggest delights of winter, particularly in the beautiful surroundings of Somerset House. Produced in partnership with Fortnum & Mason, this is the perfect winter outing. By day, the family-friendly vibe is dominant, but by night this ice rink transforms into an exclusive club night experience, with renowned international DJs from the festival and club scene. All your après-skate needs are taken care of by the glamorous Fortnum’s Lodge and the relaxing Skate Lounge, where you’ll enjoy live sets whilst keeping warm with cocktails and mulled wine.  

Advent in Zagreb (27^th November – 8^th January)

Croatia isn’t just a summer destination. Join the locals in the streets surrounding Jelačić Square to discover why Zagreb ranks amongst the world’s favourite cities for Christmas markets and Advent festivities. During this period each year, Zagreb comes alive with revelry and indulgence, as its residents (and visitors) enjoy the city’s special atmosphere.

Hogwarts Feast, Hertfordshire (3^rd December)

Harry Potter fans eat your heart out. Grab a ticket for this magical one-off feasting event and dine like a Hogwarts student in the Great Hall at Warner Bros. Studios. It costs a pretty penny but promises to be worth it for the Butterbeer alone.

Nordic Yulefest, London (from 1^st December)

We refuse to curb our continuing love affair with all things Nordic, and if our hectic December schedule allows for it you’ll find us indulging in a little Scandi tradition at Nordic Yulefest in Shoreditch. Pitched as the “ultimate winter party in the heart of Shoreditch”, Nordic Yulefest offers a night of luxurious food and cocktails, chic Scandinavian festivities and adorable evergreen-crowned sprites who arrive at tables in the most unusual manner, adding to the magic and wonder of the evening. If you want to take your appreciation of Scandinavian culture to the next level, visit The Queen of Hoxton rooftop winter garden, which has been transformed into a Viking stronghold, complete with crackling fire pits, hearty Nordic feasts and horns filled with hot mead punch.

Hofburg Silvester Ball, Vienna (31^st December)

Add a little European-style glamour to your festivities at the annual New Year’s Eve Silvester Ball, hosted within the grandeur of Vienna’s Hofburg Palace. Immerse yourself in charming Viennese ball traditions with opera, ballet and dance performances, orchestral music, sumptuous feasts, fireworks, the finest Champagne, and of course the time-honoured tradition of the waltz.  Balls gowns and tails are a requirement. 

Magical Lantern Festival, London (19^th January – 26^th February)

Located within Chiswick House Gardens, this beautiful display is a fusion of art, heritage and culture in the form of bold, oversized lanterns. Returning for its second year, the festival is a visual feast of illumination. Adopting the theme “Explore the Silk Road” the 2017 installation will take visitors on a mesmerising journey from Europe to Ancient China. Don’t miss the international hot food stations, toasted marshmallows and Virtual Reality gaming experience.