Relish Christmas 2009 This Season in London

Christmas is one of the happiest festivals in London and it is celebrated with several spectacular festivities and enthusiasm. Various Christmas events such as Grottos and several Christmas markets etc are organized in the city during this occasion. You can also enjoy at the Christmas fairs and fireworks that are organized all over the city. Ice rinks during the Christmas season is also an exciting winter sports to do. It is also a great time to get crafty and learn about the precious traditions and history of Christmas. You can also attend the workshops and exhibitions at the art galleries and museums in London. Some of the museums have specially organized workshops for kids which are extremely interesting and also offers education on Christmas.

Christmas activities that you can look for are listed as under:

· To know about how Dickens actually invented Christmas you can watch the recently released Disney’s A Christmas Carol which will surely sought most of your doubts.

· You can also be a part of the festive walk to be held on 12^th December 2009 which will discover all the major traditions and festivities related to Christmas.

· You can indulge your kids in the creative workshops to be held in the London Museum Docklands. Some of these workshops are Christmas Pomanders on 28^th and 30^th December 2009, Father Christmas Comes to Docklands on 19^th December and Victorian Trinkets on 28^th and 30^th December 2009.

· Museum of London Christmas Celebrations

· This Christmas season, Museum of London is focusing on the London archaeology, culture and history. The workshops organized will focus on the history and traditions of Victorian Christmas. The exhibitions at the museum will also focus on history of Victorian Christmas this year.

So be a part of all these Christmas festivities and activities and make your Christmas celebrations special.

Christmas Tree at Trafalgar Square

When
3^rd December 2009

Time
6:30pm

Where
Trafalgar Square,
Central London, Westminster,
London WC2N 5DS

Nearest tube station
Charing Cross London Underground

The lighting of Christmas tree at the Trafalgar Square marks the beginning of Christmas festivities in London. This is the biggest and the brightest Christmas tree in London. It has become a historic tradition as it is been followed since past several years. The Christmas tree lighting at Trafalgar Square celebrates the friendship and goodwill on this festive occasion.

This Christmas tree is decorated in a traditional style with thousands of white lights. The height of this tree is around 20-25 metres which makes it an iconic landmark in the city. Traditional ceremony of lighting the tree is attended by the Lord Mayor of Westminster. The ceremony includes a programme of several festive events. Most of these events will last till Christmas and the others will last till the beginning of next year. You can also explore several pre Christmas festivities at Trafalgar Square which includes the Christmas Carol singing which will take place from 7^th December to 20^th December 2009. Entry to both the carol singing ceremony and the tree lighting ceremony is absolutely free of cost.

The brightness of this Christmas tree gives a perfect start to Christmas season in London and thus, the event is a must to visit by all. The lights of the tree will be lit at 6:30pm on 3^rd December and it will remain on from then onwards till midnight. The lights will be on till 5^th January 2009 from 12noon to 12 midnight. So reach early and be a part of this historic traditional festivity of Christmas in London. You can also visit various other events, music concerts and festivities going on at the Trafalgar Square and the regions around throughout the Christmas season.

London Events – La Clique

When
25^th November 2009 – 17^th January 2010

Where
The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8EH

Nearest Underground Station
Chalk Farm London tube station

Ticket Price
30£ - 45£ per ticket

Show Timing
Monday Thursday – 8pm, Friday – Saturday – 7pm and 10pm, Sunday – 7pm

Christmas La Clique’s Lineup:

· Illusion and musical comedy by the renowned Swedish magician – Carl Einar Hackner

· Penchant fluorescent lycra with a diva of opera singing in Le Gateau Chocolat

· Hula hoop artist, clown and cabaret singer – Marawa

· Unicycle riding of Freddie Mercury in Mario Queen of the Circus

· Well known prima donna chanteuse in Meow Meow

· Roller skating by Wanda Azzario and Jean Pierre Poissonnet in the Skating Willers

· A spectacular and daring striptease act by the singer, cabaret dancer and actress – Ursula Martinez

· Bravest burlesque duo of New York City – The Wau Wau Sisters

This award winning show of La Clique has been an international sensation since it has won the Best Entertainment Olivier Award 2009. It will be showcased at the London’s renowned Roundhouse for a limited season of few months. It will be a great delight to watch this show in the Christmas season as it offers entertainment for all ages.

It is known to offers some bizarre, outrageous, beautiful and extremely hilarious acts from all over the world. The show suits the royal splendor of Camden’s renowned and historic venue – Roundhouse. At this spectacular show you can expect some glamour, tinsel and glitter. It is amongst the best show running in the city during Christmas. La Clique has already performed at various places including Sydney, Dublin, Montreal and New York but, this time it is expected to be bigger and better. So get ready to savor an act which will be a blend of cabaret, circus, burlesque and contemporary variety of art forms.

Ice Skating Rink at Tower of London

When – 21^st November 2009 – 10^th January 2010

Where – Tower of London

Nearest tube station – Tower Hill London Underground

This Christmas season you can indulge yourself in the London Ice Rinks and make the most out of it. You can enjoy some great skating at various ice rinks in the city including one of the bests at Tower of London. Most of these ice rinks offer spectacular sightseeing in the city with exceptional ice skating. Ice skating near the famous London landmarks offers a great experience especially during the festive season of Christmas. Besides Tower of London, the Natural History Museum, Canary Wharf and Somerset House are some other places where you can enjoy Ice skating.

You can also enjoy outdoor London ice rinks at night with your friends and family. Various ice rinks offer late night sessions for skating during this festive season of Christmas. It is truly a mesmerizing experience with festive decorations all around. Ice skating is amongst the best activities that can offer maximum fun to a family.

This will be the 4^th year of Ice skating rink at the Tower of London. Indeed it is even bigger and better this year. This probably is one of the best rinks in the city. This breathtaking ice skating venue will offer deliciously festive activities. You can also visit the Moat Café available at the rink and enjoy a variety of delightful food and drinks. You can also watch the skaters from the free viewing galleries.

Tickets for Ice skating at Tower of London

Adult: off peak @10£ and peak days @12£

Family: off peak @30£ and peak days @32£

Kids under 16 years of age: off peak @ 7.50£ and peak days @ 8£

Peak Tickets:
All Saturdays and Sundays, evening sessions from 5.15pm,
21^st , 22^nd and 23^rd Dec, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, 28^th , 29^th and 30^th January, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day

Off Peak Tickets:
Weekdays morning and afternoon sessions up to 4.00pm.session The ice rink is closed on Christmas Day.

Christmas in London Winter Wonderland

When - 21^st November 2009 – 3^rd January 2010

Opening Time – 5pm – midnight

Where – Hyde Park, London W2 2UH

Nearest tube station – Hyde Park London Underground

This is the third consecutive year when the Winter Wonderland is in London during the Christmas. It will again set you all in the festive spirit with spectacular rides, sparkling attractions, dazzling lights and fascinating Christmas markets. Last year also this beautiful wonderland attracted 1.5 million visitors and this year it is expected to be even bigger and better as the festival will cover around 32 acres of land.

You can enjoy 200 unique and truly amazing rides with your friends and family at this year’s Winter Wonderland. Besides these exotic rides you can also explore the sparkling festive attractions, phenomenal observation wheel and the simply outstanding German Christmas Market.

Winter Wonderland Highlights

· Choirs and Live bands

· Santa’s Village

· Ice Skating Rink

· 50m high Observation Wheel and 40 heated gondolas

· 66m Power Tower

· Snow Ball Bungee Dome

· Zippo’s Christmas Circus

· Giant Ice Monster

Kids can also get a chance to meet Santa and get a special gift. Besides all the above major highlights the restaurant and bars at the Winter Wonderland will also be a delight to be at you can avail several exclusive Christmas dining offers. These bars and restaurants will also dazzle with stunning decorations and thus, you can savor a delightful dinner in a mesmerizing ambience. Winter Wonderland will also offer several festive food treats which can be enjoyed at Café Grell, Bavarian Village, German Christmas Market and House of St Nikolas.

Also enjoy an exceptional shopping experience at the 50 wooden chalet style huts hosted at the Winter Wonderland. Christmas celebrations will remain incomplete without the Mulled wines so also taste them at the Winter Wonderland.

Firework Displays at Bonfire Night London

Watch the free firework display at ……..

Date: Saturday 7 November 2009
Time: German Beer Festival: from 4.30pm. Fireworks display: 7.30pm
Venue: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, London N22 7AY
Nearest Tube Station: Wood Green
England's largest German Beer Festival, German drink and food, funfair.
Admission free, but suggested donation.

Venue: Ealing Cricket Club, Corfton Road
Date: Saturday 7 Nov 2009
Gates: 6pm. Fireworks display set to music: 7.30pm, followed by bonfire
Admission: adults £5. Children under 14 (accompanied) £3.00
Extra features: bars, mulled wine, BBQs, candy floss, children's fun rides and glow novelties
Station: Ealing Broadway, North Ealing

“Remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason, and plot, I see no reason will ever be forgot”. Indeed, 5^th of November is afresh and the famous traditional rhyme will be heard once again to commemorate the failure of Gunpowder plot, which targeted to blow up the Houses of Parliament, in London. Food plus fireworks plus Holy smokes equals… It’s Bonfire Time! The contemporary Bonfire Night happens every year on and around 5^th of November. Like never before, the whole London is passionate about fireworks at this time of the year. In the days leading, out of old clothes and paper material children will make “Guys”, by tradition an effigy of Guy Fawkes, the embodiment of Gunpowder plot. Later, these “Guys” are set on fire along with the fireworks to fill the sky. Children use these “Guys” to collect money by asking “penny for the guy”. Usually, adults give money on the basis of how good the “Guy” appears. Earlier, children used to spend this money on buying sparkles (crackers) but now they are barred to do so, instead they spend this money on fast-food centers with proceeds. It’s not recommended to buy fireworks as they can cause serious injuries and therefore can prove fatal, its better to attend an organize firework display. Nothing can beat these exciting fireworks display that will take place throughout the London. Most of them are free to attend.

Don’t miss the Spooky and Sparkling event of the year.

Enjoy the Magic of London Theatres

London is filled with theatres and there are many options for the art lovers. Some of the most renowned theatres in the capital are discussed below:

· Royal National Theatre:

Generally known as the National Theatre, was founded in 1963 and is one of the most prominent publicly funded theatre company. This theatre mostly plays Shakespeare and some other international classical Drama. RNT has three theatres, Olivier theatre with a capacity of 1,160 seats, Lyttelton theatre with 890 seats and Cottesloe theatre with approx 400 seats.

· The Old Vic

This theatre is located south-east of the Waterloo Station and was opened in 1818. It has a capacity of over 1000 seats.

· The Young Vic

This theatre is popular amongst the young artists and directors. Young Vic’s name is derived from the closely located theatre The Old Vic. Some of the shows which were played recently were, Street Scene, Fragments, In the Red and Brown water.

· West End Theatre:

West End Theatres are mostly associated with the commercial theatres but there are various off West End, non commercial theatres like. The longest running Musical in the West End theatres are Les Miserables, whereas, The Mousetrap is the longest running non-musical show in the West End. Some other famous theatres of the West End are The St. Martin’s, The Queens and New London Theatre.

There are numerous other theatres in London and why wouldn’t they be, London is the hub of art and culture. It is a heaven for the lovers of theatre, there is a whole new charm to watch live humans act and perform on stage, right in front of your eyes. So instead of buying a movie ticket, buy a theatre ticket for a change and feel the difference.