The festive season is our favourite time of the year to get out and about with friends and family. Whether it’s discovering arts and crafts, floral winter wonderlands or learning new skills to brighten our homes and tables, our winter events calendar is starting to look very sparkly and bright.
PS: please check the event websites, some are ticketed or need to be booked in advance.
The Spirits of Christmas
Regent Street and St James’s, London
From 9th November 2023
The illuminated angels high above the streets of London return to Regent Street and St James’s this Christmas. London’s most recognised festive lights are a display of over 50 large scale ‘spirits’ (with many more visitors awe-struck by their magical auras). This along with the festive lights on Carnaby and Oxford Streets will add a touch of sparkle to your Christmas shopping.
Christmas Wreath Making
Various dates in November and December 2023
Daylesford Farm, Cotswolds
Expect to be inspired as you create a beautiful arrangement for your front door, stairwell, mantelpiece, or Christmas table at this festive workshop. Learn from the expert florists from Daylesford and design your own seasonal wreath using natural foliage and blooms foraged by the team.
Don’t worry, be hoppy
14th – 18th November 2023
Wimbledon
The four-day Great Beer Festival at the Hand in Hand pub on Wimbledon Common is the place to sip, taste and discover brews from an array of up-and-coming beer and ale producers, alongside daily talks, hearty dish specials and live music.
Three Wine Men’s Big Christmas Wine Fest
17th & 18th November 2023
Westminster, London
Back for its 11th year, the UK’s favourite wine experts, Oz Clarke, Tim Atkin MW and Olly Smith, will be hosting a lineup of 600 wines from across the world. Whether you know your Chardonnay from your Chenin, or just love a glass of wine, there’s plenty to try, taste and explore at this fun, interactive event.. Tickets available via Eventbrite (as per link below).
Wellness Workshop: Healthy Hibernation
23rd November 2023
Daylesford Farm, Cotswolds
Following the ebb and flow of nature, winter is all about nurturing and slowing down. Starting with the food we eat, Daylesford’s resident nutritionist and wellness expert Rhaya Jordan is hosting this special workshop, sharing her recipes for delicious winter broths, soups, pulses, ferments and superfoods – hearty food to aid rest and rejuvenation – as an alternative to the (sadly sometimes unhealthy) comfort food we tend to turn to in winter. .
Tips & Treats for the Christmas Table
25th November 2023
Daylesford Farm, Cotswolds
If you’re in charge of the festive feast this year, this workshop is for you. Daylesford’s Cookery School team will guide you through stunning side dishes, delicious, sweet treats and nibbles, as well as share their tips for the all-important turkey. Enjoy a series of demonstrations, guided hands-on cookery sessions and try your dishes with a glass of bubbles.
Vineyard Geology & Wine Tour
26th November 2023
Woodchester Vineyard, Cotswolds
What’s more fun than a fossil hunt on a Sunday morning? Join a geologist for a journey back in time, learning about the rocks and soils of this unique part of the Cotswolds, and why it’s so perfect for grape growing. A flight of three wines and a warming soup by the fire will finish the experience off perfectly.
James Martin Cookery School
Multiple dates in November and December 2023
Chewton Glen, Hampshire
This has to be one of the top (and by the looks of it, most fun) cookery schools in the country. If you’re looking to hone your skills in the kitchen with one of the UK’s favourite chefs, James Martin, choose from half and full day cookery courses and workshops, championing seasonal produce and you’ll be cooking up a storm in no time.
Christmas Gifts good enough to eat
8th December 2023
Daylesford Farm, Cotswolds
Build your own delicious hamper of handmade treats on this fun, hands-on course. If you fancy making your own Christmas gift this year, our tutors will help you get in the festive spirit as you learn how to make an array of preserves, decorative biscuits, sweet treats and much more. These edible delights make for thoughtful gifts to pop in a stocking or hamper for someone you love this Christmas!
Pot Cooking in the Cotswolds
11th January 2024
Daylesford Farm, Cotswolds
For fuss free cooking that yields hugely satisfying results, it is difficult to beat one-pot meals. This full day One Pot Cooking course looks at some of Daylesford’s favourite recipes that are simplicity itself to prepare. Ideal for feeding hungry crowds with minimal washing up afterwards, these meals are perfect for relaxed suppers on busy nights as well as easy, delicious solutions for dinner parties. Guests will learn how to make dishes such as hearty ragouts, comforting risotto and paella, vibrant tray bakes and tempting puddings
The Colour Revolution
Now until 18th February 2024
The Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
Take a deep dive into Victorian art, fashion and design and rediscover Victorian society in all its dazzling real-life colour. Explore the dyes used in chic corsets, the bold experimental artwork by avant-garde painters, and the use of nature’s beauty in jewellery, This exhibition positions the Victorian age as one of revolutionary vision and dazzling colour.
Image: Ramon Casas (1866–1932), A Decadent young woman, After the dance, 1899. Museu do Montserrat, Barcelona
Winter Flowers Week
7th – 11th December 2023
The Garden Museum, London
Within the ethereal surrounds of St Mary-at-Lambeth, five of the UK’s top floral designers will transform the Garden Museum into a floral winter wonderland this December. Explore sustainable festive installations and be inspired by the flowers and foliage of the season in this most historic of settings.
Details of events, timings and venues are subject to change. Please check the event organiser’s website for information and ticketing/ booking requirements and costs.
