Festive Activities

Here at the Great Big Event Co. our Christmas tree is up, 200+ mince pies were cooked last week and the Michael Buble Christmas album had to be purchased, so that means Christmas has officially started! So we thought we would give you abit of a round up of some of the Christmas activities around us that you may enjoy...

Christmas Market at Southbank/ London Eye.

Last weekend we had the pleasure of visiting the Southbank in London. Just a five minute walk from Waterloo station, London is transformed into a beautiful Christmas Market. 60+ wooden chalets line the banks of the Thames selling some beautiful craft items, gifts and novelty items. After a couple of mulled wines we purchased some gorgeous ear muffs for two little girls and fake snow (don't ask!).

In addition to the Christmas market, nestled behind the Festival Hall is the The Real Food Market...Mmm. Luckily we had already eaten but we did treat ourselves to some wonderful tasting New York Cheesecake.

With the christmas lights, traditional carousel with the backdrop of the Thames and the London Eye it really was a lovely way to spend a few hours and get into Christmas Spirit.

Southbank Christmas market is now now until 24th December (11am to 8pm weekdays and 10am to 10pm at the weekends) and is free to enter.


Other Christmas that maybe closer to you are:

Kingston - Traditional German Market - until 27th December. Open every day 10am - 8pm.

Winchester - Cathedral Christmas Market & Ice-rink. Open until 21st December; 10am to 6pm.

Manchester - Christmas Market, one of the biggest in the UK. Open to 21st December

Chester - Victorian Market. Open until 31st December.

Winter Wonderland - Hyde Park

We are not sure if we are glutens for punishment but we are planning a pre Christmas trip to Winter Wonderland in London's Hyde Park. It will be packed and the rides are on the pricey side, but last year we loved it. With loads for both kids and adults to watch, ponder and consume it is a real Christmas treat for everyone. For more information we advise you check out their website www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com and if you wish to see any of the shows booking is essential.

Panto - oh no it isn't...oh yes it is!

Get your Boo's and Hisses ready as Panto season is here. We are a late converts to Panto, visiting our first just 3 years ago but kids in tow we are big fans! This year we are torn between Reading Hexagon showing Aladdin with Justin from Cbeebies (parents among you will understand the appeal), Guildford our local Panto performing Jack and the Beanstalk if Santa is kind maybe we will get to both!

If you are looking for a pantomime near to you, take a look at www.bigpantoguide.co.uk they seem to have every pantomime listed.

Whatever you get up to this Christmas we hope you have a fantastic time and we wish you a very Happy New Year.

All the best from,

Gilly, Romilly and The Great Big Event team.

www.thegreatbigevent.com