- Words Notion Staff
Get into the festive spirit as we take you through a tour of what's on this December. From light installations and exhibitions to Christmas markets and New Year's Eve Parties, we've got you covered.
Amy: Beyond The Stage at the Design Museum
The Design Museum’s new exhibition ‘Amy: Beyond The Stage’ is a heartfelt celebration of one of the most iconic musicians of our times. The exhibition explores Amy’s early career, giving insight into her mind and creative process through a series of handwritten notes, recordings, images and videos.
Also on display are some of her most memorable outfits, her beloved fender guitar and her Camden Square street sign, emblazoned with graffiti and tributes following her death.
Mothaland Sound x Black Owned Christmas Night Market
BlackEatsLDN and Bohemia Place Markets have come together to bring the Christmassy vibes at their Black Owned Night Market. On a mission to champion Black-owned businesses, expect artisanal gifts, festive food, mulled wine and cocktails.
Going out with a bang, for the event’s final instalment on the 3rd December, Mothaland Sound presents their first party at the Hackney Social, soundtracking the night with Afrobeats, Afrofusion and Amapiano.
Borealis at Guildhall Yard
Artist Dan Acher brings the Northern Lights to the Capital for this spectacular light display over Guildhall. As part of the Mayor of London’s Let’s Do London Campaign, multicoloured lasers and lights blanket the iconic space, mimicking the colours the movements of the real thing. Prepare to be enthralled.
Running from the 11th-22nd December, this free installation is not to be missed.
Benk + Bo Christmas Makers Market
Benk + Bo invite their selection of the best independent creators to their fourth Christmas Makers Market, with top names such as Top Cuvée and Caro Rose Jewellery hosting stalls. From homeware to jewellery to wine and ceramics, the Christmas Makers Market is the perfect place to find some alternative Christmas presents — all while enjoying mulled wine and Scandi treats!
More information can be found here.
Christmas at Kew
Embark on a magical journey through the botanical gardens after dark, with millions of lights transforming Kew Gardens into a glittering winter wonderland. With sparkling tunnels, illuminated trees, and countless installations along the way leading to the famous Palm House light display, this 75 minute walk is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit.
There are plenty of Christmas treats and festive drinks to indulge in along the way, or you can book in a Christmas dinner at the Botanical restaurant.
NYE Party at Tobacco Dock
If you want to ring in the New Year on the dancefloor, snap up tickets for COGO x Kiss Nights NYE party at the famed Tobacco Dock. A party across four stages, with mind blowing production and plenty of surprises in store, this is set to be London’s biggest indoor festival this New Year’s Eve.
With a mega lineup of 20 DJs across house, garage, grime and bass, with the likes of Rudimental, Jax Jones, Bad Boy Chiller Crew and Majestic on the schedule, this party is bound to be unforgettable.
NYE at Somerset House
Another option for NYE is a night at Somerset House in partnership with Moet & Chandon. Guests can take a spin on their famous ice rink and ring in the new year in style.
This night is jam packed with fun festive activities, live music, dancing, DJ’s and entertainment, with the chance to explore all the unexpected corners of Somerset House.
Their 40-foot Christmas tree is the perfect backdrop to the night of fun, with guests invited to gather in the courtyard for a surprise as the clock approaches midnight. 3,2,1…
Get Your Skates On
If you fancy ice skating without the risk of getting rained or snowed on, Canary Wharf ice rink has literally got you covered with their transparent roof decked with twinkly lights that allows you to skate under the stars without the braving London’s temperamental weather.
Other options for skating include the rooftop at Skylight which offers stunning panoramic views of London’s skyline, The Natural History Museum’s rink which is in its final run, and Somerset House’s Skate Late with Uniqlo offering a curated line-up of DJs, artists and collectives.
Christmas at Skylight London
This Christmas, Skylight is expanding beyond its famous rooftop and also taking over Tobacco Dock. Bringing their iconic igloos to the canal side, they’ve also announced the return of their ice rink on the rooftop for the first time since 2019. As well as this you enjoy drinks at their Après Ski Lodge or book a film screening through their festive Cinema experience. With a selection of the most iconic Christmas films on display, hot chocolate and mulled wine to enjoy, there is something for everyone.
Celebrate NYD at Printworks with Glitterbox
Printworks, one of London’s most sought after party venues is upholding its reputation with its two day NYE/NYD bonanza, kicking off with a party with Defected on NYE followed by a NYD party hosted by Glitterbox where you can dance the first day of 2022 away.
Famous for its inclusive dancefloor, Glitterbox is promising to deliver the ultimate disco vibes for its New Years Day party with the help from their crew of performers, and sets from from the scene’s most loved DJ’s, including Derrick Carter, Melvo Baptiste and Luke Solomon.
Tickets on sale here.
Movimientos NYE Tropical Fiesta at Pop Brixton
Another Friday 31st option is bringing in the new year Pop Brixton. From 9pm-3am they will be gathering together some of their nearest and dearest from the Movimientos familia to bring you a tropical dance party to warm the soul & fire the belly.
DJs Cal Jader, Henry Bravo, Amancai and Bushbbi will be playing the best selection of Latin American sounds and Caribbean bits to dance your way into the new year. Bring your grapes for the midnight Latin American tradition.
Tickets cost £10 and are available to buy here
NYE Events at Peckham Levels
Once a concrete multi-storey car park, the 2017 transformation of Peckham Levels has seen it become a vibrant South London venue. In line with their always diverse schedule of events, the Levels will play host to multiple events on NYE.
The first, The Beirut Groove Collective NYE Party is happening from 6.30pm-6.am on Friday 31st December, at the Levels’ new venue Well Seasoned. Expect to hear pioneering, genre-forming and obscure records from The BGC DJ crew + friends at this all-nighter. The event will also feature a live performance from London-based Sudanese band The Scorpios, who’ll be serving up a set of funk and soul-infused afrobeat, melded with Arabic rhythms.
Tickets start at £20 + booking fee and are available here
Near and Far Studio 54 NYE, from 7pm – 3.30am is an alternative NYE option, this time a free one. Near and Far are the Levels cocktail specialists, hosting a Studio 54 party. Expect bling, beaded curtains, gold sequin drapes and mirror balls aplenty, plus DJs playing the best in disco, funk and soul, bucket loads of confetti, gorgeous cocktails, and spectacular views of the London skyline and New Year’s fireworks. Dressing up is encouraged (think Bianca Jagger, Tina, Bowie, Andy Warhol and Grace Jones for inspiration) but not essential.
Entry is free with limited tickets available here.
Finally, Raindrop Fest Presents: The Late Night NYE Party, from 9pm-3.00am. The Late Night NYE Party will see some of London’s Best Party DJ’s (including Martin 2 Smoove and special guests) spinning the very best throwback hits from the 90’s and 00’s! As well as having every genre covered (Pop, HipHop, R&B, Disco, Funk + more) there’ll be great giveaways, crazy inflatables and an epic NYE countdown.
Tickets start at £15 + booking fee and are available here