insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 09 - November 2015 | Page 58

CHRISTMAS

Cancer Research’s Great Christmas Pudding Race // 5 Dec

The Great Christmas Pudding Race is a unique charity event held each December in the heart of
London. Teams of six battle it out to win the acclaimed ‘Christmas Pudding Trophy’ along with some
fantastic prizes. Imagine you are standing in Covent Garden’s famous cobbled piazza on a cold crisp
December morning—now add a huge obstacle course complete with a giant inflatable slide. Throw
in a bunch of excited contestants kitted out in some fantastic fancy dress outfits. Then picture them
attempting to negotiate the obstacle course whilst carefully balancing a Christmas pudding on a tray.
www.xmaspuddingrace.org.uk/London_Race.html

Winterville // 20 Nov – 23 Dec

Winterville returns to Victoria Park this yuletide and it’s bigger, better and warmer. This is an
alternative festive experience; Winterville is the antithesis of Christmas theme parks—intimate,
engaging and above all, creative, they welcome all like-minded visitors to the town. Expect a
different festive experience altogether! It’s a family-friendly environment with a wide range of
entertainment on offer for children, and this year’s pantomime is the evergreen Snow White. There
are over 20 Christmas market stalls in the park too, so why not indulge in a spot of shopping whilst
you’re having fun? Plus, there are street food traders, club nights and a number of weekend parties.
www.winterville.co.uk

The Natural History Museum’s Swarovski Ice Rink // 29 Oct – 3 Jan

Ice-skating at the Natural History Museum is a treat never to be forgotten. It’s a magical winter
wonderland right in front of the famous South Kensington museum. Decorated with a 40-foot high
Christmas tree and 80,000 twinkling fairy lights, this is festively beautiful. As well as the ice-skating,
there is an interactive Christmas chalet, chocolate galore, prizes and activities.
www.nhm.ac.uk/visit.html

Winter At The Southbank Centre // 27 Oct – 17 Jan

The Winter Festival with NatWest returns once more, transforming the Southbank Centre into a
seasonal wonderland. Browse festive markets stuffed with delicious treats and unusual gifts. Enjoy live
music or see a performance with plenty of exciting shows for all ages. There are lots of opportunities
to join in with free activities and a twinkling atmosphere of cheer to enjoy with family and friends.
www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/festivals-series/winter-festival

The Nutcracker // 16 Dec – 10 Jan // London Coliseum

Over 100 dancers and musicians bring The Nutcracker to life with exquisite dancing, beautiful
sets, and Tchaikovsky’s glorious score played live. On a sparkling Christmas Eve in a frost-dusted
Edwardian London, Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker doll discover a magical world where she
battles with the Mouse King and meets a handsome stranger. As the air grows colder, Clara and
her valiant Nutcracker take a hot air balloon ride across London to ѡ