WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND 20.12.19

HEAD HERE FOR A DRAM & A TRIM: Ruffians

For one week only, all Ruffians’ locations are offering gents a chance to restyle their do with a ‘Whiskey & Trim’ experience. Choose from a cut-throat razor shave, fresh trim or a full grooming experience while enjoying a spicy Bulleit cocktail. After a fix-up from this lot, there’s no excuse for not looking your best on Christmas Day.
 
Various locations; 16th-23rd December
Visit Ruffians.co.uk
 

WATCH CHRISTMAS CLASSICS HERE: The Luna Winter Cinema

On the lawn of Kensington Palace, this is a unique cinema experience. The Luna Winter Cinema will play a selection of the most popular Christmas films throughout December, with a bar for guests who fancy a warming mulled wine. Across the final weekend before Christmas, you can choose from six films including Home Alone, It’s A Wonderful Life and How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
 
Kensington Palace, Kensington, W8 4PX; 21st-22nd December
Visit LunaWinterCinema.com
 

ROCK OUT HERE: Slade Live

If a Christmas carol service isn’t your thing, perhaps a rock concert is? Responsible for one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time, Slade are an annual feature on radio stations come December time with their classic ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’. This year they are bringing fans a pre-Christmas performance of some of their greatest hits to get everyone in the mood for the big day.
 
ULU Live at Student Central, Malet Street, Camden, WC1E 7HY; 20th December
Visit Eventbrite.co.uk
 

HIT THE SLOPES (SORT OF) HERE: Flat Iron Square

Partake in an après-ski session without having to leave the confines of the city. Ski Saturdays at Flat Iron Square will take you right back to the 80s inside a retro-style chalet. The choice of refreshments is decent too, with some of London’s top street-food vendors pitching up and cocktails from Laphroaig. Music comes from resident DJ Alfie Butler.
 
Southwark Street, London Bridge, SE1 1RU
Visit FlatIronSquare.co.uk
 

FOR A FESTIVE SPECTACLE GO HERE: Royal Albert Hall

This show promises to be special, featuring Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino and a host of guests including Matt Lucas and Andy Serkis – all serving up performances of festive songs from film and TV. There’s something for people of all ages, with Kermit the Frog even making an appearance. Expect an evening of laughs and musical entertainment in an iconic venue.

Kensington Gore, South Kensington, SW7 2AP; 20th December
Visit RoyalAlbertHall.com

EAT BBQ HERE: Prairie Fire

Prairie Fire has been a regular at London food markets for a few years, but has never had a place to call home. Until now. Now open in Wood Lane, its new Kansas City-style smokehouse gives avid carnivores a chance to try some of its famous slow-cooked meat and BBQ specials. The new place has also got a taproom stocked with an array of locally brewed ales carefully chosen to match the kitchen’s meaty delights.

Wood Lane, White City, W12 7LH
Visit PrairieFireBBQ.com
 

PICK UP SEASONAL PRODUCE HERE: Borough Market

Open every day until Christmas, Borough Market is the best place to source fresh seasonal produce for your festivities. Whether you’re looking for a slab of Camembert for an after-dinner cheese board or some smoked salmon for dinner party canapés, it’s a great place to soak up some Christmas, watch some stall demonstrations and enjoy a wander.
 
Southwark Street, London Bridge, SE1 1TL 
Visit BoroughMarket.org.uk
 

TAKE THE KIDS HERE: Warner Bros Studios

This is as close as you’ll get to actual Christmas magic: Hogwarts in the Snow returns this year, taking visitors from the Great Hall to the stage used for the Yule Ball scene in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. See how Christmas is done in the wizarding world; discover snow that never melts; and flames that burn without fire. The ultimate family day out, this will entertain the adults as much as the children.
 
Watford, WD25 7LR; until 26th January
Visit WBStudioTour.co.uk
 

GO TO A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY HERE: Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker

The much anticipated final film of the trilogy is out this week, with Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Adam Driver all returning to their much-loved roles. The ominous storyline of the previous two films will apparently come to a head: fans can expect epic lightsaber duels, high-octane battles in space and the return of the evil Emperor, whose chilling voice could be heard in one of the trailers. This film is said to be darker than its predecessors, so brace yourself for a bumpy ride across the galaxy towards the final fight between dark side and light.

Various locations; out 19th December
Visit Cineworld.co.uk