Eight ways to ring in the festive season with your mates

The festive season is well and truly upon us, but even though it gets dark at about 4pm and there’s a definite chill in the air, that’s no reason to stop you from getting out and about with your mates over the month of December.

So, whether you’re looking for some ideas for a great Christmas night out with the lads, or you want something to properly get you into the festive spirit, we’ve got you covered.

These are the events in December that you won’t want to miss, with lots going on up and down the country...

Glide at Battersea Power Station (8th November to 5th January)

Battersea Power Station is well worth a visit all year round, with lots of great shops, bars, cafes and restaurants to explore. But over the winter months it is transformed into one of the best outdoor skating rinks that we’ve ever been to. I mean, imagine skating against the backdrop of the impressive station with views of the Thames on the other side...

With three interconnecting rinks surrounded by twinkling lights and a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree, tickets do sell out quickly depending on the dates and time, so grab yours now to avoid any disappointment. And if you’re not the greatest skater, The Glass House bar and cafe has toasty hot chocolates or something a bit stronger for you to warm yourself up.

Glide at Battersea Power Station

Miracle (From 11th November to 23rd December)

New York’s famous Miracle on Ninth Street bar returns to London for its seventh year, at The Henrietta in the heart of Covent Garden. If you happen to be feeling a bit Grinch-like, spending just a few minutes in this kitschy and nostalgic bar will get you in the Christmas spirit in no time.

With fun and creative spins on some of our favourite cocktails, the Christmapoliton – which includes spiced cranberry sauce and absinthe mist – and Snowball Old Fashioned – with its mix of gingerbread and bitters, should 100% be on your list to try.

Getty/Christopher Ames

Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets (From 16th November to 4th January)

Fancy a trip north of the border before Christmas? Well, Edinburgh’s Christmas markets are some of the most impressive, not just in the UK but in the whole world. Check off some names from your Christmas shopping list while grabbing a warming mug of mulled wine and a tasty bratwurst sausage.

But what really makes Edinburgh’s Christmas market offering stand out from some of the rest is the swing carousel that almost brushes the Scott Monument, plus the big wheel that offers views of the Scottish capital’s impressive castle and Arthur's Seat.

And if you happen to be up there over New Year’s, there’s nothing quite like the world-famous Hogmanay street party!

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (From 21st November to 5th January)

Would it really feel like Christmas without a trip to Winter Wonderland? We don’t think so. And there are plenty of great new additions for 2024. From bottomless pizza – now, doesn’t that sound like the dream? – to the Five Peaks Pass that gives you a fast-track upgrade for some of the most thrilling rides, plus free entry, you will seriously be spoiled for choice when it comes to what to do. Don’t forget to grab a festive cocktail in Bar Ice or try your luck at one of the carnival games.

Home Alone in Concert (7th December)

One of the best Christmas movies of all time (if you ask us) – Home Alone – comes to London’s magnificent Royal Albert Hall this December. You’ll be able to see Macaulay Culkin’s brilliant crime-fighting capers up on the big screen with the accompanying Royal Philharmonic Orchestra providing live music to make it much more of an experience than watching it from the sofa like you usually would. All you need to do is grab some popcorn and your best Christmas jumper – bonus points if it happens to have Kevin on it – and sit back and enjoy.

Getty/Chris Gorman

Burning The Clocks (21st December)

If you’re not a fan of the dark mornings and dark evenings, you’ll be glad to know that Saturday 21st December is the shortest day of the year, with it starting to get that bit brighter thereafter. And one part of the country really does celebrate the winter solstice in style.

Known as Burning The Clocks, the yearly carnival and procession in Brighton sees gorgeous paper and willow lanterns which are then paraded through the city, with it ending in a massive bonfire and fireworks display. Thousands of people flock to it every year and it would definitely make for a memorable way to spend a winter’s evening. And this year is its 30th anniversary.

Ho Ho Ho Ha Ha (throughout December)

With venues in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle, The Stand Comedy Club’s Ho Ho Ho Ha Ha nights will be sure to put a smile on your face. Each show has a variety of different acts, all with a festive twist and you might even get a chance to see some of the best up and coming comedians before they make it big.

There are also plenty of other shows throughout the month of December but why not opt for one with a Christmassy spin to it.

Burning The Clocks/Same Sky

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