4 brilliant things to do this December

View a dance classic on the big screen and discover the history of our Christmas dinners – these are just two of our picks of cultural happenings for this month

An image from the National Archives at Kew 

Take a tour through the history of British Christmas foods

The National Archives is hosting an online event with historian and broadcaster Dr Annie Gray, who will be drawing from research that informed her latest publication, Call the Midwife: The Official Cookbook. From the delicious to the dubious, she will explore why many traditions hold true, while others fade away. Expect to hear about everything from the origins of pigs in blankets to the microwavable meals of the 1980s, as well as some rather unexpected salty snacks.

From peace to pigs in blankets: the British Christmas from 1945 onwards

Online talk, 6 December at 7.30pm

Book tickets via eventbrite

Artists of The Royal Ballet in The Nutcracker, The Royal Ballet, Royal Opera House. Photographed by Tristram Kenton​

Enjoy a ballet classic at the cinema

The Royal Ballet is broadcasting its performance of the wonderfully festive The Nutcracker at cinemas across the country this December, offering the chance to enjoy the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy up close. Immerse yourself in Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score and enjoy stunning period costumes by the late brilliant designer Julia Trevelyan Oman. A live stream will take place on 12 December, with ‘encore’ screenings from 17 December.

The Nutcracker at cinemas nationwide

Find a screening here

roh.org.uk

Image: Courtesy Hampton Court Palace ​

Get your skates on at Hampton Court Palace

Enjoy a session of ice skating against the backdrop of the great Hampton Court Palace. The rink sits right outside the main entrance, offering a thoroughly Tudor setting to your icy experience. Insiders suggest booking a slot to coincide with sunset, for spectacular views across the river. Otherwise, enjoy the twinkling lights of the impressive 26-foot Christmas tree, which mirrors the stars above. 

Hampton Court Palace ice rink, until 7 January 2024

Tickets from £19 for adults and £14 for children

hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk

Image: Courtesy The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 

Sparkle in botanical gardens

The Royal Botanic Garden in the heart of Edinburgh comprises 72 acres of awe-inspiring landscape and incredible plant specimens. This holiday season it promises a light trail with a natural theme, inspired by the site’s world-class flora. Expect to see larger-than-life glowing crocuses, colourful pampas grasses, giant floating seed heads and ‘sparkling tunnels’, not to mention stunning projections that light up historic Inverleith House.

Christmas at the Botanics until 30 December on select evenings

Tickets from £19; book here

rbge.org.uk