Prolong the holiday season this weekend with the last of festive pleasures such as ice skating, Christmas markets and decorations. Shopaholics will be hitting London’s boutiques and big name stores for the January sales this weekend. It’s also not too late to see a pantomime before the kids head back to school: “oh yes it is…oh no it isn’t!”
Get Your Skates On
If you haven’t already, it’s time to head to the Bluebird ice rink in Chelsea before it closes on Sunday. Set in a charming courtyard, the rink is the perfect place for a mid-shopping pit stop amid the hubbub of January sales along Kings Road. Skate amongst the stylish locals before delving inside The Shop at Bluebird for some trendy clothing. The larger ice rinks at the Natural History Museum, the Tower of London and Somerset House also close for another year this weekend, so get your skates on (all end 5 Jan).
Peter Pan-tastic
Peter Pan fanatics will be spoilt for choice this weekend. Young ones will have the chance to see Peter, Wendy and co. in Peter Pan: The Never Ending Story at Wembley Arena (ends 4 Jan); over-sevens can see what happens when Peter Pan Goes Wrong at Pleasance Theatre Islington (ends 5 Jan); while Henry Winkler continues to star as Captain Hook in Richmond Theatre’s production of J. M. Barrie’s classic pantomime for all the family (ends 12 Jan).
Last Chance to Walk in Winter Wonderland
One of the highlights of the Christmas calendar in London, Winter Wonderland is crammed full of market stalls, rides and festive eats and drinks. While Christmas may be over, there’s still plenty to see before the Hyde Park attraction hibernates for another year, from the spectacular Magical Ice Kingdom with its glistening ice formations to the far-reaching views from the Giant Observation Wheel (ends 5 Jan).
Push the Boat Out at ExCeL
The London Boat Show takes up residency in ExCeL for eight days from Saturday with plenty of water-based fun. Whether you’re looking to buy a super yacht, brush up on some sailing skills, or simply to marvel at the incredible boats on display, it’s a great chance to mingle with the boating community and learn about what’s new this year (4-12 Jan).
Head Over Heels at Royal Albert Hall
The master acrobats and contortionists of Cirque du Soleil return to the Royal Albert Hall this weekend in their spellbinding performance of Quidam. The show follows the story of Zoe, a young girl bored with life and her unloving parents, who finds solace in an imaginary world full of mysterious characters (4 Jan-9 Feb).
Say Cheerio to Christmas at Geffrye Museum
Make the most of Christmas decorations before you grudgingly take yours down on the Twelfth Night this Sunday – it’s apparently bad luck not to – with a trip to the Geffrye Museum. Its Christmas Past exhibit concludes in time for Epiphany and showcases decorations through the years in its lovingly adorned rooms. If you go on Sunday, you can time your visit with the museum’s customary Farewell to Christmas carol singing and burning of holly and ivy to officially mark the end of the festive season (ends 5 Jan).