The festive season is all about celebration – but this year, why not treat yourself or your loved ones to something more memorable than the usual markets and mulled wine?
From unique themed culinary extravaganzas to special VIP screenings of Christmas films and spectacular seasonal events, Mastercard’s priceless.com offers exclusive access to experiences that are anything but ordinary. Here’s our pick of standout moments to make your Christmas sparkle.
Christmas at Kew
From 14 November to 4 January, Kew Gardens in south-west London will be transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland with Christmas at Kew – a festive experience like no other. The 1.8 mile festive light trail leads visitors on an enchanting journey through illuminated installations, lasers and projections, set to music that’s guaranteed to ignite the Christmas spirit. Think tunnels of twinkling stars, technicolour trees, glowing sculptures and a truly breathtaking display across the Palm House and lake. Keep an eye out – there may even be a special appearance from Father Christmas himself.
Mastercard cardholders can exclusively enjoy flexible entry from 4.30pm, along with a complimentary mulled drink and a marshmallow treat to roast over an open fire – the perfect way to make a magical evening even more memorable.
Fortnum & Mason chocolate truffle workshop
For a taste of Christmas indulgence, join expert chocolatiers for a chocolate truffle workshop at Fortnum & Mason on 7 December. In the renowned London store’s Food & Drink Studio you’ll learn how to craft six luscious truffles, from banoffee to pistachio, salted caramel and more. Exclusively for Mastercard cardholders, the experience includes a glass of Champagne to savour as you discover how to make treats good enough to gift – or devour yourself.
Fortnum & Mason – A Dickens Christmas feast
For Charles Dickens, Fortnum & Mason was synonymous with Christmas – a “perfect fairy palace” filled with all the “gourmandizing pleasures” you could possibly hope for during the festive season. This year, gift yourself or a loved one a sumptuous Christmas feast the author would delight in with A Fortnum’s Christmas Carol, in honour of his masterpiece. The event begins with a glass of Champagne and continues with a carefully selected wine pairing for a feast including all the festive temptations, from lobster to turkey with all the trimmings and Christmas pudding. You’ll even go home with a hamper inspired by Dickens’ favourites.
The Holiday VIP screening
A snow-covered, chocolate-box slice of English countryside. A heartwarming story of love and self-discovery. For many, The Holiday, starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet as two women who cross the globe to swap homes and leave their troubles behind over Christmas, is a beloved, non-negotiable part of the festive season.
On 2 December in London or 3 December in Manchester and Birmingham, Mastercard cardholders can watch the Christmas classic at a VIP screening at ODEON cinemas, with a complimentary drink and popcorn. The proceeds from every ticket will support Conservation International’s efforts to protect the environment – so you’ll be starting the season by doing good, as well as feeling good.
Glide at Battersea Power Station ice skating
Whether it’s with friends or little ones, there’s nothing quite like ice skating to put the fun in the festive season. And with Glide at Battersea Power Station, London’s only riverside ice rink, you can practise your triple axels – or simply wobble and giggle your way around – in a truly magical location, alongside the Thames and against the backdrop of one of the capital’s most iconic buildings.
From 7 November until 4 January, you can glide around three interconnected ice rinks and a brand-new scenic skate trail, underneath twinkling lights and a 30ft Christmas tree of dreams. For Mastercard cardholders, there’s an exclusive skating bundle, with a glass of sparkling wine and a 12in pizza in the Glass House bar to reward you after taking a spin. Live entertainment, kids face painting on Sundays, themed music nights on the ice and KISS DJ sets all keep the festive energy flowing. Get your skates on and book now.
Madam Geneva & Gent cocktail masterclass
For those wanting to have all the Christmas cheer but not leave their cosy abode, you can still shake up your Christmas with a fabulously kitsch online cocktail masterclass from Madam Geneva & Gent. You’ll receive everything you need to craft three delicious, retro holiday drinks – the mulled royale, a sloegroni and a brandy alexander – while expert mixologists guide you through each step during the classes, taking place on 5, 11 or 12 December. The interactive experience includes nostalgic parlour games and festive fun – so channel your inner Tom Cruise in Cocktail, because it’s beginning to look a lot like kitschmas.
Experience Christmas in the wizarding world with Hogwarts in the Snow
Enter the spellbinding world of Harry Potter this Christmas at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. Visit during Hogwarts in the Snow, where the iconic sets are transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland straight from the films. Mastercard cardholders can enjoy limited last-minute tickets – even when the Studio Tour is sold out.
Exclusive tickets at LW Theatres
From family outings to date nights, there’s nothing like the magic of live theatre to really get into the season. Whether a festive treat or thoughtful gift, Mastercard cardholders can get exclusive access to preferred tickets for hit productions in LW Theatres’ venues, from The Phantom of the Opera and RSC’s Matilda The Musical, to My Neighbour Totoro and Back to the Future: the Musical. This exclusive partnership between Mastercard and LW Theatres – at Christmas and beyond – means you can soak up the electrifying atmosphere at world-famous West End venues including the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and The London Palladium – you might even get the last tickets to sold out shows.
To add a touch of seasonal sparkle and make exceptional memories this Christmas, you’ll want to check out these priceless experiences.
Book at priceless.com today
