Take a fresh look at Christmas lights
Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
When darkness falls at the 19th-century Waddesdon Manor, the grand house and gardens provide the perfect canvas for some of Britain’s most exciting light art. The wizards at Woodroffe Bassett Design, the lighting designers who lit up the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, have created a light-and-sound show for the facade of the house. Best of all is light artist Bruce Munro’s piece Field of Light – an ethereal “meadow” of 9,000 fibre-optic glass spheres that bloom as you wander through them in the darkness.
From 9 November-2 January, Wednesday-Sunday, waddesdon.org.uk
Get a messiah complex
Nationwide
As much a Christmas tradition as overdosing on mince pies and TV, Handel’s Messiah is the only choral work many of us pay attention to all year. For an even closer experience, join in with the tradition of singalong, or “scratch”, Messiahs, where audience members (some more prepared than others) belt out the oratorio alongside people who know what they are doing. The big event, now in its fifth decade, is at the Royal Albert Hall. Even with space for 3,500 voices, singing tickets have already sold out (there may be returns on the day; audience seats are still available). That said, there are a handful of more modest, but no less joyful or triumphant, events organised by choral societies around the country.
12 November, Ashton-under-Lyne, oldhamchoral.org.uk. 19 November, Ellesmere Port, epmsonline.co.uk. 20 November, the Nidderdale Messiah, Knaresborough, nidderdalemessiah.org.uk
Unleash your inner poet
Writers’ Centre, Norwich
Feel inspired by Christmas and the beauty of winter and want to convey something a bit more complex than the words to Jingle Bells? Take a six-hour poetry workshop led by poet and academic George Szirtes in Norwich’s atmospheric medieval Dragon Hall. Participants will have a chance to hone their own work, but also to explore poetry related to Christmas and the festive season.
10 December, writerscentrenorwich.org.uk
Sing medieval tunes
Norton Priory, Cheshire
Norton Priory’s 12th-century undercroft – originally the Priory’s storage facility, where food and drink were kept – is the place for a carol service with atmosphere. Get there early for a look at the newly reopened museum, sculpture trail, gardens and ruins at this historic monastery.
10 December, nortonpriory.org
Save Christmas
Contact, Manchester
Someone, or something, has kidnapped the spirit of Christmas – and you have to find it. The Siege of Christmas is a “theatrical adventure” aimed at intrepid children and adults, who are invited to roam the castle-like Contact theatre and solve the mystery. It is the work of Slung Low, whose previous immersive productions include the hugely enjoyable 59 Minutes to Save Christmas.
From 15–22 December, contactmcr.com
Celebrate Gonzo Dickens and Kermit Cratchit
Camden People’s theatre, London, then touring
For some unusual souls, the ultimate Christmas film is It’s a Wonderful Life. For the rest of us, The Muppet Christmas Carol represents all that is good in the world at this time of year. Punky performance artists Louise Mothersole and Rebecca Biscuit (aka Sh!t Theatre (pictured right) lead a screening of the film with an alternative joyful Christmas singalong, offering a counterweight to traditional carol services. Don’t know the words to the Muppet songs? The film has witty subtitles, and there are interactive extras including a drinking game (it’s an adults-only evening). Their mini-tour hits London, Colchester, Norwich and Cambridge.
From 11 December, shittheatre.co.uk
Step inside a lifesized advent calendar
Edinburgh
If opening small doors only to discover a disappointing chunk of cheap chocolate doesn’t do it for you any more, try this innovative way to count down to Christmas. The Edinburgh Christmas festival, along with the Festival of Architecture and the Royal Incorporation of Architects Scotland, is running 24 Doors of Advent. Each day, a door to an interesting building – or one normally closed to the public – is opened to visitors. Among the 24 buildings taking part are the Scottish parliament, a modernist chapel and Riddle’s Court, a 16th-century building that is currently being restored.
From 1-24 December, edinburghschristmas.com
Brush up your skills at a photography workshop
The Hepworth Wakefield
Banish blurry snaps of candlelit parties, learn what long exposure really means and capture the sparkle of Christmas with this night shoot. Professional photographer Tom Arber is running the workshop, which starts after dark, at The Hepworth Wakefield. Snappers go on a photography trail around the area, honing their low-light skills, before heading back to the gallery for a hot drink and a look at everyone’s pictures.
1 December, hepworthwakefield.org
Visit a theatrical Christmas market
Sutton House, London
Visit Sutton House to experience a Christmas market and a pantomime in one. The 16th-century house, now a National Trust property, survives in one of London’s most creative areas, so expect a market packed with artists, designers and artisans. Each room of the Tudor manor will have a different pantomime theme, including Puss in Boots and Cinderella, complete with actors. Dressing up is encouraged.
From 26 November-18 December, nationaltrust.org.uk
