Winter in the city: the ultimate guide to the season

STANIC Ice slides, light shows and the best nights out - here's what to see and where to go this December

- David Ellis

AND just like that, the troublesome 2022 begins to draw to a close.  Bar any last-minute disasters, this year happily sees Christmas back to something like full health across town: the concert halls are packing with orchestras, the theatres are welcoming the crowds. From naughty but nice fun for adults to the best family fun — plus a few suggestions for the Grinches out there — here’s what to get up to across town this December.

Some naughty, some nice The Royal Albert Hall (SW7, royalalberthall.com) is the North star of Christmas celebrations. Highlights this year include a Christmas Gaiety on December 3 — which sees drag star Peaches Christ lead the likes of RuPaul favourites Cheddar Gorgeous and Pixie Polite in a singalong backed by the BBC Concert Orchestra — while Guy Barker’s Big Band Christmas on December 9 is a feel-good hit of an evening. Look out for carols and film screenings too, including Home Alone. Rick Astley is back as well, which makes sense — they were never going to give him up.

Elsewhere, the Curling Club (SE1 and TW9, thecurlingclub.com) is one for après-ski vibes: there is, of course, curling — surprisingly tricky — but expect plenty of food and drink, and a roster of live bands and DJs alongside. Plenty of partying is on the cards. The Bankside Frost Fair (SE1, banksidelondon.co.uk) calls back to a curious run between 1605 to 1814, when the Thames froze over some 24 times; with river trade stilled, locals held “frost fairs”. The 2022 version features dozens of arts and crafts stalls — think gifts galore — and plenty of popups with mulled wine, beer and festive bites. Seasonal sreet art, cinematic screenings and augmented reality installations complete the celebrations.