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Things to do in Southampton and London?

Fun things to do in London in December in 2012?

  • Tell someone who's pretty familiar with London what there is to do between December 20 and the first week of January. I'm looking for fun and interesting cultural things to do in London during the holidays. Impossible, right? That's why I'm here. I'm a pretty old London hand (got family there, have probably spent 3-4 of my 25 years on this earth there). I only say this because I don't need the "essential things to see in London when you visit," since I've probably already seen it or decided it wasn't worth the time or cash. I don't go to London so often anymore so when I do get a chance to go I want to make the most of my time. In order to make this question productive, here's a list of the things I'm already planning on seeing, so if anyone can think of anything similar or something that someone who would go to these things would also enjoy going to, please drop a comment and help me enjoy my time in London! Thanks in advance. -[play] The Dark Earth and the Light Sky @ Almeida -[film] My Learned Friend @ BFI -[film] Chasing Ice @ ICA -[exhibition] Cartier-Bresson @ Somerset House

  • Answer:

    Does the first week extend to the 6th, and are you okay with hey-nonny-nonnery? If so, try the http://www.thelionspart.co.uk/twelfthnight/ celebrations on Bankside. Otherwise, as you're up for Cartier-Bresson, maybe a completely different type of photography over in Greenwich? The http://www.rmg.co.uk/visit/events/ansel-adams at the Maritime Museum is getting pretty good reviews. While we're talking about photography, I loved loved loved http://www.barbican.org.uk/artgallery/event-detail.asp?ID=13613 at the Barbican, and while we're talking about the Barbican perhaps you'll be the one person who finds the right time to go when you don't have to queue for the http://www.barbican.org.uk/artgallery/event-detail.asp?ID=13613. If you do happen to find yourself there on a Sunday, have a look at the conservatory. And if you are there on a Sunday, you'll also be near to http://www.barbican.org.uk/artgallery/event-detail.asp?ID=13613 (no idea how touristy this is considered these days but I still love it), the http://www.barbican.org.uk/artgallery/event-detail.asp?ID=13613 (who as you can see have their own Christmas gubbins on) and Kingsland Road's glut of Vietnamese restaurants if you happen to like Vietnamese food.

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The Shunt theatre events are usually good, creepy fun with intriguing uses of found spaces. Booking for the current one is http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/the-architects-shunt-at-the-biscuit-factory.

howfar

I would not recommend attempting day trips out of the city at that time of year, particularly with the planned rail strike affecting the routes North. (Also, for people in the UK, London-Liverpool isn't seen as a daytrip - I'm impressed you managed it, especially given our crappy rail network...) London is nice between Christmas and New Year - it gets quiet if you avoid the shopping areas, and I like leaving work early just as the light turns blue-grey. Kew Gardens would be lovely at this time of year, I'd be tempted if I had a day off. The queues at MEATliquor should be quiet at this time of year. I'd recommend going just for the pickle fries and a Dead Hippie, and if you don't like it, at least you can complain about the hype with impunity. You might know about this, but the Taylor-Wessing portrait exhibition is on at the National Portrait Gallery, and I always really enjoy it.

mippy

I don't know if there are still tickets available, but the Hollywood Costume exhibition at the V&A is well worth a look. You should also check out the lineup at the http://www.princecharlescinema.com/ (Indiana Jones marathon on the 27th, awww yis).

fight or flight

Time out London have a good http://www.timeout.com/london/feature/2882/london-events-in-december I'm sure there will be things which interest you here.

Laura_J

I always pop in to the British Museum and the Wellcome Gallery to see what they've got on. In particular, I am kicking myself that I haven't arranged to go and see the British Museum exhibition on the significance of drinking in asian cultures.

kadia_a

Laura_J: I should have added that I spent a good amount of time browsing TimeOut before posting this question as part of necessary due diligence. Thanks for the answers so far, y'all.

anewnadir

Plan a visit to the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Severs'_House#External_links in Spitalfields. Unfortunately I found out about during my last visit to London and due to limited hours couldn't visit, so I can't speak from personal experience, but it sounds like a truly unique and fascinating experience, part historical home, part art installation. I think that they have special events during the holiday season.

kaybdc

calico

(Still getting used to the edit window and my own capacity for stupid copy-paste mistakes...) http://www.columbiaroad.info/flowermarket.html http://www.geffrye-museum.org.uk/whatson/christmas-past-2012/

calico

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