The Big Christmas Diary!

Unbottle the champers, prepare the puddings, Christmas is on it’s way and there’s plenty happening to get you in the festive spirit in London. Whether it’s carol singing by candlelight, ice skating in a winter wonderland or watching celebrities flick the big switch to light up London with Christmas lights, we’ve got it all here!

Tuesday December 2

Christmas in Popworld

Westlife, Busted, Gareth Gates, Girls Aloud, Liberty X and Blazin' Squad sing their hearts out at an event organised by Popworld. Expect the usual hits and the odd carol too!

Tickets: Visit http://www.popworld.com/christmas/ or call 08701 909 098

Wednesdsay December 3

Great Ormond Street Christmas Carols

An evening of Christmas carols and celebrity readings hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald. This traditional celebration takes place at St Paul's Church, Knightsbridge, followed by a champagne and canapé reception at The Berkley Hotel.

Tickets: Service only £30, Service and Champagne Reception £75 - contact Kate Goldman 020 7916 5678

Thursday December 4

Christmas in Trafalgar Square

Between 4 December and 6 January, the traditional Christmas tree will stand in Trafalgar Square, donated by the City of Oslo to give thanks for British help and friendship during World War II. The will be the focus of carol singing by various groups in aid of charity between 1700 and 2100 on most evenings until 24 December. The lights will be switched on at approximately 1830 on 4 December. Visit www.london.gov.uk for further updates.

Candlelit Carols

At St Bride’s in Fleet Street, different celebrities from radio and tv will gather by candlelight to create a festive celebration mixing carol singing, readings and winning stories.
Time: 18:45 (doors open 18:15) Tickets: £15 and £25 available from Adfam on 020 7928 8898

Saturday, December 6

It's a Scandinavian Christmas Party at the Gardening Club! DJs Kharrington, Blondie and Nick will be spinning Soul, Funk, Disco and commercial R&B classics all night.
Entrance Fees: 6pm - 8pm £5, 8pm - 10pm £8, 10pm - 3.30AM £15 (£10 if on Scandinavian Guest list) For more information www.scandinavianparty.com

Christmas at London Zoo

Visit Santa, enjoy a mince pie, mulled wine and of course, get to see all the animals including the reindeer!

Entrance Fees and tickets: Adults and children £16.00, Children under 3 £7.00, event dates December 6-7, 13-14, 20-24 call 020 7586 7983 or visit www.londonzoo.co.uk/christmas

Great Christmas Pudding Race

150 competitors negotiate an assualt course while balancing Christmas puddings on their heads. Monies raised go towards Cancer Research. Celebrities are expected to attend.

Where: West Piazza, Covent Garden, 11am-1pm

Friday December 10

The Royal Ballet performs a ten-day run of the classic Children’s Fairy Tail Cinderella. The performance runs for approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre.
Call 020 7863 8000 to book tickets.

Wednesday December 24

The Royal Ballet performs The Nutcracker at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre until January 11, 2004. Call 020 7863 8000 to book tickets.