Winter Festival at South Bank Centre

The South Bank is fairy-lit and lovely all year round, but it’s a particularly good spot if you want to avoid the hectic hordes of central London high street shopping for something with a lot more charm. Peruse stalls at the riverside Christmas market, with the scent of mulled wine filling the air.

It’s not all about festive shopping though, a big theme of this year’s event is giving and sharing. The Winter Festival lasts well into January with plenty of free events to keep you entertained, and ward off the cold.  The NoFit State circus troupe will be leading a weekend of circus workshops suitable for all skill levels and ages from 5 upwards. If you’re in the mood for a singalong, you can join The Choir wth No Name, or polish up your craft skills by making scarves for the homeless at Get Your Knit On.

(Becky Matthews)