DECEMBER

21 English Renaissance Christmas, Haddon Hall, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1LA. Haddon Hall celebrates its close and intriguing links with William Shakespeare with lectures, music and readings from his work. Visitors will experience a Christmastide of 500 years ago — an era when the house and estate were thriving. Floral decorations echoing the sumptuous tapestries and paintings, roaring fires as well bountiful food and drink will evoke past glories of the later medieval period. To 18th December. Tel: 01629 812855 www.info@haddonhall.co.uk

2 Christmas Tree Festival, Shillington Congregational Church, Shillington, Hertfordshire SG5 3LJ. Charity event where visitors can admire a large number of interesting and inspiring decorated trees. Open 3.30pm–5.30pm (Friday); 12.30pm–6pm (Saturday); 12–5pm (Sunday with a carol service at 5pm). To 4th. Tel: 01462 712096.

23

Great Christmas Pudding

Race, The Apple Market, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RF. The 36th running of this popular charity event where festively and eccentrically dressed teams race round an obstacle course holding tight to their Christmas puddings. First race at 12.10pm. Tel: 020 7240 5781.

10 Victorian Christmas Kitchen, Belsay Hall, Belsay, near Morpeth, Northumberland NE20 0DX. See how the Victorians created elaborate festive feasts, pick up tips and recipes and bring your culinary questions for the Victorian cook to answer. To 11th. Tel: 020 7973 3390.

13

London International Horse Show, Olympia, Hammersmith, London W14 8UX. Top-class sporting action and outstanding equestrian displays. The highlights this year include the world-renowned Spanish horseman Santi Serra, the elegant Portuguese Lusitanos, the Kennel Club Dog Agility Stakes, the Shetland Grand National and the famous Olympia Finale. To 19th. Tel: 0871 230 5580.

24 Christmas Eve Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, King’s College Chapel, King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST. First broadcast in 1928, the service is now heard by millions around the world. The opening carol is always “Once in Royal David’s City” and the service always includes a new, specially commissioned carol. There are limited seats so hours of queuing will be necessary. Starts 3pm. Tel: 01223 331100.

25 Christmas Day

Peter Pan Cup Race, Hyde Park, London W2 2UH. Members of the Serpentine Swimming Club swim their traditional 100yd Christmas Day race. The competition has been held since 1864 and the swimmers compete for a cup that was donated by J.M. Barrie in 1904. The race takes place from the south bank of the lake and starts at 9am.

26 Boxing Day

Pagham Pram Race, Pagham Road to the Lamb car park, Pagham, West Sussex. The oldest pram race in the world takes place at 11am whatever the weather. A host of fantastically designed prams are raced around the 3-mile course to raise money for charity. www.info@ paghampramrace.com

31 New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular, River Thames, London. The London Eye and the riverbanks are transformed at the stroke of midnight by a dazzling display. Please note: This popular event is ticketed, available from www.london. gov.uk/nye