What's On 22 Dec

Ellie Smith
December 22, 2024

Dear Reader,

Don't panic. Don't panic. There are still three sleeps to go – which means whatever shopping, cooking, cleaning, prepping, packing, wrapping etc you need to still do, there is time, I promise. Or you could be like me. Apart from for the children, our family's gone bah humbug on gifts this year – not because we're stingy Scrooges, but because we all have too much already. And while there is an art to – and a deep pleasure in – the right sort of gifting, one that is researched, or beautifully curated, or that you have created yourself, the tick list of just gifting, for gifting's sake becomes a burden of rash spending on stuff that no one really needs or likes. So we've released ourselves from the present tyranny this year. I'll just pack extra chocolate and champagne – perennials that will never ever get wasted.

Have a great week.

The C&TH Christmas Guide

The Perfect Roast

In charge of cooking this year’s Christmas lunch? Get inspired with these expert tips from a handful of chefs – and if you’re still deciding on the menu, consider these turkey alternatives or even a veggie centrepiece. Plus, don’t miss these ideas for Boxing Day leftovers recipes.

Bonhams The Classics x Maison Margaux

Festive Decor

If you haven’t yet given your home a sparkly makeover, there’s still time. Dot some accessories on your mantelpiece, utilise these lighting tricks to make the house look bigger and impress your guests with an interior designer-approved tablescape.

What To Watch

Christmas is the perfect time to cosy up and rewatch your festive favourites. But if you’re looking for newness, there are a whole host of specials to tune into this year. From the hotly anticipated Gavin & Stacey finale to a festive Bake Off special, these are the 2024 Christmas TV highlights.

FIVE THINGS NOT TO MISS

Getty Images

See London in all its glowing glory at one of the city’s Christmas light displays, from Chelsea to Oxford Street and Covent Garden.

Today is the shortest day of the year, also known as the winter solstice. Here are some ideas for how to mark the day, including walks, yoga and goal setting.

Don’t fancy cooking this year? Book a last minute lunch at one of the many restaurants open on Christmas day.

Use the Twixmas period to catch up on some of the biggest film releases of 2024, from Wicked to Gladiator II.

Catch a last-minute carol concert at the Royal Albert Hall. This year, you can expect 15-sing along performances, presented by Jess Gillam and Greg Beardsell. 11am, 3pm and 7pm until 24 December 2024

Join today and enjoy digital editions of all our publications (worth £39), exclusive discounts and offers from our advertising partners, plus...

Automatic entry into all of our competitions for an entire year.

£2.50 per month (billed annually)

WHAT'S TRENDING ON C&TH

Aesthetics trends for 2025

This facial is the perfect party season treatment

The White Lotus season 3 trailer is here

Why do we get hangxiety?

Win A Stay At Hart Shoreditch

Fancy a staycation? We’ve teamed up with Hart Shoreditch to offer you the chance to win a one-night stay including a delicious dinner at UBA and breakfast the next morning.