Burning the Clocks, Brighton
Beautiful lanterns made from paper and willow are produced by Brighton and Hove folk in preparation for the annual “burning of the clocks” celebration on 21 December, the shortest day of the year. A lantern procession through the city leads to Brighton beach, where the lamps are burnt along with a massive sculptural light, and fireworks are let off to live music. The event is run by community charity Same Sky and is intended as a festive celebration that transcends religion and tradition.
• Parade starts 6.30pm, samesky.co.uk
The Snowman, east Midlands and north-west
Can you imagine a Christmas when no one watches The Snowman? No, nor can we. And this year there’s a new way to watch the classic 1982 film – accompanied by a live 25-piece orchestra playing the original score.
• From 7-18 Dec it tours New Mills, Chesterfield, Buxton, Kirk Hallam, Sheffield, Derby, Chester, Stoke, Warrington and Kendal. Adults £13-17, kids £8-£10,carrotproductions.com
Living advent calendar, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Live Christmas countdowns are popular in Sweden, but so far this brilliant idea has only been adopted by one town in the UK: Henley-on-Thames. Throughout advent, a different town building will open a door or window each evening to reveal a 30-minute performance. You could see a full choir, a rock band, a poetry reading, a comedy sketch, dance … each with a festive theme.
• Every day at 6.15pm until 24 Dec, livingadventcalendar.co.uk.
Underground grotto, Wales and Gloucestershire
The amazing Bounce Below, the world’s biggest underground trampoline, at Llechwedd Slate Caverns, gets all seasonal for three December weekends, with a light display and santa’s grotto. Kids can bounce like maniacs for 15 minutes (save the mince pies for afterwards) then meet the bearded one and receive a gift. There’s also underground magic at Clearwell Caves, near the Forest of Dean, where festive play takes place in the ancient iron mines. Families walk from cave to cave following the story, and there’s a Christmas market and cafe.
• Wales: 6-7, 13-14, and 20-24 Dec, kids £15, adults £5, book ahead,bouncebelow.net. Gloucestershire: 29 Nov-23 Dec, £9, clearwellcaves.com, 10am-5pm, later on Fri
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