This is a sponsored article on behalf of the Barbican.
It's the most wonderful time of the year at the Barbican! London's Brutalist icon has been bedecked with yuletide cheer — we're talking festive food and drink, 70s party vibes, and a bumper events programme to inject some extra joy into your December.
Let's unwrap it, shall we?
1. Festive family fun
Looking to treat the younger members of your brood this month? You're in luck — the Barbican has something to offer kids of all ages. Even your littlest ones are invited to enter a world of artfully controlled chaos in the form of Get Happy — a quirky, Chaplin-esque variety performance by inclusive theatre company Told By An Idiot.
Other live shows the whole family will love include the dazzling RSC stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli's My Neighbour Totoro, and a terrific tale of Christmas, told by the Horrible Histories team. Meanwhile, over in the Barbican cinema, you'll find The Nutcracker LIVE from the Royal Opera House, and a screening of the National Theatre's adaptation of His Dark Materials prequel, The Book of Dust.
2. The sound of Christmas
Craving some traditional seasonal fare? The Barbican's Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival 2023 will sort you out! This year's programme includes candlelit carols, festive favourites performed by King's College Choir, and a selection of music from your favourite Christmas films, courtesy of London Concert Orchestra.
There's also a screening of Love Actually with a live orchestra, as well as a brand new concert blending festive pop bangers with more traditional Christmas music.
3. Alternative winter entertainment
Even if you'd prefer to swerve the ultra-Christmassy stuff, you're still spoilt for choice at the Barbican. There's a wealth of spirit-warming concerts to choose from, including Beethoven's Ninth, the music of John Williams, a forties-flavoured knees-up courtesy of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and the New Year's Day Proms, featuring the music of Mendelssohn, Elgar and Grieg.
4. Festive food and drink
Thanks to its generous selection of cafes, bars and restaurants, you can really make a day of it at the Barbican. Right now, they're serving up some winter specials to sprinkle some extra festive magic onto your visit.
Go all out with a traditional Christmas dinner at Barbican Brasserie, or refuel on brie and fig chutney sandwiches at the Benugo Café, washed down with a mulled wine. Speaking of drinks, the Martini Bar has introduced a cracking winter cocktail menu...
5. The grooviest of gifts
Good luck leaving without a shopping bag in hand! The Barbican shop has transformed into a flamboyant 'Boogie Wonderland' brimming with bold, seventies-inspired homeware, accessories and Christmas decorations. On top of that, there's a fantastic collection of Japanese art and accessories to tie in with My Neighbour Totoro, and eco-friendly treasures inspired by the ongoing exhibition RE/SISTERS: A Lens on Gender and Ecology. Who needs Santa, eh?
See the Barbican's full festive programme and plan your visit..
