Have a merry Christmas with our guide to the best Christmas events in Cambridge:
Written by Tracey Dean
Cambridge Bid – Christmas lights in Cambridge.
Ice Skating at the North Pole Cambridge: 17 November 2017 – 8 January 2018
North Pole Cambridge, Parker’s Piece, Parkside, Cambridge, CB2 1AA
Glide around Parkers Piece this festive season on an enchanting open air ice rink! There’s also a fairground, delicious food stalls and an undercover alpine bar – the perfect place to get cosy with a hot chocolate or a seasonal glass of mulled wine. For tickets: www.thenorthpolecambridge.co.uk
Cambridge Storytellers; Tales of ‘Jack O’ London’, 18 November, 8pm
Unitarian Church CB1 1JW
If it takes a thief to catch a thief, what’s to be done about murder? As characters from Victorian London’s myth and fable encounter historical folk on the capital’s streets, Jack, watching from the rooftops, finds himself literally above the law as he seeks truth and retribution. Storyteller Cath Edwards tells the stories, asks the riddles and sings the songs that make up this intriguing show. Tickets £8-£10. cambridgestorytellers.com
The Big Switch on event in Cambridge city centre.
Attend the Christmas Light Switch on: 19 November
Grand Arcade St Andrew’s St, Cambridge CB2 3BJ
Join the excitement at the Grand Arcade for the city’s annual Christmas Light Switch-On event. The shopping centre will shine and sparkle with its brand new decorations with a host of choirs singing your favorite Christmas carols. The event begins at noon with a swing set from from Cambridge University’s 20-piece student big band, Fitz Swing ahead of their appearance at the upcoming Cambridge Jazz Festival.
The day sees plenty of festive entertainment including choirs and Cambridge’s best loved busker, Tom Korni – aka ‘The One-Boy Band’. After the Big Switch-On at 5.15pm, Souls Café Gospel Choir will be rounding off the evening nicely with their uplifting send-off. The Grand Arcade, Lion Yard and The Grafton will additionally be hosting individual activities. www.cambridgebid.co.uk
Visit Father Christmas at Scotsdale Garden Centre – From mid-November 2017
Scotsdale Garden Centre, 120 Cambridge Road, Cambridge, CB22 5JT
Step into a snowy winter wonderland for a magical experience meeting Father Christmas and his elves. It’s also the ideal location to purchase your Christmas tree and this year their Christmas department has its biggest and best selection of Christmas decorations to date! For tickets: www.scotsdalegardencentre.digitickets.co.uk/tickets
The Big Switch on event in Cambridge city centre.
Watch Jack and the Beanstalk: 30 November 2017 – 5 January 2018
Cambridge Arts Theatre, 6 St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PJ
Starring singer Tony Christie and actor Stephen Beckett (Coronation Street and The Bill) this traditional Jack and the Beanstalk family pantomime sees Jack tricked into selling the family cow in exchange for a handful of magical beans which soon turn into a giant beanstalk! For tickets: www.cambridgeartstheatre.com/whats-on/jack-and-the-beanstalk
Make a Christmas Wreath: Friday 1 December 2017
Cambridge Botanic Gardens, 1 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE
Craft lovers will love creating a traditional Christmas wreath at this workshop taught by an award-winning florist. Get creative with a range of foliage, fresh fruit and sparkle to dress your door for the Christmas season. For tickets: https://www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk/tickets/events/christmas-wreath-making-workshop
Go to a Brass Band Concert: Sunday 10 December 2017
West Road Concert Hall, 11 West Rd, Cambridge CB3 9DP
This festive family concert stars Prime Brass, a Cambridge based brass ensemble alongside Junior Prime Brass and three children’s choirs. Enjoy toe tapping songs from rock to jazz and plenty of traditional Christmas carols! For tickets: https://adcticketing.com/christmascracker
