Who. What. Where? No. 94 — Christmas edition
Stick with me here, but first off it’s over to LaplandUK. I was under the impression that you had to fly all the way to Finland to experience all the magic of Father Christmas’ homeland, but no. LaplandUK, as you might have guessed, is bringing all of that to Swinley Forest, which is just a stones throw from Ascot. As you also might have guessed, LaplandUK is technically for children, but it’s done at such a high standard (we’re talking the scale and detail of film production) that everyone can have a jolly ol’ time. None of those Glasgow Wonka experience vibes over here — if you know, you know. LaplandUK is fully immersive, with a crew of elves guiding you through Father Christmas’ toy factory, the Elven Village and Mother Christmas’ Kitchen, to name just a few. At the end, you’ll meet the man himself, who is, of course, the real thing (wink-wink). Really, though, this ain’t no shopping centre fare — he’s scarily accurate. Unfortunately, 2024 at LaplandUK has already been and gone, but it’s well worth signing up to be notified of 2025 tickets here.
While it’s easy to get bogged down with all the not-so-important stuff, we’ve got to remember that Christmas is all about giving. More than that, it’s all about giving back in whatever way you can. That’s why second on our list is BeauBeaus, which is, of course, helmed by our cover star Olaolu Slawn. This Saturday, it’s time for the east London cafe-stroke-creative-hangout’s annual donation station. Linking up, yet again, with Sondr (another one to put on your radar), they’re asking everyone to pop down and donate food, toiletries, clothing, toys and books. There’ll be a whole load of Christmassy festivities, too. More information here.
This is another “trust me” one. On the Friday the 20th of December (just before it all gets started) The Elderfield will be hosting a carol service. Why’s this the one to choose? Thanks to the addition of beer. No, but seriously — with pubs like The Devonshire and The Blue Posts knocking about, something like The Elderfield is a welcome change. It’s unassuming, unpretentious and filled with just the right mix of nouveau east London twattery and actual east Londoners. I’m in the former, despite how much I’d like to be in the latter. Anyway, carols are lovely, and you should do them at this brilliant boozer. More information here and ding-dong merrily on high.
Christmas films shouldn’t just be relegated to hungover Sundays and if you’re currently a wee bit lacking in festive cheer, I reckon you should pop out to a good cinema and watch the classics in the flesh. This Saturday, the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square is hosting something of an omnibus of Crimbo films — there’s a showing of Elf, three different showings of Home Alone, and three of It’s a Wonderful Life. And no, one of those screenings where you eat food from the film while watching wouldn’t be a superior option — just shut up and watch the film like the grown-up adult you are. Tickets here.
Personally, I’m of the opinion that ice skating is a redundant activity. You wouldn’t catch me walking around a park in circles (unless I’ve really lost it), so it doesn’t make much more sense for me to do the same on a bit of solidified water. Still, you’re probably going to get asked to do the festive activity with a friend or beau, and if you do, it should be Ally Pally’s ice rink that you choose. Unlike the one at Somerset House, it is inside, but that’s down to the fact that the interiors of the famous north London landmark are bloody beautiful. Post-skating, you can also amble on down to Crouch End and get a tasty little (festive) bake from Sourdough Sophia. Thank us later — book here.
As you can tell, I’ve really Christmas-ified this week’s edition of Who. What. Where? Unfortunately, that’s probably left a fair few of you party-heads gagging for something a little less festive. I mean, it only feels right that you proper cane it one more time before heading home to voluntarily spend hours on end with your hard-of-hearing grandparents. The answer to your woes? Genesys, which I’m going to position as your last rave before the big day. Happening this Saturday from 10pm ‘til 5am, the likes of Danny L. Harle, Malibu and OliXL will be taking to the stage — it’s the kind of roster that solidifies why the underground creative collective has made a name for itself so quickly. Grab a ticket here.
