Weather forecast
Exceptionally mild for the time of year, although there will be heavy rain in the north and north-west, turning persistent. The south will remain mostly dry although it will be breezy and there may be showers.
1. Feel the Force
We couldn’t start this with anything else, could we? Star Wars fans – and partners, siblings, friends dragged along for company – have been waiting for the release of Episode VII: The Force Awakens for aeons, and this is the first weekend it has been on general release in cinemas. In his five-star review, Telegraph film critic Robbie Collin described the new heroes as “an endless pleasure to spend time with”, while the storytelling is “addictively bold and wildly exciting.” You may find yourself a Star Wars fan yet.
2. Enter the space age
Inspired by Tim Peake’s journey to the International Space Station? Those without astronaut training – ie most of us – will never make it beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, but we can visit exhibits that explain how man makes it into space. The Science Museum’s Cosmonauts exhibition displays the most significant collection of Russian spacecraft and artefacts ever shown in the UK – even a shower and toilet fit for space travel.
Those outside London may prefer the National Space Centre near Leicester, which has the UK’s largest planetarium and interactive displays ideal for distracting overexcited children pre-Christmas.
3. Start planning Christmas lunch
Any time from now on is not too early. Follow Mary Berry’s step-by-step guide with timings for Christmas day and everything you will need to buy in advance.
4. Make last-minute presents
Times past there was something a bit primary-school about home-made presents. No longer. The array of attractive packaging and bottling options mean food and craft gifts are often better, not to mention cheaper, when not shop-bought. Why not flavour your own gin for that special somone in your life with sophisticated tastes: try our 10 best gin infusion recipes – satsuma, ginger and cranberry all work well and will fill the house with suitably festive aromas.
We have a guide to this year's best mulled wine too.
5. Tick off some festive chores
If home-made gifts aren't for you, you'll need to get shopping. To help you decide what to buy, The Telegraph has produced heaps of gift guides, including the best for girls, boys, teens, travellers, skiers, and more.
6. Seek out African cuisine
December 18 marks the 30th anniversary of the release of Out of Africa, the film version of the love story between Karen Blixen and Denys Finch Hatton that plays out in Kenya. Our world food trail of London will lead you to restaurants serving food from the African continent, such as Lalibela in Tufnell Park for Ethiopian dishes and Bbar for South African cuisine.
The countdown begins, less than two weeks left until #BurningtheClocks2015. Get involved via https://t.co/HWV35PdhFX http://pic.twitter.com/VOGAQ5FLVC
— Burning the Clocks (@Burningtheclock) 9 Décembre 2015
7. Burn the clocks in Brighton
One to save for Monday evening, for those already starting their Christmas break. Brighton’s annual “burning the clocks” parade on the shortest day of the year is an alternative to commercialised celebrations, and sees families from Brighton and Hove gather to make paper and willow lanterns to carry through their city and burn on the beach to mark the year’s end. There will also be live music, a “fire sculpture”, and fireworks. Monday, December 21, 6.30pm, free,
8. Get your skates on
Outdoor ice rinks are now open everywhere, including Somerset House, Canary Wharf, the Eden Project, Brighton, Winchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bath, Newcastle, Bristol, Manchester, Cardiff and Nottingham. For full details of each, see our complete guide.
9. Admire equestrian pursuits
Fans of equestrianism have a rare opportunity to indulge their passion in central London this week, with the return of the London International Horse Show at Olympia. Fiercely-contested competitions, finely-tuned displays and dressage performances all show steeds at the peak of their ability, but for something a bit different the programme also includes the dog agility stakes and a Shetland pony grand national – they’re possibly not what you might expect from this upmarket occasion but think of them as fun fringe events. Until Monday, December 21, The Grand Hall, Olympia Way, W14 8UX, tickets from £15
10. Celebrate like the Romans
Butser Ancient farms in the South Downs National Park is allowing visitors to experience Saturlinia, the Roman Christmas, this weekend, honouring the deity Saturn. There will be a meditation session in the great roundhouse, plus refreshments and warm fires. Saturday December 19, 2-4pm, £18
Groombridge Place looking amazing tonight -the gardens have been lit for the Christmas Spectacular until 31 December http://pic.twitter.com/Sle3ZhFYps
— Groombridge Place (@EnchantedForest) 6 Décembre 2015
11. Explore an enchanted garden
Groombridge Place and Gardens near Tunbridge Wells, with a history that is said to have inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, is hosting its Spectacular Christmas event from this weekend until Christmas Eve. The grounds will be attractively lit, and housed within them a Christmas market, an “enchanted forest”, street theatre performers, costumed actors, live musicians, dancers, acrobats, magicians and carol singers.
12. Mark the season in the countryside
The National Trust Clumber Park is hosting celebrations ideal for entertaining young ones in the run up to the 25th. The Nottinghamshire property will offer traditional brass bands, Christmas crafts and Father Christmas encounters. Mrs Christmas will also be on-hand for story time. There are also... wait for it... reindeer.
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