newsflash CULTURAL
EXPERIENCES
FOR THE COMING MONTHS
SOMER SET H OUSE SK ATIN G CELEBRATING TWO DECADES of stylish skating at Somerset House this year, don your finest winter togs to trip the ice fantastic at Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, which must surely be one of Europe’s most stunning locations to skate. No matter how advanced or amateur your skills, a visit to this 900-metre square outdoor rink will look the very picture of glamour in your Instagram posts! Skating by day is a veritable family affair with kids and parents of all ages on the ice. After sunset, “Skate Lates” feature a specially curated programme of music throughout the festive season, including takeovers by the likes of Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard, hip hop turntablist DJ Yodaand and London collective Krankbrother. Après skate, recharge at Fortnum & Mason’s Lodge, in the west wing of Somerset House, where you can munch on British classics like Welsh Rarebit and mince pies with clotted cream. Until 12 January 2020 ➤ www.somerset.org.uk
V I ENN A C H R I S T M A S MAR K ETS AUSTRIA’S MAJESTIC, REFINED and beautiful capital is a city of grand palaces, world-class art museums and elegant coffee houses. Formerly the epicentre of the AustroHungarian empire, the Austrian capital exudes stateliness, importance and respectability, yet, from mid-November onwards, Vienna’s prettiest squares are transformed into magical Christmas markets and an aroma of bakery items and hot punch creates a festive atmosphere throughout the city. There are truly few
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places in Europe where the essence of the festive season is more alive than here. For Vienna Christmas World, the Rathausplatz becomes a twinkling fairytale land with a 150+ booths selling Christmas gifts, tree decorations, sweets and warm drinks. Visitors can also skate a 3,000m² ice rink and numerous paths through the park. Close by at the Christmas Village on MariaTheresien-Platz, visitors can buy traditional handicrafts and cutesy gifts. The Old Viennese Christmas Market on Freyung, in the heart of the city, dates back to 1772. Until 26 December 2019 ➤ www.wien.info
ISSUE 28 ➤ DECEMBER 2019 – FEBRUARY 2020
