Ice skating, darts, comedy, theatre and a Santa’s Grotto are all planned at Ally Pally this year, writes Taro Kaneko

Alexandra Palace is kicking off its festive season with a series of events beginning later this month.

Ally Pally will host ice skating, theatre, world famous darts and other activities from 27th November until 5th January.

In the Victorian Theatre, the award-winning TV show Horrible Histories will present Horrible Christmas live in stage, a story about a young boy who must save Christmas day from a jolly man dressed in red.

The theatre will also see actors and comedians Romesh Ranganathan and Tom Davis hosting their Wolf and Owl live show, and the world-class symphony orchestra Philharmonic Orchestra for those looking to hear some festive favourites and carols.

From the North Pole to North London, children can meet Santa at his grotto to receive a gift and have their photo taken at the East Court.

For those excited to ice skate – or slip – on the ice rink, they will be enchanted by the huge Christmas tree, yuletide music and falling snow.

Attendees can book a festive skate session or Christmas ice disco before heading to the East Court Café for mince pie and Baileys hot chocolate.

The ice rink will also host a pantomime on ice, a performance by home-grown talents and skating professionals who will take you on a magical journey down the yellow brick road to The Wizard of Oz.

From former junior doctor to BAFTA-winning author, Adam Kay will bring his festive diary entries alongside brand-new-stand-up and Christmas songs. It has been described by The Daily Express as “a sleigh-load of ho-ho-horror stories for long- suffering NHS staff”.

And if your perfect Christmas needs a pint and darts, expect the Paddy Power World Darts championships at the west side of the Palace to entertain your season. This prestigious event will see the world’s best darts players descend upon thousands of fans to win the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m.

For more information and tickets:
Visit alexandrapalace.com/christmas

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, or one-off donation.