Five things not to miss in London this week

 With thanks to Country and Townhouse:

Dear, A big, fat, huge Merry Christmas to you all. I hope you survive, nay thrive throughout the season of family tensions, awkward travel scenarios, over-eating, unwanted gifts, turkey sandwiches – and all those other Christmas clichés we love to moan about. I wonder how much of these are really the reality of our households around the land today. My advice is to crack on with the winter cocktails. It will make the day pass in a soft haze of benign drunkenness. It could be just the ticket (if you’re not cooking). Have a wonderful Christmas. Photo: 'Grandiflora Rose' wallpaper design by Designers Guild             WHAT’S EXCITING ME THIS WEEK       MICHEL ROUX'S COOKING TIPS It might be too late of course, but if you’re looking for some serious French dash in the Christmas kitchen, Michel Roux is your man.         FESTIVE TV My mum highlights every show she’s going to watch and record in the Radio Times with a yellow marker. Me? I rely on the fab C&TH team to tell me what to watch.         ESCAPE IT ALL If it all gets too much, get the hell out of the kitchen and into one of London’s most fabulous hotels for a microbreak. Go on, you deserve it…          FIVE THINGS NOT TO MISS       For a fun twist on ice-skating, head to one of Somerset House’s Skate Late sessions, where you can enjoy late-night DJ takeovers as you glide around the rink.               For an NYE party that won’t break the bank: The Little Scarlet Door in Soho is throwing a Studio 54-style shindig, with tickets from £30. After a break from the festivities? Get stuck into ITV’s juicy new drama Riches, starring Deborah Ayorinde, Hugh Quarshie and Jourdan Dunn.         If you’re heading to Bicester Village this Twixmas, pop into the new branch of Cecconi’s for some artisanal pizza and festive cocktails.       There are still a few days to check out Glow Wild at RBG Kew, a light show exploring the role colour plays in our lives.         WHAT'S TRENDING ON C&TH       The trailer for Greta Gerwig’s Barbie film has dropped (Image: Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures)     These fitness trends will dominate the health space in 2023           6 pubs in the Cotswolds serving a top-notch roast     London’s prettiest parks for a wintery walk                       Win an Italian Escape with Renaissance Tuscany II Ciocco & Grand Universe Lucca Eager to soak up the spectacular views across the Italian countryside? This month Country & Town House is giving readers the opportunity to win a two-night stay in two luxury Italian hotels courtesy of Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa and Grand Universe Lucca.                       Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £19               Copyright © 2021 Country & Town House   Our mailing address is:​ Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios, London, SW6 4QL, United Kingdom