South Bank at Christmas

This winter the EDF Energy London Eye is bringing back Eyeskate, and it promises to be bigger and better than last year! Guests are invited to glide across the ice under the silhouette of London's most iconic landmark, where they can also opt to experience the London Eye or the London Eye River Cruise to enjoy the best of London's Christmas offerings.

Please don't think that the London Eye is only a summer attraction. I love taking a flight in the winter as London is lit up and the view is so different from a summer's day. I've always enjoyed the evening flights for that reason. The London Eye opens daily except on Christmas Day (25 December) and during its annual maintenance period from 8 to 20 January 2012. Find out more: www.londoneye.com.

I've been lucky enough to see this and I have to say it is magical. Staged in the former Eurostar Terminal, a 1,000 seat venue has been built around the railway tracks with the audience seated either side. It's a clever use of the space and the rolling stage is a great idea. The novel is brought to life and there were clear gasps of excitement from all of the audience when Stirling Single, the 66-tonne steam locomotive rolls out.

This is truly spectacular and I would love to see it again. Must end on 8 January 2012.

• Cologne Christmas Market (19 Nov – 24 Dec)
  Over 60 wooden chalets with festive music and a carousel.
• Real Food Markets (weekly)
  A host of scrumptious foodie treats.
• Christmas Chocolate Festival (9 – 11 Dec)
• Chocolate goodies, plus exciting couture fashion chocolate from artist Beth Cust & others
• Oxo Tower Wharf & Gabriel's Wharf
  Buy direct from over 50 designer-makers, from stunning jewelry to home design.
• Check out the Southbank Centre's gift shops for up and coming talent.
• For culture aficionados pop by the National Theatre Bookshop and the BFI Filmstore.

• Try the comforting Xmas menu at Canteen or warm your cockles at Pie Minister with their special Christingle pie.
• For maximum indulgence, and the best views, you can't beat Skylon, OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie, or the newly opened Brasserie Joel at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.
• Giraffe is always a winner with the kids whilst festive sandwiches at EAT or a stop off at Strada keep teenagers happy.
• Try cocktails at benugo bar & kitchen at BFI Southbank, The Cut Bar & Restaurant at Young Vic, Primo Bar at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge featuring live music nightly.

The Young Vic aims to create and present great productions of the great plays of the world to audiences of all ages and backgrounds; to nurture the talent of younger theater professionals; to develop a love of theater amongst young people and to achieve this they always keep their prices low.

After worldwide acclaim in The Queen, Frost/Nixon and The Damned United, Michael Sheen returns to the London stage in one of the most anticipated performances of his career to play the lead in this Shakespeare play.

Fans of Shakespeare can see The Comedy of Errors (22 Nov-17 Jan) at the National Theatre and much more this festive season.

There's lots more going on including free live music in the main foyer before evening performances and Saturday matinees. There's even the Dazzle jewelry exhibition from 7 November to 8 January 2012.

Southbank Centre consists of the Royal Festival Hall, The Hayward Gallery, and the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room.

The Southbank Centre's Winter Festival is on from Friday 18 November to Monday 9 January 2012 and includes dance, music, games, comedy and family fun.

Of course, with so much to do, it’s worth staying over.

• The London Marriott County Hall is a luxurious 5-star retreat with fantastic views, afternoon teas and pampering spa.
• Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London's newest landmark hotel features over 1000 guest rooms, spa, restaurants and free live entertainment every night.
• Park Plaza County Hall offers contemporary 4-star studio rooms, complete with living rooms and kitchenettes.
• Park Plaza Riverbank London has deluxe rooms overlooking Parliament and an excellent bar/restaurant, Chino Latino.
• Plaza on the River Club and Residence is an exclusive 5-star hotel offering chic, comfortable suites with spectacular views.