December is a busy time on our virtual community and events platform, Rest Less Events. As well as our regular fitness classes, mindfulness workshops, and more, we’ve got a host of new, one-off sessions for you to try!
So whether you’d like to delve deep into a subject you love, learn a new skill, be entertained, or immerse yourself in the festive spirit, we’ve surely got something for you!
From tech workshops to Christmas quizzes, below, you’ll find some of the most exciting events coming up in December.
And if you’re stuck on what to buy a loved one this Christmas, you might want to consider our Rest Less Events Gift Membership, which will give you access to all events for 12 months for just £44.99.
1. Tim Sullivan and 'The Patient': Author Q&A
When? Monday 4th at 2:30pm
November’s pick for the Rest Less Book Club was Tim Sullivan’s The Patient – the third novel in the series featuring the brilliant but socially awkward detective, DS George Cross. And the author is joining us for an exclusive Q&A session in December.
Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a crime fiction lover, this is the perfect chance to ask a successful scribe all your burning questions.
2. Seasonal Delights: 3-Week Drawing Course
When? Mondays 4th (7:30pm), 11th (7:30pm), and 18th (6:00pm)
Looking for a festive event that’ll help you tap into your creative side? This three-week drawing course from artist Caitlin Heslop teaches you some basic drawing skills with a focus on Christmas.
Perfect for all abilities, you’ll get a chance to draw still-lifes, learn about representing light, and capture the home in all its Yuletide glory. Each session works as a standalone, so you can drop in for one or take part in all three weeks!
3. The Perseus Cycle & Edward Burne-Jones
When? Tuesday 5th at 11:30am
If you’re interested in art and myth, this event might be up your alley. Historian Dr Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez introduces us to the legend of the Greek hero Perseus through the paintings of one of the most famous Pre-Raphaelite artists, Edward Burne-Jones.
4. Osteoporosis Workshop
When? Tuesday 5th at 2:30pm
In this special event hosted by the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS), you’ll learn about how Pilates can help improve our bone strength, posture, and balance.
Throughout the hour, you’ll get an introduction to postures, activities, and Pilates exercises that can offer lasting benefits.
5. Reconnect this Christmas with Facebook
When? Wednesday 6th at 10:00am
Much has been said about the dangers of social media, but one of the big benefits of platforms like Facebook is they allow us to connect with each other – whether that be loved ones, people we’ve lost touch with, or entirely new people!
To stay connected this Christmas, why not tune in for this session from the 3 Discovery Team? They’ll walk you through how to post updates, share photos, and more.
Later on in the month, they’re also running a session on Christmas e-cards to help you spread some digital well-wishes.
6. Introduction to BSL: Christmas Special!
When? Wednesday 6th at 2:30pm
Hot on the heels of her popular eight-week introduction to British Sign Language series, Emm Sharpe is back with this one-off Christmas event.
In this session, you’ll learn how to sign along to ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ in BSL, discover how to be Deaf Aware throughout the festive season, and take part in a Christmas quiz! It’s perfect for newcomers, as well as those who’ve taken part in Emm’s events before.
7. Come and end the year As You Like It!
When? Wednesday 6th at 4:00pm
Whether you’re a Shakespeare super fan or you only know him as that guy with the frilly collar, this session on one of his most beloved comedies will be an informative and entertaining event.
Claire Cartwright, who’s been teaching Shakespeare for over ten years and acted in many of the Bard’s productions, delves deep into some of As You Like It’s big themes – such as its questions around sexuality and our connection with nature.
8. The Air Raid Killer
When? Thursday 7th at 11:30am
While London was under siege by bombings in World War II, Gordon Cummings took advantage of the chaos and blackouts to commit a series of heinous crimes. Dubbed the ‘Blackout Killer’ and the ‘Air Raid Killer’, his reign of terror remains a chilling but relatively unknown chapter of the story of wartime in the UK.
Join former Detective Chief Inspector Steve Gaskin as he explores why Cummins committed these atrocities and who his victims were. It’s a perfect event for lovers of history and true crime.
9. The History of Pantomime
When? Thursday 7th at 4:00pm
A hilarious blend of slapstick comedy, innuendo, and audience participation, pantomimes are a staple of Christmas time here in the UK. But have you ever thought about why they’re such a beloved tradition?
Join Chris Green (aka The History Chap) for this entertaining talk that turns back the clock. You’ll learn about the origins of pantos, some of the showbusiness legends that made it a British Institution, and plenty of behind-the-scenes facts.
10. Lino printing Christmas Cards
When? Monday 11th at 12:00pm
In this one-hour workshop from printmaker Amy Hutchings, you’ll learn how to use lino printing to create personal, festive cards for your friends and family.
Buying cards over Christmas time can get expensive. Plus, many shop-bought ones don’t quite have the personal feeling we might want. This workshop is a chance to flex your creativity and learn a new artistic skill while saving money and giving our loved ones a Christmas token they’ll treasure. Who knows, you might be able to sell your creations!
11. Ballet is for everyone
When? Monday 11th at 4:00pm
Ballet is an excellent form of exercise, especially in later life. Not only is it generally low-impact, but it also helps to improve our strength, balance, and flexibility – which are important as we age. Plus, there’s even research that suggests that regularly following ballet steps can have cognitive benefits – like lowering our risk of dementia.
So whether you want to reap the benefits, simply enjoy some dance time, or both, why not join in for this ballet introduction event?
12. Napoleon, the film versus the facts
When? Tuesday 12th at 11:30am
Are you a fan of historical cinema? Are you looking forward to Ridley Scott’s upcoming biopic of Napoleon? If so, this might be the ideal event for you!
Host Jem Duducu, author of Hollywood History, is back with another event that looks into the facts and fiction that make up historical films. Tune in to discover which bits actually happened and what scenes involved a little artistic license. It’s a fun and informative way to learn about one of history’s most notorious figures.
13. Antarctica: the ultimate expedition cruise
When? Tuesday 12th at 4:00pm
World traveller Sue Ablett is back with more tales of her far-flung adventures. This time, Rest Less Events subscribers can hear about her intrepid expedition to the frozen continent of Antarctica – stopping off at the Falkland Islands and South Georgia along the way.
In this talk, Sue not only gives us an insight into her own travels (and the feathered friends she met along the way) but also the monumental journeys of some of the people who came before her – like Ernest Shackleton and the crew of the Endurance.
To hear more about Sue’s journeys across the world, why not read our interview with her here?
14. The 12 Plants of Christmas – Wreaths, Raisins, & Roasties
When? Wednesday 13th at 2:30pm
Have you ever wondered why we hang wreaths on our door at Christmas time or put trees up in our homes? This illustrated talk explores the customs and folklore of Yuletide through 12 carefully chosen plants.
From exotic spices to familiar flora, it’s a one-of-a-kind way to learn about the natural world and festive season.
15. Christmas Crafts and Chat
When? Wednesday 13th 6:30pm
Another festive event for those with a creative flair! Crafting queen Marlys hosts this 90-minute special holiday session of her regular Crochet and Chat event, where participants get together, work on their projects, and have a natter.
Whether you’re a crochet extraordinaire or simply love crafts, this friendly social group with an artistic twist welcomes all!
16. Nightmares Before Christmas: Dark Tales and Scary Superstitions
When? Thursday 14th at 11:30am
For many of us, Christmas is a time for celebration and merriment – but in some cultures worldwide, Yuletide wasn’t always tinsel and jingle bells.
According to Central and Eastern folklore, Krampus, a terrifying, horned alter-ego of St Nicholas, emerges during the festive season to scare naughty children. On the other hand, Balkan tradition tells of hairy goblins called the Kallikantzari, who come out from under the ground to cause terror.
To learn more about the supernatural side of Christmas, tune into Nightmares Before Christmas: Dark Tales and Scary Superstitions.
17. Charles Dickens and Christmas
When? Thursday 14th at 4:00pm
Out of the vast pantheon of great British authors, no one is more inextricably linked with Christmas than Charles Dickens. With his novella, A Christmas Carol, Dickens is credited with helping to revive urban Victorians’ zeal for the festive season and establishing some of its beloved traditions.
Join host Margaret to learn more about this landmark book and its lasting legacy.
18. Singing in the Season: A Christmas Concert with Julia Loveless
When? Thursday 14th at 5:30pm
Is there any better way to get into the festive spirit than listening to Christmas music? Join Bristol-based signer Julia Loveless for a heartwarming and soul-stirring concert this December.
Featuring some of your favourite Yuletide pop anthems and beloved classical pieces, this evening of music is a great way to ring in the season. So sit back with a warming glass of mulled wine and enjoy!
19. Get Cooking! Stollen
When? Friday 15th at 2:00pm
Are you looking for some new Christmas treats to whip up in the kitchen this year? If so, tune into this virtual demonstration to learn how to make mini stollen.
A delectable mix of fruit, spices, and sugar, this traditional German Christmas bread might become a seasonal staple in your household. Throughout the session, host Anne Marie will guide you through the recipe step-by-step. You can bake along with her or rewatch the recording later!
20. Piano Concert: Women of The Black Chicago Renaissance
When? Friday 15th at 4:00pm
Another event for the music lovers out there…Join concert pianist Beatrice Nicholas for her talk and performance hybrid event. In this hour, she’ll tell us about some of the most influential female composers of the Black Chicago Renaissance and play a few of their most famous songs.
The Black Chicago Renaissance was a creative movement that blossomed out of Chicago’s African-American community during the 1930s and 1940s. You’ll hear music from names like Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, and Betty Jackson King.
21. Inside the Victorian Pantry
When? Tuesday 19th at 11:30am
From Cadbury to Bistro, some of our beloved brands have been around since Victorian times. In this event, we’ll look back through the unusual lens of pantry cupboard staples, answering questions like: where did Marmite get its name? And what’s the origin story of the mighty department store, Fortnum & Mason?
22. The Barwell Meteorite
When? Tuesday 19th at 4:00pm
On Christmas Eve, 1965, residents of the small village of Barwell in Leicester were treated to a wondrous surprise when a meteorite landed in their town.
It broke up after entering the Earth’s atmosphere – scattering the village with pieces of 4.5 billion-year-old space rock. But once collected and put back together again, the pieces formed a meteor the size of a Christmas turkey.
Join astronomer Martin to discover more about this fantastic festive story.
23. Winter Wonderland and Historical Marvels: A Christmas Walking Tour of Oslo
When? Wednesday 20th at 4:00pm
Are you interested in taking a winter vacation from the comfort of your own home? Join seasoned traveller Kelsey for this walking tour of Norway’s enchanting capital, Oslo.
Wandering digitally through the snowy streets, you’ll explore fascinating heritage sites like the Akershus, a medieval fortress, and cultural landmarks, such as the Oslo Opera House.
Lose yourself in the storybook setting of Oslo!
24. Why Was the Partridge in the Pear Tree? Unravelling the Stories Behind Christmas Carols
When? Thursday 21st at 11:30am
If you’ve ever wondered about the lyrics of some of your favourite Christmas carols, this event might interest you. In this session, Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra violist investigates the weird and wonderful origins of Yuletide songs.
From tales of dead oxen to Pagan influences, you’ll be surprised to learn where some of these Christmas staples come from.
25. Christmas in London: a history of celebrations & feasting
When? Thursday 21st at 4:00pm
From the dazzling lights at Oxford Street to the sprawling festive madness of Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, Christmas in London is a spectacle to behold.
In this one-off event, Blue Badge-qualified tour guide Andrew takes us through the history of celebrating Yuletide in the Big Smoke.
26. I Never Knew That! Christmas Quiz
When? Friday 22nd at 2:30pm
Get stuck into some cheerful competition and test your knowledge with this Christmas-themed pub quiz!
Whether you’re a trivia newbie or fancy yourself pub quiz royalty, all abilities are welcome. And no matter what your knowledge, host Nicki guarantees you’ll leave knowing something you didn’t before!
27. The Roaring 20s: The Jazz Age
When? Wednesday 27th at 11:30am
Step back in time to the opulence of the Roaring Twenties with this historical talk.
An illustrious period of music, glamour, innovation, and social change, the Jazz Age produced some of the world’s most revered art (like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby) and groundbreaking technology. In this talk, host Malcolm will take you through some of the greatest feats and figures of the decade – and discuss the lingering impact of World War One.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for something educational to get stuck into between Christmas and New Year, this talk might be for you.
28. Clive’s Sixties Christmas Trifle
When? Wednesday 27th at 2:30pm
Just because Christmas Day is in your rearview mirror doesn’t mean you have to let go of the festive spirit just yet!
This month, music maestro Clive is back with another 60s-themed event. He’ll be taking you through a seasonal blend of memories, music, and trivia, with one Christmas song from every year in the decade.
29. Lights, Camera, Ho! Ho! Ho! A Surprising Celebration of Christmas Movies
When? Thursday 28th at 11:30am
From the black-and-white classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, to animated hits like Klaus and Arthur Christmas, there’s certainly no shortage of entertaining Christmas films that can help us get in the seasonal spirit. But have you ever stopped to think about what makes a great Yuletide flick?
Tune into this talk from film buff Pete on classic Christmas films.
30. Christmas in Africa
When? Thursday 28th at 4:00pm
Ever wondered what the festive season is like in other parts of the world? In this one-hour talk, Jenny Bowen tells us the tale of her first-ever Christmas in Africa while working as an ecologist during one of Zimbabwe’s worst-ever droughts.
Packed with interesting anecdotes and informative images, this personal talk will give us an insight into how other people around the globe spend Christmas.
And to learn how our neighbours a little closer to home mark Yuletide, why not check out this talk on Festive Traditions Around Europe on Friday 29th December?
Final thoughts…
And there you have it! Whether you’re in the mood to take a virtual winter vacation from your sofa or you’d like to delve into the history of Christmas, we hope there’s an event here to pique your interest.
While we couldn’t feature all of them on this list, there are plenty of other exciting events this December. You can see what’s coming up by using the button below!
Are you excited about any of the events on this list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.