If you haven’t already checked it out, Rest Less Events is our virtual community and events platform. All sessions are run through Zoom and cover a vast range of topics.
With around 100 monthly events, you’ll hopefully find something to pique your interest. This month, alongside our regular clubs and classes, there’s plenty of festive fun to discover – from Christmas crafts to Yuletide performances.
Here are some of the most exciting events coming up in December.
1. Christmas eCards
When? Monday 2nd at 2:30pm
Sending Christmas eCards via email or WhatsApp is a great way to spread merriment this festive season. Not only can they save you from long queues at the post office, but they’re also more environmentally friendly than paper cards!
Tune into this session from the 3 Discovery Team to learn how to send eCards this Christmas.
2. The Arts of Fire: Luxury Ceramics and Glass from the Renaissance
When? Tuesday 3rd at 11:30am
When many of us think of the Italian Renaissance, our minds go straight to painting, sculpture, and literature. But the 15th and 16th centuries were revolutionary times for other arts, too.
Join Rest Less Events-favourite host Antonia Cevizli for this deep dive into luxury Renaissance ceramics and glass.
3. How Did The Kings Find Bethlehem?
When? Tuesday 3rd at 4:00pm
We all know the story of the Three Kings, who follow the star to visit Jesus in Bethlehem. But despite this tale’s divine connotations, using stars for navigation wasn’t uncommon in Jesus’ day.
Retired medical doctor Tony Davis presents this unique look into the surprisingly capable navigation techniques of biblical times while touching on phone-based Wayfarer systems.
4. Watercolour Workshop: Winter Wonderland
When? Wednesdays 4th and 18th at 9:30am
Fresh footsteps in the snow, honey-hued windows on a cold night, and fields sparkling with frost, something about winter stirs many of our inner artists. So, if you’re feeling creative this season and would like some guidance, why not join artist Caitlin for this winter wonderland workshop?
In these sessions, Caitlin will guide you through capturing snowy scenery with watercolours. Use the button below to book your spot and see what materials you need to bring.
5. Colombia
When? Wednesday 4th at 11:30am
This December, Rest Less’ resident adventurer Sue Ablett takes us back to her 2020 trip to Columbia. Expect pictures of vibrant colonial architecture, dazzling cathedrals, and colourful markets, as well as plenty of firsthand stories and fascinating facts.
6. Harmonies of the Season: A Christmas Harp Concert
When? Wednesday 4th at 4:00pm
Described by Rest Less Events members as “lovely”, “beautiful”, and “the perfect accompaniment […] to putting up our Christmas tree”, this Christmas concert from harpist Fiona is a mustn’t miss. As well as mellifluous melodies, Fiona will also tell us a little bit about her instrument and how it works.
7. Get the most out of Zoom
When? Thursdays 5th and 12th at 10:00am
While Rest Less Events members will be familiar with Zoom, you may be wondering how to unlock its full potential. With this in mind, tech-whizz Ciaran is putting on a two-part introduction to some of Zoom’s most useful functions.
And to answer any other tech questions, Ciaran is running a drop-in help hour on the 30th.
8. The Magic of Christmas Markets
When? Thursday 5th at 11:30am
There’s nothing better to get you into the festive spirit than strolling through the shimmering stalls of a Christmas market, but have you ever wondered where the tradition came from?
Through the lens of a trip to Hamburg Christmas Market, host Sandy introduces us to the cultural significance behind these Christmassy centres of commerce – from their medieval roots to the modern day.
9. London’s Shops & Markets: Shopping in Centuries Before the Internet
When? Thursday 5th at 4:00pm
From Borough Market to Regent’s Street, London is home to some of the most iconic, glamorous, and best-loved stores, markets, and shopping districts in the world. Many have been around for centuries, which means they hold plenty of captivating tales and tidbits.
In this talk, London Blue Badge tour guide Andrew leads us through some of our capital’s renowned shops.
10. Christmas in Europe: Paris, Milan, and Vienna
When? Fridays 6th, 13th, and 20th at 7:00pm
Set off on a European journey with this three-part series. Stopping in at three capitals, Rest Less Events members can discover iconic sights with a seasonal spin.
See Notre Dame and Champs-Elysées aglow with the twinkling wash of Christmas lights. Witness the grand, Gothic spires of the Duomo di Milano reaching into the wintery sky. And finish the journey in Vienna, where a picture-perfect fairytale Christmas awaits, with its Christmas market and warming festive flavours.
11. The Scottish Clearances and the Peopling of North America
When? Monday 9th at 4:00pm
So often, the colonial story of North America focuses on the English and the Irish – but what about the Scots? In this talk, host Chris will take a look at the Highland Clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries, when scores of people were forced from their homes in Scotland, and track the lives of those dispossessed who made their way to North America.
We’ll discover the roles Scotsmen and women played in the foundation of the New World – for example, in the building of the Canadian Pacific Railroad.
12. Exploring Prague
When? Tuesday 10th at 11:30am
With its formidable castle, dazzling astronomical clock, and luscious culinary scene, Prague is a fabulous place to visit. And with this virtual tour, you can explore it from the comfort of your own home.
Focusing on the city’s complex but fascinating history and its astonishing architecture, Dr Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez will lead us through some of the Czech capital’s best activities and most iconic sights.
13. Letters and Journals: Echoes of Christmas Past
When? Tuesday 10th at 4:00pm
This unique event gives Rest Less Events members a glimpse into the festive journals and letters of renowned literary figures – from Fanny Burney and Catharine Parr Traill to Mark Twain and William Makepeace Thackery.
We’ll discover how these revolutionary thinkers felt about the Yuletide season and what festive activities they got up to.
14. Nostalgia: A Journey Through Our Cherished Memories
When? Wednesday 11th at 2:30pm
Take a trip down memory lane with host Ginny as she explores some of the things that defined our childhoods. Bring some treasures from your younger days or simply turn up and enjoy this look back in time.
15. The Trials and Tribulations of Working in Africa
When? Thursday 12th at 11:30am
For years, Jenny Bowen worked in Africa as an ecologist leading conservation projects and collecting scientific data. And now she runs Sense Earth, a business that creates tailor-made holidays to the continent’s south.
In this talk, Jenny takes us through the highs and lows of her time in Africa with amusing anecdotes – including the time she was chased by a hippo she was trying to feed!
16. Chocolate: The Journey to Becoming a Christmas Favourite
When? Thursday 12th at 4:00pm
From Mint Matchmakers to kaleidoscopic tins of Quality Streets, chocolate is a firm Christmas staple in homes across the world. But have you ever wondered how this came to be?
In this intriguing talk, Rest Less Events members will discover the rich history of chocolate – from how Quaker families revolutionised chocolate production in the 19th century to the first-ever selection box. This is an event you can really sink your teeth into!
17. Your 2025 Astrology Forecast
When? Friday 13th at 11:30am
Whether you’re a Leo or Libra, Scorpio or Sagittarius, find out what the stars have in store for you next year at this astrology forecast.
Suited to beginners as well as experts, host Sally will explain everything you need to know about how astrology works – from transits and retrogrades to eclipse cycles.
18. Fun Film Trivia Quiz!
When? Friday 13th at 4:00pm
Come and test your film knowledge with this Christmas-focused film quiz with the ever-entertaining Steve Short. Questions will cover everything from vintage black-and-white classics to modern Hollywood blockbusters.
Have a cuppa, pen, and paper at the ready – and don’t forget to wear your Christmas jumper!
19. Adventures in Yunnan
When? Tuesday 17th at 11:30am
Known for its rolling tea plantations and dizzying rock formations, the Chinese Province of Yunnan is also home to Kunming City – Asia country’s flower-growing centre. Led by the former Curator of the Kunming Botanical Gardens, this talk will focus on the weird and wonderful plants you can find in the region.
20. Fun and Festive Appetizers
When? Tuesday 17th and Friday 20th at 1:00pm
If you’re looking for new dishes to elevate your festive food game this year, you won’t want to miss these two events from Chef Shamal.
Over two sessions, she’ll show us how to make six different finger foods – from smashed mini jacket potatoes to brie and cranberry-stuffed pigs in blankets. Each dish will work perfectly as party fare or a pre-dinner appetiser.
21. Mellow Mists and Winter Woollens at the National Gallery
When? Tuesday 17th at 4:00pm
Peruse some of the National Gallery’s captivating scenes of ice and snow with The Arts Society lecturer Jacqui Ansell. A perfect event for those who fancy a gallery experience from the comfort of their homes.
22. The Quarterly Tune-Up: Reflect, Reset, Recharge
When? Wednesday 18th at 6:00pm
Host Solomon is back this December to deliver his regular quarterly tune-up workshops.
Throughout the session, we’ll reflect on how our year has gone, before steering our attention towards the future. We’ll ask ourselves questions like: What can we do to be better? What brings us joy and fulfilment? And how can we achieve our goals through small but significant tasks?
23. Discover Digital Security
When? Thursday 19th at 10:00am
This interactive workshop from the 3 Discovery Team is designed to help you secure your smartphone and protect your personal information.
Throughout the session, you’ll learn how to create strong passwords, install updates safely, spot phishing attempts, and much more! Whether you’re already a tech whizz or you’re not really a fan of smart devices, you’ll surely learn something helpful here.
24. Discover Filming in London: Scenes, Studios, Sites, and Stunts
When? Thursday 19th at 4:00pm
From small independent projects to massive blockbusters like the Mission: Impossible series and Marvel movies, London has set the stage for all kinds of films.
In this event, tour guide Andrew leads us to the Big Smoke’s famous filming locations and introduces us to some of the equipment used by behind-the-scenes crews. We’ll also find out about the world’s oldest film studios, learn about a parked starship, and witness London occupied by a foreign army.
25. I Never Knew That About Christmas!
When? Friday 20th at 11:30am
Tune into this next event to discover some lesser-known historical facts about the Christmas season.
Expect answers to questions like: Who was accredited with “saving the English Christmas”? Why did dead robins appear on 19th-century Christmas cards? And did Prince Albert ever dress up as a well-known Christmas character? Plus many more!
26. Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol: One-Man Version
When? Monday 23rd at 2:30pm
Join J.T. Turner for this one-man production of Charles Dickens’ festive fable. Described by Rest Less Events members as “absolutely brilliant” and “an amazing rendering”, J.T. brings all the drama, comedy, and poignancy of the original novel to life as he plays every character.
27. "Lunch Club" Christmas Eve Special
When? Tuesday 24th at 4:00pm
If you’re in the mood for socialising on Christmas Eve, why not drop into this Yuletide Lunch Club special for tea and a chat? Bring whatever drinks and treats you fancy. There might even be a few Christmas readings and singing.
28. London at Night: a Changed World in the Dark
When? Tuesday 31st at 4:00pm
As the rainbow lights of convenience shops illuminate street corners and the rushing waters of the Thames turn inky black, London becomes a completely different place at night – and the same was true in days gone by.
In this talk, tour guide Andrew Warde delves into our capital’s nighttime hours – from the blackouts of World War Two to unusual things to do after dark in modern-day London.
Final thoughts…
As you can see, there’s plenty to look forward to on Rest Less Events this December, from festive fun to travel talks and tech workshops.
However, with around 100 sessions running monthly, we couldn’t possibly cover them all here. So why not browse our calendar to discover what else is coming up?
And if you’re looking for a unique, thoughtful Christmas gift, why not give your loved one a year of experiences with Rest Less Events Premium for just £69.99? Plus, before the 6th of December, Rest Less members can get 20% off with the code: BF20.
Are you a Rest Less Events member? If so, which ones have you enjoyed? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.