We have picked out a handful of quintessentially Cambridge things that any local or visitor should have in their diary this year. Let’s get started!
No.1 – Fireworks – Midsummer Common – 5th November
Such a lovely family event. Free of charge. Marks the start of winter
No.2 – Christmas in Cambridge Winter Fair – Parker’s Piece – 14th Nov to 5th Jan
Taking up a large part of Parker’s Piece you can’t miss this vast temporary winter wonderland.
In short it includes:-
- Big Wheel
- Ice Skating
- Curling
- Alpine Lodge
- Christmas Markets
- Apres Terrace
- Merry-go-round
- Kids rides
It’s completely free to get in. Skating is £15per hour for an adult, £14 for concessions and £12.50 for children. Family tickets and group tickets are available.
For more information visit: https://www.christmasincambridge.co.uk/
No.3 – Christmas Lights Switch On – 17th Nov 2024
Head to the Market Square for a host of live performances all afternoon.
There is very little space and nowhere to sit down so we would recommend just watching a bit and then going to sit down somewhere warm.
No.4 – The Steele-Bodger Rugby Match – Wed 27th Nov
The university and the residents come together to support the boys in light blue as they take on a select group of visitors. First designed to test our 1st XV ahead of their varsity match against Oxford. Now one of the social occasions of the season.
Only standing tickets are available. Nearly sold out!
Our annual Cambridge University Rugby team’s clash against a Micky Steele-Bodger XV remains one of the showcase events in the Cambridge calendar. This year’s match will take place on Wednesday 27th November 2024 KO 3pm.
All of the normal attractions of the day will be held, which has in recent years made it one of the most eagerly anticipated days in the local Rugby calendar. Many of our local sponsors and supporters will be present and entertained in the pavilion and marquees at Grange Road and there will also be a traditional lunch for returning former players in Selwyn College, before the match.
For more information visit: https://www.curufc.com/page-204-Steele_Bodger_Match.aspx
No.5 – PANTO TIME – CINDERELLA at the Arts Theatre – 28th Nov to 5th Jan 2025
Your carriage awaits… The Arts Theatre’s spectacular family pantomime returns with the most magical rags-to-riches tale of all: CINDERELLA.
Leading the cast is Cambridge panto legend Matt Crosby, back for his 19th Arts Theatre pantomime and starring as the lovable Buttons. Joining him will be Chloe Gentles (Beauty and the Beast, The Addams Family), Harry Howle (Cinderella, Imagine Theatre) and Steven Roberts, who will be returning for his second Christmas in Cambridge after last year’s performance as Sammy Goose! Completing the cast are Jack Wilcox (Singin’ in the Rain), Julia J Nagle (The Sound of Music), Stuart Simons (La Cage Aux Folles) and Alex Bloomer (The Lion King, West End). Expect side-splitting jokes, sensational song and dance numbers and a sprinkling of glitter that the whole family can enjoy.
Cinderella’s humdrum life is turned upside down after a surprise visit from her Fairy Godmother whisks her into a glittering world of glass slippers, handsome princes and enchanted pumpkins. But magic just doesn’t happen to girls like Cinderella! Can she escape the evil schemes of her two cruel stepsisters and live happily ever after?
No.6 – Cambridge Botanic Lights 2024 – 29th Nov to 21st Dec
Cambridge Botanic Lights will again bring the Garden to life after dark with spectacular displays and artistic installations – creating a beautiful landscape for visitors to enjoy in the Garden after dark.
The lights will highlight some of the Garden’s most beloved features, such as the Fountain, Lake and Glasshouse Range, and create special experiences around the rest of the Garden. There will be new, original installations that are unique to the Garden, as well as the return of some of last year’s most popular pieces such as the light tunnel and lilies on the Lake.
The Café will be part of the trail with warm offerings, and food stalls halfway around the route will be serving hot drinks and light bites to revive spirits and warm up any chilly fingers!
£18.50 for adults
No.7 – Mill Road Winter Fair 2024 – Sat 7th Dec 2024
The 2024 Fair will be on Saturday 7th December, 10.30am to 4.30pm. Such a great local residents event.
Amazing food and drink from around the world
Enjoy something delicious at food stalls, cafés and venues all along Mill Road or visit the Food Fair in Gwydir Street car park.
Fantastic live music and performance
With the main music stages at Donkey Common, Ditchburn Gardens, St Barnabas Church, Argyle Street Housing Co-op, St Philip’s and near Thoday Street, plus many busking spots along the street, there’s something for everyone.
Locally-made crafts and goodies
You’ll find plenty to choose from all along the street, with even more at Donkey Common, Petersfield Green, Ditchburn Gardens, Headly Street and near Sedgwick Street. There’s also work from local artists at the Six Bells, David Parr House and Romsey Mill.
Highlights for us include:-
- Mulled Cider from the Cambridge Cider Company: https://www.thecambridgecidercompany.co.uk/
- Nygel Reggae music
- Chinese Dumplings
- Jerk Chicken at the The Devonshire Arms
Click here for more information.
No.8 – Kings Men – Carols at The Eagle – 16th Dec 2024
This is an event to just chance upon and will remain with you forever in your festive heart.
Enjoying a pint in Cambridge’s most famous pub and all of a sudden the student men’s choir from Kings start singing carols in the courtyard whilst wearing festive jumpers and woolly hats lit by the lights of the Christmas tree. Does it get better than that?
For more information visit: https://www.kingsmencambridge.co.uk/whats-on.html
No.9 – Nine Lessons & Carols at Kings College Chapel – 24th Dec
For over 100 years there has been a tradition of having a festival of nine lessons and carols in the chapel at Kings College on Christmas Eve.
‘Once in Royal David City’ is always the first carol. It includes a new carol created for the occasion each year. There are various readings from the bible.
This festival of Nine Lessons & Carols will be live on BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service. It will also be transmitted by 400 radio stations across the US.
It must be noted this is not ‘Carols’ from Kings’, which is recorded by the BBC earlier in the year and televised across the nation on Christmas Eve.
Invitation to attend in person is by Ballot and anyone can apply by using the form here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=01I293EaDU-VoV-yA05Qk8EawHNejipMjZbrbcawAM9UQkk3MjBLNk5NVlJMR0g2R1cyNVBZUU5NNS4u
It is possible to queue at the porter’s lodge on the day and if anyone with a ticket can’t make it, places become available. Some people queue all morning so expect not to get a ticket.
For more information about the festival and some lovely words from the Dean of the Chapel, Stephen Cherry click here: https://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/chapel/a-festival-of-nine-lessons-and-carols
No.10 – Barrel Rolling Race – Grantchester – Boxing Day 26th Dec 2024
A wonderfully Cambridge and indeed local event.
Park out of the village and don’t forget to head to the Blue Ball pub for a pint afterwards! https://www.blueballgrantchester.co.uk/
More information here: https://grantchester.org.uk/
No.11 – Robbie Burns Night – eat haggis!
Contrary to popular belief a haggis is not a wee furry creature that lives in the highlands of Scotland but actually a traditional cuisine from Scotland made from offal.
Burns night is a special event for Scottish people as they celebrate the bard’s birthday by traditionally having a big supper and enjoying haggis whilst reciting the famous poem by Robert Burns called Address To The Haggis (see below)
If you are looking for an excellent restaurant that has haggis on the menu try The Cambridge Chop House restaurant at No.1 Kings Parade https://cambridgechophouse.co.uk/
If you are looking for somewhere to buy a traditional haggis head to Cousins Butchers in Newnham. https://www.cambridgebutchers.com/haggis-burns-night-supper
Whatever you choose to do this winter we hope this has given you inspiration. Keep warm!
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