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English Diary December

British Customs, British Culture and British Traditions in December

1st December

Advent

The run up to Christmas officially begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, but you can start opening your advent calendars on the 1st! Learn More

1st December

World AIDS Day

Since 1988 World AIDS Day has been held on 1 December. It is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died. Learn More

1st December

Christmas Lights

Every year the Norwegians give the British a huge Christmas tree to stand in Trafalgar Square. It is a gesture of goodwill from the City of Oslo in return for help given to Norway during the Second World War. The tree is lit with white lights and carols are sung in the square. Thanks Norway! Learn More

3rd December

Christmas Pudding Race

Every December since 1980 Covent Garden in London has hosted a Christmas pudding race. Carrying a Christmas pudding on a paper plate whilst dodging obstacles the winner receives the first prize - the Pudding Trophy. The event raises money for Cancer Research UK. Learn More

3rd to 4th December

A Dickensian Christmas

It’s a perfect way to start the festive season in earnest. Rochester’s Victorian High Street glows with the sights and sounds of pre-Christmases of over 100 years ago.

Scrooge, the ghost of Christmas past, carol singers, bell ringers, street theatre, children’s shows, Father Christmas and Dickensian characters are among the activities at the festival, and, of course, there’s guaranteed snow. (Maybe a bit too much snow.) Learn More

24th December

Christmas Eve

Chestnuts roasting by an open fire, jack frost nipping at your toes. Oh and shops, transport and most companies start to close down in the afternoon! Learn More

25th December

The Queen's Speech

The Queen addresses the Nation and the Commonwealth every year. There's also an "alternative" speech, with a guest speaker. Learn More

31st December - 1st January

New Years Eve

From first footing to making New Year's resolutions. We have lots of ways of seeing in the New Year. Learn More

Throughout December

The Santa Run

Definitely not for clausophobics. All over the country (on different dates), people dressed as Santa Claus run for the charity "When You Wish Upon A Star". So if you see 100 Santas running toward you, don't worry, you're not hallucinating. Learn More

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