In 1987, an eight-year-old devised a cunning plan with a whoopee cushion to catch Father Christmas. The festive prank backfired spectacularly, revealing a surprising side to Santa. Read the full story of a childhood mystery.
The BBC's long-range forecast predicts wet weather for London on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, potentially disrupting celebrations. Check the full festive outlook.
Officials urge revellers to avoid Tower Bridge and other central London bridges for the New Year's Eve fireworks due to poor visibility and safety concerns. Find the best viewing alternatives here.
London's historic Smithfield Christmas Meat Auction is back on Christmas Eve. Grab premium meats at bargain prices and witness one of the City's oldest festive traditions. Find all the details here.
London's New Year's Eve fireworks face a drizzly forecast. Discover if the iconic display will be cancelled and see the full weather outlook for the capital's celebrations.
Will it snow on Christmas Day 2025? We examine the UK forecast, the Met Office's definition, and look back at historic white Christmases, including the last widespread one in 2010.
The Met Office predicts a damp New Year's Eve in London, with light rain from 7pm continuing into New Year's Day. Plan your celebrations accordingly.
Your ultimate guide to London's New Year's Eve 2025. Discover Back to the 90s parties, exclusive restaurant reviews from Brigadiers to The Elizabeth, and unmissable deals. Make your night count.
Skip the crowds on the Thames. Discover seven fantastic alternative New Year's Eve events in London, from supper clubs to silent discos, for a memorable 2026.
Boyzone will perform together on Ronan Keating's BBC New Year's Eve party, offering a preview of their 2026 comeback shows at London's Emirates Stadium.
Ronan Keating headlines a 90s-fuelled BBC New Year's Eve special, reuniting with Boyzone bandmates. Featuring Louise Redknapp, Calum Scott & Shona McGarty. Tune in on BBC One.
Discover London's best New Year's Eve 2025 celebrations. From a silent disco at The Anthologist to a masquerade in The Gherkin, find your perfect party to ring in the new year.
Federal officials in the US have charged four suspects accused of planning to bomb multiple sites in Southern California on New Year's Eve. Read the full details of the foiled plot.
US federal authorities charge four individuals with plotting New Year's Eve bomb attacks in southern California. Read the latest on the alleged extremist plot.
Metropolitan Police staff, including call handlers, will strike for 25 hours on New Year's Eve, threatening emergency response delays. Unite union blames pay freeze and inferior conditions.
London's iconic Shard will illuminate its top 20 storeys as a giant red Christmas stocking on Christmas Eve, visible for over 40 miles. A spectacular festive finale for the capital.
Londoners can expect a damp, overcast Christmas Eve with temperatures peaking at 8°C. Get the full hour-by-hour forecast for the capital's festive weather.
Tilgate Park's Magical Christmas event near London expands its festive market this year. Enjoy free entry, Santa visits, craft stalls & zoo access. Open select dates in December.
Discover expert tips on buying the perfect real Christmas tree in the UK. Learn how prices vary by size, type, and region, and where to find the best deals from supermarkets to local growers.
Viewers have expressed widespread disappointment with the 2025 festive TV line-up from major UK channels, criticising repeats and uninspiring shows. Discover the one programme getting praise.
Transport for London announces key service alterations for the 2025 festive period, including Christmas Eve early finishes, no Tube on Christmas Day, and overnight New Year's Eve services. Plan your journey now.
The DWP's annual £10 Christmas Bonus is set to arrive for eligible claimants. Find out the payment dates, qualifying benefits, and if you are eligible for the extra support.
Discover the quirky festive rituals of Guardian writers, from ice-skating at Hampton Court Palace to 'intermittent wrapping' and bizarre mermaid ornaments. Find your new Christmas tradition.
Save the Children's powerful 2025 Christmas advert cleverly mimics Coca-Cola's iconic trucks to highlight urgent aid needs. Discover the campaign's message and shocking child poverty research.
A Hertfordshire mum reveals her 18-year method of preparing the festive feast in advance, saving three hours and £65.55. Discover her time-saving hacks for a stress-free Christmas.
Santa's grotto opens for the first time on the London Eye, 135 metres above London. Meet Father Christmas in the sky from December 1st to Christmas Eve. Book tickets now.
Discover how shop window-dressers create stunning festive decor. Learn budget-friendly tips for trees, lights, and DIY decorations to make your home welcoming this Christmas.
Discover London's most spectacular Christmas displays for 2025, from Fortnum & Mason's crimson lights to Annabel's Narnia wonderland. Plan your festive tour today!
Your complete guide to the festive Leicester Square Christmas market for 2025. Discover food, drink prices, the new ice rink, and why it's a perfect alternative to Winter Wonderland.
Discover the magic and quirks of Tallinn's Christmas market, a historic festive experience dubbed 'tacky' by locals but loved by visitors for its authentic charm.