14 Things to do in Henley At Christmas
It may be a bit of an odd one but many people have pulled out all the stops to create some special things to do in Henley At Christmas this year.
Believe it or not here’s a few great things for you to do as well as getting festive in our wonderful pubs & restuarants.
Christmas prizes & offers from shops & businesses, visit the museum, eat cheese toasties, candlelit carols, late night shopping, Christmas market, pop-up dining & wine tasting, A Christmas Carol, meet Santa in his grotto, go to the pantomime, Christingle, elf trail, Santa’s sleigh, Salvation Army & markets.
Phew, how’s that for a line up? Remember to respect each other and stay safe.
henley Digital Advent Calendar – 2nd-24th december
With no Henley Living Advent Calendar this year, Henley Town Council have created a digital one.
From 2nd-24th Dec every day there will be a different trader behind each window with a special gift or offer. Full details will be revealed once you click on the date to open the advent window on www.visit-henley.com/
Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee ~ 11th dec – 4th Jan
Celebrate the colourful and feel-good world of illustrator David McKee at the River & Rowing Museum. This exciting exhibition from Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books, takes you on a journey into the imagination of the creator of classic books and characters including Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, Mr Benn and Not, Now Bernard. McKee has been awarded Illustrator of the Year 2020 and was recipient of the Book Trust Lifetime Achievement Award. As if by magic, the exhibition allows you to explore Elmer’s jungle and even enter Mr Benn’s costume shop.
Winter Cheese Festival – socially-distanced – free cheese toasties ~ Sat 12th dec 11.00-15.00
Nettlebed Creamery would like to say thank you 
to everyone who has supported them throughout a very trying year. To celebrate (nearly) getting through 2020, definitely getting through two lockdowns and in anticipation of the winter solstice, they are giving away 200 FREE cheese toasties 
.
This event is a precursor to the launch of The Cheese Shed – a shipping container selling toasties, kefir smoothies and cheese here on site at the Creamery in early 2021.
Candlelit Carols at Holy Trinity Henley ~ Sun dec 13th, 20th & 24th
Trinity Church are delighted to be co-hosting several carol services in the run up to Christmas and would love you to join them!
they have limited capacity in the church building, due to the social distancing measures in place, and tickets are booking up quickly so book in asap to avoid missing out.
FREE ENTRY and all are welcome.The services will be 40 minutes long and suitable for all ages. What better way to get into the Christmas spirit, after such a challenging year?
Follow the Star at Holy Trinity Church ~ Dec 16th – dec 19th
Holy Trinity Churh are excited to announce their spectacular Christmas event, Follow the Star!
From 16th to 19th December they are transforming their church into an immersive Christmas experience for all the family.
Book in for a ten minute slot and join one of the wise men to be guided to where Christmas all began. Listen to the Christmas story unfolding and enjoy fun activities, meeting characters (and animals!) from the Christmas story along the way…
Covid secure, parties of 5 maximum. Booking is essential but the event is FREE OF CHARGE.
**on the Saturday there will be extra nativity animals for you to see! **
(NB Due to demand, more tickets have been released and are starting at the earlier time of 4.30pm on Wed and Fri!!)
Henley Late Night Shopping – Thursday 17th Dec until 7.30pm
Henley shops and businesses will be opening their doors for a little extra Christmas shopping.
The Laughing Ants and Chasing Deer will be bringing festive entertainment and traders from Henley’s Farmers market will be in Market Place
Oaken Grove Vineyard Christmas pop-Up – Sunday 20th December
Join Chef Simon McKenzie once again for another fantastic pop-up. This time Simon has teamed up with Phil from Oaken Grove Vineyard and will be using their new heated and covered al fresco area. There is plenty of space to socially distance the tables and the teams will be wearing all relevant ppe and taking all precautions to keep you safe. Simon has put together an exciting festive six course menu and along with some fantistic recommendations from Phil, Simon says this is set to be one of his best pop-ups to date.
www.chefsimonmckenzie.com/events/christmas-pop-up-at-oaken-grove-vineyard
A Christmas Carol with Gerald Dickens – Sunday 20th December 7.30-10pm
A Christmas Carol performed by Gerald Dickens, the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens.
The candles flicker and night draws in. Watch as Dickens’ iconic festive tale unfolds all around you. Be transported by Gerald Dickens’ incredible one-man performance.
His performance of A Christmas Carol has received standing ovations all over the world.Watch Dickens play over 30 characters using vocal and physical talents to bring each scene vividly to life.
“His performance is twirligly, leapingly physical” –VarietyTickets:
£25.00 (Performance cover charge)
Bookings: 01491 636118 – henley@spicemerchantgroup.com
Santa’s Winter Wonderland Grotto – Monday 21st December 10am-6pm
A socially distanced version of the seasonal highlight, Santa’s Grotto along Thameside at Spice Merchant Henley.
It is free for all plus every child will receive a special gift.
The grotto is supporting local charity The Chiltern Centre who will be selling raffle tickets and special thanks goes to Henley Self Storage and Invesco, and also Zzoomm and Kench & Co that without their support, the grotto wouldn’t be happening.
Interface Worldwide, The Vintage Look and Hobbs of Henley Ltd will help create a Winter Wonderland for Santa and his dog Daisy.
The Tonyx – female barbershop quartet will be perfoming at lunchtime and Spice Merchant Henley will be offering grown ups some nibbles and mulled wine.
NB: A Covid-resilient plan in accordance with government guidelines has been drawn up in association with SODC. Track and trace information will be obtained on the day, groups limited to six, PPE worn by team members and social distancing measures implemented throughout
Christingle – Christmas Eve
Christingle service at St Mary the Virgin, Henley-on-Thames.
A short service of carols, readings and prayers for Christmas Eve, designed for and led by children. Donations will be collected to support the work of the Children’s Society.
All are welcome.
For more information and to book, click here www.facebook.com/events/2728032370793198
The Elf Trail – Throughout December pick up a map from the table outside Henley Town Hall to find the elves hiding around the town. They each have a letter that spells a festive word. Write down your answer and put your completed form in Santa’s post box to win a selection of prizes.
The Henley Lions Santa Sleigh – From 7th -17th December each evening from 6pm Santa will be visiting Henley & Shiplake.
The Salvation Army – will be playing in the town centre on 12th & 19th December
Farmers & Craft Markets – As well as the regular weekly market, the Farmers Market will be in Henley on 12th & 24th December and Craft Markets on 13th & 20th December
