Cambridge is a charming city in the east of England, famous for its prestigious university, historic architecture, and scenic river. But there is more to Cambridge than academics and punting. The city also offers a variety of events and activities to enjoy in December, from festive markets and fireworks to concerts and film screenings. Whether you are looking for a cultural, musical, or culinary experience, Cambridge has something for everyone this winter. Here are some of the highlights of what’s happening in Cambridge in December 2023.
Festive Markets And Fireworks
One of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit is to visit the festive markets and fireworks in Cambridge. The Market Square, located in the heart of the city, hosts a Christmas market every day from November 25 to December 24, where you can find local crafts, gifts, food, and drink. The market also features live entertainment, rides, games, and a giant Ferris wheel that offers a panoramic view of the city. On December 1, the market square will also host the Christmas light switch on, a spectacular event with music, performances, and a countdown to the illumination of the city’s lights.
Another festive market to check out is the North Pole, a winter wonderland located on Parker’s Piece, a large green space near the city center. The North Pole features an ice rink, a bar, a food court, and a selection of stalls selling Christmas goodies. The North Pole is open from November 18 to January 8, and is a great place to have fun with family and friends.
If you are looking for a dazzling display of fireworks, head to the Midsummer Common on December 31 for the New Year’s Eve Fireworks. This is a free event that attracts thousands of people every year, who gather to watch the sky light up with colorful explosions. The fireworks start at midnight, but you can arrive earlier to enjoy the music, food, and drink stalls on the common.
Concerts And Exhibitions
Cambridge is a hub of culture and creativity, and you can find plenty of concerts and exhibitions to suit your taste in December. If you are a fan of classical music, you can attend one of the many concerts held at the Cambridge Corn Exchange, a historic venue that hosts a range of events throughout the year. Some of the concerts in December include the Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, the City of Cambridge Symphony Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, and the Cambridge Chorale singing Handel’s Messiah.
If you prefer contemporary music, you can catch some of the hottest acts at the Cambridge Junction, a multi-purpose venue that showcases live music, comedy, theatre, and dance. Some of the artists performing in December include Sundara Karma, a British indie rock band, Ed Gamble, a comedian and podcaster, and Dimension, a drum and bass producer and DJ.
If you are interested in art and history, you can visit one of the many museums and galleries in Cambridge, which offer a variety of exhibitions and collections to explore. Some of the exhibitions in December include Elisabetta Sirani: A Baroque Master at the Robert Simon Fine Art, which showcases the works of the 17th-century Italian painter, HUMAN ONE by Beeple at the Crystal Bridges Museum, which features the digital art of the NFT sensation, and Postcards from Home by Manisha Gera Baswani at the Partition Project, which commemorates the 75th anniversary of the partition of India and Pakistan.
Film Screenings And Comedy Shows
If you are looking for some entertainment and laughter, you can watch some of the latest and greatest films and comedy shows in Cambridge in December. The city has several cinemas that offer a range of genres and formats, from mainstream blockbusters to independent documentaries. Some of the cinemas in Cambridge include the Vue, a multiplex that screens the latest releases, the Arts Picturehouse, a cinema that specializes in arthouse and foreign films, and the Light Cinema, a cinema that offers a mix of mainstream and alternative films.
Some of the films that you can watch in December include Spider-Man: No Way Home, the third installment of the Marvel superhero franchise, The Matrix Resurrections, the fourth chapter of the sci-fi saga, and West Side Story, a remake of the classic musical drama.
If you are in the mood for some comedy, you can attend one of the many comedy shows that take place in Cambridge in December. The city has several venues that host local and national comedians, who will make you laugh with their jokes and stories. Some of the venues in Cambridge include the Cambridge Belfry, a hotel that hosts a comedy club every month, the Town and Gown Pub and Theatre, a pub that features Fatt Butcher’s Disco Bingo, a hilarious game show, and the Coton Village Hall, a community center that organizes a comedy night every quarter.
Cambridge is a city that has something for everyone, especially in December, when it transforms into a festive and lively destination. Whether you are looking for a cultural, musical, or culinary experience, you can find it in Cambridge. From festive markets and fireworks to concerts and exhibitions, from film screenings and comedy shows to ice skating and punting, Cambridge offers a variety of events and activities to enjoy this winter. So don’t miss the chance to visit this beautiful and historic city, and discover why it is one of the best places to be in December.
