IT'S getting closer to the big day and Christmas is well underway at the Royal Pavilion and Museums.

The Ice Rink officially opened last month and with its opening a range of other festive goings on across Brighton and Hove also kicked off.

With the backdrop of the former royal residence, there can't be many better places to take to the ice.

In addition to the 840 square metre rink which has space for more than 200 skaters per session and a beginners’ area, you'll find a rink-side bar and restaurant offering mouth-watering patisserie, festive toffee apples, drinks and full meals.

Away from the ice take a trip to the Royal Pavilion, where the fires will be lit, the candles will be flickering and the Banqueting Room table will be laid for a Royal feast.

The building has been transformed with festive decorations and glittering trees while Pavilion-inspired decorations, including dragons, birds and flowers, bring sparkle, glamour and Christmas cheer for all the family.

Other activities include in the Royal Pavilion will include storytelling, exclusive evening tours, late night shopping in the Pavilion shop and a decorations workshop.

Father Christmas will also return to Preston Manor for the second time.

EVENTS

Christmas at the Royal Pavilion

Until January 4 (free with admission, Members free, drop-in), all ages

Experience a magical Christmas at the Royal Pavilion. The fires are lit, the candles are flickering, the spectacular Banqueting Room table is laid for a Royal feast and the building is transformed with festive decorations and glittering trees. Pavilion-inspired decorations including dragons, birds and flowers bring sparkle, glamour and Christmas cheer for all the family, with drop-in activities and themed trails for children.

Activities at the weekend: This weekend and next weekend (Saturday 10 and 17 and Sunday 11 and 18)

Storytelling in the Music Room 12-4pm (on the hour, lasting 25 minutes). Free with admission

Make your own tree decorations, 12-4pm. Free with admission, drop-in

For more information visit http://brightonmuseums.org.uk/Christmas

Exclusive Christmas Evening Tours

Thursday December 15, 5.15-7.15pm (£35 per guest, members £30, book in advance), Royal Pavilion

A special opportunity to experience the festivity of the Royal Pavilion after hours. Led by expert guides, the tour takes you through the magnificent State Apartments, specially decorated for Christmas, and ends with a glass of sparkling wine in the Great Kitchen, a copy of the Official Souvenir Guidebook and a 20% discount in the Royal Pavilion Shop.

Group tours available by arrangement, minimum 25 guests.

For more information visit http://brightonmuseums.org.uk/discover/events/event/exclusive-christmas-tours

Late Night Christmas Shopping

Thursday 15 December, open until 7.30pm, Royal Pavilion Shop

The Royal Pavilion Shop will be open for late night Christmas shopping, so come and pick up some unique and beautiful gifts - plus our exclusive Royal Pavilion-inspired Christmas decorations for your own tree.

For more information visit http://brightonmuseums.org.uk/royalpavilion/shop

Stories by the Fireside with Charles Rudkin and Fabula

Saturday 17 December, 11am–12pm & 1- 2pm (free, drop-in), 8 years and over, Hove Museum

Join us for ghost stories inspired by the Hove Museum collection, read by Charles Rudkin with artwork by one of Fabula's artists in residence, Dagmara Rudkin.

For more information visit http://brightonmuseums.org.uk/discover/events/event/stories-by-the-fireside/

Make a Story with Fabula

Sat 17 December, 2.30-4pm (£5 per child, Members £4 per child, book in advance), 5-10 years, Hove Museum

Bring your imagination to this story-based Christmas decoration-making workshop, led by Louise Dennis and Juliette Rajak of Fabula. Have some fun and make something fabulous for Christmas.

For more information visit http://brightonmuseums.org.uk/discover/events/event/make-a-story

Tree Time

Tuesday 20 and Thursday 22 December, 10.30am–12pm & 1.30 3.30pm (£2 per child, drop in), 3-8 yrs, Hove Museum

Will it be sparkly, shiny or brightly coloured? Join in this fun workshop and make a decoration for your Christmas tree.

For more information visit http://brightonmuseums.org.uk/discover/events/event/tree-time

Father Christmas at Preston Manor

Saturday 17, Sunday 18 and Tuesday 20 - Friday 23 December, 10am-5pm (£8.50 per child, admission fees apply, price includes gift, book in advance), all ages, Preston Manor

Experience the magic of the season in the traditional way as Father Christmas returns to Lady Ellen’s beautiful Drawing Room at Preston Manor.

For more information visit http://brightonmuseums.org.uk/discover/events/event/father-christmas-at-preston-manor-3

The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink and Restaurant

Now until15 January 2017, 10.00am–10.15pm (from £10 adult, £7 child)

The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is open for its seventh year on the Royal Pavilion’s East Lawn. The rink is a huge 880 square metres with an additional beginners’ area, and offers penguin skate aids and skate sizes from ‘just walking’ to adult. There’s no charge for spectating for those who prefer to sit and soak up the atmosphere, and the stunning rink-side Bar and Kitchen offers mouth-watering patisserie, Christmas treats, a quick drink with the best view in the city and scrumptious sharing platters for families and friends.

Book direct via http://www.royalpavilionicerink.co.uk