GET UP AND GO

NINE THINGS TO DO TODAY, WHATEVER TIME YOU GET OUT OF BED

9am

Don't be a dummy, visit Madame Tussauds, where sounds and smells now enliven the waxworks. The latest addition is The Spirit of London, a jouney in a "time taxi" through English history. Open to 5.30pm. Admission pounds 8.35, children pounds 5.25, OAPs pounds 6.25. Marylebone Road, London NW1 (0171 935 6861)

10am

Last-minute shoppers, redeem yourselves at Merton Abbey Mills craft shops and Christmas market, Wimbledon, London. Hand-made goods include clothes, games, ceramics, jewellery, herbal remedies. By Sainsbury's Super Saver Centre, Merton (tube: Collier's Wood). 10am-5pm, tel 0181-543 9608)

11am

The British Art Show in Manchester offers the cream of contemporary art at various venues. Among 26 artists on show are Damien Hirst at Upper Campfield Market in Castlefield and Mark Wallinger at the Cornerhouse. The City Art Gallery hosts a multi-media event 10am-5.30pm. All free (0161-236 5244)

12noon

Pop along to Leicester Square, London, where you'll find a full- size funfair with rides, games and junk food. Open from 12 noon, it's not exactly a traditional way to prepare for Christmas, but if you're going to spin round at great speed after eating candy floss, better to do it now than when you've got a stomachful of turkey. Nearest Tube: Leicester Square

1pm

lf you are in Edinburgh, you can catch a matinee performance of Hot Ice. Four tons of ice will be covering the stage of the Edinburgh Festival Theatre as it plays host to an array of "ice sketches" featuring an international cast of ex-Olympic skating talent. Music used includes classical, pop and jazz (Box-office tel: 0131-529 6000)

2pm

Haters of Andrew Lloyd Webber and fans of ice dance must see Phantom of the Opera on Ice, performed by the Red Rose Company of Russia. It has no tunes from the West End hit, and uses the original film score to tell the tragic tale. And no Michael Crawford either. Begins 2.30pm. Fairfield Hall, Croydon, tel 0181-681 0821)

3pm

Bristol Cathedral is the venue for an afternoon of festive music. The concert is chock-full of seasonal favourites. The programme includes some classical tunes and also a selection of popular carols. The service begins at 3.30pm. For very late risers, there's always the midnight Mass (starting at 11.30pm). For details, tel: 0117-926 4879)

4pm

Devotees of underground house should pop along to the Breakfast Club at Subcyberia between 11am and midnight. Resident DJs Lee and Paul Thomas will be spinning the grooves, plus there will be live music, food and strange art installations. Entry pounds 2.50, concessions pounds 1.50, 24 Scala Street, London W1. Nearest Tube: Goodge Street

5pm

Only in these modern times could you see Santa's reindeer towing his sleigh down the high street, and that's exactly what residents of Aviemore in Scotland will be seeing today. Rudolph, Dasher et al will be parading themselves from around 5.30pm - just in time for any late gift requests. 01479 861228