The honest guide to becoming an engineer in the UK

Newsletter
BorntoEngineer
Get the weekly newsletter

EventRoyal Institution

Royal Institution CHRISTMAS LECTURES 2026 (Jim Al-Khalili on time, filmed 8 to 12 December)

The Royal Institution's CHRISTMAS LECTURES, presented in 2026 by Professor Jim Al-Khalili on the science of time, are filmed in London in December and broadcast on the BBC and iPlayer in late December. They are aimed at 11 to 17 year olds but are watched by families together.

By the Born to Engineer editorial team Checked

At a glance

Run by
Royal Institution[1]
Who it’s for
Aimed at an audience of 11-17 year olds, accessible for people of all ages; live filming audience is 11-17 year olds.[2]
Entry
Students apply themselves
Worth
Watch a leading scientist explain big ideas in physics, either in the live audience or on television.
Cost
Tickets for the CHRISTMAS LECTURES are exclusively available for Ri Members and Patrons as a thank you for their support throughout the year. (Broadcast on the BBC and iPlayer; no viewing charge stated.)[3]
Year groups
Year 9, Year 10, Year 11, Year 12
Where
UK-wide (London (Royal Institution theatre); broadcast UK-wide)
Format
Hybrid
Dates
to

Sources

4 sources

  1. Royal Institution

    CHRISTMAS LECTURES | Royal Institution

    In the 2026 CHRISTMAS LECTURES® theoretical physicist, broadcaster and author, Jim Al-Khalili, will investigate what time actually is

    Checked 24 October 2026

  2. Royal Institution

    CHRISTMAS LECTURES 2026 FAQs | Royal Institution

    The CHRISTMAS LECTURES® are aimed at an audience of 11-17 year olds, however they are accessible for people of all ages and all levels of scientific knowledge.

    Checked 24 October 2026

  3. Royal Institution

    CHRISTMAS LECTURES 2026 FAQs | Royal Institution

    Tickets for the CHRISTMAS LECTURES are exclusively available for Ri Members and Patrons as a thank you for their support throughout the year.

    Checked 24 October 2026

  4. Royal Institution

    CHRISTMAS LECTURES 2026 FAQs | Royal Institution

    Lecture one: Tuesday 8 December Lecture two: Thursday 10 December Lecture three : Saturday 12 December.

    Checked 24 October 2026

Details checked by the Born to Engineer editorial team. Always confirm dates on the provider’s site before applying.

Not open yet

Filmed 8, 10 and 12 December 2026 in London; broadcast on the BBC and iPlayer in late December 2026[4]

Visit rigb.org (opens in a new tab)

More event opportunities

All opportunities

Blue Origin New Shepard crew capsule replica (Glasgow Science Centre, until 31 December 2026)

Open now

EventGlasgow Science Centre

Glasgow Science Centre is hosting a 1:1 replica of the New Shepard crew capsule, a fully reusable suborbital rocket system built for human flight. Visitors get a close-up look at its exterior and interior, though they cannot enter the capsule. It is on display in The Street and included with day entry.

Worth
A close-up look at the inside and outside of a replica human-rated suborbital rocket capsule.
Who
Visitors of all ages (the What's On listing gives Age: All Ages for family events; this exhibit lists no age limit)
Entry
Students apply themselves
When
Until 31 December 2026

Visit glasgowsciencecentre.org (opens in a new tab)Details: Blue Origin New Shepard crew capsule replica (Glasgow Science Centre, until 31 December 2026)

DiscoverChemEngLIVE Rugby (12 November 2026, school groups, reserve list)

Open now

EventInstitution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)

A free interactive exhibition in Rugby where school groups meet working chemical and process engineers and try hands-on activities. Companies such as McDermott, Carlsberg Britvic, PM Group and Severn Trent exhibit, alongside universities with chemical engineering courses. The event is currently at capacity, so schools can join a reserve list.

Worth
Hands-on activities and the chance to speak with working chemical and process engineers and universities offering chemical engineering courses.
Who
School students aged 12 to 18 (Y8 to Y13), booked by their school or college in groups of up to 30 young people plus staff.
Entry
A teacher or school enters
When
Thursday 12 November 2026; morning 09:30 to 11:30 or afternoon 12:30 to 14:30

Visit icheme.org (opens in a new tab)Details: DiscoverChemEngLIVE Rugby (12 November 2026, school groups, reserve list)