We’ll be whooping it up in style at Disco Loco this weekend, here’s what else is on for London kids and families.

ALL WEEKEND
Thu-Sun: Art by Animals (pictured) at Grant Museum of Zoology, Rockefeller Building, UCL, University St, WC1 (Euston tube)
Marvel at the handiwork of apes, elephants and other creatures and explore what distinguishes ‘art’ from nonsense. 1-5pm, FREE (until Mar 9)

Thu-Sun: Storytelling with Rachel Rose and Nell Phoenix at Selfridges, Oxford St, W1 (Bond St tube)
Fall under the spell of storytellers who have enchanted audiences at the Secret Garden Party and Burning Man Festival (Rose) and Sydney Opera House (Phoenix). Hear and share tales to inspire kids and adults alike. 11am-1pm (daily), 12-2pm (Sun), FREE (until Feb 5)

SATURDAY
Sat: Family Day: Model Your World at Whitechapel Gallery, 77-82 Whitechapel High St, E1 (Aldgate East tube)
Go on an artist trail around the gallery, then join in drawing and sculptural workshops to create a 3D landscape model and animate it to its own soundtrack. 12-4pm, drop-in; FREE

Sat: Comic Strip Bookmarks at Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, WC1 (Russell Square tube)
Be inspired by the exhibition Quentin Blake: As Large as Life (running until Apr 15) and make a cool comic strip bookmark to give as a gift or save for yourself. For ages 3-12. 1-4pm, FREE (book ahead 020 7841 3600) (Feb 4)

SUNDAY
Sun: Chinese New Year at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, E1 (Shoreditch High St overground)
The party’s still on for the Year of the Dragon at this family day of folk dance, string music performances, calligraphy, paper-cutting and Chinese watercolour workshops, food and stalls. 11.30am-4.30pm, FREE (Feb 5)

Sun: Little Bookniks at Jewish Museum, Raymond Burton House, 129-131 Albert St, NW1 (Camden tube)
Enjoy a day of laughter, stories, puppetry, film and music with Where the Wild Things Are screening and workshop, rip-roaring poetry, author/illustrator James Mayhew and his magic suitcase and more family fun. 10am-4.30pm, £3-£5 per event (Feb 5)

LOCAL PICK
Sun: Not So Silent Movies at King’s Place, 90 York Way, N1 (King’s Cross tube)
Stephen Warbeck (Shakespeare in Love, Billy Elliot) is this month’s guest composer providing the live soundtrack to a classic black and white flick starring comic heroes like Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd. 3pm; £12.50/£9.50 online savers (Feb 5)

Visit our February Calendar for more top family activities and events

It’s a weekend to celebrate, as we Enter (the Year of the) Dragon and Londoners get down in Chinatown. Happy New Year!

Hot Pick

Sun: Chinese New Year Celebrations, Chinatown, Shaftesbury Ave and Trafalgar Square (Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square tubes)
Spectacular Dragon dancing, Lion parade, acrobatics and more kick off the Year of Colin Farrell, Salvador Dali and other famous Dragons. There will be speeches, music and performances on the Trafalgar Square main stage and Chinese cuisine to enjoy. 10am (parade), 12-6pm (activities); FREE (Jan 29)

Sat: Hackney Children’s Variety Show- St John at Hackney Church, Lower Clapton Rd, E5 (Hackney Central overground)
Danny and his amazing balloons, jugglers, acrobats and a Tiny Travelling Tightwire Show are all part of the exciting action at this one off family special. 10am & 11.30am, £3 (Jan 28)

Sat-Sun: What a Wonderful World at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Sq, King St, W6 (Hammersmith tube)
Another highly interactive show from Lyngo lets kids imagine what it’s like to create a new day from scratch. For ages 2-5. 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm & 2pm; £8/family £30; optional Messy Play activities 15 mins after each show (£11 with ticket). (Jan 28-29)

Sat-Sun: Walk London: Winter Wanders Weekend, various locations
Put your best foot forward on one of more than 50 free led walks, including the London of Oscar Wilde and Hidden Secrets for London, funded by Transport for London. Most trails are family-friendly but check ahead. From around 10am, FREE (Jan 28-29)

Sun: Laura Veirs sings from Tumble Bee at V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 (Bethnal Green tube)
Come along for an afternoon of folk & roll as singer-songwriter Veirs sings from her children’s album Tumble Bee, featuring works by Harry Belafonte and Woody Guthrie. All ages. 4-4.30pm, drop-in; FREE (Jan 29)

Local Pick

Sat: Puppetry at Parasol, 14 Wharf Rd, N1 (Angel tube)
Join a member of the London School of Puppetry at this family workshop where you can see a professional string-puller in action and make your own puppet. For ages 4-8. 2.30-4pm, drop-in (booking advised): £3 (Jan 28)

Image source: www.imagerelax.com

This weekend we highlight a puppet show at Tricycle Theatre, Chinese New Year celebrations in the Docklands and in Camden, a Hootenanny (but no Jools Holland). Enjoy!

Fri-Sat: The Pied Piper of Hamelin at Tricycle Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Rd, NW6 (Brondesbury overground)
The classic tale of a tricky piper and a town full of rats is told on stage using puppets, music and animated projections, for ages 4+. Remaining shows 1pm (Fri), 11am & 1pm (Sat); £6/£5 adv. (Jan 20-21)

Sat-Sun: Vaudeville Hootenanny at Zabludowicz Collection, 174 Prince of Wales Rd, NW5 (Chalk Farm tube)
The School for Creative Start Ups presents a weekend of crafty goodness with perfume mixology, jewellery design, stitching and other workshops, market stalls, handmade trade, vintage fairground, live performances, screenings and more. 12-6pm, FREE (Jan 21-22)

Sat-Sun: Chinese New Year at Museum of London Docklands, West India Quay, E14 (Canary Wharf tube)
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at this fun weekend of mask-making, interactive storytelling, watercolour painting and dragon dance parade. 11am-4pm, FREE (Jan 21-22)

Sun: Willesden Green Wassail, NW2 (Willesden Green tube)
The countryside tradition of ‘wassailing’ (singing to apple trees for a fruitful harvest) becomes an urban adventure, as street performers and artists, families, greenies and foodies gather to celebrate local food sellers and producers. Meet at 2.15pm at Willesden Green Station and wind up at 4pm at Willesden Green Library for cake and apple drinks. Free, for all ages (Jan 22)

Local Pick

Fri-Sun: London Art Fair at Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, N1 (Angel tube)
Explore offerings from more than 100 galleries showcasing the best in contemporary British art. 11am-7pm (Fri), 10am-7pm (Sat), 10am-5pm (Sun); adult £11 adv/£16 door, child under 12 FREE (until Jan 22)

It’s Friday the 13th coming up, are you feeling lucky? Put your game face on for the Ice Sculpting fest in Canary Wharf, play African board games and funky sounds at Rich Mix or sing your heart out at King’s Place.

Fri-Sat: London Ice Sculpting Festival at Montgomery Square + Canada Square Park, E14 (Canary Wharf tube)
The chill season returns to three spaces in Canary Wharf with 8 teams competing for ice sculpture glory, with wintry food and drinks at the Frost Fayre, masterclasses to learn to make your own snow husky, and a Snow Pit filled with real snow for sculpting. Opens from 9am-7pm (varying times and venues); FREE (Jan 13-14)

Sat-Sun: The Flight of Babuscha Baboon at Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice, opposite 35 Blomfield Rd, W9 (Warwick Ave tube)
Spoken word, marionettes, shadows and music tell the story of a baboon who wants to fly to the moon in a hot air balloon, but gets diverted by an elephant on the run from ivory hunters. For ages 3+. 11am & 3pm (Sat), 3pm (Sun); adult £10/child £8.50 (until Mar 18)

Sat-Mon: Baccala Clowns at Purcell Room, Southbank Centre, SE1 (Waterloo tube)
Enjoy 60 minutes of acrobatics, theatre and clowning around from some of today’s leading young circus stars, part of London International Mime Festival. 7.45pm (Sat & Mon), 4pm (Sun); £15/concs half-price (limited availability). (Jan 14-16)

Sun: A Bag Full of Art at Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York Sq, King’s Rd, SW3 (Sloane Sq tube)
Take kids ages 4 to 12 on a family-friendly exploration of the gallery, with an opportunity to draw and do activities based on the current exhibition. 10.30am, 12pm, 3pm & 4.30pm; £3 per child (first 3 Sundays monthly, until Apr 29)

Sun: Mwalimu Express at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Rd, E1 (Shoreditch High St overground)
All aboard for London’s only Pan-African adventure for all the family. This weekend it’s Destination Lagos, with live Afrobeat and Nigerian DJ sessions, parent & toddler dance, crafts stalls, African board games (Oware). Plus a Q&A with filmmaker Jeremy Marre and screening of his film Konkombie featuring Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, IK Dairo and more music legends. 2-6pm, FREE (Jan 15)

Local Pick

Thu-Sat: London A Cappella Festival at King’s Place, York Way, N1 (King’s Cross tube)
Bringing together the best in choral, jazz, Scandinavian rock choirs, beatbox and British Barbershop, this vocal festival sweeps over King’s Place for one weekend. Includes Schools on Stage (Fri, 4pm) plus free foyer performances daily – audience participation mandatory! Varying times from 11am; tickets from £9.50, foyer shows FREE (Jan 12-14)

Find more great family events in our January Calendar

Pic via London Ice Sculpting Festival web site

It’s the first official weekend of the year. Make it a memorable one at a top cultural or sporty family activity in London.

Fri-Sun: Stick Man, Leicester Square Theatre, WC2 (Leicester Square tube)
It’s a dangerous world for a Stick Man, what with dogs chasing, birds making nests and the threat of fire. How will he get back to his family tree? This lively, musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s story promises more fun than you can shake a stick at. 11am & 2.30pm (Wed), 11am (Thu-Fri), 11am, 12.45pm & 2.30pm (Sat-Sun); £12.50/family £40 (until Jan 8)

Fri-Sun: The Outdoors Show at London Excel, E16 (Canning Town DLR)
Have an action packed weekend with an all-access pass to 4 shows including the Outdoors Show, the Active Travel Show, the London Bike Show and the London Boat Show. Attractions for kids and families include Mission: Explore challenge, climbing walls, bike polo and the amazing watersports pool at LBS. 10am-7pm & 10am-6pm; adult £16/under 16s FREE (Jan 6-15 & Jan 12-15)

Fri: Farewell to Christmas at Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Rd, E2 (Hoxton overground)
Don’t just dump your tree outdoors, head over to Shoreditch for a proper celebration with mulled wine and carols, stories of Epiphany, 12th Night cake and the traditional burning of holly and ivy. Dress warmly! 4-5pm, FREE (Jan 6)

Fri-Sun: Cirque du Soleil: Totem at Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 (South Kensington tube)
The spectacular circus returns with another dazzling show that takes the audience on a journey through the evolution of humankind. Shows at 3pm, 3.30pm, 7.30pm & 8pm (varying dates); adult £20-£195/ages 3 to 16 £14-£136.50 (Jan 5-Feb 16)

Sat: Spaghetti Western Orchestra Matinee Show (pic) at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1
Playing over 100 instruments ranging from nail clippers to squeaky toys and bicycle pumps, this innovative orchestra play top Clint Eastwood themes including The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. 2.30pm (evening shows 7.30pm available on Dec 5-11), £20-£30/concs half-price (limited availability). (Dec 5-11)

Foodie Scoop
Fri: La Befana at Caffe Caldesi, 118 Marylebone Lane, W1 (Oxford Circus tube)
The popular restaurant and bar celebrates Twelfth Night in the traditional Italian way by hanging festive stockings filled with treats. Plus there’s a chance to win prizes with your meal. 9.30am-11pm, free entry (Jan 6)

Find out more London kids and family events in our January Calendar

Should old acquaintance be forgot… ring out the last days of 2011 and welcome the New Year at our pick of family-friendly events around London.

Fri-Sun: Lost Letters to Santa at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Rd, E1 (Shoreditch High St overground)
A sweet and poignant exhibition in the Cafe Gallery showcasing real letters that have been written to Father Christmas and squirrelled away by well-meaning relatives over the years. 10am-close, FREE (until Jan 3)

Sat: Music for London Gala Concert at Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, SW1 (Sloane Sq tube)
A special performance for families with the Rider High School Wind Ensemble, Stayton High School Choir and the Harker School Orchestra, part of the Festival Concerts series running in association with the New Year’s 2012 parade. 1pm, adult £10/under 16s free (Dec 31)

Sun: New Year’s Day Parade (top pic), parade route Piccadilly, Piccadilly Circus, Lower Regent Street, Waterloo Place, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and Parliament Street (Westminster, Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross tube)
If you’re not too hungover, wake the kiddies up to watch the world’s largest New Year’s Day parade, also the first event to mark the 2012 Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. More than 10,000 masked dancers, acrobats, clowns and other performers strut their stuff before half a million spectators. 11.45am-3pm, FREE (Jan 1)

Local Pick

Sat: Rio at Screen on the Green, Upper St, N1 (Angel tube)
Escape to warmer climes as Blu, a domesticated macaw goes on a madcap adventure to Brazil where he finds love and his desire to fly. 11am, £5 (Dec 31)

So little time, still so much to do? Don’t get caught up in the crazy, take some time out to enjoy yourselves this weekend. Merry Christmas!

Fri-Mon: Special Event: It’s a Wonderful Life at Electric Cinema, 191 Portobello Rd, W11 (Portobello Rd tube)
Frank Capra’s Christmas classic is hard to beat in the heart-warming department. Snuggle down in the comfy seating of this fabulous venue and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies during the special screening. 3pm (Fri), 12.45pm (Sat), 1.15pm (Mon); £13-£15/£32 two-seater sofas (Dec 23-24 & 26)

Fri-Mon: The Gruffalo’s Child at Arts Depot. Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N22 (West Finchley tube)
If there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo, just how did he procreate? Well in this fun adaptation of the smash hit story sequel, it’s little Gruffalo who’s convinced that the Mouse doesn’t exist and braves it into the woods to find out! Ages 3+. Varying times, £12/£40 family (until Dec 30)

Sat: 5 Go Jiving at Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 (Waterloo tube)
Party through Christmas Eve as this lively ensemble plays a festive mix of jazz and big band. There’ll be singing and swinging but no jive turkeys! 1pm, FREE (Dec 24)

Sun: Peter Pan Cup at Hyde Park, W2 (Hyde Park Corner tube)
The annual race features nutters brave members of the Serpentine Swimming Club who strip off on Christmas morning to swim across the lake. Rather you than me, mate! 9am, FREE (Dec 25)

Sun: Christmas Services at Westminster Abbey, SW1 (Westminster tube)
Tickets for the popular carol services on Dec 23 and 24 are sold out, but you can still attend the Holy Communion, Sung Eucharist and Evensong on Christmas Day. Celebrate the true meaning of the holiday in one of London’s most spectacular settings. 8am, 12pm & 3pm, FREE (Dec 25)

Local Pick
Sat: Christmas at St. Pancras, NW1 (King’s Cross/St. Pancras)
If you haven’t already, go and see the amazing Lego Christmas tree. It’s your last chance to guess how many bricks it took to build the tree and win a trip to Legoland. Also kids can go on a Harry Potter Lego treasure hunt to win fun prizes. Catch up on Xmas shopping and hear the Salvation Army Choir sing carols between 11am-1pm. All events FREE (Dec 24)

Don’t miss our Babes Christmas Guide for London Families

Top 20 Christmas Shows for Under Fives

Just one weekend to go, are you excited? I am, even though I’m desperately behind on Christmas shopping!

Fri-Sat: Once Upon a Wintertime at Hackney Downs Studios, Downs Park Rd, London E5 (Dalston Kingsland overground)
An immersive pop-up winter festival with 80ft banqueting table, medieval street scenes, roller disco, cutting-edge art, festive day and night market and top grub from Lucky Chip, Homeslice, Kimchi Cult, Hardcore Prawn and more Eat.St faves. 6pm-3am (Fri); 4pm-3am (Sat): £15 adv/£20 door; market only £3 adv/£5 door/under 12s free (Dec 16-17)

Fri-Mon: Alice in Winter Wonderland: Panto on Ice at Alexandra Palace, N22 (Wood Green tube)
That curious girl takes to the ice with White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, troublesome twins and tetchy Queen in this festive adaptation of the classic tale, with skates on. 7-9pm (Fri & Mon), 5.30-7.30pm (Sat & Sun), 1.30-3.30pm (Sun); adult £9/under 15s £7

Sat: Alternative Christmas at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green, E1 (Shoreditch High St overground)
The Snapshots series winds up the year with this cracking day of double bill Xmas movies (Miracle on 34th St & Home Alone), Christmas market, East End treasure hunt, family workshops, live choirs, DJing vicars and a £1 community meal. 12pm-late, FREE (Dec 17)

Ongoing: HiddenCity’s Festive Family Trail Paul A Young, 143 Wardour St, Soho W1 (Oxford Circus tube)
Kicking off at Paul A Young’s West End chocolate haven, you’ll follow a trail of clues that lead you on a mood-lifting 2 hour tour of London at Christmas, complete with dazzling lights and hot cocoa to keep you warm. For all ages, just bring a map! 11am-3pm daily, £16 per team (until Dec 31)

Local Pick
Sat: Christmas Fete in Islington Green, N1 (Angel tube)
Shelter from the Storm throws a seasonal party to to raise money for the cause with Christmas market, Santa’s grotto, kids’ corner, mulled wine and raffle prizes including Arsenal Stadium tour and a £250 Fortnum & Mason hamper. 12-6pm, FREE (Dec 17)

Babes Christmas Guide for London Families

Top 20 Christmas Shows for Under Fives

Chocolate, gift shopping, carols and a brekkie with Santa. It’s beginning to look a lot like… a very Christmassy weekend. Enjoy!

FREE PICK
Fri-Sun: More London Christmas Market, Tooley St area, SE1 (London Bridge tube)
More than 30 handpicked traders from UK and overseas will be selling jewellery, crafts, design, fashion and seasonal food. Enjoy live music, mulled wine and mince pies and glide on the free ice rink. 10am-6pm, FREE (Dec 9-11)

TASTY CHOICE
Fri-Sun: Christmas Chocolate Festival at Southbank Centre, SE1 (Waterloo tube)
Browse for gifts for your favourite chocoholics or just induge your own senses at this popular festival where chocolate artisans from all over show off their skills and wares. 11am-8pm (Fri-Sat), 11am-6pm (Sun); FREE (Dec 9-11)

Fri: Carol Concert with the Animals at Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton St, E1 (Shoreditch High St overground)
Belt out festive anthems amongst the beastly backing ‘singers’, followed by mulled apple juice, hot chocolate and mince pies. 5-7pm, FREE (donations welcome) (Dec 9)

Sat: Mini Maestro Family Christmas Carols by Candlelight at St Martins in the Field, Trafalgar Square, WC1 (Charing Cross tube)
Vivamus Choir presents a fun programme of sweet choral singing, merry organ playing and rousing trumpets. 4-5pm; call box office +44 207 766 1100 to reserve (Dec 10)

Sat: Festive Lanterns and the Pom Pom Club at Somerset House, the Strand, WC2 (Charing Cross tube)
Get in the seasonal mood at this drop-in workshop to craft paper lanterns and decorate with pom poms and all things sparkly. For all ages. 11am-1pm & 2-4pm; FREE (Dec 10 & 17)

Sat-Sun: Duckie Christmas Market at Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC2 (Barbican tube)
Over the holiday period, the Barbican foyer is transformed into a bazaar with stalls by retro hawkers and. There’ll also be food, pop-up performances, workshops and a host of seasonal bonhomie. 2-9.30pm (Sat-Sun), 6-9.30pm (Tue-Thu), 6-11pm (Fri Dec 16), dates and times vary; FREE (Dec 10-30)

Sun: Breakfast with Santa at Hard Rock Cafe, 150 Old Park Lane, W1 (Green Park tube)
Feast on an all-American brunch buffet at the popular diner and the kids can bag a visit with Santa, and emerge with photos and a goody bag.10am-12pm; menu prices vary (Dec 11)

Sun: The Wonderful World of Captain Beaky and his Band at Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 (High St Kensington tube)
Follow the adventures of Timid Toad, Reckless Rat, Artful Owl and Batty Bat in this festive concert in aid of UNICEF. With surprise guests and intro from Roger Moore. 6pm, £20-£75 (Dec 11)

Local Pick
Fri-Sun: Angel Christmas Fair Candid Arts, 3 Torrens St, EC1 (Angel tube)
50 artists and designers showcase and sell affordable works in photography, crafts, textiles and more. Plus seasonal eats to keep you in the mood. 6-9pm (Fri, preview); 10am-6pm (Sat-Sun); FREE

For more Family Weekend Activities including the Winter Wonderland at London Wetland Centre, and the Shop West End VIP weekend, check out our Babes Christmas Guide

Have you entered our 12 Days of Xmas Giveaways? Don’t miss out!

The circus comes to Greenwich, there’s a barn dance near Regent’s Park and Christmas puddings are on the run in Covent Garden. Another swinging weekend for London kids and families!

Fri-Sun: Greenwich Circus Festival, Hangar Arts Trust, unit 7a, Harrington Way, SE18 (Greenwich DLR)
Aircraft Circus present a three-day festival under the creative direction of Alex Frith (aerial choreographer for Lord of the Rings), packed with interactive circus fun for the kiddies by day and some jaw-dropping action for adults after dark. 12-6pm (family-friendly) & 7pm-12am (adults-only); adult £10-£20/under 16 £6/under 5s FREE (Dec 2-4)

Fri-Sun: East London Design Show, Shoreditch Town Hall, Old St, EC1 (Old St tube)
Browse more than 100 stalls by the finest indie designers of jewellery, fashion, interiors and accessories, plus children’s area with creative activities. 12-9pm (Fri), 10am-6pm (Sat-Sun); £5/£3 concs/under 15s FREE (Dec 2-4)

Sat: The Great Christmas Pudding Race, Covent Garden Piazza, WC2 (Covent Garden tube)
An annual tradition, this wacky race of seasonal fancy dress wearers carrying Xmas puds happens for the 31st time in aid of Cancer Research. 11am, FREE (Dec 3)

Sat: Christmas Fair at Hampstead Town Hall, 213 Haverstock Hill, NW3 (Hampstead tube)
Shop for gifts in one of the neighbourhood’s historic buildings. Food stalls, jewellery, crafts, skincare and more on offer. 10am-5pm, FREE (£1 donation) (Dec 3 & 17)

Sun: The Magic of Christmas Concert at Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, SW1 (Sloane Square tube)
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s festive programme features the Nutcracker Suite, Sleigh Ride and White Christmas, Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant and the world premiere adaptation of The Fib, introduced by Gary Lineker and narrated by author George Layton. In aid of Breast Cancer Campaign. 3.30pm; £12.50-£37.50 (Dec 4)

Sun: EFDSS Family Barn Dance at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 (Regent’s Park tube)
End of season party with the English Folk Dance and Singing Society. Fling your self and family members about to lively dances from the British Isles, with a caller to guide your steps. 3pm; adult £5/child £3 (Dec 4)

Local Pick

Sat: A Cally Christmas, Tilloch St, off Caledonian Rd, N1 (Caledonian Rd tube)
The side street off Caledonian Road will be transformed into a winter wonderland with Santa’s grotto, trees decorated with lights, live music band-stand, table-top market and craft activities. 1-6pm, FREE (Dec 3)

Don’t miss Babes Christmas Guide for London Families

Images via event websites