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
The Christmas pud race sounds super. As long as you can eat it afterwards :) x
Right? I think racers at least deserve to eat it after making such a pudding of themselves! ;-)