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
