Ready for the deep freeze? I’m certainly not but we’re cheering ourselves up with all the brilliant London kids events and family activities around town this weekend. Less than 6 weeks to go (shock, horror) and Christmas is inescapable. Embrace it, we say. Happy Weekend!
Thu: Kensington Mums 2nd Birthday Dinner, surprise location in Kensington W6 (High Street Kensington tube)
You might still nab tickets for tonight’s exclusive soiree to celebrate two years of the mum’s group keeping you in the loop with the local scoop. Lovely Dina hosts mums and dads on a swanky night out at somewhere hush hush. 8.30pm, £40 (Nov 14)
Fri: Winter Festival Launch at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 (Embankment/Waterloo tube)
To celebrate the opening of the Winter Festival that will transform the Southbank until January with a spectacular mix of programming, the Christmas Lights go up this Saturday and there will be mulled wine at the Christmas markets. Come down and get in the spirit! Markets open daily from morning, Christmas Lights switch-on at 5pm, FREE (Nov 15-Jan 10)
Fri-Sat: Puree: World’s First Baby Restaurant at 7 Grape St, Covent Garden WC2 (Covent Garden tube)
Cow & Gate invites babies ages 6-12 months for a 5-star dining experience to sample their range. Expect valet buggy parking, silver-spoon service, nursery rhymes on the piano and sensory soft play area. Canapes and drinks for accompanying parents and carers. 12-2pm & 4-6pm (Fri), 8-10am, 12-2pm & 4-6pm (Sat), FREE (Nov 15-16)
Sat: Westfield Stratford Christmas Lights Switch On and Santa’s Parade at Westfield Stratford, E20 (Stratford overground/tube)
The shopping centre’s buzzing with Christmas cheers as Santa comes to town, heralded by 12 drummers, 11 bagpipers, 10 Morris dancers, 9 Bollywood dancers and even a partridge in a pear tree! Dick & Dom will switch on the lights, Santa’s Elves will dish out prizes and there’s a fireworks finale. From 4pm, FREE (Nov 16)
Sat: Disney Fantasia: Live in Concert at Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 (South Kensington tube)
Bring the whole family for an evening of magical entertainment with Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra playing a live score to Disney’s sensational Fantasia movie, featuring Mickey Mouse and the iconic Sorcerer’s Apprentice scene! 2.30pm & 7pm, £15-£55 (Nov 16)
Sat: Emil and the Detectives at the National Theatre, SE1 (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
Babe Daddy’s been reading the book to Ezra so we’re excited about this live adaptation of the classic story by Erich Kastner about a boy’s adventures in 1920s Berlin. Previews from this Saturday. Recommended for ages 7+. £12-£50/half-price tickets over £24 for under 18s (Nov 16-Feb 20)
Sat-Sun: Framed Family Film Festival at Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC1 (Barbican tube)
The brilliant annual showcase of films suitable for kids under 12 is back with animated films, family workshops and more. This weekend see Hedgehogs & the City and Other Stories (11am, Sat), silent cinema in Custard Pie Centenary and don’t miss BAFTA: Behind the Scenes, a mix of films, TV, games and websites up for BAFTA Children’s Awards. Dates and times vary, price range £6-£15, some events are FREE (PG, 3.30pm Sat) (Nov 16-24)
Sun: Family Barn Dance at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 (Camden Town tube/Camden Rd overground)
Everyone from babies in slings to toddlers and big kids can join in with these rousing traditional dances, with live music and expert callers helping you keep up with the steps! 3-5pm, adult £6/child £4/under 2s FREE (Nov 17)
Sun: English Chamber Orchestra: The Leopold de Rothschild Family Concert at Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, SW1 (Sloane Square tube)
A family-friendly concert with the Carnival of the Animals, William Tell Overture and the Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra played out to audiences ages 4+ (younger kids welcome). Plus pre-show activities like conducting soloists on the bandstand! 3pm, adult £8/child £4/family £20 (Nov 17)
Sun: Mwalimu Express: London Jazz Festival Special at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Rd, E2 (Shoreditch High St overground)
Our favourite Pan African family adventure takes on a jazzy twist with Monoswezi’s Africa meets Scandinavian jazz vibes, guests Kitchen Sink Collective previewing up and coming films from Zimbabwe, parent and toddler dance sessions, Awale games with the Oware society, market stalls, tasty snacks and DJs spinning top world tunes. 2-6pm, FREE (Nov 17)
LOCAL PICK
Sat-Sun: The Night Before Christmas at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 (Angel tube)
Settle in to watch this musical puppet fantasy based on the classic poem, featuring singing socks, riotous reindeer and a Santa-on-the-edge. For ages 3+ (baby-friendly performances on Sundays at 11am until Dec 15, plus Sat Nov 23 Nov 11am and Mon Dec 23 Dec 11am). 11am-1pm, 2-3pm, (Sat-Sun, dates & times vary); Half-price preview weekend this Sat & Sun! (Nov 16-17), regular prices; adult £14/child £10/family £44 (Nov 16-Jan 5)
We also like
Hunt for goodies at the Ideal Home Show at Christmas at Earl’s Court (until Sun); pop along to the Carnaby St Christmas Lights and Shopping Evening TONIGHT (Thu, 5-9pm); the gorgeous Somerset House Skate and Christmas Arcade opens this weekend (from Thu); hear Brahm’s First Symphony and Beethoven’s Ode to Joy at Mini Maestro at St Martin–in–the-Fields, WC1 (Sat, 4.30pm); take part in a Storytelling Family Workshop at Parasol Unit in N1 (Sun, 2.30-4pm); and don’t miss the South Ken Kids’ Festival at Institut Francais (from Mon to Sun Nov 24)
