Hang onto your woolly hats people, it sure is nippy out there. We launched our weekend fun with a preview visit to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland on Thursday evening (write-up coming soon) and boy did we freeze our toes off.
No excuse not to get out and about though, with so much on for London Kids and Families. I’ve tried to mix in some regular stuff with the Christmas magic but there’s no escaping it: Santa’s definitely around the corner!
Thu-Sun: South Ken Kids’ Festival at Institut Francais, 11 Queensberry Place, SW7 (South Kensington tube)
A brilliant mix of animation, film and literary workshops, talks and readings with popular authors and illustrators, such as Quentin Blake, Marion Billet and more. Book early, events selling out fast! Times vary, £6-£8 (until Nov 24)
Thu-Sun: Framed Family Film Festival at Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC1 (Barbican tube)
Annual showcase of films and workshops suitable for kids under 12. This weekend see Moon Man animation (11am, Sat), take part in Foleyoke and watch a preview of Disney’s latest flick Frozen. Dates and times vary, price range £6-£15, some events are FREE (until Nov 24)
Thu-Sun: Stick Man at Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, WC2 (Leicester Square tube)
Hugely acclaimed adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler’s tale returns to the West End for a limited Christmas run. Stick Man embarks on a twiggy adventure to get back to the family tree. Filled with music, puppetry and moves for ages 3+. 10.30am (Wed-Fri), 10.30am & 2pm (Sat-Sun); adult £17.50/child £12.50 (until Jan 5)
Fri-Sun: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, W2 (Hyde Park Corner tube)
Head to Hyde Park for a magical day or evening out with all the family. There’s ice skating, a Giant Observation Wheel, a Magical Ice Kingdom, two shows of Zippo’s Circus, German chalets and of course loads of funfair rides. 5am-9pm (Thu Nov 22), then 10am-10pm daily; park entry is free, ride tokens cost £1 and rides start at £2 for kids rides, £3 for adults; book for special attractions and skating in advance at www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/tickets (Nov 22-Jan 5)
Fri-Sun: Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith, W6 (Hammersmith tube)
One of the most famous Christmas stories returns to the stage in an enchanting adaptation to warm the cockles for young and old. Show from 9.30am (times and dates vary, check the web site for your day); adult £10/child £8 (Nov 22-Jan 4)
Fri-Sun: The Enchanted Woodland (pic) at Syon Park, Syon House, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 8JF (Waterloo to Kew Bridge/Brentford or Syon Lane rail)
Thousands of colourful lights transform Syon Park gardens in this magical seasonal event. 5-9pm, adult £7/child £3 (until Dec 8)
Fri-Sun: Santa’s 5D Grotto at Westfield Stratford City, E20 (Stratford overground or tube)
Hop on the Christmas train with the elves for a magical ride into Santa’s 5D grotto experience, plus a gift and photo for the kiddies! 10am-8pm (Mon-Fri), 9am-8pm (Sat) & 12-6pm (Sun); tickets £4/family £14 (until Dec 24)
Sun: Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave, at The Dome, 178 Junction Rd, N19 (Tufnell Park tube)
The popular Brixton family groove for the post-rave generation relocates for its North London launch. DJs Si Begg (Noodles) and Miss JT (Secret Garden Party) fill the dancefloor while baby chill-out zone, Happy Monkeys craft room keep the minis busy beyond sets. Adult £8/child £4.50/non-walkers FREE (Nov 24)
Sun: Fashion Fabulous at Design Museum, Shad Thames, SE1 (Tower Hill tube/Tower Gateway DLR)
Drop-in workshop for future fashionistas where you can create your own fab design and use it to dress up a miniature model mannequin. Inspired by the upcoming exhibition Hello My Name is Paul Smith. 2-5pm, FREE with museum entry (Nov 24)
Sun: Stir Up Sunday at Gunnersbury Park Museum, Gunnersbury Park, W3 (Acton Town tube station)
Get ready for Christmas in this traditional celebration of the last Sunday before Advent. Help the servants pound sugar and spices, stir the plum pudding and make a Christmas wish, all done in Victorian kitchens decked with holly and ivy. 11.30am-12.30pm, 1-2pm, 2.30-3.30pm, FREE drop-in (Nov 24)
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)
Sun: Super Swishing at Islington Assembly Hall, Upper St, N1 (Highbury & Islington tube)
Recycle your favourite second-hand and gently worn clothes by bringing those in good condition and swapping them for tokens that you can exchange for free clothing and accessories. All ages welcome. There will also be workshops and advice on fashion and upcycling. Drop-off 2-3pm, exchange 3-5pm, FREE entry
We also like
Puss in Boots purrs into Hackney Empire for panto season (from Sat); enjoy a matinee cartoons screening with live band at Jazz Toons at Southbank Centre (Sat); fire-eaters, Big Wheel, stalls and more as Hampstead Christmas Festival returns to NW3 (Sun); gorgeous Somerset House Skate and Christmas Arcade is open for business (until Jan 5); join the Jewish Cultural Centre for a Chanukah Gift Fair (Sun); browse the riverside markets at the Winter Festival at Southbank Centre (ongoing); follow Emil and the Detectives at National Theatre (ongoing)
Winterland looks amazing! Would love to take the boys oen year x