Jingle bells are definitely starting to ring as my inbox fills with Christmas offers and invitations. In less than a couple of weeks, we’ll be fully into advent and I’m already gathering prizes for my annual 12 Days of Xmas giveaways. Exciting! In the meantime, check out all the fabulous goodness in the London Kids Weekend Scoop. **And scroll down to see how you can Win a Family Holiday in Villa Pia, courtesy of Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave!**
Fun Things to do with Kids in London this Weekend
Thu-Sun: Christmas in Leicester Square, WC2 (Leicester Square tube)
Alright folks, so there’s no escaping as Christmas cheer blasts full force into the capital. Go to the heart of London as Christmas in Leicester Square opens for business. There’s cabaret, theatre and performance for all ages, plus Kids at Christmas for the whole family. Kid friendly entertainment includes Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Medicine (Nov 26) and Monski Mouse’s Christmas Baby Disco Dance Hall (Nov 11, 19 & 25), Winter Windows art installation, and a chance to meet the big man in Santa’s Grotto. 12pm-10pm (Mon-Fri), 10am-10pm (Sat-Sun); entry is free, varying times/dates/prices for different events and activities. (Nov 10-Feb 13)
Thu-Sun: Southbank Centre Winter Festival, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Embankment/Waterloo tube)
Just SO excited to announce that Southbank Centre Winter Festival is officially open this weekend! Can you feel the Christmas spirit in the air? One of the most magical places to explore, this festival sees the return of dazzling family circus theatre Slava’s Snow Show (Dec 18-Jan 4). Other highlights include a Finnish rooftop sauna, ABBA singalongs, the winter market, fondue in a snow globe, family theatre Night Lights, Mamma Mia film and fancy dress, and lots more seasonal goodness. Varying dates, times and prices, loads to see and do for FREE for all ages. Winter Market open daily from around 9am-late. (from Nov 10-Jan 4, 2018)
Fri-Sun: The Snow Queen at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Meet Kai and Gerda, best buddies who are so close they might be siblings. In this Christmas special, the two join with friends to reimagine Hans Christian Andersen’s classic winter fairy-tale. A dusty attic becomes the Snow Queen’s icy palace, as we get caught up in a storytelling spell, just as Kai is spellbound by the Snow Queen’s frosty kiss. Will Gerda find a way to melt Kai’s heart before he forgets her forever? Ages 5 to 11. Varying times between 11am and 7pm (check times on website); reviews £14/concs £12/general £18.50 (Nov 17-Feb 4)
Fri-Sun: The Velveteen Rabbit at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Once there was a Velveteen Rabbit, with sheeny fur and floppy ears, so loved by his boy pal. But after a brief time, he’s abandoned to gather dust on the nursery floor and longs to be cherished, and most of all, to be real. The Velveteen Rabbit bides his time until one day he’s rediscovered and it looks like his dreams might come true. A gorgeous Christmas time adaptation of the hit book, making a welcome return to the Unicorn Theatre. Ages 5+. Varying times Tue-Sun between 11am-7pm (check website for exact dates/times); adult £16-£24/child £10-£18 (Nov 17-Dec 31)
Sat: Framed Family Film Festival at Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
The annual Framed Family Film Festival is a glorious day of cinema screenings and activities for all ages. Riffing off their weekly Saturday cinema showpieces, this one-day celebration of child-friendly flicks features a vibrant programme. Take part in all-day workshops including lightbox animation, selfie photo booth and animal mask making. Share your earliest memories of films, games and TV with BAFTA at 70. And catch screenings of Rabbit School (PG), The Star (U) and a collection of short films from around the globe. 10am-5pm, adult £5/child £3 (Nov 18)
Sat: Time Travel Club Family Day at The National Archives, Bessant Drive, Kew TW9 4DU (Kew Gardens tube/overground)
It’s a naval themed Time Travel Club this month, as kids and families are invited to journey to the 18th century and beyond. Discover a collection of captured letters, delve into the history of ship documents and cargoes, and take part in storytelling and creative activities. Best for ages 3-11, younger ones welcome. Next Time Travel Club event takes place on Dec 2. 10am-4pm, £7.50/some activities FREE (Nov 18)
Sat: Kingston Children’s Literary Festival, multiple venues in Kingston town centre, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1BW (Kingston rail)
Book worms of all ages can squirm along to the inaugural Kingston Children’s Literary Festival, launching this weekend. Kids and parents can listen to and engage with some best-loved authors and illustrators including Olaf Falafel (‘Father Christmas Heard A Parp’), illustrator and animator, Tom McLaughlin (The Accidental Father Christmas’) author Katherine Woodfine (‘The Midnight Peacock’), blogger and fantasy writer, A. Bello (‘Emily Knight: I Am Awakened’) and the award-winning Pete Johnson, author of over fifty books, (‘Louis and the Laugh’). Venues include Bentalls Shopping Centre, Waterstones, and Kingston Library. On Thu & Sat only (times vary), FREE but pre-booking essential (Nov 18-Dec 16)
Sat: Kazzum: The Boy, The Bees and The Blizzard at Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, EC1V 9LT (Old St tube)
LAST CHANCE: Be part of an exciting quest at Shoreditch Town Hall, to help Ben find his way out of a beehive. On arrival, you’ll don headphones and dive into the heart of the hive to meet a miserable leader hosting a party that nobody wants to go to. Can you help with prepping invitations, food and music to get the dance floor buzzing? This 50 minute adventure explores a border between two worlds using a mysterious, light and playful mission. For ages 6+ and families. 10.30am & 1.30pm (Sat), 4.30pm (Wed & Fri); £8-£12 (Nov 11-18)
Sat-Sun: Hogwarts in the Snow, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
It’s that time of year again when the Harry Potter Studio dresses up for the festive season. See The Gryffindor common room, the Great Hall and the Hogwarts castle model all kitted out for Christmas, with everything from special effects fire to magical filmmaking snow. Roast turkeys and hams studded with cherries will bedeck the long dining tables, and you can check out original costumes, handmade props including Christmas cards, and one of the beautiful Yule Ball sculptures. The WB Studio Tour is an unmissable treat for any Harry Potter nut. 9am-10am first tours, last tour 4-6.30pm (closing time 3 hours after last tour). 2017 prices (until Dec 31): adult from £37-£39/child from £29-£31/family from £118-£126/ages 0-4 FREE but require tickets. 2018 prices (until Dec 31, 2018): adult from £39-£41/child from £31-£33/family from £124-£132/ages 0-4 FREE but require tickets. Pre-booking essential. (Nov 18-Jan 28)
Sun: Hamleys Christmas Toy Parade, Regent St (Oxford Circus/Piccadilly tube)
Few things say Christmas to kids more than toys. And you can’t beat the excitement of seeing their favourite characters marching up and down Regent’s Street at the annual Hamleys Christmas Toy Parade. The Hamley’s Elves and Hattie Bear will be meeting fans outside the shop, with a live stage, prize giveaways and a celeb visit from Santa. Don’t miss the likes of Barbie, Power Rangers, Teletubbies, LEGO Ninjago, Transformers, My Little Pony, The Gruffalo, Peppa Pig, Fireman Sam and other superstars of the toy box, page and screen. Mark your calendars! From 10.30am-4pm, FREE (Nov 19)
Sun: Big Fish Little Fish x Villa Pia present a Drum & Bass Toga Party! at The Mangle (basement), 13-18 Sidworth Street, London Fields, E8 3SD (London Fields rail/Hackney Central overground)
DJ SS on the turntables with support from Savage Animal Sounds create a toga rave to remember. All visitors can win a FREE FAMILY HOLIDAY AT the amazing VILLA PIA in Italy! Come also for the usual extras including Happy Monkey craft room with Captain Cookie, free glowstick and transfer tattoos, colouring mural, licensed bar, cake stalls, play area, glitter cannons and parachute dance finale. Villa Pia babies and crawlers room offers chill out mats and soft play ball pool. Big Fish Little Fish parties typically sell out so book immediately to avoid disappointment. For ages 0-8 and their senior ravers. 2pm-4.30pm; adult £9, child £6 and pre-walkers go free (Nov 19)
Sun: Family Day: Autumn Garden Art at Keats House, 10 Keats Grove, NW3 2RR (Hampstead Heath overground)
As autumn sweeps into winter, it’s a perfect time to visit the idyllic setting of Keats House and garden for another family activity. Gather foliage, ferns and beech leaves to create autumnal art including leaf rubbings. If it’s windy, pack a kite for some fun times kite-flying on the heath. All ages welcome. 1pm-4pm drop in; FREE (Nov 19)
We also like
There are laughs a plenty for kids and adults alike at Big Howard’s Loltastic Yukfest at the Old Queen’s Head on Essex Rd, N1 (Sat); hear Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos in a special concert for families at Mini Maestros in St Martin-in-the-Fields (Sat); see Hans Christian Andersen’s The Steadfast Tin Soldier told through puppetry and light projections at Half Moon Theatre (Sat); immerse yourselves in storytelling and workshops at the 20th annual South Ken Kids Literary Festival (ongoing until Sun)
London Kids Cinema Listings
A selection of movies from some of our favourite family friendly cinemas in London.
Electric Cinema Kids Club, 191 Portobello Rd, W11 2ED (Notting Hill tube)
Mary Poppins at 9.30am; adult/child £5 (Nov 18)
Phoenix Cinema Kids Club, 52 High Rd, East Finchley N2 9PJ (East Finchley tube)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone at 12pm; Adult/Child £3 (Nov 18)
Regent St Cinema Kids Kino Club, 309 Regent St, W1B 2UW (Oxford Circus tube)
The LEGO Ninjago Movie at 11.30am; £1.75 (Nov 18)
BFI Southbank: BFI Families, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
Funday: Ronja the Robber’s Daugher. Fun in the foyer from 11am, film at 12.30pm; adult £11.75/child £4 (Nov 18)
COMING SOON
Soho Hotel Children’s Film Club, 4 Richmond Mews, W1D 3DH (Piccadilly Circus tube)
LEGO Ninjago Movie at 10.30am (10am brunch); £10 (film only), or £20 (includes buffet brunch at 10am + popcorn and drinks for film) (Nov 26)
Booking Ahead
A Christmas Carol for ages 11+ at The Old Vic (Nov 20-Jan 20)
Boing at Unicorn Theatre (Nov 22-Dec 31)
Winterville on Clapham Common (Nov 23-Jan 1)
Pinocchio for ages 8+ at National Theatre (Dec 1-Apr 10)
Disco Loco’s History of Reggae Party for all ages, at Hackney Showroom (Dec 3)
Fun DMC Hip Hop Family Xmas Block Party with Jazzie B (Dec 10) and The Nextmen, at Last Days of Shoreditch (Dec 17)
London Kids Weekend Scoop (November 10-12, 2017)
