Christmas is such a magical time of year in London and our annual Christmas guide is bumper-packed with activities. From ice skating and winter wonderlands, to where to meet Santa and his mates.
This weekend’s highlights (Dec 15-18): Santa on a Steam Train on the Epping Ongar Railway, Framed Family Christmas at Barbican Centre, Drink Shop Do’s Christmas Market, Museum of Architecture’s Gingerbread City, Monski Mouse’s Christmas Baby Disco, ice skating on a rooftop in Tobacco Docks…
Make it fabulous!
CHRISTMAS ATTRACTIONS
Magical Lantern Festival at Chiswick House and Gardens, (Dukes Avenue Gate entrance), W4 2QN (Turnham Green/Gunnersbury tube, Chiswick overground)
West London gets lit for Christmas with the return of the Magical Lantern Festival at Chiswick House and Gardens. Enjoy the festive spectacle of animals, birds, buildings, Santa and his Reindeers, all sculpted into lanterns. There’s also music and marquees, fairground rides and Santa’s grotto. All ages. 5pm-9pm, daily from Dec 14-Jan 1; adult £16.50-£20/child £10-£14/family £48-£64 (Nov 24-Jan 1)
Christmas Tree Slide at Wembley Park, Events Pad, Wembley Park Boulevard, Wembley Park, HA9 0QL (Wembley Park tube)
Ride on the Slideatron, a Christmas tree with a twist, that offers a 20m long thrill slide. It takes 18 seconds to ride, if you have the baubles! There’s also a food and drinks market, viewing platform, and hourly light shows set to bespoke Christmas tunes. Suitable for ages 4+, kids 10 and under need to ride with an adult. Open daily 9am-late, FREE but prebooking essential (Nov 29-Jan 2)
Museum of Architecture: Gingerbread City, 27 Thurloe Street, SW7 2LQ (South Kensington tube station)
Experience the sights and smells of a Gingerbread City (pictured) that’s been designed, baked and built by real architects, part of an annual fundraiser for the Museum of Architecture. Vote for your favourite gingerbread buildings; and parents and kids can try their hands at a Make Your Own Gingerbread House workshop. All ages. Exhibition open 9.30am-7pm (Mon-Sat), 10am-6pm (Sun); £3/ages 2 and under FREE. Workshops (from Dec 9-22): 10.30am-12pm, 1pm-2.30pm & 3.30-5pm, £30 per child + adult (includes all materials and free admission to exhibition) (Dec 6-22)
Hogwarts in the Snow, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
See The Gryffindor common room, the Great Hall and the Hogwarts castle model dressed for Christmas, with special effects fire and snow, handmade props and one of the beautiful Yule Ball sculptures on display. Festive treat for any Harry Potter fan. All ages. 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. (until Jan 28)
Christmas in Leicester Square, WC2 (Leicester Square tube)
Christmas cabaret, market, theatre and fun for all ages. Kid friendly action includes Kids of the West End (Dec 2), Monski Mouse’s Christmas Baby Disco Dance Hall (Dec 3, 10, 17), Showstoppers Christmas Kids Show (Dec 17-30), Winter Windows art installation, and Santa’s Grotto. 12pm-10pm (Mon-Fri), 10am-10pm (Sat-Sun); entry is free, varying times/dates/prices for different events and activities. (until Feb 13)
WINTER WONDERLANDS
Greenwich Winter Time, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London SE10 9NN (Cutty Sark DLR)
London’s newest immersive winter festival features gobsmacking ice skating performances, before open skating sessions in the grounds of the old Royal Naval College. Enjoy street theatre, children’s shows on a mirrored stage, silent disco, Winter Market and Father Christmas launch pad. All ages. 10.30am-1.30pm, 2.30pm-5.30pm, 6.30pm-10pm; tickets from adult £15/ child £8/family £39-£65, extra tickets required for ice skating and Father Christmas. (Dec 1-31)
Winterville on Clapham Common, Windmill Dr, SW4 9DE (Clapham Common/Clapham South tube, Clapham Junction rail/overground)
Winterville relocates to Clapham Common with Mimi and the Mountain Dragon family theatre, enchanting Narnia-inspired play with Tea Dance for Little People, Big Fish Little Fish raves (SOLD OUT), DJs in the Spiegeltent, fairground rides, Plonk Crazy Golf, ice rink, roller disco… phew! There’s free Saturday afternoon fun in Littlebirds’ Kids’ Quarter and yummy street food by Street Feast. All ages (some restrictions apply). Varying times and prices for activities, Winterville is open 11.30am-10pm (Mon-Thu), 11.30am-10.30pm (Fri), 10.30am-10.30pm (Sat), 10.30am-10pm (Sun); main entry is FREE daily or £3 after 6pm on Fri & Sat (until Jan 1)
Christmas at Kew, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
Kew Gardens becomes a sparkling winter wonderland (pictured), with Santa and elves to spot on a scenic trail, gigantic Sledge Tree, carousel and helter skelter, luminous petals, bubbles walkway, and Santa’s grotto. Daily from 10am; regular admission adult £15.50/child 4+ £2.50/under 4s FREE (until Jan 1)
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, W2 (Hyde Park Corner tube)
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland brings more spectacular entertainment to central London with Sooty’s Christmas Show, ice skating under the stars, Giant Observation Wheel, Magical Ice Kingdom, Cinderella on Ice, and Circus Megadome. Plus 100 fairground rides and 200 chalets in the Christmas Market. Look out for Father Christmas in Christmasland! A proper Christmas cracker for ages. 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 (until Jan 1)
Southbank Centre Winter Festival, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Embankment/Waterloo tube)
One of the most magical Christmas scenes to explore, the Winter Festival sees the return of wondrous family circus theatre Slava’s Snow Show (Dec 18-Jan 4) + Finnish rooftop sauna, ABBA singalongs, winter market, fondue in a snow globe, family theatre Night Lights, Mamma Mia film and fancy dress (Dec 17), and lots more seasonal fun. Varying dates, times and prices, lots FREE for all ages. (until Jan 4, 2018)
ICE SKATING AND ROLLER DISCO
Rooftop Ice Rink at Skylight Bar, Tobacco Dock, Pennington Street Entrance, Pennington St. Car Park entrance, Wapping, E1W 2SF (Tower Hill tube, Shadwell DLR/overground, Wapping overground)
Turn up and skate at London’s only rooftop rink. Enjoy stellar views of the city, as you glide on the small but perfectly formed ice surface. Grab a snap of your experience, play slapshot ice hockey, and tuck into delicious cheese or chocolate fondue in Skylight Bar. Kids welcome before 6pm. Child friendly skating 12pm-6pm, entry to Skylight bar is FREE, ice skating £10 for 45 minutes (until Dec 31)
Tower of London Ice Rink, EC3N 4AB (Tower Gateway DLR/Tower Hill tube)
Skate under the towering gaze of one of London’s most dramatic locations (pictured). Younger ones can try morning or early afternoon sessions with £5 skate aid penguins. Weekend DJs, Yeoman tours, and Ice Rink cafe and bar bar add to the chill factor. From 9am & 10am (best for kids and novices, Sat & Sun only, daily from Dec 18). Regular sessions 11am-7pm daily, 8pm & 9pm evening sessions; adult £14.50/child 3-12 10.50/family £42 (until Jan 2)
Natural History Museum Ice Rink, Cromwell Rd, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)
Glide across the 950 square metre ice rink, open to all including wheelchair skaters and toddlers on Bob skates (two blades on a shoe). Ride the carousel, stop for hot chocolate or pop in to see the whales before or after you skate. Hourly from 10am-9pm (Mon-Wed), 10am-10pm (Thu-Fri), 9am-10pm (Sat), & 9am-9pm (Sun); late openings Christmas to New Year (closed Dec 25); adult £12.65 off peak-£14.65 peak/child £8.80 off peak-£9.80 peak/family from £36.90 (until Jan 7)
Skate at Somerset House at the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
It’s the coolest rink in the Capital, with DJs on rotation and a drop dead gorgeous backdrop. Spin your munchkins around or sign ‘em up for Skate School for beginners or the Polar Cub Club for under 8s. Viewers can hang out in Fortnum’s Lodge for food and hot drinks, or browse the Christmas arcade. Skate sessions last an hour between 8.45am (select dates) to 11.30pm; tickets from £7.50 (until Jan 14)
Canary Wharf Ice Rink, Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AB (Canary Wharf tube/DLR)
Get your skates on for 16 weeks of icy action on the 1300 sq m rink and skate path. Skate under the park’s enchanting canopy of trees, grab a drink at the rink-side bar, or pop into restaurants and shops surrounding the ice rink. 12.15pm-9.45pm (Mon-Thu), 10.45am-10.45pm (Fri), 9am-10.30pm (Sat-Sun); holiday hours 9am-10.30pm (Dec 11-Jan 4), early closing 9.15pm Christmas Eve & Boxing Day, closed Christmas Day (until Feb 24)
SANTA AND FRIENDS
Christmas Weekend at London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Hammersmith tube, then bus 283/Barnes rail)
Boo hoo, tickets to see Santa are SOLD OUT… but don’t despair. You can still make treats with the Elves in their workshop, ride a Christmas donkey, or hop aboard a sleigh pulled by real huskies! All ages (husky and donkey rides for ages 8 and under). Daily from 10am; regular admission adult from £12.26/child from £6.75/family from £34.36/under 4s FREE (Dec 2-3)
Santa’s Snowflake Grotto at Westfield Stratford, Chestnut Plaza (beside Cafe Football and Omega), E20 (Stratford tube/overground) (also available at Westfield Shepherd’s Bush).
Be transported to the Snow Factory in the North Pole where Santa’s elves are creating all the snow on the globe. Kids can make their own snowflakes, meet Santa in his snow cavern, get a gift and photo, and experience magical snowfall before they leave! 11am-6pm, £7 (Dec 1-24)
Santa’s Special Steam Train on the Epping-Ongar Railway, North Weald, CM16 6BT and Ongar, CM5 9AB (vintage bus ride via Epping tube to North Weald station)
The big guy is back on Santa’s Special Train (pictured), riding to the ‘North Pole’ and back to Ongar on a heritage steam or diesel train. Kids get a gift and chocolate and good parents are rewarded with mince pie and mulled wine. Trains leave North Weald 09:45*, 11:25, 13:05, 14:45** & 16:25** (*excluding 3, 4 & 21 December, **excluding 24 December), buses from Epping Underground and Ongar approx 50 minutes earlier. Fares include the gift/refreshments, train and bus ride. Adult/child from £17.50-£20,babies under 18 months FREE. (Dec 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23 & 24)
City Cruises: Sail with Santa, from Tower Pier, Lower Thames River, EC3N 4DT (Tower Hill tube)
Santa swaps his sleigh for a boat and you can join the ride, enjoying cookies and soft kids as well as a gift for kids who cruise along. There’s mulled wine and mince pies for grownups (or champagne at the cafe/bar if you prefer). All ages. 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm & 4pm; adult £28/child under 18 £16/under 3s FREE (Dec 2, 3, 9, 10 then daily Dec 17-24)
Father Christmas at Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP (South Kensington/High St Kensington tube)
Hurry, there are limited tickets left to find Father Christmas at Royal Albert Hall and help repair his sleigh! Enter a festive wonderland, going behind mysterious doorways to meet magical characters like the Snow Queen. Songs, games and a special quest wind up with meeting Santa and receiving a gift and photo op. Ages 2+. Hourly slots between 9.30am-12pm; £26.50 (Dec 5-24)
SHOPPING AND EATING
Babyccino Kids – The ShopUp: Holiday Pop-Up at Chelsea Old Town Hall, King’s Road (opposite Sydney St), London, SW3 5EE (Sloane Square tube)
Hip mamas and papas head to Chelsea’s Old Town Hall for this annual event (pictured), featuring the world’s coolest indie boutiques, hands-on fun for families, plus Santa meet and greet. There’s live music and yummy snacks by Deliciously Ella on offer too. 12pm-6pm (Sun), 10am-5pm (Mon), FREE entry (Dec 3-4)
Christmas by the River at More London Riverside, SE1 2DB (London Bridge tube/rail)
The city’s most picturesque Christmas market is back with boutique stalls, artisan gifts, food and drink stands, workshops and more. Shop for presents or just enjoy the festive atmosphere, taking in breathtaking views of Tower Bridge, Tower of London and the London skyline. 11am-10pm, FREE entry (Nov 30-Jan 3)
Illustrator’s Christmas Fair 2016 by House of Illustration, 2 Granary Square, King’s Cross London N1C 4BH (Kings Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Granary Square becomes an illustrator’s grotto where 100+ contemporary illustrators showcase posters, prints, ceramics, art books and more. Take the kids and soak up the vibes, including the fabulous King’s Cross Christmas tree. 11am-5pm, FREE (Dec 9)
Drink Shop Do Christmas Market, 9 Caledonian Road, Kings Cross, N1 9DX (Kings Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
A jolly good time is planned at Drink Shop Do as they host a Christmas Grotto for one day only. Discover gifted local artists and designers, and pick up a gift for that special someone in your life – or treat yourself! 10.30am-7pm, FREE entry (Dec 17)
Christmas at Sutton House and Breaker’s Yard, 2 and 4 Homerton High Street, Hackney, London, E9 6JQ (Hackney Central overground, Hackney Downs rail)
Sutton House, London’s National Trust Tudor manor, is hosting another festive treat for families. Come for local street food and drink at the weekends (until Dec 17) including Hungry Piglets and Waffle Doodle Doo. You can also meet Father Christmas in a playful 12 Days of Christmas Countdown. All ages. 12pm-5pm (Sat-Sun); adult £6/child £5 (includes Santa visit)/family £18-£24/under 5s £2 for Santa, or FREE entry without (until Dec 18)
FESTIVE GIGS & PARTIES
Disco Loco’s History of Reggae Party, at Hackney Showroom, Hackney Downs Studios, Amhurst Terrace, E8 2BT (Dalston Kingsland/Dalston Junction overground/Rectory Rd rail)
Rewind selektah! Legendary DJs Earl Gateshead & Natty Bo takeover the East End family rave for a reggae marathon, taking you through its history including rocksteady, ska, roots, to dancehall and dub. Hear tunes and stories, pick up dance moves, munch on Jamaican patties, and craft with red, gold and green materials. Licensed bar and refreshments available. All ages welcome, from babies ages 6 months and up. 2-5pm, £4 per person adv/door, non-walkers FREE (Dec 3)
Big Fish Little Fish Jingle Bell Festive Family Rave at Proud Camden, Chalk Farm Rd, London NW1 8AH (Chalk Farm/Camden Town tube, Camden Rd overground)
Groove to club classics with DJ Jerome Hill, supported by Gav&Dave at our favourite family fiesta. Play in the Happy Monkey craft room with Captain Cookie, plus free glowstick and transfer tattoos, colouring mural, licensed bar, cake stalls, glitter cannons, parachute dance and Villa Pia baby chill out area. World famous Big Fish Little Fish parties are some of the hottest tickets in town! For ages 0-8 and their rave-hardy parents. 2pm-4.30pm; adult £9, child £6 and pre-walkers go free (Dec 3)
Wake Up Gigs: Family Friendly Live Music, Concrete Space, Tea Building at 56 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JJ (Shoreditch High St overground)
Wake Up Gigs brings bands and baby makers together for good tunes and dancing. This Sunday session features Kid Cupid + Hannah Jane Lewis + Feral Five + Alan West, with all profits going to Barnardo’s. Take ear defenders (for the nippers) and dancing shoes (for all), and enjoy an afternoon outing with a festival feel. Soft play, arts and crafts, baby changing, buggy space, licensed bar and Pizza East lunch on offer. All ages from babies upwards. 12pm-4pm; adult £12.50/child £5.50/babies, toddlers and infants under 3 are FREE (Dec 3)
Baby Loves Disco’s Big Halloween Bash at Zebrano, 14-16 Ganton St, Carnaby, W1F 7BT (Oxford Circus tube)
The hugely popular clubbing movement for babies, kids and grownups gets a Christmas makeover at this central London nightspot. Party through the afternoon to pop tunes and festive floorfillers selected by live DJs. Costumes welcome and there’s karaoke and photo booth fun, chill out area and licensed bar too. For ages 0-7 and their carers. 1pm & 3.30pm; £9.95 per walking human; family £32.95; non-walkers FREE (Dec 10)
Fun DMC: Christmas Special at Last Days of Shoreditch, 288 Old St, London EC1V 9LA (Old St tube) AND Fun DMC New Year’s Eve at JuJu’s Bar & Stage, Ely’s Yard, 15 Hanbury St, London E1 6QR (Old St tube)
It’s the last Christmas special for the Fun DMC, daytime block party crew, created by Charlie Dark (Attica Blues/Run Dem Crew) and Spin Doctor (The Doctor’s Orders). Jazzie B and The Next Men spin the big choons, while hip hop heads young and old enjoy radio-friendly rap, funk, disco and party anthems, fancy dress, food and drink, graffiti wall, giant slide, breakdancing and basketball teachers and more. Aso don’t miss FUN DMC NEW YEAR’S EVE: Spin Doctor and DJ Ryan lead a daytime celebration, with countdown to midday and balloon drop! Ages 0-10 and families. Dec 17: 12pm-4pm, adult £8.50, walking kid £5.50, family £25, non-walking babies FREE. Dec 31: 10.30am-1.30pm, adult £7, walking kid £5, family £22, non-walking babies FREE (Dec 17 & Dec 31)
CHRISTMAS MOVIES
St Katharine Dock’s Floating Film Festival, St Katharine Marina, 50 St Katharine’s Way, St Katharine’s & Wapping, London E1W 1LA (Tower Gateway DLR, Tower Hill tube)
St. Katharine Docks Floating Film Festival offers a showcase of Christmas classics, like Home Alone, Elf, Love Actually and The Polar Express, against the Thames backdrop. Snuggle down on bean bags with cosy blankets and heaters, refreshments include hot chocolate, mulled wine and snacks. Ages 3+. Screenings start 7pm (weekdays) or 2pm & 7pm (Sat-Sun); £10-£12 (Dec 4-24)
Pop Up Screens Christmas, Hackney Showroom, Hackney Downs Studios, Amhurst Terrace, E8 2BT (Dalston Kingsland/Dalston Junction overground/Rectory Rd rail)
Dreaming of a white Christmas? There’s guaranteed snow at these festive screenings, where you enter through a winter wardrobe, and settle down for Christmas favourites including Elf, Love Actually, Frozen, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. No hot food, but snacks and drinks available from the bar. Cheers! Ages 3+. Doors 7.30pm, film 8.30pm; adult £20/under 10s £10 (Dec 8-24)
Framed Film Club Christmas Party at Barbican Centre Cinema 1, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican/Moorgate tube)
Don’t delay, there are still some tickets remaining for the annual sell-out Christmas party at the Barbican’s Framed Family Film Club. Run in association with BAFTA Kids, there’s a top secret programme (fans of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom will be tickled), on-stage entertainment including a surprise guest from the North Pole. 11am, adult £5/child £3 (Dec 16)
The Snowman and the Carnival of the Animals at Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG (Kings Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Catch the beloved Raymond Brigg’s film The Snowman with live orchestra, featuring the hit song Walking in the Air. This special feature is packed with extras including poetry by Ogden Nash, cheesy Christmas jokes from the conductor’s podium, cartoon projections, and performance of
Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals. For ages 5+ and families. 1.30pm & 4.30pm; £22.50-£29.50/savers £9.50 (Dec 19)
Backyard Cinema Winter Snow Kingdom, Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR (Borough/Elephant & Castle tube)
Cross secret ice caves and a frozen lake to uncover a fairytale castle, deep within Backyard Cinema’s Snow Kingdom. Inside their ballroom, you can try out the Snow King’s throne, then settle on bean bags to watch seasonal movies, while indulging in popcorn and winter cocktails. All ages welcome (check screening certificate). Outside in the Mercato Metropolitano there’s delicious street food to feast on before or after. Various screenings/doors open from 6pm, screening 8pm (Mon-Fri); doors open from 11am for 12.30pm screening/3pm for 4.30pm screening/7pm for 8.30pm screening (Sat-Sun). Tickets from £17 (until Feb 11, 2017)
CHRISTMAS SHOWS
Once Upon a Snowflake at Chelsea Theatre, 7 World’s End Place, King’s Road, SW10 0DR (Sloane Square/Earl’s Court tube)
Shadow puppetry, storytelling and original songs from Darren Clark (The Scarecrow’s Wedding) create a colourful whirlwind of tales and adventure. We follow Liza, a sprite with a fascination for snowflakes, and help choose how her quest will end. Ages 3+. 10am & 2pm (Tue, Thu-Fri), 2pm (Wed), 2.30pm & 5.30pm (Sat-Sun); £12/£10 concs/£9 under 12s (Nov 30-Dec 22)
Santa’s Little Workshop at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Angel tube)
Pop on your elf outfit for a day at Santa’s workshop. Watch ’Twas the Night Before Christmas in the Little Elf Cinema. Then take part in festive puppet making, before meeting ‘The Boss’, the LAT’s puppet Santa. Age 3-9, younger ones welcome but craft activity not suitable for under 3s (all kids ages 1+ need a ticket), relaxed performance Dec 17 at 2.15pm. Workshop at varying times from 10am; adult £10.50/child £12.50 (Dec 1-24)
Pinocchio, National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX (Embankment/Waterloo tube)
Desperate to be a real boy, Pinocchio leaves Geppetto’s workshop with Jiminy Cricket. They embark on an exciting journey through alpine forests to the ocean floor. The director of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the writer of Matilda the Musical create a fantastic adaptation of the much-loved tale, with songs from the Walt Disney film. For ages 8+. 2pm & 7pm; £15-£62/child half price (Dec 1-Apr 10)
The Ramshackle House at Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX (Stratford tube/overground/DLR)
Upswing, the brilliant circus crew behind Bedtime Stories presents another stunning mix of theatre, music and visuals. A family that grows up tumbling, balancing and flying have to figure out how to hold their home together, without driving each other crazier. Clowning, acrobatics, dance and dazzling aerial combine in an enchanting production for ages 3+. Varying shows at 10.30am, 11am, 1.30pm & 2pm; £12/£10 concs (Dec 4-24)
Slava’s Snow Show at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
If you’ve never seen Slava’s Snow Show, then you’re in for a treat. Back by overwhelming demand, the globally renowned one-man circus show blends high drama and clowning to mind-blowing effect! Pure joy. Recommended for ages 8+, no under 3s allowed. 2.30pm & 7.30pm, also 6pm Suns; £20-£105 (Dec 18-Jan 4)
Don’t miss the Babes about Town guide to Christmas Theatre in London out soon!
Hackney Empire Panto: Cinderella (Babes Review)
