There’s plenty to cheer you up over the next couple of days this chilly November. I’ve pulled together 12 magical ideas for the weekend in London with your family. Wembley Park lights up, Cutty Sark turns 150, Paddington glides across the ice, and Mary Poppins flies over the London stage. We’re off to see The Snowman at Sadler’s Wells for the first time in years, can’t wait!
Coming Soon: The Snowman trail
From Tue Nov 26: Walking with The Snowman sculpture trail, London Bridge City, SE1 2DB (London Bridge tube/rail)
You might not be walking on the air, but you’ll feel the magic of Christmas on this charming Snowman trail. Created by Wild in Art, in collaboration with Penguin Random House, 12 artists have sculpted unique Snowman figures. Designs are inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas. Walk through London’s sparkly Christmas market, and see the Snowman collection dotted around the 70+ stalls. Christmas by the River will host family workshops to mark the arrival of the snowmen. Daily, FREE (Nov 26-Jan 5)
12 Magical Ideas for the Weekend in London with your Family
Thu-Sat: Emily Rising at Half Moon Young People’s Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND (Limehouse DLR/Stepney Green tube)
One morning, Emily wakes up to find her feet can’t touch the ground. To the surprise of all around her, she just keeps rising. Follow Emily’s adventure from up high as she sees a world that looks completely different. Stunning poetry and a poignant storyline to engage ages 7-11. 10.30am & 1.30pm (Thu-Fri), 11am & 2pm (Sat); adult £7/child £7 (babies 12 months and under go FREE on carer’s lap) (Nov 21-23)
Thu-Sun: Paddington On Ice, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, W2 2UH (Hyde Park Corner tube)
The loveable bear from Peru arrives straight from the jungle to the heart of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Award-winning skaters and lively tunes create an enchanting spectacle for all ages. Paddington On Ice is brand new to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, and just one of the main attractions that also sees the Magical Ice Kingdom, Zippo’s Circus, Giant Observation Wheel, German chalets and more. General entry to the park is FREE. Paddingon on Ice runs at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm; adult from £21/child from £17/babies 2 and under are FREE on carer’s lap (Nov 21-Jan 5)
Thu-Sun: Mary Poppins, Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street, W1D 4HS (Covent Garden/Leicester Square tube)
Perfect for the festive season, Mary Poppins is back twirling her brolly in the heart of the Capital. The acclaimed musical from Cameron Mackintosh was a hit on Broadway and is a surefire crowdpleaser. Recommended for ages 7+ (kids under 5 won’t be admitted). 7pm (Wed family night), 7.30pm (Thu-Mon), 2.30pm (Thu, Sat & Sun) – NB schedule subject to change, check with box office; standard tickets from £27.50, family night from £17.50 (until Jun 7, 2020)
Thu-Sun: Winterfest at Wembley Park, HA9 0FA (Wembley Park tube/Wembley Central tube/rail)
Wembley Park hosts its first immersive winter lights trail, starring artworks curated by artists from all over the globe. See light installations like Sonic Runway, which debuted at Nevada’s Burning Man Festival. Also don’t miss London’s tallest-ever LED Christmas tree. All ages welcome. Open daily, FREE (Nov 20-Jan 3)
Fri-Sun: Oscar Wilde’s The Canterville Ghost at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Head to Unicorn Theatre to catch this creepy Christmas tale, brought to life with spectacular illusions and macabre effects. Mr and Mrs Otis arrive with their family from the States to move into Gothic mansion Canterville Chase. The resident ghost, Sir Simon Canterville, tries to scare them away. But he gets more than he bargained for… A spooky delight for ages 7+ (contains strobe and flashing lights and haze effects). 11am (Fri), 1pm & 6pm (Sat) & 2pm (Sun) — NB: showtimes vary weekly, check ahead; adult from £18/child from £12 (Nov 10-Jan 5)
Fri-Sun: Cutty Sark 150th Birthday Weekend, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT (Cutty Sark DLR/Greenwich rail)
Come and celebrate the landmark birthday of the historic tea clipper. Special events for families include an Alice in Wonderland tea party, Cutty Kids display of hand decorated sails, meet real Cutty Sark characters, get your face painted, hear stories from the ship’s past and lots more fun. All ages welcome. 10am-5pm; adult £13.50, child £6.75 (Nov 22-24)
Fri-Sun: Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair, 66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS (Sloane Square tube)
Meet Santa in the grotto at the Chelsea Physic Garden annual Christmas Fair. The kids can ask for what they want for Christmas, and you can treat yourself or someone you love to something special from 100+ stalls. Hunt for handmade jewellery, homewares, festive food and more. 11am-4pm (Fri), 10am-1.30pm (Sat-Sun); from adult £7/child FREE – book ahead, limited tickets available on door (Nov 22-24)
Fri-Sun: Frozen 2 Magical Castle at Hamleys, 188-196 Regent Street, W1B 5BT (Piccadilly Circus/Oxford Circus tube)
Just in time for the release of Frozen 2, the world’s oldest toy store unveils a new castle installation. Standing at an impressive 2.8 meters tall and 9.5 meters wide, the immersive experience whisks you away to a magical kingdom, inspired by Frozen 2. Visit the castle from midday, when there’s a welcoming ceremony from the Town Crier. You can learn to speak reindeer, play dress-up with the castle’s seamstress and tailor, or see what the castle’s bakers are cooking up. All ages welcome. 12pm-6pm, FREE (from Nov 22)
Sat: Same Same… But Different, Stratford Circus Arts Centre, Theatre Square, E15 1BX (Stratford tube/overground/DLR/rail)
A fun, feel-good show that takes its inspiration from a well-known Anglo-Asian phrase that translates as ‘yes, something similar but not the exact same thing’. Watch three performers celebrate what makes us different and how we belong. It’s a playful blend of street, contemporary and kathak dance, recommended for ages 5+. Babies under 12 months welcome on carer’s lap. 11am & 2pm; adult £10, concession £8 (Nov 23)
Sat-Sun: The Showstoppers’ Christmas Kids Show, The Paradiso Speigeltent, Leicester Square, WC2H 7DE (Leicester Square tube)
The kids are in charge at the Showstoppers Kids Show, an award-winning adventure for all ages. At this festive edition, the audience finds themselves in the Showstoppers’ Christmas grotto. Let the improv Elves lead you on a magical, musical adventure where the kids are in charge. They’ll love shouting out ideas for where the story is set, who we meet and what happens next. Part of Christmas in Leicester Square, a spectacular line-up of affordable entertainment for all ages. Ages 6+. 3pm; from £17/£15.50 concession/family of 4 £14.50 each (Nov 23-24 & Nov 30-Dec 1)
Sun: Family Fun Day: The Palace at War, Bishop’s Avenue, London, SW6 6EA (Putney Bridge tube)
Travel back to wartime at the historic palace this weekend, for their Family Fun Day event. Fulham Palace is transformed into a WW1 hospital, where kids can play nurses or wounded soldiers. Dress up, practice your bandage-rolling skills, or make your own Edwardian scrapbook. It all rounds off with a sing-song around the piano. 11am-3.30pm, FREE (Nov 24)
Sun: Mwalimu Express: African Dance & Cinema Party at 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA (Shoreditch High St overground)
Mwalimu Express is a fun and festive celebration of African sounds, sights and flavours, that welcomes people of all cultures and backgrounds. The monthly family club features live African band, DJs, parent and toddler dance sessions, market stalls, African board games and delicious Senegalese street food. Come and chill, pick up something unique as a gift, then settle in for the African movie that wraps things up. All ages welcome, from babies upwards. 2pm-6pm, FREE (Nov 24 & Dec 22)
Sun: How Does It Feel to Be Loved Kids Disco at The Phoenix, 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP (Oxford Circus tube)
The indie disco for kids and families is back for another Sunday afternoon. A popular End of the Road Festival feature, How Does it Feel to be Loved children’s disco brings indie, classic soul and vintage pop to an audience of old-time groovers and their mini movers. All ages welcome, from babies upwards (no admission without at least 1 child in your party). 12pm-4pm. £6 adults (15 plus), £2 children (14 and under) (Nov 24)
London Kids Cinema
Get your throat lozenges (and ear plugs) ready for the much-anticipated sequel. Frozen 2 opens this Friday in UK cinemas. Prepare to let it go again and again and again.
Find other Kids Club film listings (tickets for under £5) on our LONDON FAMILY CINEMA page.
Booking Ahead
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at Stratford Circus (Nov 28-Dec 24)
Christmas Under the Canopy at Canopy Market, King’s Cross (Nov 29-Dec 22)
The Ocean at the End of the Lane for ages 12+ at National Theatre (Dec 3-Jan 25)
My Christmas Guide will be out next week!
**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue before making a trip!**
London Kids Weekend Scoop (November 14-17, 2019)
