*UPDATE: Since London moved into Tier 4 lockdown restrictions on December 19, the majority of the events listed around town below are either cancelled, postponed or rescheduled. Scroll down to see Virtual Events to do with the kids and some activities that are still open to the public e.g. Kew Gardens (outdoors only, Christmas at Kew suspended), LAP LAND at Silverstone, and the Drive-In events). As always, please check ahead before attempting to visit in case of any changes.*
My annual guide to Christmas in London with kids is here! Hasn’t it been the strangest, longest, fastest route to Christmas ever? This year, loads of seasonal staples were cancelled (Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Harrods Grotto, Tower of London Ice Rink). But before you say Bah Humbug, there are still tons of brilliant things to do in London with your family.
Christmas in London with Kids 2020
My 2020 guide to Christmas in London with Kids features illuminated attractions, wintery scenes, socially distanced theatre, virtual performances and where to meet Father Christmas with your little ones. All venues listed are Covid secure and will offer the usual safety measures (face masks, timed entries, frequent cleans, one-way routes, social distancing etc.) and at the time of publication, they were good to go. But of course this is 2020, anything can happen so be sure to check ahead before you venture out!
Wherever you go, whatever you do, have a wonderful and safe Christmas.
Christmas in London with Kids: Babes Choice
The Magic of Christmas at ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY (Camden Town/Regent’s Park tube)
Keep your eyes open for Santa at London Zoo as you celebrate Christmas in London with kids. There’s a rumour he’ll be out and about but with 18,000 animals to visit, you might just miss him. Go on a festive trail through the zoo until you reach the polar post box where you can send your postcard to Santa and make sure he gets all the right presents for the animals. While you’re there, why not ride the traditional carousel or indulge in some hot chocolate? The zoo has been cleared for Elf and safety so you’re good to visit with your little ones. Ages 11+ must wear a face mask at all times, ages 3+ must wear a face mask to enter primate exhibits. 10am-2pm or 12pm-4pm (last entry 3pm); adult from £26 super saver to £35 peak/child from £16.20 super saver to £22.75 peak/members free all year (Dec 2-Jan 3)
Harrods x Oliver Jeffers, 87 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL (Knightsbridge tube)
The Harrods Christmas Grotto is closed this year but they’ve got something extra special in their collaboration with author/illustrator Oliver Jeffers. Immerse yourself in Oliver’s wonderful world either in-store or from the comfort of your sofa. Discover The Wonder of Stories at Harrods with a festive trail and appearances from popular characters. Or join in the fun from home with online games and activities. And don’t miss your chance to sample the Oliver Jeffers themed afternoon tea. 11am-6.30pm (Mon-Sat), 11.30am-5.30pm (Sun) – allow 25-30 minutes for the experience; family ticket £30 for up to 6 guests from one household – additional prices for afternoon tea (Dec 3-Jan 10)
Breakin’ Convention: Social DisDancing at Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
All Zoomed out? Fed up of virtual experiences? Feel the heat of live hip hop theatre at Jonzi’ D’s Breakin’ Convention, the annual street dance extravaganza back for its first event since lockdown. Catch East London stars Boy Blue, a London premiere for Birmingham’s O’Driscoll Collective, all female crew A.I.M. and a gripping performance of the ode to Black womanhood and BLM ‘Our Bodies Back’ by Jonzi D and spoken word poet Jessica Care Moore. Ages 5+, younger ones not admitted. 7.30pm (Fri), 2.30pm & 7.30pm (Sat); £15-£40 (Dec 11-12)
English National Ballet: Nutcracker Delights, London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, Charing Cross WC2N 4ES (Charing Cross tube/rail)
Is it Christmas in London without the Nutcracker? Wrap up this sh!tshow of a year with an evening covered in sparkles at English National Ballet’s Nutcracker Delights. Live at the London Coliseum, this special, socially distanced version of the Nutcracker captures Tchaikovsky’s music in 75 minutes of dancing, sets and costumes to delight all ages.Ages 5+ and families, younger ones not admitted. Various shows at 3pm (Thu & Sun), 3.30pm & 7.30pm (Mon, Tue, Wed & Sat + Fri Dec 18); £10-£55 (Dec 17-Jan 3)
Christmas Attractions
Christmas at the Old Royal Naval College, King William’s Walk, Greenwich, SE10 9NN (Cutty Sark DLR)
Once again, there’s tons of Christmas family fun at the Old Royal Naval College. From pop-up performances in the riverside grounds to carol services. Visit the craft and arts market (Dec 12-13 & 18-20) and gawp at the Christmas tree in Upper Grand Square. You can have late access to the Painted Hall (Dec 17 & 19) with tickets including a winter meal and free Christmas gift. Tune in from home on Dec 1 & 4 for two live-streamed carol services or sing along in person on Dec 13 & 14 in the Chapel of St peter and St Paul. Various times and dates for activities. ORNC is open from 10am-5pm (grounds open 8am-11pm); adult from £11 (£12 door)/child under 16 FREE (Dec 3-20)
Hogwarts in the Snow, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
One of the most magical things to do Christmas in London with kids is Hogwarts in the Snow. See the Hogwarts castle, the Great Hall and the Gryffindor common room transformed and pop by the Weasley kitchen dressed for a feast. New for 2020, Diagon Alley gets a festive makeover too. All ages. 9am-10am first tours, last tour 4pm-6.30pm (closing time 3 hours after last tour); adult from £47/child from £38/family from £150/ages 0-4 FREE but require tickets. Pre-booking essential. (Dec 3-Jan 17)
Christmas at Kew, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
KEW GARDENS IS OPEN IN TIER 4 (but Christmas at Kew event suspended). Stroll through the beautifully illuminated Rose Garden. a glittering tunnel of bells, majestic tress and a dazzling treetop waterfall. Discover the Tunnel of Light twinkling with thousands of fairy lights and see fiery sculptures in the scented Fire Garden. It all wraps up with the Palm House Pond finale light show set to festive classics. No fairground rides this year but plenty of Christmas cheer. All ages. 4pm-10pm, adult from £19.50 off peak/£24.90 regular; family tickets available (Dec 4-Jan 17)
LAP LAND at Silverstone, Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire NN12 8TN (approx 90 mins by car from Central London/Northampton, Milton Keynes or Banbury rail)
OPEN IN TIER 4: Maybe you can’t fly to the North Pole but you can still take the family to LAP LAND. This COVID safe Christmas extravaganza puts a festive spin on Formula 1. Visitors can drive around the iconic Silverstone track in the comfort and safety of their own cars to experience a laser and light show set to seasonal music. Round off your trip with a screening of The Snowman, suitable for all ages. 4.30-8.30pm (Sun-Thu) & 4.30pm-9.30pm (Fri-Sat) – closed Christmas Day; from £35 per car + £15 for screenings of The Snowman (Dec 10-Jan 3)
Christmas Adventure Quest at Eltham Palace Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich (Off Court Rd), SE9 5QE (Eltham rail)
Go on a festive quest around the historic home and uncover fun facts and untold stories from the past. Search for clues and QR codes that unveil quirky tales and enjoy a hot chocolate or mulled wine for your efforts. All ages welcome. 10am-4pm; adult £17.30/child age 5-17 £10.40/family 1 adult £27.20/family 2 adults £45 (Dec 26-Jan 3)
Meet with Santa
Santa at Home (online/via Zoom)
You might not get to visit Santa this Christmas but fear not, Santa can still come to you. The Underbelly folk (behind Edinburgh’s Christmas and Christmas in Leicester Square) have organised a personalised Zoom session with the big guy, all the way from the North Pole. Santa at Home invites up to 6 children and unlimited family members to share time with Father Christmas on a private video conference. Santa will address each child by name and have titbits of personal information to make every kid feel special. You can even keep a recording (with adult consent) to treasure forever. Santa at Home supports the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and the Brain Tumour Charity – donations for both welcome at checkout. Sessions last 12 minutes and start at £42 for up to six children from multiple households (£7 per child) (Nov 27-Dec 24)
Breakfast with Santa at Selfridges, The Corner Restaurant and Champagne Bar, Selfridges, 2nd Floor, W1A 1AB (Bond St/Oxford Circus tube)
Hurry, there are just a few more dates remaining for Breakfast with Santa and your family at Selfridges. Tuck into a sweet and savoury menu and finish off your festive feast with a personalised gift for each child in your bubble. Bring your booking confirmation with you and arrive 10 minutes early in time to see Santa arrive. 9am-11am (only dates Dec 3, 9, 10 & 17 at time of publication); £50 per table (Dec 3-17)
Greenwich Market Santa’s Grotto, 3-3a Greenwich Market SE10 9HZ (Cutty Sark DLR)
You can head to Greenwich to meet with Santa or you can book a spot with him at home via Zoom. These socially distanced sessions help raise funds for Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice. Book in advance and you’ll get an age-appropriate gift in the post hopefully ahead of your virtual grotto visit. Sessions last 5-10 minutes from 10am-4pm on Nov 28 & Nov 30-Dec 2 (virtual grotto only), Dec 7-9 & Dec 21-23); from £7.50 per child (Nov 28-Dec 2 & Dec 3-23)
Santa’s Grotto at Hamleys, 88-196 Regent Street W1B 5BT (Oxford Circus/Piccadilly Circus tube)
Ho ho ho. Hook up a date with the man in red in Hamleys Party Room at the world’s most famous (probably) toy store. Santa’s Grotto at Hamleys is going ahead with story time, a chance to hang with Santa and elves, and a goodie bag to take home. Come in your bubbles for a 15 minute meet and greet. £45 for 1 bubble ticket for 3, £15 for extra guests (max 6 per bubble). (Dec 3-24)
The Santa Experience, 51 Powis Street, Woolwich SE18 6HZ (Woolwich Arsenal rail/DLR)
Experience the magic of Christmas in London with kids at The Santa Experience from Artfix Woolwich. Meet Santa and his elves in the Grotto, take a photo and tell him what you’re hoping for on Christmas Day. For a little extra, you can have tea with Santa, play games, sing Christmas jingles and meet the guy in the suit. Gifts for all kids with tickets. Santa’s Grotto lasts 10 minutes from 9am-6pm (Dec 5 & 12, 14-22 & 24), 1pm-6pm (Dec 6 & 13), 3pm-6pm (Dec 4 & 11) or 9am-5pm (Dec 23). Tea with Santa lasts 1 hour and a half from 6pm-9pm (Dec 4-5, 11-12, 14-22 & 24). Prices for Santa’s Grotto adult from £7.50*-£10/child from £12.50*-£15/family of 4 £50; Tea with Santa adult from £15*-£20/child £25*-£30/family £80*-£100 (*early bird prices) – booking fees apply (Dec 4-Dec 24)
Thames Rockets Jingle Bell Blast + Meet Santa, Boarding Gate One, The London Eye Pier, SE1 7PB (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Hang on to your Christmas hats! The Jingle Bell Blast is a rip-roaring adventure along the Thames and (on select Saturdays) you and your little ones can bump into Father Christmas himself. Enjoy a super fast tour of London’s landmarks to a medley of Christmas tunes. Then snap a photo with Santa and collect your Christmas treat. All ages welcome. 11am (Dec 12), 11am & 12pm (Dec 5 & Dec 19); adult from £44.95, child from £39.95 (Dec 5-19)
Ice Skating
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
Skate against the majestic backdrop of Henry VIII’s historic home and feel yourself transported back in time. This year, the rink is extra big to allow lots of space and distancing. Pop into the Cafe Bar afterwards for warm refreshments. Tables of up to 4 or 6 with sharing platters can be booked in advance. 10am-9pm, closed Christmas Day; adult/teen 13+ from £16; child 3-12 £11.50; family of 4 from £46; Skate Aid (book in advance) £5 (Dec 5-Jan 17)
Queen’s House Ice Rink, Queen’s House, Greenwich, SE10 9NF (Cutty Sark DLR)
South London’s only outdoor ice rink is open for the season this December. With special safety measures and fewer sessions for socially distanced gliding, there are few smoother ways to spend a day out at Christmas in London with kids. Soak up the scenic sights of Greenwich Park with stunning views of the capital, as you skate in front of a house built for James I’s Queen. Skate aids for kids must be pre-booked. Swing by nearby Greenwich Market for Christmas shopping. 11am-8pm (last skate 7pm) off peak, 10am-9pm (last skate 8pm) on peak; adult £14.50/child £7.25 (Dec 5-Jan 24)
Ally Pally Ice Rink, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY (Wood Green tube then W3 bus to the park, Gate 6 recommended entry)
As many of the popular Christmas ice skating rinks close for 2020, we’re thrilled to say that ice skating at Ally Pally is still on (post lockdown). The Alexandra Palace ice rink is open all year round and it’s especially festive at Christmas. Come in your bubble for a skate to Christmas tunes and enjoy mulled wine and other treats from the cafe. Ice skating at 11am-1.30pm, 2pm-5.30pm, 4.30pm-5.30pm (Happy Hour), 8.30pm-10pm (Wed); weekends at 11am-1.30pm, 2pm-5.30pm & 8.30pm-11pm; adult £9-£9.50 weekend/child under 15 & concs £8-£8.50 weekend/under 5s £6-£6.50/family £30-£32/spectator £2 (ongoing)
Queens Skate and Bowl, 17 Queensway, London, W2 4QP (Queensway/Bayswater tube)
All-year round the folks of West London have a ball whizzing around Queens Skate and Bowl. Now thanks to Covid, they’ve made some big changes to allow for social distancing and hygiene protocols. Pre-book your group (up to 6 max) for the ice rink with 1 hour skating sessions. Gloves and face masks must be worn at all times. 12pm-4.30pm (Mon-Fri), 11am-2pm (Sat-Sun), evening skate times from 7pm-10.30pm – under 18s not allowed after 8pm; prebooked tickets from £11.95 for over 12, £10.50 for under 12s, £2.75 skate hire (ongoing)
Festive Family Screenings
The Luna Drive In Cinema: Winter Cinema at Copthall Stadium (formerly Allianz Park), Greenlands Ln, Hendon, NW4 1RL (Hendon Central tube)
The summer touring cinema is back on the road for Christmas with screenings at Copthall Stadium. Films on the menu include Die Hard, The Greatest Showman, The Holiday, Home Alone and Love Actually (check age ratings for movies). Drinks including mulled wine and snacks on offer from onsite bar. Varying times – doors open from around 5pm & 8pm; tickets from adult £35 per car (Dec 5-22)
ALSO SHOWING AT: The Luna Drive-In Cinema at Ascot Racecourse, High St, Ascot, SL5 7JX (Dec 9-22)
The Drive In London, Troubadour Meridian Water, Harbet Road, Edmonton, London, N18 3QQ
OPEN IN TIER 4: The magic of the American drive-in experience continues offering contact-free entertainment. Live events, movies, classic cinema refreshments and sound broadcast straight to your car’s FM radio are all on the menu. Line-up includes Elf, Last Christmas, Trolls World Tour and more. Various screenings, arrive 45 minutes before showtime; £35 per movie/live event prices vary (until Dec 31)
Backyard Cinema: Winter Night Garden and Christmas Snow Kingdom, Capital Studios, Ram Quarter, 13 Wandsworth Plain, SW18 1ET (Wandsworth Town rail)
Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually and other Christmas corkers are on the menu at this socially distanced festive favourite. Enter through a secret wardrobe to explore the Winter Night Garden (until Feb 3), filled with fairy lights and woodland scenes. Or venture through a magical waterfall to the Snow Kingdom (until Feb 3). Sit on bean bags to watch seasonal movies, with cinema snacks and bar on site. All ages welcome (check age ratings for films). Various screenings/doors open from 12pm, 4pm & 8pm (Winter Night Garden) or 12.30pm, 4.30pm & 8.30pm (Snow Kingdom); tickets from £19.99 (until Feb 3)
Family Theatre
The Gruffalo’s Child, Alexandra Palace Theatre, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY (Wood Green tube then W3 bus to the park, Gate 6 recommended entry)
The Gruffalo said that no gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood… acclaimed company Tall Stories presents a limited season of The Gruffalo’s Child at Ally Pally. Follow the little gruffalo on her adventure into the woods to find out whether the Big Bad Mouse really exists. Songs, laughs and festive cheer in a Covid safe environment for ages 3+ and families. Various show times Nov 27-28, Dec -Jan 3; £12-£18 + booking fee (until Jan 3)
Dear Santa Live at Riverside Studios, 101 Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith W6 9BN (Hammersmith tube)
Dear Zoo author Rod Campbell’s loveable picture book comes live to Riverside Studios this Christmas in London. Santa is trying to get Sarah the most wonderful Christmas present but he needs extra special help from a very cheeky Elf. This lively production is aimed at ages 2 to 6 and their grownups. 11am (Dec 2-24), 11am & 1pm (Dec 5, 6, 12, 13, 17-24);
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, Greenwich, SE10 8ES (Greenwich rail/DLR, Cutty Sark DLR, Canary Wharf tube)
Joan Aiken’s classic children’s novel, The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, howls into Greenwich Theatre in a thrilling new adaptation. Panto villain Anthony Spargo is back to get Greenwich audiences hissing and booing in a show that packs in snowy wastelands, ferocious wolves and memorable characters. If you can’t make it to the live events, you can take part in their interactive experience Sir Willoughby’s Challenge that runs alongside the production. Ages 6+. Various show times from 1pm; £10 (Dec 18-Jan 10)
Cinderella at KidZania London, Westfield London (1st floor between M&S and Gap), Ariel Way, W12 7GA (Shepherd’s Bush tube/overground)
Follow the classic rags-to-riches fairytale as Cinderella, her pal Buttons and others try to outsmart her wicked stepsisters and find true love at Prince Charming’s ball – all before the clock strikes midnight! Filmed earlier in 2020 at KidZania London, Cinderella the pantomime will be screened as part of Secret Christmas at KidZania London – a programme of festive activities for children over Christmas. Early bird tickets until Nov 30: £36 child, £24.80 adult with the code ‘XMASEARLYBIRD2020’. Standard tickets: £45 child, £31 adult. (Dec 5-Jan 3)
The Arts Centre, The Treaty Shopping Centre, High Street, Hounslow, TW3 1ES (Hounslow Central tube/Hounslow rail)
Get ready for Red Riding Hood, a multiplatform storytelling pantomime that will allow kids of all ages to engage. The Big Bad Wolf has broke out of jail and wannabe detective Red Riding Hood has to find his accomplice and his next victim, before it’s too late. Help Red solve the case by collecting clues scattered around Hounslow in immersive crime scenes. You can watch the action live in a socially distanced performance or live streamed and on demand from home. 10.30am (Tue-Wed), 7pm (Thu-Fri), 3pm & 7pm (Sat) & 2pm (Sun); tickets from £12.50 – online viewing tickets ‘pay what you can’ (minimum £2 per device) (Dec 15-20)
The Little Match Girl at Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
The dazzling dance theatre piece returns to Sadler’s Wells for another enchanting performance. Watch this tale of hope and transformation expressed through vivid choreography and exciting storytelling. A little match girl wanders the dark streets and we follow her journey as she encounters harsh challenges and moments of true kindness. Adapted from the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale for families and kids ages 5+. 11am & 3pm (Tue & Wed, Sat & Sun), 3pm & 7pm (Thu) 1pm & 5pm (Fri), relaxed performances Dec 18, 22 & 23; adult £24/child £18 (Dec 17-27)
Family Concert: The Gruffalo and The Snowman at Cadogan Hall, Sloane Terrace, Chelsea SW1X 9DQ (Sloane Square tube)
Family fun at Cadogan Hall this Christmas sees the Mozart Symphony Orchestra performing live to the festive favourite, The Snowman. Guest soloist Alice Mackenzie, age 11, sings Walking in the Air. Then catch a new adaptation of The Gruffalo for narrator and orchestra where each character is represented by a different instrument. The performance wraps up with a light and funny work based on Kipling’s Just So Stories, introducing young ones to the sounds of the orchestra. Babes in arms can attend FREE, ages 2+ require a ticket. 1pm, 3.30pm & 6pm (Mon) & 11am, 1.30pm & 4pm (Tue) (Dec 21-22)
Virtual Activities
Sleeping Beauty?
Visit a magical fairytale world with Tea Break Theatre’s epic retelling of the classic story. Sleeping Beauty? is a masterclass of puppetry, comedy and original music and it’s all happening via Zoom! This live online production with explore some of the feelings we’ve experienced throughout lockdowns, from isolation and loneliness to a sense of care and community. Great for adults and kids alike. Ages 3+ (perfect for 4-9). 10.30am (Dec 20-23), 1pm (Dec 17-18, 20-21, 28 & 30) & 7pm (Dec 18, 20, 22 & 29); from £5 (Dec 17-30)
The Legend of Moby Dick Whittington
Oh no it isn’t, oh yes it is! Come to a digital panto brought to you by Sleeping Trees, the madcap minds behind critically acclaimed Goldilocks and the Three Musketeers (Battersea Arts Centre 2019). Streaming into homes this Christmas in London, The Legend of Moby Dick Whittington brings all the fun of the panto to your living room. Available to watch via web browser, Google Chromecast, Alexa Fire TV, Apple TV or Android TV. Tickets from £5 per device (Dec 1-Jan 5)
A Christmas Carol at Polka Theatre
Ian Nicholson and Sam Wilde, the pair behind the viral lockdown hit I Want My Hat Back, have produced a visually imaginative short film made almost entirely from recycled and recyclable Christmas materials. This digital reimagining of A Christmas Carol comes to you virtually from Polka Theatre — but you’ll have to sign up to their newsletter first (click through to web site)! The show caters for all ages with audio description for the blind and visually impaired. 15 minute short film, FREE for newsletter subscribers only (Dec 19-27)
The Snow Queen
Join Holly on a snow-blown adventure inspired by The Snow Queen. This interactive storytelling adventure is available to families wherever you are in the world. Clap your hands and make some magic to help Holly tell the story that gets delivered to her door. The show uses innovative technology and there’s a free activity pack to download filled with games and craft ideas. Ages 4+. Live on Zoom at 4pm (Dec 19), 11am & 2pm (Dec 20-24), 11am (Dec 26); £20 per device – prebooking essential (Dec 19-26)
HiddenCity presents Moriarty’s Game: A Killer in the Hive
Something a little different and fun for older kids (around 7+) and grownups. HiddenCity, the team behind immersive games around London have created an online escape room to test your wits. You’re invited to join the government’s Hive programme, a decentralised network of private detectives. You’ll team up with private investigator Kayla Watson to track down a dangerous criminal and learn the truth about Watson’s mystery informant. The game involves hacking security systems, infiltrating crime syndicates and decoding ciphers. You can either play collaboratively or in competition with multiple players, anywhere in the world. All you need is a UK mobile phone. Up to 5 players/devices per team, supervised kids welcome. Game play 60-90 minutes; £11 per device – tickets flexible for 12 months from purchase (ongoing)
Shopping and Eating
Selfridges Christmas Market on the Mews, Edwards Mews, at the rear of Selfridges London, W1A 1AB (Bond St/Oxford Circus tube)
The team behind Street Feast bring you the first ever open-air Christmas market at Selfridges. Christmas Market on the Mews is behind the landmark building offering foodie delights from popular street food stalls, artisan gifts and decorations and traditional fairground rides for the little ones. 4pm-9pm (weekdays), 12pm-9pm (weekends); FREE entry (Dec 2-31)
Fulham Palace Christmas Fair Weekend, Fulham Palace, Bishop’s Avenue, London, SW6 6EA (Putney Bridge tube)
It’s free to enter but you’ll need to pre-book your time slot for this festive Christmas market. Head to the fabulous grounds of Fulham Palace to browse for last minute gifts, luxury items and gourmet treats. You can pick up a raffle ticket (1 for £2/3 for £5) for your chance to win one of 40 prizes. 9am-5pm; FREE entry, booking essential (Dec 5-6)
Christmas at King’s Cross, multiple locations around Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard, N1C (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at King’s Cross with tons of things to do with the family at Christmas. Shop for handpicked goodies and specialty foods at the weekend Canopy Market (Crafty Fox fair takeover Dec 11-13); pick up edible treats from Ruby Violet or hicce hampers; explore the Green Rooms Botanical Market (Dec 4-6); browse the stores along Lower Stable Street; gift yourself or others a book from the selection at Word on the Water; and spot not one but three unusual Christmas trees. Various times, dates and prices (until Dec 31)
We also like
Tate Britain hosts Lynette Yiadom-Boakye: Fly in League with the Night, a stirring exhibition by the painter whose work raises important questions around identity and representation (Dec 2-May 9)
Been bingeing on The Crown? Head to Masterpieces at Buckingham Palace to see works by Rembrandt, Titian and others on display in The Queen’s Gallery for the first time (Dec 4-Jan 31, 2022)
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, the acclaimed adaptation for ages 11+ is playing at Wembley Park’s Troubadour Theatre (until Jan 10)
Lockdown Weekend Scoop: World Kindness Day Edition
But since we’re living through strange times due to the pandemic, most of you must have been expecting that things will look different this year. :(
Very much so, making the most of it however we can!