With just 6 weekends to go (whaaaaaat???) until the big guy comes sliding down our chimneys, I’m counting down to Christmas with the London kids weekend guide for all ages. Central London becomes a Winter Wonderland, London’s coolest rink is open for skating, there’s enchanting family theatre, twinkling light spectacles and more to entertain you and your minis.
My bumper guides to Christmas in London and Christmas Family Theatre are winging their way to you faster than you can scream ‘SANTA! I KNOW HIM!’ Yes, Buddy the Elf is in town too. Read on.
London Kids Weekend Guide for All Ages: Christmas Countdown
Thu-Sat: The Mother Sh*t at Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, North Rd N7 9EF (Highbury & Islington tube/rail)
Calling all mamas. What does it actually mean to be a mum? Stumble Trip Theatre in collaboration with a team of multidisciplinary artists have created an unconventional love letter to motherhood. Based on interviews of 50 different people, it’s a show filled with words, laughter, mime, music. Oh yeah, and beatboxing. Suitable for ages 12+. 7pm (Thu & Sat) & 8.30pm (Fri); £14-£16 (Nov 11-19)
Thu-Sun: Skate at Somerset House at the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
It’s the capital’s coolest ice rink and it’s open again for the Christmas holidays in London. Glide against the backdrop of the historic house, with Skate School for beginners and Polar Cub Club for under 8s. There are Skate Late nights with live DJs, Christmas arcade, Chalet Suisse by Jimmy Garcia and a 40ft Christmas tree. Ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult, smallest skaters approx ages 3-4. Wheelchair skaters get special slots but can skate in any session. Skate sessions last 45 minutes between 11am-9.45pm (9am to 10.45pm select dates); adult tickets from £10-£22/child from £7.50-£11 — pre-booking advised (Nov 16-Jan 15)
Thu-Sun: Elf the Musical at Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7AQ (Tottenham Court Rd tube)
Jingle jingle. The season of giving is upon us and I’m delighted to hear this musical is back at the Dominion. It’s probably my favourite Christmas movie (we watch it every year) and the stage adaptation brings heart and humour to the tale of a man named Buddy who thinks he’s an elf. Recommended for ages 4+, children under 2 not allowed. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) and 2.30pm (Sat); £25-£195 (Nov 14-Jan 7)
Thu-Sun: Christmas in the Sunshine at Unicorn Theatre (Clore Theatre), 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
Who needs snow when you can spend Christmas in the sunshine? Meet Elias who’s visiting the Caribbean for the first time to see family. He’s excited about the beach and the weather, but will it still feel like Christmas? After all, he’s never left a mango out for Santa before. This joyful tale explores going outside your comfort zone and making the most of Christmas and family, wherever you are in the world. Ages 3-6. Various showtimes from 10.30am-2.45pm; adult £18-£25.50/child £13-£20.50 (Nov 17-Dec 31)
Thu-Sun: Lightopia at Crystal Palace, Crystal Palace Park, Canada Gate, Anerley Hill, SE19 2BA (Crystal Palace rail/overground)
See hand-sculpted lanterns transforming the park into a magical scene. Lightopia is a multi-sensory spectacle of synchronised dancing lights and emotive soundtracks. Refresh yourself with food stalls and bars along the route. All ages. 5pm-10pm; adult £19.50-£24.50/child 3-15 £13-£16.50/babies 0-2 FREE (Nov 17-Jan 2)
Fri-Sun: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, W2 (Hyde Park Corner tube)
Is it even Christmas in London without the central London park turning into a winter wonderland? Walk through 200 chalets in a German style Christmas market, meet Santa in his grotto, have fun on 100 fairground rides, freeze and take snaps in the Magical Ice Kingdom and more. Ride the world’s largest transportable rollercoaster, the Munich Looping, or skid along the Real Ice Slide. See Cirque Beserk, Zippos Christmas Circus, live entertainment in the Fire Pit, and don’t forget, ice skating. All ages welcome. NB: ALL ENTRY TICKETS MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE. 10am-10pm daily; pre-booking essential for general park entry from £0 (off peak), £5 (standard) or £7.50 (peak); special attractions/Grotto and circus shows priced separately — see price list HERE. Ride tokens cost £1 and rides start at £2 for kids rides, £3 for adults (Nov 18-Jan 2)
Fri-Sun: Illuminature at WWT London Wetlands Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Hammersmith tube)
Immerse yourself in a scene of twinkling lights and sparkling installations, while keeping an eye out for real animals, birds and plants. Don’t forget to wrap up warm. All ages welcome. 4.30pm-9pm (Fri-Sun); adult £18.50/child £14.50/under 4s FREE (Nov 18-Jan 8)
Sat: Tower Bridge Family Activity, Tower Bridge Road, SE1 2UP (Tower Hill/London Bridge tube/rail, Tower Gateway DLR)
Some say it’s like a fairy castle crossing the River Thames, but who designed Tower Bridge? Learn all about the architecture behind the London landmark, then take part in a crown making session to recreate the towers’ gold crests. Best for ages 6-10. No booking required, just drop-in and join the fun. 10am-4pm; ages 16+ £11.40/child 5-15 £5.70/under 5s FREE (Nov 19)
Sat-Sun: Cinderella at Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, E15 1BN (Stratford tube/overground/DLR/rail)
Prepare for another madcap fairytale mash-up as panto season launches with Cinderella. This time, we’re whisked away to ancient Egypt, as Cinders finds her way to the ball against a backdrop of Sphinx cats and the empress Cleopatra. Laugh, boo and cheer along. All ages welcome. Various shows at 10am, 2pm, 5pm & 7pm; from £10 (Nov 19-Jan 7)
Sun: Brainfools Family Circus: Cabaret Enchante at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road , N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Hold onto your seats as the Brain Fools present their fantastic family circus, crammed with leaping, juggling, spinning and soaring over your heads. Finn and Toffy, recent graduates of National Centre for Circus Arts, lead this exciting show that’s not just for kids. Ages 3+. 12pm & 3pm; £9.95 (Nov 20)
Sun: Groove Baby Presents: Grooving with Pirates at Kings Place, 90 York Way, N1 9AG (Kings Cross & St Pancras tube/rail)
The Groove Baby Organ Trio lead a musical adventure across the seas, a swashbuckling tale of friendship and treasure blending electro jungle rhythms, infectious pop themes, and a heavy dose of 60s Blue Note soul jazz. Part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. Ages 3-7. 11am-12.45pm; £9.50-£11.50 (Nov 20)
Sun: Rise and Fall at Arts Depot, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/Woodside Park tube)
What is a balloon but a universe in miniature? Page One Theatre brings their bounciest show to the stage. It’s a tale of expanding and contracting, inhaling and exhaling, holding on and letting go. For ages 2+. 11am & 2pm; £12 – hurry, tickets going fast! (Nov 20)
BOOKING AHEAD
- Matilda the Musical, UK cinema release (Nov 25)
- Rebel Rebel: Family Day at Barbican Centre (Nov 26)
- For Crying Out Loud Parent & Baby Concert at Wigmore Hall, W1 (Dec 2)
- Christmas at Kenwood, Kenwood House, Hampstead (Dec 2-Jan 1)
- To the Moon and Back at Barbican Centre (Dec 9-17)
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Gillian Lynne Theatre (until Jan 8)
- To Kill A Mockingbird at The Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1 (ongoing)
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift at Southwark Cathedral (Jan 4, 2023)
**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 10-13, 2022)
