As we keep on with the countdown, I’ve got 12 cool and Christmassy things to do with kids in London this weekend. From magical shows (the Snowman is back in town) to mesmerising exhibitions and more. Don’t forget to check the Booking Ahead section and look out for my Christmas guide out next week.
Thrilled to announce that Babes About Town was listed as a Top 10 London Lifestyle blog for another year running, that’s to add to being a Top 10 UK Mummy Blog and a Top 20 UK Parenting Blog. Huge thanks to Vuelio for the recognition!
12 Cool and Christmassy Things to Do with Kids in London this Weekend
*PICK OF THE WEEK*
Thu-Sun: Lynette Yiadom-Boakye: Fly in League with the Night at Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG (Pimlico tube, Victoria rail/tube)
Stop everything and make your way to Tate Britain to see these stunning, cinematic, introspective paintings by the Ghanaian-British artist. Widely acknowledged as one of the leading figurative painters of our time, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye’s portraits are conjured up from her imagination and have an otherworldly quality. At the same time, each painting brims with life. Her painting technique uses a minimal palette and bursts of colour, blending intricate details with unfinished elements, creating a sense of both scale and intimacy. Truly mesmerising and worth repeat visits. Check out my Instagram for a few images I captured on my visit and book your tickets asap. All ages. 10am-5pm (8pm Fri); from adult £16/child 12-16 £5/FREE for members and under 12s (Nov 24-Feb 26)
Thu-Sat: A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic, The Cut, SE1 8NB (Waterloo rail/tube)
Another outing for Jack Thorne’s joyful adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale. Featuring Owen Teale as Ebenezer Scrooge, it’s an uplifting story of a Christmas grump transformed by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Ages 8+. Various shows at 1pm, 7pm & 7.30pm (closed Suns); £10-£67.50 (until Jan 7)
Thu-Sun: Hackney Empire Panto: Mother Goose, 291 Mare St, E8 (Hackney Central overground)
The Mother of all pantos is back with legend Clive Rowe as Mother Goose. Celebrating 120 years for this pantomime on the Hackney Empire’s 120th birthday year, this wild fairytale adaptation features a magical goose, hilarious characters outrageous costumes, toe-tapping music and a storyline that will have you CRACKING up. All ages. Matinee shows at 1pm or 1.30pm, evening performances 5.30pm (select Suns), 6pm or 7pm; £10-£44 (Nov 19-Dec 31)
Thu-Sun: The Snowman, Peacock Theatre,Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
For its 25th season, this hugely popular production is dedicated to the creator of The Snowman, Raymond Briggs CBE (1934-2022). Adapted from the beloved picture book and animated film, this magical show follows a boy and his Snowman friend through one night at Christmas. Look out for reindeer, penguins, Jack Frost and a special appearance from Father Christmas. All ages.Various shows 11am, 2.30pm & 7pm; from £18pp (Nov 24-Dec 31)
Thu-Sun: Hogwarts in the Snow at WB Studio Tour, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
It’s that time of year when Harry Potter’s boarding school is transformed for the season. Visit the Harry Potter Studio Tour to experience the Great Hall decorated for Christmas, the Forbidden Forest with a festive makeover, and Hogwarts Castle model covered in snow. You can also get behind-the-scenes glimpses into the wizarding world with props and special effects. All ages welcome. 9am-10am first tours, last tour 4-6.30pm (closing time 3 hours after last tour); adult from ££51.50/child from £40/family £160/under 4s FREE but require tickets. Pre-booking essential. (until Jan 15)
Fri-Sun: ENO: It’s a Wonderful Life at London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES (Charing Cross Rd tube)
Be transported to the little town of Bedford Falls, where banker George Bailey is struggling to see what the point of anything is until his Guardian angel visits him. When he’s shown what life would be like without him, will George discover what makes it wonderful after all? The Frank Capra movie classic is reimagined for a new generation by the English National Opera chorus and orchestra with an all-star cast. Best for ages 5+. Various shows 11am, 3pm & 7.30pm; from £25-£160/under 21s can get a FREE ticket (ages 5-15 get 2 FREE tickets with each paying adult) (Nov 25-Dec 10)
Sat-Sun: Museum of London: London’s Great Weekends, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN (Barbican/St Paul’s tube)
It’s the end of an era as the MoL closes its doors at London Wall in preparation to relocate. Join their closing party over two festival weekend takeovers. This weekend, you can take part in London’s biggest table football competition, face painting and creative family fun including arts, crafts, dance, immersive tours, pop-up theatre and music and more. Bring the whole family for a fun and free day out. From 10am; FREE (Nov 26-27)
Sat-Sun: Aurora Orchestra: Far, Far Away at Kings Place (Hall 2), 90 York Way, N1 9AG (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
An immersive musical adventure for younger listeners. Help wannabe dancer Jimbo shuffle like a penguin, hop like a toad and sparkle like a thousand fireflies. You’ll hear new chamber arrangements of Debussy’s piano music and an original story by writer in Residence Kate Wakeling with dancer Helen Aldrich. For ages 0-5 and their families. 10am, 11am, 12.30pm & 1.30pm; £9.50-£11.50/family tickets available, babies under 6 months don’t require a ticket (Nov 26-27 & Dec 3-4)
Sat-Sun: The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY (Camden Town/Regent’s Park tube)
Once again, London Zoo is host to a series of enchanting Christmas activities, from animal crafts, to Christmas-themed creature talks, marshmallow toasting, and Santa who will be popping up through the day to feed some of the zoo’s residents. Write a letter to Father Christmas in the Polar Post Room and (if tickets are still available) you can even meet Santa in his grotto (£15 tickets) and get an early gift to take home. All ages welcome. Zoo entry 10am-4pm; adult £26.50-£33/child £17.25-£21.45/under 3s FREE (cheaper tickets available on specific dates) (Nov 26-Jan 3)
Sat-Sun: Hex at the National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX (Embankment/Waterloo tube)
Back for Christmas 2022, this big-hearted musical puts a spin on Sleeping Beauty. Deep in a forest, a lonely fairy wants to share her blessings. She’s asked to help a princess fall asleep but her blessing becomes a curse and she has a 100-year quest to turn things around. For ages 8+. 7.15pm & 2pm select matinees; £10-£89 (Nov 26-Jan 14)
Sun: Big Fish Little Fish Snow Ball: Festive Family Rave at Between the Bridges, the Queen’s Walk, Southbank SE1 (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Get in the Christmas party spirit at this family rave near the London Eye. Acid Techno DJ Chris Liberator will be pumping out the dance tunes, with other family fun activities including face painting, free transfer tattoos, Nifty Natty Craft tables with giant mural, themed crafts and playdoh table, glitter cannons, bubbles, giant balloons and parachute dance finale. Oh and don’t forget the SNOW MACHINE! Ages 2+ and families. 2pm-4pm; adult £8/child £6 NB: children must be over 2 (Nov 27, Dec 4 & 11)
Sun: Jack Frost and the Search for Winter at Arts Depot, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/Woodside Park tube)
An enchanting new work by poet and playwright Joseph Coelho follows Jack Frost, a cheeky young lad with a frozen touch. He covers the landscape with a glittering blanket of snow and ice, until winter comes and his magic starts to fade. Jack and his newfound buddy travel the globe to meet new characters who might help restore his special gift. Environmental themes, live music and wintery fun from tutti fruity for ages 3+. 11am & 2pm; from £12 – hurry, limited tickets! (Nov 27)
We also like
Get your shopping inspiration at Ideal Home Show Christmas at Olympia London (Nov 23-27); skate against a historic backdrop at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink (until Jan 8) or at Queens House Ice Rink in Greenwich (until Jan 8); see Fleet Street transformed into a festive wonderland (Nov 24-Dec 15); Matilda the Musical is out in cinemas this weekend (from Nov 25); check out some of the top-selling Christmas toys of the 21st century at Museum of Brands’ nostalgic exhibition (Nov 25-Jan 6); hoverboard your way over to Camden to see this giant Back to the Future memorabilia exhibition (Nov 26-Jan 21); kids ages 5-12 will enjoy Crackers: A Festive Family Farce at Polka Theatre (until Jan 15)
BOOKING AHEAD
- Mandela the Musical at Young Vic, SE1 (Nov 29-Feb 4)
- Alice in Wonderland at Brixton House (Dec 1-31)
- For Crying Out Loud Parent & Baby Concert at Wigmore Hall, W1 (Dec 2)
- Christmas at Kenwood, Kenwood House, Hampstead (Dec 2-Jan 1)
- Family Film Club: CBeebies Dick Whittington and his Cat at Barbican Centre (Dec 3-11)
- Palace of Light at Hampton Court Palace (Dec 7-Jan 2)
- To the Moon and Back at Barbican Centre (Dec 9-17)
- Storystock Presents Storyteller Storyteller: Once Upon A Christmas Story at Kings Place (Dec 11-12)
- Storystock Presents: The Museum of Marvellous Things at Kings Place, N1 (Dec 11)
- Ask the Nincompoops at Kings Place, N1 (Dec 17)
- Nine Lessons and Carols for Curious People at Kings Place, N1 (Dec 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: Countdown to Christmas (November 17-20, 2022)
