Jingle jingle. Christmas is definitely in the air as London’s seasonal activities are popping up left, right and centre. I’ve found 13 things to do for a family friendly weekend in London, from ice skating to immersive wonderlands, museum activities and family theatre. Enjoy!
13 Thrilling Ideas for a Family Friendly Weekend in London
Thu-Sun: Ballet Black: Pioneers at Royal Opera House, Bow Street, WC2E 9DD (Covent Garden tube)
The celebrated company returns to ROH with a thrilling double bill from choreographers Will Tuckett and Mthuthuzeli. Originally created in 2020, Then Or Now is an innovative mix of classical ballet, music and the poetry of Adrienne Rich. Next up is Nina: By Whatever Means, a balletic love letter to Nina Simone, brimming with jazz and blues. For ages 7+. 7.45pm (Thu-Sat) & 3pm (Sun); from £5-£45 – hurry last few tickets remaining! (Nov 16-19)
Thu-Sun: Wishmas, The Old Bauble Factory, Waterloo, Launcelot Street, SE1 7AD (Waterloo rail/tube)
Tickets are flying for this brand new festive adventure, from the creatives behind Secret Cinema. Enter a 60-minute walkthrough experience to meet the Wishkeepers, Robins and Father Christmas himself. Explore magical rooms, hands-on activities, yummy festive treats, and play your part to make sure that no wish is ever forgotten. Various time slots: 12pm-4pm (first week Tue-Thu), 12pm-7.20pm (Tue-Thu), 10am-8pm (Fri-Sun); standard entry from £29/Meet & Greet from £49/under 2s FREE (Nov 14-Jan 4)
Thu-Sun: Christmas at Kew, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
The wildly popular scene of Christmas illuminations is selling out fast, so book asap if you want to experience the Rose Garden all lit up, a twinkling tunnel of thousands of fairy lights, sculptures in the scented Fire Garden and a Palm House Pond finale light show. Enjoy food and rink from independent street traders too. All ages. 4.20pm-10pm slots (on select dates); members from £19.50 off peak-£24 (members)/regular adult from £22.50 off peak-£29 peak (non-members)/family tickets available (Nov 15-Jan 7)
Thu-Sun: Skate at Somerset House, the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
Officially London’s coolest ice rink, Somerset House’s Skate offers easy gliding for skaters of all ages and skills. For under 8s, there’s a Polar Cub Club and if you’re much older, you’ll probably enjoy the Skate Late nights featuring DJs. There’s also a giant Xmas tree, arcade, Chalet Suisse by Jimmy Garcia is back too. Skaters aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult, the rink is suitable from around ages 3-4. Wheelchair skaters have special slots but can join in any session. Skate sessions last 45 minutes between 11am-9.45pm (9am to 10.45pm select dates, times vary on Christmas Week & NY Eve); adult tickets from £10-£25/child from £8-£13 — pre-booking advised (until Jan 14)
Thu-Sun: Combat Karts, Teamsport Go Karting Mitcham, Unit 18 Streatham Rd, Mitcham CR4 2AP (Tooting rail/Tooting Broadway tube)
Brand new to Mitcham (joining tracks in Acton, East London Docklands and Edmonton), this activity sounds fun for birthday parties. Blending video games and racing, Combat Karts allows up to 17 drivers taking to the track at the Mitcham venue. Sign in and suit up for a short qualifying race to practice and then speed on with an intense grid started race. You can grab power ups and even blast them at rivals with the interactive steering wheel. Up to 3 winning players get a medal and there’s a pit side crew to assist along the way. For ages 8+. Various slots from 9am (check available times on website, arrive 40 minutes before drive time); adult ages 13+ from £56/child ages 8-12 from £49/online discounts available (ongoing)
Fri-Sun: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, W2 (Hyde Park Corner tube)
Christmas in London is no longer the same without this massive wonderland opening in the middle of town. Crammed with 200 chalets and stalls, there’s also a Magical Ice Kingdom, Real Ice Slide, Giant Wheel, fairground attractions, ice sculpting workshops, a chance to see Santa in his grotto, plus live shows like Cirque Beserk and Zippos Christmas Circus. Brand new this year, sample Le Chalet Fondue (yum) and catch CBeebies’ superstar Justin Fletcher on select dates in Justin’s Christmas Singalong. 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)/under 2s FREE; special attractions/Grotto and live shows priced separately — see price list HERE. Ride tokens cost £1 and rides start at £2 for kids rides, £3 for adults (until Jan 2)
Fri-Sun: Crown and Coronation at Tower of London, EC3N 4AB (Tower Hill tube)
If you’re into pomp, majesty and all that malarkey, then you’ll love this show-stopping experience at the historic Tower. See imagery and exclusive footage from coronations past projected onto the White Tower in an immersive sound and light show. You can also get special access to see the Crown Jewels after hours. All ages welcome. Timed tickets for Crown and Coronation from 5pm-8pm daily. Regular opening hours: 9am-4.30pm (Tue-Sat) & 10am-4.30pm (Sun-Mon); adult £19.50/child 5-15 £12.50/under 5s FREE (Nov 17-25)
Fri-Sun: Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, East Molesley KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
Reimagine history as you skate against the backdrop of Henry VIII’s former home. It’s a great day trip outside central London and you’ll be joined by hordes of fellow revellers. Just do everything you can not to lose your head. Skate aids available for £5. 10am-8.45pm daily, last skate 8pm (closed Christmas Day); adult/teen from £19-£21/child ages 3-12 from £14-£15.50/family from £53-£58 (Nov 17-Jan 7)
Sat: Harriet Dyer: Mother at Pleasance Theatre, 5 Carpenters Mews, North Road, N7 9EF (Caledonian Rd tube)
Something for the grownups (or older kids if you fancy yours tagging along). Fresh from The Russell Howard Hour, Comedy Central, Rosie Jones’ Disability Comedy Extravaganza and Edinburgh Fringe (winner of the 2022 Neurodiversity Representation Award), Harriet Dyer is a one-woman force to be reckoned with. This is billed as a story about mothers and levels of mother-ness that exist in the wild. Buckle up. Recommended for ages 14+. 7.40pm; from £10 (Nov 18)
Sat-Sun: The Snowman, Peacock Theatre,Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
Playing for 26 years and still going strong, London’s most magical Christmas show for little kids and the young at heart returns to Sadler’s Wells. Adapted from Raymond Briggs’ best-loved picture book and animation, it’s the sweet tale of a boy who befriends a Snowman and goes on a wintry adventure. Blending ballet and comic scenes (and even some flying), this wordless production is charming for all ages. Various shows 11am, 2.30pm & 7pm; from £18pp (Nov 18-Dec 31)
Sat-Sun: Hackney Empire Panto: Aladdin, 291 Mare St, E8 (Hackney Central overground)
The legendary Clive Rowe is back as Widow Twangy in this year’s Hackney Panto. Expect a ton of fun and mayhem as Aladdin soars into east London. At the rub of a lamp and the pop of a genie (Kat B), his fortunes are about to change… but at what price? Dazzling dames, mwa-ha-haing baddies, rib-tickling humour and plenty of audience participation. All ages – under 3s can sit on parents’ lap, ages 4+ require own ticket. Shows at 1pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 7pm & 7.30pm (Tue-Sun/times and dates vary, check website); £10-£45 (Nov 18-Dec 31)
Sun: Diwali Family Day at Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Road, E2 8EA (Hoxton overground)
Be transported to a world of wonder with Vaishali Raithatha from Sunshine and Smiles. This special Diwali Family Day features storytelling, Patchy Rangoli activities, painting Diya lamps, and child-friendly dancing workshops with Bollywood Magic (costumes available). On the garden roof, you can see the brand new commission by artist Chila Burman, representing the powerful Hindu god Shiv Ji – as well as more Diwali displays in the Museum. 11am-4pm; FREE (Nov 19)
Sun: The Princess and the Pea at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Prince Baxter von Caramel Slice is not very happy at all. All he wants is a wife who’s a true princess, but what does that even look like? He’s scoured the globe in search of one and then, to his surprise, a strange looking lady turns up at the palace claiming to be exactly what he’s after… A REAL PRINCESS. But is she? Grethe Mangala Jensen starts in this lively play on the HC Andersen fairytale. For ages 3+. 11am & 2.30pm; from £8 (Nov 19)
Booking Ahead
- Stranger Things: The First Shadow at Phoenix Theatre, WC2 (from Nov 20)
- My Neighbour Totoro Live at Barbican Centre, EC1 (Nov 21-Mar 23, 2024)
- Father Christmas at Fulham Palace, SW6 (Nov 25)
- Big Fish Little Fish Snow Ball Family Rave in Peckham (Nov 26)
- Family Studio: Impressionists at Royal Academy, W1 (Nov 26)
- FUN DMC at Royal Albert Hall (Dec 2)
- Aurora Orchestra: Far Far Away Family Concert at Kings Place (Dec 2-3 & 10)
- FUN DMC at Boxpark Croydon (Dec 3)
- The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks at Lightroom, King’s Cross (Dec 6-Apr 21)
- Astro Nights Sleepovers at Science Museum, SW7 (Dec 9, Jan 19, Feb 23 & Mar 15)
- Crafty Cub Market at The Crossing, N1C (Dec 10)
- FUN DMC at Boxpark Wembley (Dec 10 & 17)
- FUN DMC New Year’s Eve at JuJu’s Bar & Stage, E1 (Dec 31)
- The Paddington Bear Experience at Southbank (Autumn 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 (or the latest government guidelines) before making a trip!**
London Kids Weekend Scoop (November 9-12, 2023)
