Has it been snowing in your area? I haven’t managed to see any flurries yet (apart from online) but I do feel the huge drop in temperature and I’m also a-tingle at the Christmas lights sparkling around town. In the best London guide for weekend family fun (also known as the Weekend Scoop), I’ve got some festive favourites — e.g. The Snowman, Father Christmas and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland — as well as other kid-friendly activities around town. Have a cracking weekend.
Psst… Do you follow @BabesAboutTown on Instagram? For International Men’s Day this week, I had fun pulling together this tribute to 20 Top Male Role Models to inspire us all. Enjoy!
The Best London Guide for Weekend Family Fun
Thu-Sat: The Importance of Being Earnest at National Theatre, Lyttelton Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
It’s one of my favourite works by Oscar Wilde and this production looks brilliant. Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who, Sex Education) joins a stellar, multicultural cast (Sharon D Clarke, Max Webster, Hugh Skinner) in this lively comedy. A tale of impersonation, miscommunication and the challenges of living a double life — especially when it comes to romance. Hurry though, this run is ALMOST SOLD OUT! 7.30pm (Thu-Sat), matinees 2.30pm (Wed & Sat) – timings may vary; £20-£110 (Nov 21-Jan 25)
Thu-Sun: Odd and the Frost Giants at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
Join unlikely hero Odd on an epic adventure with Norse Gods Odin, Loki and Thor who have been trapped in animal form. Odd must use all his wits and bravery to help them while fighting off the Frost Giants who are threatening the world with an endless winter. For ages 7+. 10.30am (Thu), 11am (Sat), 11am & 3pm (Sun) – NB: various times for future shows; adult from £12.50-£31.50/child from £10.50-£22.50 (Nov 19-Dec 31)
Thu-Sun: Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube)
Christmas in London wouldn’t be the same without this family favourite. Adapted from the best-selling picture book, this show follows Father Christmas as he wakes up to discover it’s already the busiest day of the year. With puppets, songs and live musical accompaniment. Ages 0-6. Shows from 9.30am daily (times and dates vary, check the website for your day); from £14-£21/babies under 18 months FREE on parent/carer’s lap (Nov 20-Dec 28)
Thu-Sun: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, W2 (Hyde Park Corner tube)
The central London wonderland is back with 200 chalets and fairground rides, Magical Ice Kingdom, Giant Wheel, Santa’s grotto, and live shows e.g. Cirque Beserk and Zippos Christmas Circus. 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 (Nov 21-Jan 5)
Fri-Sun: Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, East Molesley KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
Skate through history at Henry VIII’s historic home. This ice rink is super popular so expect crowds and do your best not to lose your head! Skate aids for £5, wheelchair users £12. 10am-8.45pm daily (Quiet Skates at 10am daily for people with sensory or light sensitivities), last skate 8pm (closed Christmas Day); adult/teen from £18/child ages 3-12 from £13/family from £46 (Nov 22-Jan 5)
Sat: Aurora Orchestra: The Wolf, The Duck and the Mouse at Kings Place (Hall 2), 90 York Way, N1 9AG (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Aurora Orchestra create another musical romp for younger listeners. This brand new piece reimagines the classic children’s novel The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse, with guest narrator Lara Stubbs and Jon Klassen’s illustrations. Recommended for ages 4-6 and their grownups. Doors 10.30am, show 11am; from £15-£20 + booking fees (Nov 23)
Sat: Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave + A Matter of Loaf and Death at Barbican Cinema 2, Barbican Centre, Beech Street EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Wallace and Gromit return for another classic double bill. In A Close Shave, the pair are cleaning windows but wind up saving sheep. And in A Matter of Loaf and Death, Wallace gets caught up in romance… and possibly murder! All ages (both films are rated U) – NB: no unaccompanied adults or kids. 11am; adult £5/child £2.50 (Nov 23)
Sat-Sun: The Snowman, Peacock Theatre,Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
Absolutely one for your London bucket list, this magical production returns for its 27th Christmas. Charming characters, ballet, costumes and music bring Raymond Briggs’ picture book to life. And yes, you will be walking in the air! All ages welcome. Various shows 11am, 2.30pm & 7pm (Wed-Sun); from £18pp (Nov 23-Jan 4)
Sat-Sun: Hackney Empire Panto: Dick Whittington and His Cat, 291 Mare St, E8 (Hackney Central overground)
Legend Clive Rowe is Sarah the Cook in London’s most popular panto, now celebrating 25 years! Dick Whittington and His Cat is a classic London story filled with colourful characters, stunning musical renditions, and slap your thighs laughter. 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 23-Jan 5)
Sun: Family Studio: My Favourite People at Royal Academy of Arts, Clore Learning Centre, 6 Burlington Gardens, W1S 3ET (Piccadilly Circus/Green Park tube)
Artist Flora Bradwell invites families to make their own mini sculptures using card, foam and tissue paper, inspired by the current Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael exhibition. NB: These family studios are super popular and first come, first served – if it’s too full at the start, try joining later. All ages welcome. 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm (drop-in); FREE (Nov 24)
Sun: Pollocks Live Toy Theatre: Christmas Double Bill at Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Road, E2 8EA (Hoxton overground)
Enjoy a Christmas double bill by the classic toy museum. David, Alan and Judy perform two rags to riches stories: Dick Whittington, tracking a boy’s journey to become Mayor of London. And Cinderella, about a girl whose luck is transformed by a fairy godmother. Best for ages 3+. 12pm & 3pm; £12 (Nov 24)
Sun: How Does It Feel to be Loved Children’s Disco at The Phoenix, 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP (Oxford Circus tube)
It’s the penultimate family disco of the year so get your dancing shoes on and bring the kids along. You’ll boogie to classic soul, pop and indie hits (think Belle & Sebastian, Otis Redding, Beach Boys and more). All ages welcome, from babies upwards (no admission without at least 1 child in your party). 12pm-4pm; adult £6 (15 plus), child £2 (14 and under) (Nov 24)
The Babes About Town London 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 (or the latest government guidelines) before making a trip!**
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