Christmas is well and truly jingling its way towards us. Has Santa already made his nice and naughty list for you and your little elves? One of my favourite gift ideas for any age is a Christmas outing or experience: so don’t miss out on my holiday guide and the bumper theatre guide both coming over the next couple of weeks. Read on for all the London family fun activities you can handle this weekend. Ice skating, family shows and more joyful jaunts around town!
12 London Family Fun Activities this Weekend
Thu-Sat: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1QG (Wimbledon tube/raill
Chris is a boy with a head for numbers and an eye for mystery, but her struggles in everyday life. He becomes both detective and suspect when a neighbour’s dog is killed, thrusting him into the complex case. Ages 10+ (parental guidance advised). 7.30pm (Tue-Sat) & 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); from £15.60 (Nov 10-14)
Thu-Sun: The Hunger Games: On Stage at Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, Canary Wharf E14 5GX (Canary Wharf tube/DLR & Elizabeth Line)
Watch Katniss Everdeen battle for her life in this spectacular and hugely enjoyable stage version of Suzanne Collins’ bestselling series. Best for ages 12+, parental discretion, under 3s not admitted, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat) & 2.30pm (Fri-Sun); from £30/standard tickets £60/premium £125 (booking until Feb 14, 2027)
Thu-Sun: Hogwarts in the Snow at WB Studio Tour, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
Every year, Hogwarts castle, the Forbidden Forest and the Great Hall get all dressed up for the festive season. An enchanting experience along with a chance to learn more about the movies with props and special effects. All ages welcome. Open daily: first bus 9.20am, first tour 9.30am/last tour begins 4pm, last bus/studio closes 8pm; adult from £58.50/child from £47/family discounts available/under 4s or carers FREE but require tickets. Pre-booking essential. (until Jan 18)
Fri-Sun: Lost Worlds by Luxmuralis at Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NN (Cutty Sark DLR, Greenwich rail)
LAST CHANCE: Experience imagined and prehistoric worlds, from the dinosaur era to Atlantis to Troy, with storytelling and dazzling projections against the dramatic Painted Hall backdrop. All ages. NB: flashing lights and soundscapes might not suit individuals with epilepsy and other light sensitive conditions. 5.45pm-9pm; adult £22/concs £26.50/family £68 (Nov 11-15)
Thu-Sun: Arcadia by John Akomfrah at Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)
How have migration, colonialism and empire affected the planet? Filmmaker John Akomfrah’s multi-screen installation examines the Columbian exchange, a mass movement of people and materials from the 1400s onwards, and its legacy. All ages. 10am-5.50pm (last entry 5.30pm); FREE (from Nov 6)
Thu-Sun: Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends at Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green tube)
LAST CHANCE for a sneak peek behind the scenes with the famous Aardman studio where characters like Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and others were born. All ages. 10am-4.30pm daily; £11 (until Nov 15)
Thu-Sun: Skate at Somerset House, the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
Slide along the ice with people of all ages at London’s coolest ice rink. Come early with the youngsters or skate late to the sounds of live DJs. Regular activities include giant Christmas tree, shopping arcade, and Chalet Suisse by Jimmy Garcia. Skaters aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult, skating is open for ages 3-4 upwards. Wheelchair skaters have special time slots but are welcome at any session. Skate sessions last 45 minutes: select dates 9.45am, 10.45am & 10pm/regular hours: 11am-9.45pm (times may vary e.g. Christmas Week & NY Eve); adult tickets from £13-£28.50/child £11-£15 + booking fee £1.50 — pre-booking advised (Nov 11-Jan 10)
Fri: Astronights Family Sleepover at Science Museum, Exhibition Road, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
Zoom to the Science Museum website and you might be in with a chance to join this weekend’s family sleepover. These popular overnight events often sell out weeks in advance. Spend a space-themed evening with interactive shows, workshops and a family trail. Wake up to a tasty breakfast. Ages 7-11 and grownup (max 6 kids per adult aged 18+). 6.45pm; £82 standard/£125 VIP (Nov 14, Dec 5, Jan 15, Mar 5, Mar 12)
Fri-Sat: The Jungle Book at National Theatre (Olivier Theatre), South Bank, SE1 9PX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)Mowgli has grown up as just another jungle creature until one day, a strange being upends his entire existence. A thrilling take on Rudyard Kipling’s tale of wildness and belonging, reimagined by Anupama Chandrasekhar and directed by Indhu Rubasingham with innovative puppetry by Finn Caldwell and Nick Barnes. Ages 7+. 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 1.30pm (Wed & Sat) – NB: times vary, check ahead; from £25 (Nov 13-Feb 6)
Sat: The Afronauts at Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS (Sloane Square tube)
A schoolteacher prepares a bunch of misfits for a moon landing in this brand new drama from award-winning playwright Ryan Calais Cameron (For Black Boys, Retrograde). Set in 1964, it’s based on the true(ish) story of the Zambian Space Program. Ages 14+. 7.30pm (Mon-Fri) & 6.30pm (Sat), select matinees 2.30pm (Thu) & 1.30pm (Sat); £15-£74.50 (Nov 14-Dec 19)
Sat: Opera Up Close: Flotsam at Grand Junction, Rowington Close W2 5TF (Royal Oak/Warwick Avenue tube)
A curious child finds a camera on a beach, containing photos of children linked across time and space. But who took these pictures, what is this underwater world, and where will the camera travel next? Music, movement and storytelling blend with Kerry Andrew’s luminous score in this adaptation of the picture book by David Weisner. Ages 2-5 and grownups. 11am & 2pm; Pay What You Can from £4-£10 options (Nov 14)
You can also catch Opera Up Close: Flotsam on Sunday at Jacksons Lane in Highgate (Nov 15)
Sun: Wigs and Wiggles at Handel Hendrix House, 25 Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HB (Bond Street tube)
Hurry, hurry or you might miss out on a spot for this special Handel’s Messiah event. Feel extra festive as you belt out his most famous tune with the Wigs and Wiggles crew. This popular monthly concert series brings Baroque music to life with families putting on their best wigs and singing, dancing and “baroquing” along. Ages 0-5 and grownups. 10.15am-11am & 11.30am-12.15pm; adult £8/child £4 (Nov 15, Jan 31, Feb 28, Mar 21)
We also like
Major exhibition Vanessa Bell & Duncan Grant: Inside Bloomsbury opens at Tate Britain; don’t miss out on the hugely popular Christmas at Kew (opening Fri); the Wundrful World of Christmas is back at Wundr in Borough Yards (from Fri); there are lots of family friendly events in the London Jazz Festival (from Fri); step into Alice’s Immersive Wonderland in Canada Water, all ages invited (from Fri); Brent Cross ice rink is open for skating (until Jan 3); the Lord Mayor’s Show will see a huge procession through the City of London (Sat); the Epping Ongar Light Express is steaming ahead (from Sat); and find gifts, festive afternoon tea, and Father Christmas himself at Anya Hindmarch’s Christmas Grotto (ongoing)
Booking Ahead
- One Day the Musical at Garrick Theatre, WC2 (Nov 17-Mar 14)
- The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, out in cinemas (Nov 20)
- Peace Doves at Old Royal Naval College, SE10 (Nov 20-Feb 7)
- Robin Hood and the Merry Mandem at Theatre Royal Stratford East, E15 (Nov 21-Jan 2)
- London Museum, Smithfield, EC1 (opens Nov 28)
- James Campbell’s Comedy 4 Kids: Reducks at Museum of Comedy, WC1 (Nov 28-29, Dec 19-20)
- Univers (ages 0-2) at The Pit, Barbican Centre, EC2 (Dec 2-12)
- Preschool Pics at Barbican Cinema, Barbican Centre, EC2 (Dec 9, Feb 10, Mar 17)
The Christmas Holiday Guide will be out next week!!
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**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!**
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