It’s our last Scoop before Xmas and we’ve put together some of our fave happenings from now until Christmas Eve, along with some new events. Enjoy time with your family in London and have a very wonderful Christmas!
Fri-Sun: Room on the Broom at Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Ave, WC2 (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Acclaimed theatre company Tall Stories, the team behind massive stage hit The Gruffalo Live, soars into the West End with another spell-binding adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s work. Room on the Broom features a witch and her cat, trying to retrieve her windswept belongings, with the help of a cast of animals. Will there be room enough on the broomstick or will it crack? Puppetry, music and fun for ages 3+. 11am (Wed-Fri), 10am & 12pm (Sat-Sun), some performances 2pm (confirm times on web site); £13-£20.50/family £60 (until Jan 13)
Fri-Sun: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, W2 (Hyde Park Corner tube)
Probably the most jam-packed Christmas event in town returns with more attractions including Cirque Beserk and Zippo’s Circus, Santaland, Ice Age 4 Ice Rink, walk through Magical Ice Kingdom, German Christmas market, fairground rides, Giant Observation Wheel and more! 5pm-10m (Fri Nov 23), and then daily 10am-10pm; park entry is free, rides cost £1 and start at £2 for kids rides, £3 for adults; book for special attractions and skating in advance at www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/tickets (until Jan 12)
Fri-Sun: Stick Man at Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, WC2 (Leicester Square tube)
Hugely acclaimed adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler’s tale returns to the West End for a limited Christmas run. Stick Man embarks on a twiggy adventure to get back to the family tree. Filled with music, puppetry and moves for ages 3+. 10.30am (Wed-Fri), 10.30am & 2pm (Sat-Sun); £10 (until Jan 8)
Sat: Santa’s Grotto at Duke of York Square, off King’s Rd, SW3 (Sloane Square tube)
Line up in the magical Lapland setting to meet Santa himself, take a photo, catch up with old Red Nose and maybe bag an early Xmas gift. 10am-5.45pm (Wed-Sat), 11am-4.45pm (Sun); FREE (until Dec 23)
Sat: Dick Whittington goes Bollywood at Tara Arts Theatre, 356 Garratt Lane, SW18 (Earlsfield rail)
It’s panto with an Asian twist as Dick and his cat go off on their rags to riches adventure. Expect music and dancing! 3pm & 7.30pm, from £12.50 (until Jan 5)
Sat-Sun: The Snowman and Peter and the Wolf Live at Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC1 (Barbican tube)
Catch the Christmas classic films of the loveable Snowman and the slightly darker tale of Peter and the Wolf, narrated by Tamsin Grieg and set to a live orchestra. 2pm, adult £25/child under 16 £12.50 (Dec 22-23)
Sat-Sun: Rumpelstiltskin at The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, SE28 (New Cross overground)
The fable of Rumpelstiltskin is brought to life in a cracking tale with puppets, songs and mischief. For ages 3+. 11am & 2pm, £9.50 (until Dec 28)
Sat-Sun: Festive Physics at Science Museum, Cromwell Rd, SW7 (South Kensington tube)
Find out whether reindeer could fly in the snow and why crackers bang, at this fun and festive science showcase for ages 5+ (also storytelling for younger ones). 12.30pm & 2.30pm, FREE (until Dec 31)
Mon: Crib Service at Westminster Abbey, 20 Deans Yard, SW1 (St James’s Park tube)
A special family service held every year as part of the traditional Christmas ceremonies in the hallowed venue. 12pm, FREE (Dec 24)
Don’t miss our cracking London Kids Christmas Guide!
