You can’t escape it, December’s almost upon us. This weekend we’re excited to check out the Enchanted Christmas House right here in Islington. There is so much to do for London kids and families in winter, make sure you don’t miss our Christmas Guide!
Have a sparkly weekend x
Thu: Greenwich Christmas Lights and Lantern Parade, Greenwich Market, Nelson Rd, SE10 (Cutty Sark DLR/North Greenwich tube)
The annual lantern procession led by the Sea Cadets kicks off this Christmas celebration that sees the lights being switched on, and the grotto opened for Santa to welcome young visitors for the season. 4pm in front of Discover Greenwich Visitor Centre at the ORNC then parade to market for light switch-on from 4.45pm-7pm, FREE (Nov 27)
Thu-Sun: EyeSkate at London Eye, South Bank, SE1 (Waterloo tube)
London Eye presents Frostival with its annual ice rink open for a magical skate under the stars. Younger kids can use stabilising seals (ages 4+). 10am-9pm daily; adult from £9.45/child from £6.75/under 4s FREE (Nov 27-Jan 5)
Thu-Sun: Puss in Boots at Hackney Empire, 291 Mare St, E8 (Hackney Central overground)
The swashbuckling, whisker twirling hero arrives in the magic kingdom of Hackneyonia for a hair-raising adventure filled with zany characters, show-stopping song and dance and knockabout humour. The Hackney Empire Panto is a London institution and this one is set to bring laughs to all the family. Shows at 1pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 5pm & 7pm (check web site for dates and times); £10-£32 (Nov 23-Jan 4)
Fri-Sun: The Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park, Syon House, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 8JF (Waterloo to Kew Bridge/Brentford or Syon Lane rail)
Thousands of colourful lights transform Syon Park gardens in this magical seasonal event. 5-9pm, adult £7/child £3 (until Dec 8)
Sat: OAE Tots Story Time (pic) at Purcell Room, Southbank Centre, SE1 (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
Join the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment for another of their popular interactive musical sessions for the youngest listeners, with a story time theme. For ages 2-5. 9.30am & 11am, adult £9/tot £1 (Nov 30)
Sat-Sun: Enchanted Christmas House, at London Art House, 2-18 Britannia Row, N1 (Angel tube)
Enter a world of enchantment where kids can play in the Garden of Winter Wonder, decorate Gingerbread Men in the Gingerbread Kitchen, help Santa’s elves in the Busy Elves’ Workshop, enjoy a winter picnic and a festive show. And of course there’s a chance to meet Santa in his grotto! 10.30am & 1.30pm for three hour sessions; £44-£64 (Nov 30-Dec 24)
Sat-Sun: Christmas Fair at Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Rd, SW3 (Sloane Square tube)
Wrap up warm for a visit to this two-day winter fair at London’s oldest botanical garden. Tons of stalls, hot food including mince pies and mulled wine on offer. Plus Christmas craft activities for families at 11am, 12.15pm & 2pm (£2.50 per person). Fair opens from 10am-4pm, adult £5/child under 16 FREE (Nov 30-Dec 1)
Sun: Disco Loco at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club,
The hip East London family disco is back for the last boogie of the year. Step out of the cold and enter the warm rave pit with DJs Earl Gateshead, the Reverend Milo Speedwagon, Emilia Harmony and host MC Chu-i. Plus delicious treats from the Little Tart Bakeshop and ABC Cafe, mini Xmas boutique with Our Little Friends Pop-Up Shop, and a well-stocked bar. 3-6pm, £4 + suggested £1 donation to the Philippines Typhoon appeal (Dec 1)
Sun: Belgravia Christmas Sunday, Elizabeth Street and Pimlico Road, SW1 (Sloane Square tube)
A charming community event with Santa and his reindeer roaming free to welcome visitors, along with carol singers, brass bands, festive food and Elizabeth St and Pimlico Rd transformed into a winter wonderland. Of course the perfect chance to shop for gifts among the swish boutiques. 11am-5pm, FREE entry (Dec 1)
LOCAL PICK
Sun: Chanukah on Islington Green, N1 (Angel tube)
It’s the 3rd annual Chanukah celebration on Islington Green with the lighting of the Menorah followed by live music, dreidel s, doughnuts, hot cocoa, children’s entertainment and balloon making. Plus a potato latke tasting bar where you can vote for your favourite latke! Post-drinks event in King’s Head pub. 4.30-6pm, FREE (Dec 1)
We also like
It’s the annual Freeze Festival of skiing and snowboard on Clapham Common (Thu-Sun); the Dollshouse Festival takes over Kensington again for a Christmas special (Sat, 11am-6pm); trawl for treats at Frock Me Vintage Fair in Chelsea (Sun, 11am-5.30pm) or at the fantastic Spitalfields City Farm Christmas Fayre (Sun, 10am-2pm)