Are you feeling Christmassy yet? My four-year-old has been counting down the days since November (seriously, every single day) and after seeing our first panto at Hackney Empire (review soon) and our seasonal calendar booking up fast, we’re most definitely in the mood at Babes HQ.
This weekend is jammed to the rafters with exciting things to do in London with kids, and there’s loads happening for Islington babes as well as family activities in Chelsea too!
Whatever you do, don’t miss our coolest Christmas for London Kids Guide ever, telling you where to find Santa, go ice skating, catch a Christmas show, shop at Christmas markets and much more. Enjoy x
HOT TICKET
NEXT SATURDAY: Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave at Effra Social, Effra Rd, SW2 (Brixton tube)
After their stupendous north London launch at The Dome Tufnell Park, the pre-school party for the post-rave generation is coming back with a bang to its Brixton home. We’re advising you to book ahead as these parties sell out fast! The theme is Panto-A-Go-Go and DJs Joe Muggs and JC Mighty will be spinning the good tunes, laced with Christmas cheer. As usual there’s a Happy Monkey craft room for dancefloor breaks, snacks and booze and a baby chill-out area. 2-4.30pm, adult £8/child £4.50/non-walkers FREE (Dec 14)
Thu-Sun: The Snowman at Peacock Theatre, Portugal St, WC2 (Holborn tube)
The Snowman has arrived! Opening this weekend, the magical Christmas show, adapted from Raymond Briggs’ beloved tale takes over Sadlers’ Wells Peacock Theatre. Expect dancing snowmen and Jack Frost sending shivers down little spines. Plus the heart-soaring moment when the boy and snowman take flight! We LOVE it, don’t miss this seasonal treat. For all ages (recommended 2+). 11am, 2.30pm & 7pm; £12-£32/family £95 (until Jan 5)
Thu-Sun: Junior Style Sale December Pop-Up at Pegaso Showrooms, 26 Westland Place, N1 (Old St tube)
The fabulous Junior Style has been curating and showcasing quality kids fashion since 2004 at their exclusive sales events. Their December sale promises to be the coolest Christmas pop-up event, where you can score massive savings on cute and quirky gifts, stylish clothing, shoes and accessories from top designers and independent brands. Cash, debit and credit accepted on site, all items for ages 0-12. 10am-7pm (Thu), 10am-5pm (Sat), 10am-4pm (Sun); FREE entry (Dec 4-7)
Thu-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: Mini Maestro: Peter and the Wolf at St-Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, WC2 (Charing Cross tube)
Prokofiev’s tale of a wicked wolf outdone by a brave little boy is brought charmingly to life with narration from musical director John Landor plus beautiful piano accompaniment. 11am, adult £7/child £5 (Dec 7)
Sat: Cardboard Wars with Juneau Projects (top pic) at Somerset House East Wing, Indigo Rooms, Strand, WC2 (Charing Cross Rd tube)
Get your little terrors into fighting form on a (family-friendly!) post apocalyptic battlefield. Start the day making your own cardboard weapons and armour then unleash mayhem. Great fun for all ages. 2-6pm, FREE but you can pre-register for tickets (Dec 7)
Sat: Christmas Past Family Day at Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Rd, E2 (Hoxton overground)
Explore the annual Christmas exhibition and take part in a series of colourful workshops, storytelling and live music, plus all-ages carol singing. For ages 2+. 10am-4.30pm, FREE (Dec 7)
Sat-Sun: Winter Wonderland Weekend at London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 (Hammersmith tube)
Take a sleigh ride with Santa and his huskies, hear tales from the Polar Explorer, explore the science behind the cold season in the Winter Wetland Show, follow the craneberry trail in Craneberry Fest, taste all British blonde beer (for adults!) and more wintry fun! 9.30am-5pm opening hours; visit to Santa £5 (incl. goody bag), visit to Polar Explorer £3 (incl. gift); normal entry prices apply adult £11.65 /child £6.50/family £32.50/under 4s FREE (quoted prices include optional Gift Aid) (Dec 7-8)
Sat-Sun: Christmas is Cancelled at National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Rd, Chelsea SW3 (Sloane Square tube)
Shocking news but don’t be too alarmed! This retro family event takes us back to 1647 when the Long Parliament tried to cancel Christmas. Join the protestors in making merry, keeping shops open, playing sports and general Christmas chaos. For all ages. 10.30am-4.30pm, FREE but book ahead if your kids want to use the Kids Zone. (Dec 7-8)
Sun: London Transport Museum Heritage Steam Ride, Harrow-on-the-Hill station to Uxbridge station (Harrow-on-the-Hill tube/rail)
For possibly the last time ever, board a real steam train for a retro experience along the Metropolitan line. Recently restored Metropolitan Locomotive No.1 and the Victorian ‘Jubilee’ carriage 353 will team up in a fitting finale to the 150th anniversary celebration of the London Underground. 10.50, 11.50, 12.50, 13.50, 14.50, £15-£25/under 3s FREE if sitting on carer’s lap (Dec 8)
Sun: A Winter Celebration with Grand Union Youth Orchestra at Rich Mix
An evening of lively ensemble music showcasing different styles and instruments, from saxophone and steel drum, to sitar and Turkish saz, all performed by musicians ages 12-25. A stirring finale to the Grand Union Youth Orchestra’s 2013 workshop and performance season. 7pm, £5/£3 concs. (Dec 8)
LOCAL PICK
Thu-Sat: Hey Presto! at Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, North Rd, N7 (Caledonian Rd tube)
Presto the cat magician and his friend Monty the dog join a funfair and start their own show. But things go wrong when fame goes to Presto’s head, can sense and friendship prevail? A heart-warming tale with mischief, songs and humour from Peaceful Lion. Author Nadia Shireen will sign copies of the book Hey Presto! between 12.30pm & 2.30pm shows (Sat Dec 7). Shows at 10.30am, 12.30pm (Mon-Fri) & 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm; £9/family £30 (Dec 4-21)
We also like
Tuck into the Vintage Christmas Market and Real Ale Festival at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (Fri-Sun);
watch Peter Pan at Barbican Centre family film club (Sat); Oily Cart presents Mr & Mrs Moon, a tale for youngsters at Stratford Circus (Sat-Sun); it’s the annual Great Christmas Pudding Race in Covent Garden (Sat); don’t forget to Shop Local Saturday; browse the Kids Christmas Market at Shutterbug London’s Festive Bizarre (Sat); chocoholics can’t miss the Christmas Fair at Chocolate Museum in Brixton (Sat); Spitalfields Music Winter Festival runs for 10 days starting this week (Fri-Dec 17)!
See our Top 20 Christmas Shows for Families in London!