16 Nov 12 Family friendly events for the festive period
The festive season is finally here and we’ve compiled our top picks of family-friendly events throughout the capital and beyond. Want more? Check out @younglondonist Instagram.
Greenwich Christmas Market
This is one of our favourites in London. The whole neighbourhood is a delight during the festive season and the market sells a variety of jewelry, crafts, fashion pieces and various other perfect gifts, from stocking fillers to the main event.
When: Mid Nov-Dec
Where: Greenwich
How much: Free
greenwichmarket.london
Illuminature
See the London Wetland Centre in a new light! The light trail route gives families the opportunity to play in the immersive tunnels, hop along the responsive lily-pads, create colourful shadow animals and enjoy a multitude of other opportunities to interact with nature and light.
When: 22 Oct-9 Jan
Where: WWT London
How much: Adults £17, children £12.50
wwt.org.uk
Nutcracker on Ice
A festive panto-style recreation of the famous Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker on ice. Follow Clara on her adventures in an enchanting kingdom where she works with the Nutcracker to help restore order. Suitable for ages 2 and above.
When: 6-12 Dec
Where: Alexandra Palace
How much: Adults £15, children and concessions £12.50
alexandrapalace.com
The Snowman
A magical stage adaption of Raymond Briggs’ much-loved book from Sadler’s Wells returns to central London for 2021. Timeless score, incredible costumes and a wonderful tale of inside a wintery wonderland of a boy and a snowman that comes to life.
When: 20 Nov-2 Jan
Where: Peacock Theatre
How much: From £18
peacocktheatre.com
Christmas at the Tower of London
Explore spectacular displays of festive decorations and illuminated animal-themed areas across the fortress. From majestic elephants to a twinkling winter wonderland scene where polar bears roam and playful ravens nest; there is lots for all ages to see and enjoy in royal style.
When: 1 Dec-2 Jan
Where: Tower of London
How much: Adults £29, children 5+ £15, under-5s are fre
hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london
Father Christmas at the Hall
A theatrical storytime with Father Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall. Expect live music, puppetry and a stuffed toy for children to take home after the experience.
When: 2-21 Dec
Where: Royal Albert Hall
How much: £17.50 for one child and two parents
royalalberthall.com
Southbank
Christmas Market
Take a stroll down the Southbank and enjoy the festive market. Mulled wine and seasonal food smells fill the air, independent shops sell a variety of one-of-a-kind gifts and there are igloos, live entertainment and lots of twinkling lights to get you in the festive spirit.
When: From early November
Where: Around the Southbank Centre
How much: Free
Gingerbread City
The Gingerbread City™ is an annual exhibition where architects, designers and engineers create an entire city made of gingerbread. Connect with architecture through this innovative display designed for the holiday season and take part in a family workshop where you can create your own gingerbread creation (a great gift for family members).
When: 4 Dec-9 Jan
Where: 6-7 Montcomb Street
How much: £14 for adults and £8.50 for children 3 to 12 years old or £40 for one child and adult to include the workshop as well as the exhibition
thegingerbreadcity.com
Noir Kringle
Noir Kringle is a niche Christmas pop up event aimed at families that are seeking a new adventure ‘The Black Santa’s Grotto Experience’. Step into Noir Kringle’s magical vintage Christmas Grotto, set up in Santa’s workshop surrounded by sparkle, presents, stockings, and letters piled high posted from children ready to be read by the man in red, as well as the sounds, spirit and smells of Christmas and more to awaken the senses.
When: 18-20 Dec
Where: Crooked Billet Yard, Shoreditch
How much: Adult £25 noirkringle.co.uk
Enchanted Audley End
Board the Audley End Santa Express and navigate through a winter wonderland before you arrive at Father Christmas and his very helpful elves, receive a special gift and watch a Christmas dance. There is also an adventure play area and other activities, including letter writing, reindeer food making and more.
When: 20 Nov-24 Dec
Where: Audley End Miniature Railway
How much: Adults from £18, children from £9 audley-end-railway.co.uk
Jingle Bell Ball Family Rave
Come jingle those bells this festive season at the amazing double height warehouse venue in Hackney Wick! Colour Factory is the Big Fish Little Fish Xmas East London home. Expect plenty of tunes, crafts, snow machine and more.
When: 5 Dec
Where: Colour Factory Hackney
How much: Adults £11, children £8 bigfishlittlefishevents.com
Chelsea Physic
Garden
This festive season you can take the kids for a storytelling session with Father Christmas or take part in wreath making in the beautiful surroundings of this well-kept secret. They also have a Christmas market that sells wonderful gifts including lovely stocking fillers for plant and botanical lovers.
When: Chelsea Physic Garden
Where: Pick-up outside Somerset House
How much: from £9.50 for storytelling and £35 for wreath making.
chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
Father Christmas
Experience at Marsh Farm
Marsh Farm is always a great day out but at Christmas it is even more magical. Meet father Christmas and his elves, visit the Teddy Bear Market and create a fluffy friend to take home with you. There will also be festive rides, yummy food and an ice-skating rink. Plus the Christmas shop is always wonderful.
When: 13 Nov-24 Dec
Where: Marsh Farm
How much: From £35
marshfarm.co.uk