What’s on this winter

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

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

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

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 animalthemed 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 free 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-akind 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

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

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

Photo credit: Luke O’Donovan

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

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

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

Ice Ice Baby

Want to glide, slip and slide on London’s most iconic ice skating rinks this festive season? Ana from @younglondonist has compiled the best the capital has to offer, so grab the kids and jump on the ice!

Bluewater Ice Rink

Offering plenty of fun for guests of all ages, the Ice Rink will be running quiet sessions, as well as parent and toddler sessions for budding skaters. Penguin and seal skating aids will be available for little ones as well as bob skates to help guests stay steady on the ice. When: 18 Nov-2 Jan Where: Bluewater Shopping Centre How much: Adults £14.50, children £12.50

bluewater.co.uk

Canary Wharf

Skate beneath the skyscrapers in Canary Wharf at this pop-up ice rink where you can expect plenty of twinkling lights, a traditional alpine theme and plenty of places to shop and dine in style. Skating aids are available but cost an extra £5. When: 23 Oct-6 Feb Where: Canada Square How much: Adults £17, children £11

canarywharf.com

Hampton Court Palace

Spectacular views, festive refreshments and lots of Christmas cheer. The Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is the perfect spot to take little people ice skating, unwind with friends or go on a romantic date. Skate aids are available and can be prebooked so there’s a guarantee you will doing more gliding than slipping! When: 13 Nov-9 Jan Where: Hampton Court Palace How much: Adults and teens £16, children £11.50 hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk

Winter Festival Brent Cross

There’s a whole Winter Festival at Brent Cross and they are hosting one of London’s largest real ice rinks so families and their little people across London can enjoy a whole festive day out. Skate aids are free and available on a first come, first served basis. When: 27 Nov-3 Jan Where: Brent Cross How much: Adults £17, children £15

winterfestivalbrentcross.com

Natural History Museum

This is going to be your last chance to visit this picture perfect ice rink at the Natural History Museum as it will be transformed into a biodiversity garden from 2022. The atmosphere is very festive with a large Christmas Tree in the centre and they have an adult and toddler ticket on weekdays before 2pm for £11.50 where you can also get a free hot chocolate. Skate aids are available and cost an extra £5. When: 22 Oct-16 Jan Where: South Kensington How much: From £11.50 per adult and toddler

nhm.ac.uk

Queen’s House Greenwich

At the Queen’s House ice rink, young Londoners and their families will have the opportunity to skate in the surroundings of a UNESCO World Heritage site. An unforgettable experience to share with your little Londoners, friends or family. When: 18 Nov-9 Jan Where: Greenwich How much: Adults £15, children from £8.50 including skate hire. Skate aids are also available to hire for children.

rmg.co.uk

Skylight at Tobacco Dock

Skate with a glorious view as Skylight’s sunny terraces will be transformed into an autumnal haven of warm igloo-bubbles, designed to keep out the cold and keep people safe as they enjoy the stunning views and unique atmosphere of this hugely popular rooftop destination venue. Expect socially isolated igloos where groups of six can enjoy mulled wine or hot chocolate before or after skate sessions. When: From 11 Nov Where: Tobacco Dock, London How much: Ice skating can only be booked on the day and you need to have an Igloo reservation. More info via their website

skylightbars.com

Somerset House

Perhaps the epitome of festive fun, Somerset House returns with an ice-rink and series of events that is fit for all. From skating lessons with Skate School, to the ultimate nightlife sets from trailblazing DJs on rink-side decks at Skate Lates with UNIQLO, there is something for everyone across the Skate season. Get jolly and treat yourself with a glass of bubbly from the new partner of this iconic rink; Moet and Chandon or enjoy some gourmet dining in the pop-up alpine restaurant. When: 17 Nov-16 Jan Where: Strand How much: From £11 per adult

somersethouse.org.uk

Winter Wonderland Hyde Park

Is it even Christmas in London without a visit to Winter Wonderland? It’s the perfect place for a winter skate in the heart of London. Set under a canopy of twinkly lights and built around the iconic Victorian bandstand, a perfect way to get in the festive mood. Skate aids are available. When: 19 Nov-3 Jan Where: Hyde Park How much: Adults £10.50, children £7.50

hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Winter Wonderland Lakeside

Plenty of rides (join Santa in a balloon ride, have a go on the carousels or get dizzy on the snow done walzer). There will be food options galore and drinks for young and old to be enjoyed in this winter wonderland. The ice skating rink promises to be a great way to get the kids moving and there are skate aids and affordable prices for offpeak days! When: 18 Nov-3 Jan Where: Lakeside Shopping Centre How much: Adults from £7.50, children from £6.50 on off-peak days

christmaswonderlandlakeside.co.uk

Top 5 Afternoon Teas this Christmas

With @mummy_from_enfield follow for days out in London and beyond

1Milestone Hotel Kensington, London

If you’re looking for a Staycation idea at Christmas then this might be an option for you! Located in the heart of London is this stunning hotel also serving this delicious Afternoon Tea perfect for your kids to enjoy whilst you get to unwind with a glass or two.

2The Tea Terrace House of Fraser, London

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A stunning Cinderella Carriage Afternoon Tea, fit for your Princess or Prince! Booking online is essential for the carriage at an extra cost, though the menu itself is reasonably priced. Great for a pre-theatre meal, why not combine it with the Cinderella Musical now showing?

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cups, you have to bear in mind there is no toilet facility on board. It’s a Overall amazing experience for your little ones to see London landmarks while enjoying a delicious tea.

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4Lobella Loughton, Essex

This cosy pretty cafe is so popular with their graze platters and quite affordable if you’re looking for that Insta perfect place to eat. They also occasionally have princess parties that you can enjoy with the best Unicorn Milkshake. During Christmas time you can find Santa giving out gifts and a festive afternoon tea option too.

5Aqua Shard Restaurant The Shard, Level 31, London

3Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bridget’s Bakery Bus

A London bus tour that has a Peppa Pig theme and at Christmas it’s even more magical! Though the drinks are unlimited and you get to keep the Peppa reusable

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The Shard offers the best views of London, but did you know that you can also enjoy this Peter Pan Afternoon Tea while enjoying the breathtaking views? With specially created sweets and savouries this afternoon tea can give your kids the most enchanted experience that they will never forget.