To have your event listed on these pages email the details to editor@ familiesnorthlondon.co.uk
Disclaimer: We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check before setting out.
The Cornley Polytechnic work their comedy magic on a 1920s murder mystery – but everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Will the audience ever find out Whodunnit? 8+. From £22. Duchess Theatre, Catherine St, WC2B 5LA www.mischiefcomedy.com/ theplaythatgoeswrong-london/ london
South African Road Trip
Exuberant musical experience, with uplifting songs, sensitive songs, close harmony and invigorating dance and music. Various times. From £18. Peacock Theatre, WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com
With beautiful puppets, magic and acts so tiny you may wonder how you can possibly see them. 3-6s. Various times, prices. Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2DN www.littleangeltheatre.com
The King of Nothing Anarchic puppet musical retelling of The Emperor’s New Clothes. 5-11s.
Tickets £8. Little Angel Theatre, Dagmar Passage N1 2EH www.littleangeltheatre.com
Nov 4, 18 & Dec 2
Planet Play Magical, interactive, sensory show with songs, music and movement for 0-3s. 10am. Adults £6, children & babies, free, must book.
Tales From The Shed Vibrant, inclusive, informal and educational show. Suitable for 0-6s. 11.30am. Adults & children £6. Under 6mths free, must book. Canada Villa, NW7 2BU www.chickenshed.org.uk
A Square World
Endearing and funny look at the unfairness of being left out in a world designed for everyone but yourself. 3-6s. 11am & 1pm. £8. Lyric Hammersmith, W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk
Dame Dolly is ready for her production but the cast have not turned up. Will the boys, girls – and grown-ups – help her out? All ages. 11am, Adult £8.50, child £7. Pickled Pepper Books, Enfield, EN2 6SN
Based on the book Pat-a-Cake Baby, Long Nose Puppets create a marvellous moonlit show full of riotous rhyme, music and song. 2-8s. 2-8s. 11am & 2pm. From £12. artsdepot, N12 0GA www.artsdepot.co.uk
Sing along to your favourite Little Mix songs, dance to Doja Cat and party to the music of stars such as Arianna Grande and Olivia Rodrigo, sung live, with dance competitions and prizes. Suitable for all ages. 6pm. £16. Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, N18 1PJ www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk
Nov 11, 25 & Dec 9
Planet Play Magical, interactive, sensory show with songs, music and movement for 0-3s. 10am. Adults £6, children & babies, free, must book.
Tales From The Shed Vibrant, inclusive, informal and educational show. 0-6s. 11.30am. Adults & children £6. Under 6mths free, must book. Finchley Youth Theatre, N2 9ED www.chickenshed.org.uk
There’s a Rang-Tan in My Bedroom
Imagine finding a turtle in your bathtub and a jaguar in your kitchen. How did they get there? 5-11s. 11am & 1pm. £8. Lyric Hammersmith, King Street, W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk
Dame Dolly is ready for her production of Red Riding Hood but the cast have not turned up. Will the boys and girls – and grownups – help her out? 3-10s. 10am, 11.30am, 3pm. £20.50 adult&child. Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk
Join lost budding scientist Jina on her adventure, empowered by some of history’s super-STEM women, Ada Lovelace, Hedy Lamarr and Marie Curie among others in this highly imaginative multi-media musical puppet show. 7+. 1pm & 3pm. From £12. artsdepot, N12 0GA www.artsdepot.co.uk
Saregama Live – Disco Dancer
Journey back to the 80s with Bollywood’s iconic film, on stage. Various times. From £18. Sadler’s Wells, EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com
For grown-ups, babies under 15months welcome. 12pm. £15 adult & child. Artsdepot, N12 0GA www.artsdepot.co.uk
Oh no! Can you help Father Christmas out? Fun toddler-friendly show. 0-3s. 10am & 11am. £20.50 adult&child. Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk
Everyone in the forest is very excited to gather ingredients for the Christmas cake, but where are the hazelnuts? Will the animals have Christmas without a cake? Find out in Clogless Lobster’s puppet show. 3-7s. Various times. Adult & child
£20.50. See Dec 2 & 9 for 0-3s show. Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk
Nov 19-Dec 31
The Mother of all pantomimes is back in Hackney this festive season, starring Clive Rowe as Mother Goose. What would you do if you found a magical goose who lays golden eggs?! That’s exactly what’s in store for Mother Goose and she soon discovers that this priceless talent isn’t all it’s CRACKED up to be.
Packed full of all of your favourite pantomime ingredients, this reimagining of the classic ragsto-riches tale is the perfect festive treat. Expect larger-than-life characters, gloriously outrageous costumes, incredible live music, uncontrollable laughter and loads of audience participation… oh yes, there definitely is. Suitable for all ages. Various times/prices. Hackney Empire, E8 1EL. www.hackneyempire.co.uk
Nov 19-Dec 31
The Snowman
Colourful sets, extravagant costumes and exuberant dancing. Various times. Nov 30 2.30pm relaxed. From £18. Peacock Theatre, WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com
Nov 19-Jan 7
Jack and The Beanstalk
With music, dance and comedy. 6+. Various times. From £10. Lyric Hammersmith, King Street, W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk
Nov 19-Jan 29
The Pixie and the Pudding
Enchanting Scandinavian folklore about a delicious steamed pudding left out on the windowsill on Christ mas Eve. 4-11s. Various times, pric es. Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2DN www.littleangeltheatre.com
Nov 20 Family Circus Cabaret
A circus cabaret with family-friendly acts and exciting acrobatics. 12noon & 3pm. £9.95. Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Explore an ecosystem of balloons –universes in miniature. 2+. 11am & 2pm. From £12. artsdepot, N12 0GA www.artsdepot.co.uk
Nov 23-Dec 31
Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas
For under-6s. Various times. From £10. Lyric Hammersmith, W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk
Nov 23-Jan 7
Jack! Playing is Believing…
Can video game fan Jack complete all the levels of The Beanstalk and conquer his fears in this spectacu lar Christmas show – with a cast of over 200 on stage for each performance. Tickets from £10. Chickenshed, N14 4PE. www.chickenshed.org.uk
Nov 26-Dec 23
Picture Perfect Christmas
Larger-than-life characters step out of a masterpiece into a musical, magical adventure. Weekends and holiday. Various times, 3+. £15. The National Gallery, WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Nov 26-Jan 29
We’re Going On A Bear Hunt
Brave hunters and bear-lovers will enjoy this thrilling and funny adventure by Michael Rosen, brought to life in an entrancing puppetry production. Little Angel Theatre, Dagmar Passage N1 2EH www.littleangeltheatre.com
Nov 27
Jack Frost and the Search for Winter
Jack loses his magical icy touch and searches the world for winter, meet ing characters who share his sea sonal winter magic. Can he get his magic back? 3+. 11am & 2pm. From £12. artsdepot, N12 0GA www.artsdepot.co.uk
Nov 29-Jan 15
Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty
A wondrous world of magical fair ies and vampires, where the tale of good vs evil is turned upside down. Various times. Jan 7, 2.30pm, audio described and touch tour. From £15.
Sadler’s Wells, Theatre, EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com
Nov 30-Jan 1
The Smartest Giant in Town Music and puppets bring to life Julia Donaldson’s heart-warming tale of friendship and helping those in need. From £10, St Martin’s Theatre, WC2H 9NZ www.stmartinstheatre.co.uk
��Dec 1-24
The Grinch’s Christmas Adventure & Santa’s Grotto
High energy, all-singing, alldancing extravaganza with whacky characters, for the whole family. 3+. 10.30AM & 1PM. On Dec 4, 11am & 3pm. £10. The Bull Theatre, EN5 5SJ www.thebulltheatre.com
Christmas Gothic
Haunting tales of the festive season. 10+. Various times. From £15. artsdepot, N12 0GA www.artsdepot.co.uk
Everyone in the forest is very excited to gather ingredients for the Christmas cake, but where are the hazelnuts? Will the animals have Christmas without a cake? Find out in Clogless Lobster’s puppet show. 0-3s. Various times. Adult & child £20.50. See Nov 19 & 26 for 3-7s show. Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk
Baby Broadway Christmas Well-known numbers from favourite
shows with a festive theme, performed by West End singers, plus bubbles, poetry, dance and audience interaction. 11am & 2pm. All ages. Festive fancy dress encouraged. From £12. artsdepot, N12 0GA www.artsdepot.co.uk
Dec 3 & 4, and Dec 10-30
Christmas Tales from the Shed Vibrant, inclusive, informal and educational show. 0-6s. 10am & 11.30am. Seated in Rayne Theatre. Adults & children £10. Under 6mths free, must book. Chickenshed, N14 4PE. www.chickenshed.org.uk
Dec 5-Jan 2
The Smeds and The Smoos Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures from Tall Stories’ adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. 3+. See website for relaxed and BSL shows. From £12. artsdepot, N12 0GA www.artsdepot.co.uk
Dec 6-30
Snow White and the Seven Superheroes
Join Snow White and the seven superheroes on an amazing journey to reclaim her spot in the royal kingdom and defeat the wicked Queen once and for all. All ages. Various times/prices. Millfield Theatre, N18 1PJ. www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk
Dec 6-Jan 14
The Nutcracker Sparkling festive treat. Ballet. All ages. Various times, dates. £8-£150.
Royal Opera House, WC2E 9DD www.roh.org.uk
Dec 7-Jan 8
Returning after selling out this summer. For 2-7s. Various times. From £22. Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES thelyrictheatre.co.uk
Non-professional production of the classic. Various times. Adult £15.50. U-16 £13. Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY www.alexandrapalace.com
Join Dick, his acrobatic cat and a cast of crazy characters on the ad venture of a lifetime. Various times. Child from £16.50, adult from £19.50, Under 1s in arms £5. Wyllyotts Centre, Potters Bar, EN6 2HZ https://wyllyottstheatre.co.uk
Oh no! Can you help Father Christ mas out? Fun toddler-friendly show. 0-3s. 11am. The Woodman, N6 5UA. www.littlesupernovas.com/bookings/christmas-show-woodman
The best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit –but without the rude bits. 12pm & 2.30pm. 6+. From £12. artsdepot, N12 0GA www.artsdepot.co.uk
Can beauty tame the beast with the help of his servant – Madame Bidet? Various times. £12, concs £10. Dug dale Theatre, EN2 6DS. www.dugdalecentre.co.uk
Packed with circus moments, shadow puppets and beanstalkclimbing action. Be prepared to reimagine what you know about giants. 3+. Various times. From £12. Jackson’s Lane, N6 www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Promising a magical handcrafted forest and a Christmassy reimagining of the celebrated Hans Christian Andersen fairytale performed under the wintry starlit sky. Suitable for all ages. Various prices. Half-price seats available for under-18s Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com
Squirrels get ready! Everyone’s big lovable dog Hey Duggee and your favourite characters are coming to town. It's going to be huge. Betty wants to make costumes, Happy wants to sing, Tag wants to make music, Norrie wants to dance, Roly wants jelly and they all want you to join them at the Clubhouse. Puppets, music and non-stop family fun in this brand-new production at the Southbank’s Royal Festival Hall. A-Woof! All ages. Check online for relaxed and BSL shows. 11am & 2.30pm. Various prices. Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Magical, immersive, multi-sensory adventure with live music and puppetry. Holly and Juniper can't wait to play when the world outside is blanketed in snow. 2-5s. Various times. See website for relaxed performances. From £12. artsdepot, N12 0GA
www.artsdepot.co.uk
An electrifiying tale by David Walliams. Relaxed performance Jan 2. Suitable or all ages. Various prices. Bloomsbury Theatre and Studio, WC1H 0AH
www.ucl.ac.uk/culture/whats-on/ demon-dentist
The English National Ballet sets up a Christmas treat with more than 100 dancers and musicians bringing this festive classic to life with exquisite dancing, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s popular score played live. Join Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker as they discover the sparkling Land of Snow, vanquish the Mouse King and visit a beautiful puppet theatre that comes to life with dancers from around the world. From £15. Various times. London Coliseum, St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4ES https://londoncoliseum.org
Christmas Planet Play Magical, interactive, sensory show with songs, music and movement for 0-3s. Times vary. Seated in Rayne Theatre. Adults £10, children & babies, free, must book. Chickenshed, N14 4PE. www.chickenshed.org.uk
From the Tales from the Shed team, dec 17, 18, 29, 21, 22, 23, 28, 30. For 0-7s, Adult £8, children £6. Dugdale Theatre, EN2 6DS. www.chickenshed.org.uk
Well-known numbers with a fes tive theme, performed by West End singers, plus bubbles, poetry, dance and audience interaction. All ages. 10am & 11.15am, £7. Under 6mths free. Chickenshed, N14 4PE. www.chickenshed.org.uk
From the Tales From the Shed team. For 0-7s. £6 for a family of five. Grand Junction, W5 2TF www.chickenshed.org.uk
Disney on Ice: Dream Big
With all your favourite Disney friends. Various times, prices. The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10, 0DX. www.theo2.co.uk
Let’s All Dance, known for making high-quality ballet accessible for children and families. Promises to be spectacular and lavish. 1pm & 3pm. From £19. Under 18mths free. Sadler’s Wells, EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com
battles, plus a car-eating firebreathing transforming robot megasaurus, dance parties and Hot Wheels toys giveaways. Various prices. The O2, SE10 0DX www.theo2.co.uk
Jan 16-June 6
The Sleeping Beauty Magic and fairytale characters brought to life in ballet. £9-£170. Royal Opera House, WC2E 9DD www.roh.org.uk
Promises dazzling costumes, toetapping tunes and a hilarious script. Various times. Jan 21 11am, abridged version ideal for toddlers and the youngest children. £15, concs £13. Millfield Theatre, N18 1PJ www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk
Andrea Salustri creates remarkable visual theatre by exploring the possibilities of polystyrene – the most common form of plastic. Part of the London International Mime Festival. 3pm & 7.30pm. £18. Jacksons Lane, N6 5AA www.jacksonslane.org.uk
Family pantomime that promises to have something for everyone including Goldilocks and the three bears. Non-professional production by The Warren. Various times. From £13. Wyllyotts Centre, Potters Bar, EN6 2HZ
https://wyllyottstheatre.co.uk
Some venues run sessions for children with special needs. See our page at www.bit.ly/FNLsend Ongoing
Mac’s Indoor and Outdoor Trails Family discovery trails at Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane, NW3. Family Events have been on hold, but check out www.englishheritage.org.uk/visit/places/ kenwood/families
Forty Hall, Enfield, EN2
Features interactive children’s exhibition about the lives of children who may have lived and worked there. Free. Or help Rip the dog find his bones and win a small prize –£2.50. Open 11am-5pm Thurs to Sun. www.fortyhallestate.co.uk
The Keeper of Paintings and the Palette of Perception Immersive experience via phone for 7-11s. National Gallery, WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Family trails, interactive exhibits in RAF: First To The Future – Free entry. Paid-for exhibits: 4D theatre, flight simulator, Spitfire Experience. must book. 10am-5pm. Parking charge.NW9 5LL. www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london
Get to know a dodo from a quagga. Tues-Fri 1pm-5pm. Sat 11am-5pm. Free, no booking required. UCL, University St WC1E 6DE. ucl.ac.uk/culture/grant-museumzoology
Whitewebbs Museum of Transport
Open Tuesdays and the last Sunday in the month. Check website for events and closures. Whitewebbs Museum of Transport, Whitewebbs Road, EN2 9HP www.whitewebbsmuseum.co.uk
Permanent exhibitions exploring what it means to be human, and looking at how humans have sought to understand the human body, protect themselves and care for one other. Free. The Wellcome Collection, NW1 2BE. https://wellcomecollection.org
The 100 Story Hotel Play exhibit running alongside permanent play spaces designed to fire up children’s imaginations. Must book. Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford, E5 4QZ https://discover.org.uk
Ted’s Space Adventures Planetarium show, under 7s. 11.30am. Check website for Meet The Neighbours, 7+, Starstruck, 7+, The Sky Tonight, 7+. Adults £10, child £5. Student & under 25 £6.50. Booking advised. Entry adult £16, child £8. Royal Observatory, SE10 8XJ www.rmg.co.uk
Bring Your Baby Pub Quiz & Walks Venues throughout North London. www.bringyourbaby.org Various dates Storytelling and Music for 0-4s Various times. £5. Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com
Facilitated session. Various themes. All ages/abilities. 10.30am-12pm. Free, £1 booking fee. Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre, SE3 9QS www.rmg.co.uk
All levels welcome. Children must be accompanied. 1-3pm. Free. Wood Green Library, N22 6XD Email dalmar.gibson@haringey. gov.uk | husseyin.ali-diakides@ haringey.gov.uk
First weekend of the month Family Fun Weekends Workshops, songs, activities and experiences for all ages. See colourful characters aboard every weekend and school holiday. Cutty Sark, SE10 9HT. www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark
T on The Green, Bruce Castle Park, N17. Sat 12-1.30pm, Tues & Thurs 3.30pm-5pm. Free children’s refreshments. tonthegreen.co.uk
A place for families to play, make and create together. For all ages. Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG tate.org.uk Saturdays Character Encounters Join an exciting performance and
see maritime history brought to life. Various times. National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk
Creative activities. All ages. National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk
Bruce Castle Museum hosts art, crafts and poetry led-workshops. 4-12s, must be accompanied. Little explorer gallery with interactives and dress-up, 3-8. Free. Plus there is a Mystery Manor Trail with sticker booklet for £1, and a Tree Trail. Weds-Sun 1pm-5pm. N17 8NU bit.ly/brucecastle
Facilitated play, songs and stories for under-5s. £4. National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk
For under-5s. Various times. London Transport Museum, WC2 ltmuseum.co.uk
Free, with reading corner and diverse book-pairing service. 4-6pm. Free for 0-11s. Hackney Showroom, N4 2BN www.hackneyshowroom.com
1st and 3rd Wednesdays Secret Garden Pop-Up Café
Activity sessions and cafe. Meet friends over coffee and homemade cake and lunch while your little ones enjoy playing or activities including Busybricks Duplo playroom and Tales & Trails storytelling and garden trail, or get creative with a craft pack. Special Festive event on Dec 21. See website for more details and activity bookings. Free entry to café & garden. Salisbury House, Bush Hill Park, N9 9LA. www.thesecretgardenpopup.com
Hang-out for babies, toddlers and their adults, with soft play and music. 10-11am for pre-walkers. 11am-noon tots on the move. £3 donation. Hackney Showroom, N4 2BN www.hackneyshowroom.com/easyrollerz
Developmental stay and play for under 2s with a disability or developmental delay. 10.30am. Free. Email Karen Rodrigues-Ayers@kids. org.uk. JW3 community centre, NW3 6ET.
www.jw3.org.uk
For 3-8s and their families. 2pm4.30pm. JW3, Finchley Road, NW3. Free. Drop in. JW3 community centre, NW3 6ET www.jw3.org.uk
Until Nov 21 The Highgate Watercolour Group Annual Exhibition
Free. Thurs-Tues 12-4pm. Weds 11am3pm. Lauderdale House, N6 5HG www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk
Iconic colourful paintings by Stanley Donwood. Plus until December 4, Butterfly Effect, using a wealth of found materials. Both free. Saatchi Gallery, SW3 4RY www.saatchigallery.com
Harry Kane: I Want To Play Football
Exclusive display in collaboration iconic footballer Harry Kane. And Grime Stories: From the Corner to the Mainstream, exploring the history of Grime in East London and the community at its heart. Free but booking is advisable. Museum of London, EC2Y 5HN. www.museumoflondon.org.uk
Works from 1545-present. Free. Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG. tate.org.uk
Until Jan Cancer Revolution: Science, Innovation and Hope Free exhibition. Must book. Science Museum, SW7 2DD. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
The Postal Museum. Discover the ground-breaking technology that changed the post forever. Plus ride the Mail Rail. postalmuseum.org
Until Jan 8 Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature Discover Potter’s life as a scientist and conservationist in this familyfriendly exhibition. Adult £14, under11s free. V&A, SW7 2RL. www.vam.ac.uk
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Activities, experiences and exhibition to mark the Queen’s connection with the armed services. Imperial War Museum, SE1 6HZ. www.iwm.org.uk
The New Black Vanguard Photography between art and fashion: showcasing 15 of today's most influential black fashion photographers. £10, concs £5, U-10 free. Saatchi Gallery, SW3 4RY www.saatchigallery.com
Delve into the relationship between Surrealism and design. Adult £16.80, child £8.25, concs £12.50. Design Museum, W8 6AG. www.designmuseum.org
Explore newly uncovered stories. Closed Mon. Adults £9.50, concs £7.50, NHS £4.75. U-21 free. Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ. www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk
Experience two of Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms. Be immersed in endless reflections. Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG. £10. www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern
Weird Sensations Feels Good: The World of ASMR
Explore the emerging world of creativity triggered through this sound phenomenon. Adults from £9.50. Family from £21. Must book. Design Museum, W8 6AG. https://designmuseum.org
How, over 700 years, public executions shaped the city we know today. 12+. Various prices. Museum of London Docklands, E14 4AL. www.museumoflondon.org.uk
Exploring its global impact through photos, textiles, music and visual arts. £16, under-26 £10, under-12 free. See Body Adornment Workshop Nov 19. V&A, SW7 2RL. www.vam.ac.uk
How wealth created through transatlantic slavery shaped the development of Britain. Free. Bank of England, museum entrance on Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH. www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum
Immersive genre-defying exhibition exploring visions of the future through the science of today. 8+ recommended. Adult £18, child/ concs £16.20. Science Museum, SW7 2DD. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Until May 28 War Games: Real Conflicts/Virtual Worlds/ Extreme Entertainment Exhibition exploring what video games can tell us about conflict, placing video games alongside realworld artefacts, plus playable retrogaming focusing on the First World War. Age suitability not given. Free. Advance book timed entry or walk up and wait. Imperial War Museum, SE1 6HZ
https://www.iwm.org.uk
Alternate Saturdays until Jun 24 Transformative Futures
Weekly collective for young people to think, discuss and create together. For 15-25s. 2-4pm. Free. Book. Camden Art Centre, NW3 6DG https://camdenartcentre.org
The colourful world of artist/ designer Yinka Ilori. Free. Design Museum, W8 6AG. www.designmuseum.org
Various prices. Must book. Natural History Museum, SW7 5HD www.nhm.ac.uk
Until Dec 1 2023
Find out what life was like as a young boy at the palaces of Amarna and Gurob. For schools and families. Tues-Fri 1pm-5pm. Sat 11am-5pm. Free. Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, UCL, Malet Place WC1 6BT. ucl.ac.uk/culture/petrie-museum
New interactive gallery opens. Try your hand at the vital tasks of technicians in the arts, manufacturing, medicine and more. Operate a robot, create life-saving drugs and step into a reconstructed lab from a Marvel film set. Free. Must book. Science Museum, SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Nov 5 Colours, Colours Everywhere Join Illustrator Sharon King-Chai.
Enjoy her latest book, written by Julia Donaldson, and create a nature-inspired mobile. For 2-7s. 2.30pm. £14.99, includes book, siblings £5 redeemable against a book. Adults free. Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, N8 8PL www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk
The “Glastonbury of Fireworks” with fire jugglers, funfair, dancing, laser show, fireworks and a big ol’ bonfire. Check website for ticket prices. Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY www.alexandrapalace.com
Rides, inflatables, circus skills, fire show, hot food. Gates 5pm. From £8. Tickets online only. The Walker Ground, N14 7JZ. www.thewalkerground.co.uk/fireworks
Food stalls. Gates 5.30pm. Bonfire 6.30pm. Display 7.40pm. Adult £10, child £6, family £28. Advance tickets online. Totteridge Millhillians Cricket Club, N20 8PB. www.totteridgefireworks.co.uk
Rugby screening and display. Doors 4.30pm, kick off 5pm, fireworks and entertainment from 7pm. Ends 11pm. £5-£12. StoneX Stadium, NW4 1RL www.universe.com/events/ stonex-stadium-fireworks-tickets-86DV4T
Nov 5 & Dec 3
Nearly New Sale Top-quality baby and children’s
clothes sold by mums to mums at a fraction of the high street price. Parents with outgrown goods can sell and keep 100 per cent of the proceeds. 10am-12noon. St Stephens Church Hall, Park Avenue, EN1 2BA. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk
Create a poem or bring one you’re working on and get tips on performing before taking to the stage at the Friends and Family Poetry Night. Workshop 4-6pm, for 8-13s. Poetry Night 6-8pm. Book workshop and Poetry Night tickets. Hackney Showroom, N4 2BN www.hackneyshowroom.com
Funfair rides, gourmet street food. Hadley Wood Association, EN4 0EL. Doors 4.30pm, fireworks 6.15pm. £11. Five for four offer. Must book. www.hadleywood.org.uk
Fun-packed creative activities, ideal for 3-10s. Suitable for all. 10am & 1.30pm. Adult £10, under-18 £8. Royal Opera House, WC2E 9DD www.roh.org.uk
Nov 6, 20, Dec 4, 18, Jan 1
Wonderful Wildilfe Weekend
Family pond-dipping and minibeast hunting. 1pm-3pm. Free, donation welcome. Camley Street Natural Park, N1C 4PW www.wildlondon.org.uk
Nov 9-13 Country Living Christmas Fair
Unique gifts, hand-made decorations and artisan food producers. Adult £20, concs £18, child £9. Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, London N1 0QH www.businessdesigncentre.co.uk
See Santa, plus gift and train ride. Book £14.95, walk-up £12.95. Springtime Nurseries, EN2 9EE. www.christmas-wonderland.co.uk
Delivered in BSL and spoken English. Drop-in, free. 11am, 1pm, 3pm. V&A, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk
7,000 people, 200 horses and around 150 floats in procession from Mansion House to the Royal Courts and back. Check website for full route and timings https://lordmayorsshow.london
Magnificent Me Magnificent You The Great Barrier Reef Book launch event with author Dawattie Basdeo reading and signing her story and yoga book 2pm-4pm. Yoga sessions at 2pm &
editor@familiesnorth london.co.uk
2.45pm. £10.99 includes a copy of the book. Pickled Pepper Books, Enfield, EN2 6SN www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk
Nov 12, Dec 3
Impossible Images: Ancient Egypt
Create an Egypt-themed family photo. Drop in. 10am-4pm. Free, must book entry. British Museum, WC1E 7JW www.britishmuseum.org
Nov 12, Dec 10
Space-themed sleepover for 7-11s. £70. Science Museum, SW7 2DD. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Nov 13, 27 & Dec 11
Family Visions
Family workshop with artist Lily Ash Sakula exploring what makes a family and the many different family types. 3-12s. 2-3pm & 3.30-4.30pm. Free, drop-in but booking advised. Camden Art Centre, NW3 6DG https://camdenartcentre.org
Nov 16-Jan 8
Christmas at Kew
Light trail, street vendors and say "hello" to Father Christmas. Selected dates, Entry from 4pm to 8pm. Closes 10pm. Various prices. Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AE www.kew.org
Nov 16-Jan 15
Skate at Somerset House Child, from £10, Adult from £20. Not Dec 25. Somerset House, WC2R 1LA www.somersethouse.org.uk
Winter Wonderland
Rides, ice skating, circus shows, Santaland and more. Closed Dec 25. Must book timed entry, Free offpeak, £5 or £7.50. Entry to Santa’s Grotto, free. Hyde Park W2 2UH https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Drop in. 10am-4pm. Free, must book entry. British Museum, WC1E 7JW. www.britishmuseum.org
Family workshop to make wearable creations, inspired by Africa Fash ion. 120mins. 10.30am, 7-10s. 4pm 10-13s. £7. Must book. V&A, Crom well Road, SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk
Workshops and performances. 10am-4.30pm. Cutty Sark, SE10 9HT. www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark
Diverse storytime readings, author talks, illustration tutorials, zinemaking workshops, performances and more. 12noon-6pm. Tickets from £4 (pay what you can). See online for full festival programme. Bernie Grant Arts Centre, N15 4RX www.berniegrantcentre.co.uk
Exhibition by the group of professional and accomplished amateur photographers. Free. Thurs-Tues 12-4pm. Weds 11am3pm. Lauderdale House, N6 5HG www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk
Christmas Fair
Over 100 curated stands at Chelsea Physic Garden. Entry £8. Limited walk-up tickets available. Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
November 25-27
Christmas Fayre Friday 4-8pm. Sat & Sun 11am-4pm. Adults £2. Under-15s free, must book a ticket. Forty Hall, EN2 9HA www.fortyhallestate.co.uk
Nov 25
Family Friday Dance workshop for 2-4s and their carers. 2pm. £4. Sadler’s Wells, Theatre, EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com
Nov 26
An Explosive History of Hydrogen Andrew Szydlo presents a whistlestop tour. For 7+. 6-7.15pm. Adult from £16, child/concs from £10. The Royal Institution, W1S 4BS www.rigb.org
Nov 26 Head in the Clouds!
Family-friendly community day. Kite-flying, cloud painting, cloud making. 8+. Children must be ac companied. 10.30am-1.30pm. Free, must register. Lordship Recreation Ground, N17 www.haringey.gov.uk/ events/202209/childrens-free-activity-head-clouds
��Nov 26-Jan 3 Winter Festival See Santa, until Dec 24, Fairground rides, ice rink. Brent Cross shopping
centre, Hendon, London NW4 3FP winterfestivalbrentcross.com
��Nov 26-Jan 3
The Magic of Christmas Festivities, talks, crafts, Polar Post Room and Santa’s Grotto, Dec 3, 4 & 10-24. London Zoo. NW1 4RY www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/whatson/the-magic-of-christmas
Nov 28, Dec 19
Nature Storytime
Interactive story and craft. 10.30am11.30am. 1-5s, siblings welcome. Free, donation welcome. Camley Street Natural Park, N1C 4PW www.wildlondon.org.uk
Dec 2-Jan 1
Christmas at Kenwood Light trail. Kenwood, NW3 7JR. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ visit/whats-on/kenwood-christmas-at-kenwood
��Dec 2-20
Storytime with Father Christmas Storytelling and gift. Various times. £21.50, Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com
��Dec 2-23
Santa’s Grotto £15. Adults must book a free ticket too. Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY www.alexandrapalace.com
Dec 3
East Barnet Community Christmas Fayre 11am-4.30pm. www.facebook.com/ EBCchristmasfair
��Dec 3-24
Father Christmas in his Grotto £6 per child, £1 per booking goes to North London Samaritans. Must book. The Mall, Wood Green, N22 6YQ. www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/ WoodGreen
��Dec 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18
In small groups, with a gift, and a chance to explore the garden, and enjoy a craft activity. Child £12, accompanying adult £10. Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
��Dec 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18
An Audience with Father Christmas Festive tales and a gift. £10. Kenwood, NW3 7JR www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ whats-on/kenwood-audience-withfather-christmas
Dec 4
High Barnet Christmas Fayre Street festival, rides, charity, craft0 and food stalls, performances. High Street, Barnet, EN5. https://lovebarnet.co.uk
Dec 10
Nearly New Sale
Buy, sell, recycle and save at this sale of quality baby and children’s items from birth to eight years. Book to sell. 10am-12noon. Hornsey Parish Church, Cranley Gardens, Muswell Hill N10 3AH.
✉kathryn@ babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk
��Dec 10 & 11
Santa’s Christmas Grotto
£11 per child. Adults free. Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk
Try your own Roman construction. Drop in. 10am-4pm. Free, must book entry. British Museum, WC1E 7JW. www.britishmuseum.org
Fun-filled family celebration for the first night of Chanukah. 0-6s. 2pm. Adult £5, child £9. Under-2 free. JW3 community centre, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Adults £38, children £28. Knebworth, SG1 2AX. www.knebworthhouse.com
Arts and crafts followed by candlelighting at 4.30pm and festive fun. All ages. Drop-in. Free. 4pm. JW3 community centre, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
How to apply game theory to select people for your Christmas list, or cut a Christmas pud so everyone thinks they have the biggest slice. Talk. 13+. 6-7.15pm. Adult from £16, child from £10. The Royal Institution, Albermarle Street, W1S 4BS www.rigb.org
Dec 26
Families Winter Disco Disco-style party for all the family with a special last-night-ofChanukah twist. 7+. 11.30am. Adult £5, child £7. JW3 community centre, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Feb 1 & 2
The Smartest Giant in Town
Julia Donaldson's heartwarming tale of friendship, brought to life with music and puppets. Various times. Adult £18, child £14.50. Millfield Theatre, N18 1PJ www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk
Feb 3-5
Strictly Come Dancing Live! Live tour. Various times. Various prices. The O2, SE10 0DX www.theo2.co.uk
These venues often have holiday family events
No details as we went to press
Pollocks Toy Museum www.pollockstoymuseum.co.uk
Little Angel Theatre www.littleangeltheatre.com
The Cartoon Museum www. cartoonmuseum.org
The Design Museum, holiday courses for 10-14s www. designmuseum.org
Dugdale Centre www. dugdalecentre.co.uk
Bank of England Museum www.bankofengland.co.uk
Museum of London (check out family walks). EC2Y 5HN. www.museumoflondon.org.uk
National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Rd, SW3 4HT. Character meets www.nam.ac.uk
RSPB Rye Meads, SG12 8JS events.rspb.org.uk/ryemeads
Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey KT8 9AU. Character meets and talks www.hrp.org.uk
Tate Modern, Bankside. Family play and create. www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern