WHAT’S ON
What’s on Compiled by Robina Cowan
All details are as provided when going to press. However, in case of changed plans, do double-check before setting out.
SPECIAL EVENTS Curling Club at Southbank Centre www.thecurlingclub.com/southbank Fri 13 Oct - Sun 18 Feb Exciting new alpine themed curling pop-up, a great winter sport for families to play together with delicious food, festive music and an après ski vibe. Lord Mayor’s Show From St Paul’s Cathedral www.lordmayorsshow.london 11 November The Lord Mayor’s Show dates back to the early 13th century, when King John rashly allowed the City of London to appoint its own Mayor. Each year the City of London’s streets are filled with joyous processions, musicians and dancers. The Independent Schools Show Battersea Evolution SW11 4NJ www.schoolsshow.co.uk 11 & 12 November The world’s largest school open day brings together representatives from across the independent school sector, along with education and parenting experts to help you make informed education decisions for your child. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Hyde Park W2 2UH www.hydeparkwinterwonderland. com 17 November - 1 January The jewel in the crown of London’s festive calendar is filled with thrilling rides, attractions, games, food and drink offerings. Highlights include the giant observation wheel, UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, SantaLand, Cirque Berserk and Zippos Christmas Circus. Mum2mum Market Various venues www.mum2mummarket.co.uk 18 November in Welling 2 December in Bromley Nearly new baby and children’s clothes, toys, books and baby equipment. Wishmas The Old Bauble Factory Waterloo SE1 7AD www.wishmas.co.uk 14 November - 7 January In an enchanted realm, wishes come true. Take a walk through magical rooms where you will meet robins, wishkeepers and Father Christmas, playing your part to ensure that no wish is ever forgotten. Christmas at Kent Life Kent Life Heritage Farm Park www.kentlife.org.uk 25 & 26 November, 2, 3, 9, 10 & 15-24 December Get set for some Christmas magic with Father Christmas’s magical grotto and a sleighful of activities including Elf school, gingerbread decorating, Jingle Express farm rides and Christmas movies. 14 Families South East London
Greenwich Market Grotto Greenwich Market SE10 9HZ https://tinyurl.com/ynnznb2j 15 November - 23 December Santa and his Hospice helpers can’t wait to welcome children for a magical experience this Christmas. Run in support of Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice. Christmas Markets www.mypopupevents.co.uk 3 December, Upper Norwood Library Hub SE19 9 December, St Barnabas Church Hall SE21 Shop for handmade gifts, art and craft, clothing and tasty treats. Plus a ticketed Christmas puppet show: Pinocchio, by the Magical Paper Theatre. Whippersnappers’ Winter Wonderland College Lodge, Dulwich Park SE21 7BQ www.whippersnappers.org December dates An enchanting, immersive experience that will leave your children spellbound, featuring elves, workshops and Father Christmas. Kingdom of Winter Excel London E16 1XL www.kingdomofwinter.com 8 December - 7 January A brand-new destination of fun awaits visitors with a host of attractions including a winter themed circus, ice skating, fairground rides, an immersive ice expedition trail, an alpine-style Christmas market and a range of festive food and drink.
THEATRE & SHOWS Blackheath Halls Lee Road SE3 9RQ www.blackheathhalls.com 18 November Midsummer Night’s Dream A dreamy adventure full of love, fairies, puppets, original music and ridiculousness. Ages 6+. 9 December Teach Rex Live Velociraptor Show An interactive journey filled with life-size dinosaurs, music and effects. 22-23 December The Nutcracker Let’s All Dance delivers its family festive favourite, alive with gorgeous costumes, sumptuous music and fabulous dancing. National Theatre Upper Ground SE1 9PX www.nationaltheatre.org.uk 7 November - 27 January Roald Dahl’s The Witches Everything you know about witches is wrong. Forget the pointy hats and broomsticks: they’re the most dangerous creatures on earth. This rip-roaring musical version of Roald Dahl’s timeless tale is filled with wit, daring and heart. Ages 8+.
The Snowman™ at Peacock Theatre Shakespeare’s Globe New Globe Walk SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com
Theatre Peckham Havil Street SE5 7SB www.theatrepeckham.co.uk
8 December - 7 January Hansel and Gretel This beautifully epic new version of The Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage will transform the Globe into a winter woodland. Ages 5+. Greenwich Theatre Crooms Hill SE10 8ES www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk 23 November - 7 January Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Mirror, mirror, on the wall, don’t miss the fairest pantomime of all! South London Theatre Norwood High Street SE27 9NS www.southlondontheatre.co.uk 12-21 December Beauty and the Beast The theft of a single rose has monstrous consequences for Beauty and her father, because this is no ordinary rose. This timeless story is sure to surprise, delight and enchant. The Broadway Theatre Catford Road SE6 4RU www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk 13-31 December Jack and the Beanstalk Jack, his mum and their cow Caroline live in the Kingdom of Lewishfarm and life is tough; the people are poorer and the rich are getting richer. Packed with magic beans, slapstick routines, songs, laughs and silliness galore. The Old Vic The Cut SE1 8NB www.oldvictheatre.com 11 November - 6 January A Christmas Carol Mince pies, music and merriment! Starring Christopher Eccleston as Scrooge, Matthew Warchus’ big-hearted staging immerses the audience in this beloved festive favourite. Ages 8+. The Albany Douglas Way SE8 4AG www.thealbany.org.uk 2-24 December The Light Princess A joyful re-imagining of a classic fairytale featuring an upbeat electronic score, innovative technical wizardry, gorgeous puppetry, bears and... turnips! Ages 3-7.
5-24 December RAPUNZEL Theatre Peckham is back with another Christmas show from 5 to 24 December. Theatre Peckham presents RAPUNZEL, a fun-filled musical-inspired, pantoesque remix of a classic tale. RAPUNZEL is a magical hair story, set in a hairdresser’s in Peckham, which weaves a tale about individuality and empowerment. Tickets start at £7.50. For more information and to book, call 020 7708 5401, or visit www.theatrepeckham.co.uk Peacock Theatre Portugal Street WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com 18 November - 30 December The Snowman™ Based on Raymond Briggs’ beloved children’s book and the subsequent animated film, The Snowman™ is a timeless story transformed for the stage with dazzling and whimsical sets, dancing and music performed by a live orchestra. Unicorn Theatre Tooley Street SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com 11 November - 31 December The Bolds Julian Clary’s adaptation of his bestselling book returns this Christmas after its successful 2021 debut. The Bolds may seem like an ordinary family living on a typical British street but there’s a unique twist—they’re hyenas in disguise! Join Mr. and Mrs. Bold and their twins, Betty and Bobby, as they balance work, school and friendships while keeping their beastly secret hidden. With live music and songs by Julian Clary and Simon Wallace, The Bolds promises hearty laughter and celebrates the joy of embracing the extraordinary within the ordinary. Don’t miss this extraordinary treat for the whole family this festive season. Ages 6+.
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