As Christmas gallops towards us at an unholy pace, and our to-do lists get ever longer, it can be tough to find time to make the most of all the festive fun on offer in our city. But with so few sleeps left before the big day, it’s time to grab Christmas by the antlers and squeeze in at least one of these must-do activities before the clock strikes midnight on Christmas Eve and it’s too late!
It wouldn’t be Christmas in London without…
1. Ice skating at one of London’s pop-up ice rinks
London boasts a multitude of ice rinks during the winter months, perfect for working off the mince pies and wearing out overexcited kids. For families, one of the best on offer is at the Natural History Museum. Although it’s such a popular spot you might be tempted to stay away, it’s worth noting that they have a special section for kids, so you don’t need to worry about their being bowled over by mulled-wine-fuelled adults. There is no minimum age to skate and they even offer a special parent/toddler ticket for under 4s. There are penguin skate aids available plus children’s bob skates. Another advantage of this ice rink is that you can make a day of it by riding the fairground carousel, drinking hot chocolate in the café overlooking the rink and heading inside the Natural History Museum itself, or the nearby Science Museum.
2. Taking in a festive show
Hearts will be melted by The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre in Holborn, now in its 18th year and a true London Christmas institution. This beautiful dance version of Raymond Briggs’s classic tale will put you in a festive spirit and take away all of your stress. There’s no lower age limit so you can take little ones, and even grumpy teenagers couldn’t fail to be charmed by this magical performance.
3. Bopping to festive tunes at a Christmas disco
Lots of family-friendly Christmas parties took place earlier in December, but there are a few left to go. That Place on the Corner, the hugely popular play café in N16, is hosting a festive bash on Saturday 19th December, complete with Santa, a DJ blasting out festive tunes, Christmas treats, and, most important of all, booze for the grownups. If you want a slightly tamer affair for smaller tots, there will be an under 4s disco the day before. On the other side of London, Dance Grooves is throwing a Christmas party for 4- to 12-year-olds at Gambado Chelsea on the 22nd of December. There’ll be Christmas-themed games, a festive disco and a party tea. And the best bit? No parents allowed! This means you can drop the kids off and get on with some Christmas shopping (or go for a festive drink… no judgement here).
4. Making a trip to Winterville
Only in its second year, Winterville in Victoria Park has quickly established itself as a serious contender to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. It’s smaller and quieter, without the droves of tourists, so much more manageable with young kids in tow and, with a proper path this year, it’s pram friendly too. There is a dedicated family area, with a soft play, a programme of craft workshops, and a Santa’s grotto on selected dates, so take some time to plan your visit. You can also snuggle up with the kids at the Backyard Cinema’s Winter Night Garden, which is set in an enchanted forest and accessed via a secret tunnel of trees, and watch daytime screenings of family-friendly films, such as Frozen, Toy Story and Mary Poppins. Plus, there’s masses of amazing street food on offer too.
5. Booing at a panto!
Get gregarious at one of the many pantos across the city. Our top picks are Cinderella at The Lyric and Jack and the Beanstalk at the Hackney Empire, both which promise a modern twist on the classic tale. There are still a few tickets left for this side of Christmas but it’s time to book if you want to go.
6. Marvelling at the Covent Garden Christmas lights
Free festive fun in London? Yes, it’s possible! It’s worth braving the crowds to take the family to see Covent Garden’s amazing mistletoe-themed Christmas lights, complete with giant silver reindeer and enormous Christmas tree. The Lego Santa Express has also pulled up to the piazza this year, adding to the excitement. Made of 500,000 bricks, it has smoke coming from its funnel, plus sounds and lights to entrance the kids.
7. Following the glittering path at Kew Gardens
An after-dark event, the mile-long festive trail through the royal botanic gardens leads visitors past lit-up fountains, vintage fairground rides, a choir of holly bushes, food stalls, a scented fire garden and, of course, tons of decorated Christmas trees, plus Santa and his elves. Tickets are selling out fast, so don’t delay if you want to take the kids along before the big day.
And to round off the festive period…
8. Visit Hackney’s Geffrye Museum on the 6th of January for their traditional burning of the holly and the ivy, with carol singing, Epiphany stories, mulled wine and Twelfth Night cake. Bundle the kids up in hats and scarves and close the Christmas period together in style as a family.
