Feature: WHAT'S ON THIS CHRISTMAS - Ice rinks, museums, film, galleries, theatre, panto, animals, fairs ...there's something for everyone
Published: 16 December, 2010
by JOSH LOEB
MAKE sure you have an escape plan from the festive trap in the coming weeks.
Never mind 12 lords-a-leaping and the rest of that bizarre festive pageant, for many the days of Christmas offer up an uncomfortable feast of easily swallowed excess. And that would have to include the traditional TV holiday fare most of which goes down without touching the sides and leaving its viewers unfulfilled and slightly nauseous. The answer lies in our four-page guide to real live Christmas fun for children and adults alike.
Events and shows for children in the capital this year are incredibly varied: from ice-skating in spectacular settings to magical moments in an enchanted house. And if the money is tight, many of them are free.
Escape from the telly, the games consoles and the eternal repetition of jokes and tales of family bores. Get out into the real but magical real world of London over Christmas.
CHRISTMAS FAIRS
The World the Way I Want It
This “pop-up” shop selling unconventional wares which describes itself as “a puny arm wrestle against the tide of consumerism”... “selling dead flies and dead spies in a way that could make you want to buy them”. Merchandise includes dead bug jewellery, owl pellet kits, poetry rubber stamps and “true story” T-shirts.
Until December 23.
• The World the Way I Want It, 73 Redchurch Street, E2 7DJ
Old Street / Liverpool Street tube, 07813 599083, www.theworldthewayiwantit.com
Dukes Meadows Trust Christmas Festival
Market of local Christmas produce plus carols, live music and Father Christmas.
• Thursday December 23, 4-7pm, Off Alexandra Gardens, W4 2RX, Turnham Green tube 020 8742 2225
www.DukesMeadowsTrust.org
Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park’s festive extravaganza includes an ice rink (see Ice Skating section), a giant observational wheel and “Cirque d’Hiver” from Zippo’s Circus inside a heated Big Top, also various rides and attractions. Entry to the site is free, with each of the attractions priced separately.
• Until January 4
Hyde Park, Sepentine Road, W2 2UH.
Hyde Park Corner tube.
0871 620 7064, www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Magical Christmas at Kew Gardens
Find Father Christmas in the grotto at the Princess of Wales Conservatory(until December 23), queue opens noon and closes at 3pm; entry included with admission.
Horse and Carriage Rides run from 10.30am-3.30pm daily, lasting 20 minutes (adults £3; children £2); Carousel and vintage car rides (£2 adults or £1 if with a child; £2 children); Face painting (£4); arts and crafts workshops making mobiles, spice bundles and miniature winter gardens.
Also a range of talks and guided walks.
• Kew Gardens, Kew Road, Richmond TW9 3AB
020 8332 5665
www.kew.org
museums / galleries / animals
Sir John Soane’s Museum
This museum housing a remarkable collection of art, sculpture, books, drawings and models, offers half or full-time children’s workshops in the school holidays. The Christmas All Wrapped Up session on December 22 is fully booked but there are two further dates this year. On the Thursday December 30 there is a half-day workshop (morning or afternoon) on Roman “Arty” Facts. A chance for children aged 7-plus to “get messy with clay” and make an artefact to take home. On Friday December 31, there’s a whole-day workshop making a calendar for the New Year, inspired by Soane’s Picture Rooms.
• Sir John Soane’s Museum, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP
Holborn Tube
December 22, 10.30am-3pm
£18 whole day; £10 half day, concessions available
To book: 020 74400 4263 / email: administrator@soane.org.uk
www.soane.org.uk
The Enchanted Christmas House
Described as “a place where magical things happen for children and their parents”, the Enchanted Christmas House offers a theatrical and creative experience on a journey through The Garden of Winter Wonder, The Gingerbread Kitchen, Mrs Claus’s sitting-room, Santa’s Grotto, and The Busy Elves workshop. For children aged 1-12.
• Until December 24: 9.30am-1pm on December 16, and 18-22; 2-5.30pm on December 16-24.
The Enchanted Christmas House, 2-18 Britannia Row, Islington N1 8PA.
To book call 020 3227 3200; or email: info@enchantedhouse.net; www.enchantedhouse.net
Museum of London Docklands
Visit Father Christmas in the Victorian Santa’s Grotto, with trad itional period dec orations in the mus eum’s 19th-century Sailor town gallery.
£5 (photo graphs extra). Until December 22. Book in advance on 020 7001 9844.
From December 27-January 1 the scene is trans formed into Scrooge’s Grotto. £5 (photos extra). Must book on 020 7001 9844.
On December 18 there is are two special performances for children aged 7-plus and families of A Christmas Carol. 12.30-1.30pm and 2.30-3.30pm.
On December 29 there’s an opportunity for children aged 5-plus to Meet Mr Dickens. 12.30-1pm; 2.30-3pm and 3.30-4pm.
Spooky Christmas ghosts: Dickens’s spirits of Past, Present and Future will be making an appearance at a fun, creative workshop for children aged 2-plus. December 30; 11-11.30am; 12-12.30pm and 2.-2.2.30pm.
Finally, on December 31, chil dren aged 4-plus can make a tradit ional pomander to take home. 12.30-1.30pm and 2.30-3.30pm
• Museum of London Docklands, Hertsmere Road, E14 4AL, Book in advance on 020 7001 9844, www.museum oflondon.org.uk/docklands
Geoffry Museum Farewell to Christmas
Outdoor event: Traditional burning of the holly and the ivy, with carol singing, stories about Epiphany, Twelfth Night cake, washed down with mulled wine.
Thursday January 6,
• 4-5pm. Free.
Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Road, E2 8EA
020 7739 9893, www.geffrye-museum.org.uk
Un Noel merveilleux
The Institut Francais is laying on a host of activities, from face-painting and tombola to storytelling and performances. There are also arts and crafts workshops, and a selection of edible treats from across the Channel.
December 18
11am at Cine lumiere: The King and the Mockingbird, £5
2pm at la Mediatheque: Performances by the Exchange Theatre Company, storytelling, arts and crafts and face-painting workshops, animation screenings and tombola.
All day: the Frenchmade stand with goodie bags, cupcakes, sweets and gifts; La Page bookshop stand with children's books
December 21, 22, 23
12-5pm: storytelling, workshops, animation screenings, and games around the Christmas tree. Free
3pm at the Cine lumiere: The King and the Mockingbird (Tuesday 21st), £5
The Secrets of Kells (Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23) £5
January 8
Baby French Tales: storytelling and nursery rhymes in French and English, age 0-3. 3pm, £5 (conc £3)
• Institut Francais
17 Queensberry Place, SW7 2DT, 020 7073 1350, www.institut-francais.org.uk
National Portrait Gallery Free
December 18
Family Storytelling with Art Activity
A special story all about a family who visit the gallery a few days before Christmas. A festive art workshop will follow the story with a chance to make your own Christmas decoration. Suitable for ages 3-plus.
Free ticket required and available one hour before the event from the Information Desk in the Main Hall. The session will last approximately 120 mins. Meet in Main Hall 1.30-3.30pm.
January 9: Gallery Talk. Get a fresh perspective by hearing two young people’s responses to the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2010. Members of the Gallery’s Youth Forum and The Photog raphers’ Gallery Teen Forum will give an exhibition tour. In partnership with The Photographers’ Gallery. For 14 to 21-year-olds.
Meet in the Main Hall 12.30-1pm. To book in advanced please email youthbookings@npg.org.uk or call 020 7312 2483.
• National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, WC2H 0HE
www.npg.org.uk
Cirque du Soleil:
Totem
Described as “somewhere between science and legend” this latest show from Cirque du Soleil uses visual and acrobatic language to tell the story of the origin of species.
January 5-February 17
• Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP, 020 7589 8212, bookings: 020 7907 7071,
www.royalalberthall.com
Story and Rhyme
Time
Free events for children at the Idea Store Chrisp Street: December 21 and 28, and January 4: Children under the age of three can join in on story and song fun, 11am-1pm.
• 1 Vesey Path, East India Dock Road, E14 6BT DLR.
All Saints DLR
Also Little Bow People at Idea Store Bow. Free
December 21 and 22: storytelling sessions, singing and other activities for the under-fives
• 1 Gladstone Place, Roman Road, Bow, E3 5ES, 020 7364 4332, www.ideastore.co.uk
Mile End tube
National Maritime Museum
The Greenwich museum is running a variety events over the festive period, and many of them are free (check the website). Pirate Party, on January 2, is a mix of performance and storytelling; activities and workshops suitable for all ages; a whole host of events throughout the day in the Queen’s House,
from Folk band performances, Mini pirate adventures, Swashbuckling Ships (make you own pirate ship), Treasure Maps, Pirate Dance, story-telling and fancy dress. l Full details at: www.nmm.ac.uk/visit/events/family. Must book (for Pirate Party): online at www.nmm.ac.uk/tickets or tel: 020 8312 6608
January 2, 11.30am-4pm, £6, £3.50 children
National Maritime Museum, Park Row, SE10 9NF
Rail: Greenwich / Maze Hill;
DLR: Cutty Sark
London Zoo
There are elves among the inmates at the zoo this Christmas, ready to greet visitors and introduce them to the Three Wise Men and their camels for a storytelling session. Visit the innkeeper’s wife at Animal Adventure and meet the donkeys and sheep. And if that’s not enough, Santa is waiting in his grotto, with stories to tell the children while the grown-ups can enjoy a hot drink. The trails (which lasts about an hour) ends with a present. Five journeys each day until December 24, 11am-3pm. Pre-booking is advised. On the day of a journey, tickets are only available for purchase at the zoo.
Suitable for children aged 10 and under, accompanied by an adult. £20 (adults, children and concessions); Members £10 (adults, children, concessions)
The journey ticket includes the Christmas experience and entry to the zoo – the perfect chance to see the much-celebrated baby gorilla, born six weeks ago to proud mum Mjukuu.
• ZSL London Zoo, Outer Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY, 020 7722 3333, www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo
• Until December 31, ZSL London Zoo is offering free admission to one person when accompanied by a full paying adult.
Reindeer Petting Free
at Covent Garden. Last chance this year for the little ones to give Santa's helpers a pat.
December 29, noon-4pm.
• Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 8AA
Discover Children’s Storytelling Centre
Discover is a magical world of story trails and characters who help children (aged 2-11) invent their own stories. Christmas holiday events include:
December 22, 28, 30 & 31 – Charlie and Lola Winter Story Time, 11.30am and 2.30pm (age 2-plus); December 23, 29 and January 2 – One Snowy Night by Nick Butterworth; meet animals from this charming story in the winter forest; and make a snow globe to take home, 11.30am and 2.30pm (age 3-plus); January 8 – Over the Hills and Faraway: Interactive stories and rhymes with author and storyteller Margaret Bateson-Hill, 2.30pm (under-5s); January 9 – That Pesky Rat Shadow Puppet Show: hear the story of a homeless brown rat with a colourful shadow puppet show and make a pet rat to take home, 11.30am and 2.30pm (age 3-plus)
• Discover, 383-387 HighStree, E15 4QZ, www.discover.org.uk
Tel 020 8536 5555 to pre-book Monday-Friday 10am-5pm. Adult/ child £4.50; children under 2 free.
Stratford Tube
BFI:
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in 3D
Workshop to make cards and decorations, followed by a screening of the film (certificate PG). workshop 11.30am; film 1.30pm, £9, concs £6.55
December 19,
• BFI South Bank
Belvedere Road, SE1 8XT, 020 7928 3232, www.bfi.org.uk/southbank
National Gallery. Free
Magic Hats: Family workshop led by Jacqui Ansell and Corinee Felgate to make a magical disguise.
December 28-29, 11am and 2pm, Age 7-plus.
Storyscape: Interactive story session on wild and wonderful journey, discovering quirky characters, curious sounds and fantastic places.
December 28, 10.30-11.15am, Under-5s. Masquerade storytelling: Discover deception and disguise.
December 28, noon-1pm and 2.30-3.30pm. Age 7-plus
• All events: No need to book. Meet in the Education Centre foyer.
National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN, 020 7747 2885, www.nationalgallery.org.uk
London Transport Museum
Bauble Blitz Craft Workshop
December 27-January 3
Drop-in sesssions at 12.30 and 2pm daily. This event is part of the current exhibition, Under Attack. Children can design, make-do and mend baubles and paper chains using newspapers, magazines, used wrapping paper and images from the museum,
• London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB, 020 7379 6344, www.ltmuseum.co.uk
Shakespeare's Globe
Storytelling: interactive sessions as part of the temporary Frost Fair exhibition which looks at the tradition of stalls and booths that were set up when the river froze over, in the 15th-19th centuries. Food and clothing and entertainments were all part of the river scene. In addition to the displays, the storytelling sessions will allow listeners to play an active part in how traditional winter stories develop.
December 27-31.
• Part of the Globe Exhibition and Tour ticket, £10.50 adults; £6.50 children (under-5s free). conc £8.50
The Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT, 020 7902 1400, www.shakespeares-globe.org/exhibitiontour/ abouttheexhibition/specialevents/thefrostfair/
Somerset House Free
Here’s a chance to take part in free festive workshops. Holiday Drop-ins are suitable for families with children of all ages. Meet in the Learning Centre, Embankment level, South Building. The activity lasts about half an hour. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
December 18: Winter Wonderlands, 11am-1pm and 2-4.30pm.
Create an enchanted winter scene in 3-D silhouette, complete with snow and sparkle!
January 8: Skating Sculptures, 11am-1pm and 2-4.30pm.
Take inspiration from our outdoor ice rink to create colourful balancing sculptures of skaters in action.
• Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA, 020 7845 4600, www.somersethouse.org.uk
Music, Theatre and Pantomime
Royal Festival Hall
December 29 and 30, 4pm: Peter and the Wolf Live: narrated by Jarvis Cocker with the Philharmonia Orchestra and text by Simon Armitage. Screening of the Oscar-wining film, accompanied by the London Philharmonia, conducted by Allan Wilson. 1 hour, with a relaxed open-door policy throughout the performance. All ages. Book online, tickets from £14 (limited availability of 50 per cent concessions)
• Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XX
Ticket office: 0844 0073
www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Queen Elizabeth Hall
December 16-January 2:
Classic fairytale Hansel and Gretel told with music, “amazing gadgets and gizmos”, by Kneehigh Theatre. For 2hours and 20minutes including interval. For children aged 8-plus.
Tickets £15-£27.50 (limited availability of 50 per cent off concessions)
Also, on December 20 and 21: Hansel and Gretel’s Gingerbread Bake off! Gingerbread House decorating workshop for families. Free
• Queen Elizabeth Hall
South Bank, SE1
Ticket office: 0844 874 0073, www.southbankcentre.co.uk
The Go!Go!Go! Show: This pop musical of song, dance and adventure – and a sock-stealing ‘Fluffalope’ – is a surefire hit for kids of all ages. Leicester Square Theatre, Leic ester Place, WC2H 7BX. December 20-30. Tickets from £13.50. Book online at www.leicestersquaretheatre.com or call: 0844 847 2475
The Gruffalo
The loveable scary monster is in the West End over Christmas. This musical adaptation of the much-loved book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is suitable for children aged 3-plus. Garrick Theatre, Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0HH. Until January 15. Tickets £11.99. Box office: 020 7492 1552. www.theatreboxoffice.org/garrick-theatre
Beasts and Beauties
These tales – including such classics as Beauty and the Beast and The Emperor’s New Clothes – retold by poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, feature a beast with bad table manners and a goat that poos gold. Pure magic for children aged 8-plus. Until December 30. Hampstead Theatre, Eton Avenue, NW3 3EU. Box office: 020 7722 9301.www.hampsteadtheatre.com
Jack and the Beanstalk
The Hackney Empire returns to glory with superlative pantomime dame Clive Row in Jack and the Beanstalk. Until January 9.
Other fantastic children’s shows about too, including Bagpuss at the Soho Theatre (until January 9, 020 7478 0100), Alice in Wonderland at the Little Angel Theatre (until January 11, 020 7226 1787) and George’s Marvellous Medicine at The Bloomsbury Theatre (until January 22, 020 7388 8822).
and finally...
New Year’s Day Parade. Free
Celebrate the dawn of the New Year in the company of Pearly Kings and Queens, cheerleaders, bands from London and America, dancers, acrobats.
March with the floats along the route of the Parade’s 25th anniversary, starting at the Ritz Hotel taking in Piccadilly Circus,
Lower Regent Street, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall.
A limited number of grandstand tickets are available via the website.
• January 1, Noon-3pm, free, www.londonparade.co.uk
Holiday On Ice
Somerset House
An elegant 18th-century courtyard is the setting for this 900-metre rink.
Children aged eight years and under must be accompanied by an adult on the ice.
One-hour daytime sessions from 10am-5.15pm, £10.50 (under-12s £7.50); one-hour evening sessions from 5.30-9.15pm, £13 (under-12s £8.50.
Until January 23.
• Book with Ticketmaster online or call 0844 847 1520.
Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA, www.somersethouse.org.uk
• See under Galleries for details of festive Winterwonderland and Skating workshops at Somerset House.
London Eye
Anyone taking a ride on the London Eye can also book a 45-minute session on the 300-metre square “Eye-skating” rink in Jubilee Gardens.
Until January 5.
• London Eye, various packages available, 10am-9pm daily.
London Eye Ice Rink, South Bank, SE1 7PB. Waterloo Tube.
0871 781 3000, www.londoneye.com
Tower of London
Glide across the iced-over moat at this unique historical setting.
10am-10pm daily. No minimum age but smallest skate size is children's 8. Peak: £12 (under-16s £8); Off peak: £10 (under-16s £7.50).
Until January 9.
• Tower of London, Tower Hill, EC3 4AB
Tower Hill tube
0844 781 8814, www.toweroflondonicerink.com
Natural History Museum
Take a turn on the 1,000-metre-square rink, or enjoy the scene (with a hot chocolate or glass of mulled wine) from the balcony. For young skaters there is a junior rink linked to the main rink via an ice bridge.
1-hour sessions, 10am-10pm daily. No minimum age; children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Smallest skate size is children’s 9. Peak: £13 (children 12 and under £8.50); Off peak: £13 (12 and under £8)Until January 9.
Natural History Museum Ice Rink, Cromwell Road,
SW7 5BD.
Book with Ticketmaster online or call 0844 847 1576
Winter Wonderland,
Hyde Park
The ice rink is part of Hyde Park’s seasonal look (see Christmas Fairs for more details). No minimum age for skaters, smallest skates are children’s 9; 1-hour sessions10am-10pm daily. Peak: £13 (children 12 and under £8.50); Off peak £10 (children 12 and under £8)
• Until January 4
Hyde Park, Serpentine
Road, W2 2UH
Hyde Park Corner Tube
0871 620 7064, www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com