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IN THIS ISSUE
Where To Find Santa This Year Our Top Toy Tips Bumper What’s On Guide Fancy a Christmas Eve Visit With Santa? See Page 2! Issue 77 November/December 2019 familiesonline.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk 1
Come and see Santa this Christmas in 14 acres of woodland.
BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
A family day out to remember!
www.woodlandexperiences.co.uk North Ballochruin Farm, Balfron Station, Glasgow G63 0LE Phone: 01360 752052
WIN a trip to see Santa on Christmas Eve! The amazing team at Woodland Experiences are offering readers the chance to win an all-inclusive trip to see Santa in the magical woodland at North Ballochruin Farm, Balfron, on Christmas Eve!
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The prize includes… A ticket for 2 adults and 2 children to see Santa on 24th December at 3pm. PLUS 30 tokens to spend on marshmallow toasting, bouncy tractor, face-painting or in the on-site shop To enter the prize draw, simply e-mail your name and address to editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk with “Christmas” in the subject box, no later than 1st December 2019. Families usual terms and conditions apply.
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Fa F am ami millie lies iie ies ess Gla e G la las asgow sgow sg g go ow o w Families Glasgow
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05/06/2019 10:08
News & Views
Glasgow
Families Magazine 75 Lisbon Avenue Twickenham Middlesex TW2 5HL ALL ENQUIRIES editor@familiesglasgow.co.uk ADVERTISING Jayne Keep jayne@familiesglasgow.co.uk NEXT ISSUE January/February 2020 BOOKING DEADLINE 4 December Printed by Warwick Printing Designed by Dean Bradshaw info@fortyfivedegrees.co.uk
© Families Glasgow Magazine 2019 Families Glasgow is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Glasgow are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Glasgow. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Glasgow; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
Under a Third of Scottish Parents Read to Children Daily A new survey commissioned by the Scottish Book Trust reveals that under a third of parents (31%) read to their children every day. This drops to just 15% for those that were never read to by their own parents or carers as a child, underlining the importance and long term impact of reading with children from an early age. The Scottish Book Trust has launched a new fundraising campaign, Scottish Book Trust 21, to provide crucial support to vulnerable families and help fight the effects of living in poverty and social isolation through sharing stories. The charity’s patron, writer Val McDermid, said: “Reading opens the door to imagination: it’s the first step on the road to change, not only for yourself but for the world around you”. More info: www.scottishbooktrust.com
New LEGO® DUPLO® WORLD App Touch Press and the LEGO Group are proud to announce the release of LEGO® DUPLO® WORLD. The interactive game helps children achieve key early learning goals while bringing to life a magical world based on the iconic LEGO® DUPLO® toys for pre-school children. For every activity in the game there is a range of interactive play experiences designed to support learning and development skills including spatial awareness, working memory, and early maths. The app encourages children, parents and friends to play together and on the go. LEGO® DUPLO® WORLD is available on the App Store and Google Play. It is free to download and has additional content available to purchase. chase.
The Pavilion Team are back with a Brand New Pantomime Adventure Following the overwhelming success of last year’s production, Cinderella, The Pavilion takes the team on another funfilled exciting Panto adventure and hopes that you can join them! It has been one of their favourites over the years and it is the only theatre in the UK to produce “The Magical Adventures of Pinocchio”. As always, they base their Pantomime on the original story, but have that Glasgow twist in true hilarious Pavilion style - you can be confident that it is good clean family entertainment. It is sure to be a sing-a-long adventure
with an all-star castt featuring; Liam Dolan f t i Li D l as the hilarious Jiminy Cricket, Grado as Geppetto, River City’s Stephen Purdon as Pinocchio, Scott Fletcher as the lovable lad Lampwick, Holly Jack as The Blue Fairy, Joyce Falconer as Kit’e’cat, Nicola Auld as Honest John the Fox and star of BBC’S Molly and Mack, James Mackenzie as the Nasty Stromboli. With a brand-new, hilarious script, stunning scenery, sensational costumes and magical special effects that they have become known for, it is the fun filled Panto for all ages!
Letter from Santa Children love to receive a letter addressed to them in the post, but what could be more special than a letter from Santa? Here are two ways of making this happen…
Royal Mail Letter to Santa For children to receive a free letter from Santa via the Royal Mail children must post their letter to Santa by Friday 6 December. Envelopes must have either a first or second class stamp and be addressed to Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. The letter must include your child’s full name and address. www.royalmail.com/christmas/ letters-to-santa 4
Families Glasgow
NSPCC Santa Letter Children can also receive a personalised reply from Santa via his elves at the NSPCC in exchange for a minimum £5 donation to the charity. The letter is ordered online and must be placed by Monday 9 December. www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/ make-a-donation/letter-from-santa/
News Book Reviews & Views
Your Kids’ Book Reviews Winter Reads For more book reviews, check out littlekidbigkid.co.uk RAVI’S ROAR Tom Percival ISBN: 978140 8892183, PB £6.99 0-5yrs Ravi is the smallest. When things don’t go the way he wants, he gets so angry that he turns into a tiger. At first it’s fun, but then hasn’t got anyone to play with, because he’s roaring so much. He even turns red! Then he calms down, and his dad gives him a hug. And then his dog gives him a hug. He looks like he feels all better. Sometimes, the tiger still comes out, but only when people are naughty. Archie (age 6), Pollokshaws
ROSE CAMPION AND THE CHRISTMAS MYSTERY Lyn Gardner ISBN: 97817880 00314, B £6.99, 8-12yrs I have waited so long for this next part of Rose Campion’s adventure, and I’m really happy that it’s a Christmas story. Rose was abandoned as a baby and raised in one of London’s famous music halls, Campions. She’s dealt with murderers and thieves, but now there’s a new threat to the riotous fug of Campion’s and Rose is determined to do everything she can to protect her home and her family. I loved this book and recommend
it to any reader who enjoys a good detective story with strong characters. Katie (age 11), Shawlands
FLIP FLAP FROZEN Axel Scheffler ISBN: 9781788004985, HB £8.99, 0-5yrs Fiona: Axel Scheffler’s pictures are a delight, and this version of his popular flip-flap series concentrates on animals found in a colder climate. We especially love that every animal combination gets its own name. Emily: The names are really funny. My favourite is the Narar Bear – it’s fluffy and strong and has a horn like a unicorn and a tail like a dolphin. Fiona (mum) and Emily (age 4), Hamilton
WARRIOR MONKEYS AND THE DEADLY TRAP MC Stevens ISBN: 9780192 771728, PB £6.99, 7yrs+ Suki and Bekko are learning the ways of the Warrior Monkeys. Even ‘though they’re different, they are best friends. Then a stranger arrives at the training ground and they don’t know if he really wants to be a Warrior Monkey or if he has other plans. I really enjoyed this book. It has lots of great pictures and the chapters are just the right length. Jack (age 9), Cumbernauld
RORY BRANAGAN DETECTIVE THE LEAP OF DEATH Andrew Clover ISBN: 9780008265953, PB £6.99, 8-12yrs I love books like this, because I’m not great at reading. There are lots of pictures, it’s really funny AND it’s a detective story. Rory Branagan’s dad is missing. He was a world rally champion who got mixed up with criminals. Rory is trying to find him, and he follows all the clues he has. In this book, it’s a leaflet with a Branagan name on it. His friend Cat helps him, and together they go to a stunt show, where all sorts of exciting things happen. Kirsty (age 8), Cathcart
THE CHRISTMAS UNICORN Anna Currey, ISBN 9780192772091, PB £6.99, 2yrs+ This is a very gentle story about feeling alone and making new friends. I’m still not sure if the unicorn is actually real or just in the girl’s imagination, but it doesn’t matter. The illustrations remind me of the classic picture books and include everything you associate with Christmas. A lovely, seasonal story
to ease you into December. Karen, mother to Oscar (age 3), city centre DASHER Matt Tavares, ISBN: 978140 6387704, 4-7yrs The Reindeer Dasher lives with her family in a circus. She dreams about cold snow, but instead she has to stand and be gawped at. She doesn’t mind the children, they sometimes feed her carrots. One night, she manages to escape, and runs for the north star. She meets Santa, and he’s still using a horse. So she offers to help him. Then her family come and join her. I love this book, I can’t wait for Christmas! Maya (age 6), East Kilbride
OUR PLANET Matt Whyman ISBN: 9780008180317 , HB £20, 6yrs+ I love animals and I watched this program on Netflix with my dad. The book has amazing photos in in, I wish I could have them as posters. There are some great facts about this special planet and what we can do to preserve it. I will treasure this book for a long time, it’s really special. Erin (age 9) Maryhill
WE ALSO RECOMMEND
The Frozen Sea – Piers Torday, 9-12yrs; The Dragon’s Breakfast – Vivien French, 7yrs+; The Shortest Day – Susan Cooper, 3yrs+; The Girl and the Dinosaur – Hollie Hughes, 0-5yrs; Winnie and Wilbur, The Santa Surprise – Laura Owen, 5yrs+; Pages and Co - Tilly and the Lost Fairies - Anna James, The Tree That’s Meant to Be - Yuval Zommer, 2yrs+; I Don’t Want to be Small - Laure Ellen Anderson, 2-5yrs; Bad Nana–That’s Snow Business – Sophy Henn, 6yrs+; The Space We’re In – Katya Balen, 9yrs+ familiesonline.co.uk
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Parenting
Encouraging a Growth Mindset in your Child Children are like sponges, aren’t they? They soak up every new thing, whether it’s a new word or the latest trend. But are they learning new things in the right way? You may not have given it much thought, but the way we speak to our children can have a huge impact on how they learn. If you’re new to the phrase ‘growth mindset,’ don’t be put off. This simple concept could help both you and your child. Developed by Carol Dweck, an American Professor of Psychology, the ‘growth mindset’ ethos has become increasingly popular in schools globally. Dweck believed that by changing their ‘mindset’ anyone (children included) could increase their abilities and improve their intelligence solely through dedication and hard work. Many of us battle with a ‘fixed mindset.’ For example, the belief that if we aren’t naturally good at languages, that won’t change and therefore we shouldn’t try to learn them. But by shifting to a ‘growth mindset,’ we can actually motivate ourselves to succeed. In the last 10 years more and more schools have embraced the theory of growth mindset into their teaching ethos, not placing so much focus on the natural gifts children have but instead focussing on the work they put in. Integral to growth mindset is the understanding that making mistakes is okay. It’s natural to encounter challenges and make mistakes when learning so many new things. However, failure can sometimes dent a child’s confidence. By embracing mistakes and failures, teachers can give children the reassurance that it’s okay to struggle, rather than the idea that mistakes and failings are wrong. Growth mindset means praising a child for effort and not natural talent. Teachers can adjust how they give feedback to motivate a child to continue to work hard. If a child does an impressive painting, instead of praising the child’s natural talent, the teacher can instead praise the effort, process and commitment put into creating that painting. A child that is praised solely for their natural ability may not believe that to be attainable again, so may not try. Yet a child who gets noticed for the effort they put in will feel able to repeat that success. 6
Glasgow Families Upon Thames
Tom m Dobson, an education expert at Leeds eeds Beckett University, says the growth wth mindset ethos places the onus on pupils to take control of their own learning rning and development. “Rather than the teacher telling children what they have e achieved and what they now need to achieve, pupils can become aware of what their own steps for progress are.” Growth mindset can be used at home, too. There’s a tendency in modern parenting towards over- praising children to protect them and their precious self-esteem. While it is important to be positive, the growth mindset theory suggests that instead of heaping praise at every opportunity, we should rephrase the praise to encourage development. Encourage your child to talk about the struggles they encountered today. Getting them to understand that it’s okay to find a task or activity tricky is central to having a growth mindset, because that’s how we learn. We exercise our bodies, but what about our brains? Encourage your children to see their brain as a muscle that needs exercising: the more they use it
the stronger it becomes. Refer to the different things they learn as light bulbs: each time they learn a new skill, they turn on a new lightbulb. Each time they practice it, the light bulb gets bigger and brighter. All of which contribute to a stronger brain. When your child is struggling with something, whether it’s a physical or mental task, try to motivate them to not give up. The mantra “try, try and try again” really can have incredible results. Not only does this develop their growth mindset, but it also builds resilience, something so vital for the grown-up world. Don’t forget ‘though, this isn’t just for your children. If you’re facing a challenge, whether at home or work, try applying some of these principles to it. You might surprise yourself whilst setting a great example to your kids at the same time!
By Gabrielle Nash For more parenting tips and advice, read Gabrielle’s blog @londonishmum
Where’s Santa
WHERE’S SANTA
Santa is a busy fella in the run up to the big day, and he’s really enjoying his personal appearances! This year he has taken to showing up at Christmas light switch on events, shopping centres, garden centres and softplays. Check out our pick of the best below! Santa’s Woodland Experience Once on board the tractor trailer you will set off through the woodland in search of Santa’s woodland home. When you arrive at the cabin, you will be greeted and invited into the cabin by Santa himself, where he will be waiting to hear all about what you would like for Christmas. Afterwards enjoy a tea/ coffee or some delicious hot food. From Nov 30th, adults £8 children £16. www.woodlandexperiences.co.uk
Christmas at the Mills, New Lanark Take a magical journey into Christmas on the Spirit of Christmas festive ride. Visit Santa in his cosy Grotto (small toy and book included). Entrance to visitor attraction included, but soft play area is charged separately. There will be festive paper crafts for children to enjoy and Santa’s Elves are still planning some fun activities! Various dates from Dec 2nd. Tickets £13.95, under 2s £4 www.newlanark.org
Chatelherault Country Park Santa’s moved into Chatelherault for the whole of December! Take a walk through Rudolph’s stable and prepare your letter to Santa with all of your Christmas wishes before visiting Santa himself in his magical log cabin. Book a visit by calling 01698 426213. Cost £7.50 per child (including gift). www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk
Calderglen Country Park Visit Santa in his grotto in the Courtyard Gallery during December week-ends. Arrive early and have a seat on his sleigh, then get creative with some festive colouring before going in to see Santa himself. Book a visit by calling 01355 236 644. Cost £7.50 per child (including gift). www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk
Helensburgh Winter Festival The Festival will be centred in Colquhoun Square with a Festive Market offering a wonderful range of gifts and goodies to make your Christmas special and an international menu of street food to tantalise your tastebuds. As always, Santa will be in his grotto, & the Ayrshire Reindeer will also be paying a visit. www.helensburghwinterfestival.co.uk
Heads of Ayr The visit will consist of a magical visit to Santa’s grotto with a festive walkway. Santa will then meet you and chat with your little ones, asking them what they would like for Christmas and if they have been good this year, while parents take photos. Play n Wild indoor soft play will be open and is suitable for all ages. Regular tours of Little Critters Animal Barn are on where you can say hello to miniature donkeys and reindeer! From £11/child (includes gift), £6/adult. www.headsofayr farmpark.co.uk
Santa’s Grotto at Dobbies Bring your little ones along to Dobbies for an exciting festive experience at Santa’s Grotto! 24th Nov 2019 to 24th Dec 2019. Santa’s Grotto is one of the most exciting festive experiences at Dobbies. Bring your little ones along to explore the magical setting, be welcomed by Santa himself and receive a special gift. www.dobbies.com
Mrs Claus at Pollok House Enjoy a truly magical family Christmas when you bring the children to meet the award-winning Mrs Claus at Pollok House. Admire the house, dressed up for Christmas, and see your child receive their special Christmas gift from Mrs Claus herself. Tickets for Mrs Claus are from £5/child and £7.50/adult. From 1st to 24th December. www.nts.org.uk
Join the Citizens Theatre this Christmas with Pinocchio! On his action-packed quest, Pinocchio travels from the cobbled streets of his home town of Abbondanza to the tempting lights of Playland, via the dangers of the dark woods and the belly of a giant whale! Along the way he meets a host of colourful characters and, with the help of wise Cricket and kind Geppetto, Pinocchio learns the importance of telling the truth and discovers what it means to be truly human. Full of magic and adventure, this production embraces the vivid inventiveness of the original tale and will enchant the whole family this Christmas.
familiesonline.co.uk
Win a family ticket for Saturday 14 December at 7pm by answering this question: What is the name of Pinocchio’s home town? Send your answer, together with your name and address via e-mail to competitions@familiesglasgow.co.uk using the subject line “Pinocchio” no later than November 24th. There is no cash alternative. Subject to availability. Family ticket is up to two adults and up to three children. Recommended for 6yrs+.
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Where’s Santa Christmas Fair at the Farm
Santa Claus at Holmwood
Meet the donkeys in the farmyard nativity scene, pick up some gift ideas, make your own decorations and see Santa and his tractor-driving elf at the award-winning National Museum of Rural Life! 8 Dec 10.00-17.00, Adult £11/ Concession £10, Child £7.50 (under 5s free), Family of 4 £30. www.nms.ac.uk
Santa Claus will be making some special visits to Holmwood this Christmas. Come along to meet him and find out if you’re on the ‘nice’ list! There’ll be storytelling and crafts, and your child will receive a gift from Santa himself. Pre-booking is essential. This will be a group visit to see Santa. All children must be accompanied by an adult. From £6 for child members, Santa will be at Holmwood December 7, 8, 14 and 15. www.nts.org.uk
Santa’s Magical Wonderland at M & D’s Have a skate on the open-air ice rink, listen to traditional Christmas storytelling, visit the live reindeer, and meet Santa (includes gift). Don’t forget to bring along your Christmas letter and post it to Santa. Selected dates from Nov 16th, from £8.20/child, £5.50/adult. www.scotlandsthemepark.com
Little Elf Experiences Three Sister Bake created lovely Christmas experiences near Glasgow based on feedback from parents that they were looking for a “non-Santa” Christmas experience. The events are seated and don’t involve queues, so are perfect for extended families with older members or for those looking for a festive foodie day out.
Little Elves Crafty Brunch/ Crafternoon Tea Help the Elves finish off their Christmas cards, decorate Mrs Claus’s baking, and create festive decorations! Combine kids festive baking, crafts and an amazing festive afternoon tea. Best for 4-12yrs. From £14.95
100 Years of Fun! The IRN-BRU Carnival is back – and celebrating its 100th birthday! And you can win a family-of-four ticket by answering this simple question:
Storytime Brunch with the Elves Combines festive storytelling, Christmas crafts and an amazing Three Sisters Bake three tier bakery brunch! Best for 18m to 6yrs. From £14.95 www.threesistersbake.co.uk
What’s the best thing about The Irn Bru Carnival? Send your answer, together with your name and address via e-mail to competitions@familiesglasgow.co.uk using the subject line “Carnival” no later than December 1st. Europe’s largest indoor funfair returns, and this year will be the biggest yet as The IRN-BRU Carnival celebrates 100 years of festive fun! The Carnival will be packed full of more family rides, thrill rides, and children’s rides than ever before, so there is something for everyone. Open 20th December to the 12th January at the SEC, Glasgow, The IRN-BRU Carnival is an unmissable event in your festive calendar. Info & tickets at www. irn-bru-carnival.com *Closed Christmas Day. Tickets include 10 x rides. Children under 3 go free.
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Families Glasgow
Finlaystone Santa’s Grotto Follow the trail to find Santa’s grotto - It is a truly magical place to visit. £18 per child, includes 1 accompanying adult free. Every week-end day in December until 24th, 10.00am to 4pm. www.finlaystone.co.uk
Santa and the Snow This interactive festive experience will take your child on a journey through Elf School, Santa’s Workshop, meeting Santa and a custom-built Snow Play Area. The experience lasts for approximately 1.5 hours, plus snow play. Sessions run from 9am to 7.30pm costing £19.95/child, £9.95/adult www.snowfactor.com/hit-the-slope/ santa-and-the-snow
Where’s Santa Races and Causes Deafblind Scotland Santa Dash: December 1, 12.30, Victoria Park Glasgow Santa Dash: December 8, 9.30, George Square Jingle All the Way 5k: December 14, 9.00, Chatelherault Country Park Marie Curie Hospice Christmas Fair: November 30, 11.00-14.00, Marie Curie Hospice Glasgow, Balornock Road
Santa Goes Shopping As we go to print, it is still a little early for Santa to announce all his stops, so keep an eye out - Santa has been known to squeeze in a little retail therapy between keeping an eye on those mischievous elves!
Summerlee Christmas Grotto Summerlee present another free Winter Wonderland experience, as well as a grotto every weekend in December, breakfasts with Santa as well as Christmas parties. Autism friendly visits are available. www.culturenl.co.uk/summerleemuseum-events
Sea Life Loch Lomond Enjoy a Festive Quiz Trail throughout the aquarium then make your way to Santa’s Grotto to make Christmas Crafts and meet Santa. Each child ticket purchased includes a grotto & an aquarium ticket - two complimentary adult tickets will be attached to each booking. £13.95 www.visitsealife.com
Gouldings Winter Wonderland Take a wagon trip through Dalpatrick farm, delight at the live reindeer and donkeys in the outdoor nativity scene before meeting Santa in his grotto. £11/£6 www.gouldingsgardencentre.com
Breakfast with Santa at the Hard Rock Cafe
Lights On! West End Christmas Lights Switch On: December 1 from 12.00, switch on 17.30, Vinicombe Street Ashton Lane Winter Wonderland: December 1 from 12.00, switch on 17.00, Ashton Lane Princes Square Christmas Light Switch On: November 17, 16.00, Princes Square A Very Merry Clarkston Christmas: November 16, 12.00-18.30, Clarkston Hall An Awfy Scottish Winter Wonderland: November 30, 12.00-18.00, Barrhead Christmas Market and Lights: November 16, 9.00-16.00, Lanark Mugdock Christmas Fun Day: November 24, 14.00-17.00, Mugdock Country Park Kirkintilloch Christmas Fun Day: November 1, 12.00-20.00, Regent Centre
Be welcomed by the friendly team, enjoy the freshly cooked buffet style breakfast and let the elves entertain you and your young ones. Of course, Breakfast with Santa wouldn’t be the same without a visit from Santa! Booking is essential. From 7th Dec, 9am-11am. £14.95/£9.95. www.hardrock.com
familiesonline.co.uk
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Gift Guide
Top Toy Tips for 2019 the set perfectly portable for a little extra entertainment when on the go. Dominoes are known to help develop cognitive skills and you’ll be singing sticky-sticky-stick-stick in no time! £6.99 WWW.AMAZON.CO.UK 8. What a Performance is a great way to get the whole family laughing and playing together! Be a star and rise to the challenge! Race your way around the performance board to be the first player or team to reach the finish, with lots of fun noises, actions and activities along the way!!
1. Boogie Buddies from Kit Sound are small, portable Bluetooth speakers with up to three hours of play time. They even have an SD card slot, so a device is not necessary. Kids will love the soft feel of the outer shell. £14.99 WWW.KITSOUND.CO.UK
2. Get started on the road to becoming a scientist with this cool junior inventor workbench containing over 10 different experiments! As children complete each experiment, they will produce a fun new machine to teach them about science. Build, play and learn £72 WWW. YESBEBE.CO.UK
£16.95 WWW.ORCHARDTOYS.COM
5. Playmobil is a perennial favourite, and Del’s Food Truck from Playmobil The Movie comes with an abundance of accessories, including sleeping serum and magical hay – essentials when you’re trying to make your way through Playmobil’s colourful universe and its wacky rules. In the movie, Del helps Marla navigate the magical worlds of Playmobil to find her brother Charlie, and with this playset anything is possible!
9 9. Lego for Christmas is always a winner! Construct, play and invent with these C great sets for imaginative children: Famous from the Lego Friends cartoon and comic, you can fit all five Heartlake City girls into Olivia’s mission vehicle for the next daring rescue! Or recreate exciting moments from the Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker movie using the Snap Wexley and Lieutenant Connix LEGO® Star Wars™ minifigures. £14.99/£24.99 WWW.LEGO.COM
£44.99 WWW.PLAYMOBIL.CO.UK 6. For film and
3. ION8 have produced the simplest and safest BPA free, phthalate free, leakproof water bottles. We have stress tested them and can confirm they survive upside down trips in bags and rolling around on the floor of the car. Kids love the push button opening and soft touch textured grip. With none of the annoying slurping or sucking noises normally associated with water bottles, this is an absolute winner. FROM £10.99 WWW.LEAKPROOF.CO.UK 4. The Hey Duggee Dominoes set contains 28 wooden dominoes illustrated with all your favourite characters. The wooden storage box makes 10
Glasgow Families Upon Thames
gaming fanatics out there meet the marvellous Cable Guys, holding most gadgets, such as your smartphones and gaming controllers, and powering up your devices too. Compatible with most PlayStation, X-Box, Switch & retro console controllers and includes 2m micro USB charging cable. Find your favourite gaming or Disney characters.
10. Lunii has created a publishing house for children and it is unlike any other: paperless and screen-free. A rich audio experience brings authors’ words to life, through the voices of fantastic actors, music and sound effects, transporting children’s imaginations to faraway worlds. Your child chooses the setting, character and object and dials up the perfect story for their mood. £59.95 WWW.LUNII.COM
£24.99 WWW.AMAZON.CO.UK 7. This soft toy Santa is the perfect addition to any Christmas Eve box - a classic design that your child is sure to love, he’s made with soft textured fabrics, ideal for cuddles, with a chunky shape, perfect for little hands. Age Suitability: 0m+. Dimensions: H 40 x W 22 x D 9cm £12 WWW.MAMASANDPAPAS.COM
7.
What’s What’sOn? On
We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.
WHAT’S ON
Don't forget to say you saw these events in
Your essential guide to family events this November and December. 9 NOV I SPY WITH PC MCKAY 14.00 | £6.50/£5.95 Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, Glasgow G12 0QF, 0141 339 6185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk Lost dogs to missing wands, can PC McKay find out what is going on? What’s happened to Randalph’s wand? PC McKay has a mystery to solve! Don’t miss Cheeky Robert and Ben in a Basket too!
9 NOV SATURDAY MORNING POTTERY CLUB 10.30-12.30 | £16 The Deep End, Glasgow G41 2PZ, 0141 423 3919 www.eventbrite. com/o/govanhill-bathsceramics-25089358678 Join Govanhill Baths Ceramics for their Saturday Morning Pottery Club and get some hands on experience having fun with clay and learning some basic techniques. Your pieces
will be bisque fired to preserve them. We will not use the pottery wheels at these sessions. Children must be aged 5 or over and their adult must participate. Refreshments included. Price is for one adult+1 child.
11 NOV WWE RAW TV 17.30 | from £39.75 The SSE Hydro, Glasgow G3 8YW www.thessehydro.com WWE Live is a unique blend of sport and entertainment, combining in-ring match action with dramatic entertainment. Bursting with all the drama and energy of a rock concert, in a fun, lively and exciting environment, WWE Live is the ultimate in family entertainment! See your favourite WWE Superstars as featured on RAW.
25 AUG THE SNOWMAN Various times | from £13 Theatre Royal, Glasgow G2 3QA,
MORE
ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk
0844 871 7615 www.atgtickets.com When a young boy’s snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night-time quest for adventure. They meet Father Christmas, dancing penguins, reindeer and crowds of The Snowman’s friends, but will they escape evil Jack Frost and get back home for Christmas morning? Based on Raymond Brigg’s much-loved book and featuring Howard Blake’s classic song Walking In The Air, this enchanting live show has thrilled audiences throughout the world since first appearing on stage over twenty years ago.
live music; come and meet the ‘finest and funniest doctor in town’...who is also ‘partial to a wee fish supper’!
23 NOV JACK AND BILLY 14.00 | £6.50/£5.95 Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, Glasgow G12 0QF, 0141 339 6185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk No introduction needed here with the Three Billy Goats Gruff and lots of trippety-trap fun and Jack and the Beanstalk... Fee Fi Fo Fum as Jack plants a magic bean!
16 NOV GALOSHINS 14.00 | £6.50/£5.95 Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, Glasgow G12 0QF, 0141 339 6185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk Galoshins is a very old Scottish folk drama, told through rhyme, comedy, glove puppetry and
Thursday 28th November 2019 - Sunday 12th January 2020 familiesonline.co.uk
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What’s On What’s On? On?
We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print. future. Be prepared for dance, illusions, mind blowing stunts and inspiring stories that will hopefully leave people amazed!”
24 NOV STYLE MILE CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL
23 NOV DIVERSITY: BORN READY 14.30+19.30 | from £33.65 Kings Theatre, Glasgow G2 4JN www.atgtickets.com 2019 marks 10 years since Diversity took the nation by storm when they won the third series of Britain’s Got Talent. Since then, thanks to the overwhelming support of their fans and the British public they continue to wow audiences around the world with their innovative live tours and performances. Creator and choreographer Ashley Banjo said of the forthcoming tour “Born Ready will not only celebrate this and look back at some of the iconic Diversity moments over the past 10 years. But it will also look forward to the
14.30-15.30 | FREE Glasgow City Centre The Style Mile Christmas Carnival will bring music, dance and spectacle to the heart of Glasgow. The magical procession of festive characters will come to life as they sprinkle their magic dust over the city centre. There will be live music in George Square and the Style Mile will be animated with street performers – it’s not to be missed this Christmas!
27 NOV – 1 JAN CINDERFELLA Various times | £12 Tron Theatre , Glasgow G1 5HB, 0141 552 4267 www.tron.co.uk Cinderella knows that Princess Charmaine will be able to help turn her business around, she just has to get some time with her at the royal ball. The only trouble is, the party is for MEN ONLY! Who will Princess Charmaine pick as her husband at the royal ball? Will Cinderella save her family business? And who on earth would leave a pair of glass trainers at the bottom of
the royal palace stairs? Find out in this year’s panto!
28 NOV – 12 JAN THE NEW MAGICAL ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO Various times | from £19.50 Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow G2 3AX, 0141 332 1846 www.paviliontheatre.co.uk As always, we base our Pantomime on the original story but have that Glasgow twist in true Hilarious Pavilion style and you can be confident that it is Good Clean Family Entertainment. It is sure to be a Sing-A-Long, Join In Adventure and an all-star cast. With a brand new Script, Stunning Scenery, Sensational Costumes and Magical Special Effects that we have become known for, it is sure to be; The Best Panto in Town!
29 NOV – 24 DEC CINDERELLA Various times | £13.95 Cumbernauld Theatre, Cumbernauld G67 2BN, 01236 737 235 www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk Cinderella is performed ‘in the round’ with seating on all four sides of the stage creating a truly unique theatre experience that’s suitable for all the family. With magic and mayhem, beautiful designs and terrific storytelling theatre, this is one final show that you definitely don’t want to miss!
29 NOV – 31ST DEC ALI THE MAGIC ELF Various times | £9 | 3-6 yrs Tron Theatre , Glasgow G1 5HB, 0141 552 4267 www.tron.co.uk Ali the Elf works in the North Pole. Today, everything is going wrong and all the elves are panicking – it’s Christmas Eve and none of the children’s letters have been answered. What is an Elf to do? Suddenly, with the jingle of bells and the swoosh of a sleigh – magic is in the air!
18.00-19.30 | from £3 www.torchlightparade.co.uk This year, the experience has been widened further, and as such, will have more family orientated activity, including parents and grandparents helping kids to make lanterns to use in the parade (guided), Scottish myths and fairytale storytelling, and performances by street theatre artists, such as stilt walkers, glow in the dark juggler and fire art. Plus, facepainting artists will be waiting to paint faces (kids young and old!) in the Kibble Palace prior to the parade forming. All of this activity is included in ticket prices.
30 NOV-29 DEC SLEEPING BEAUTY Various times | £11/£7 Mugdock Country Park, Milngavie G62 8EL 0141 956 6100 www.mugdock-country-park. org.uk Poor Princess Rosie will sleep for 100 years, unless she is rescued by a kiss from a handsome Prince. Enter Chester…..the Jester! Not a Prince… But haud your royal horses! Can Chester, with a little help from the good White Fairy save the day? Find out in Fizzgig’s fabulously festive version of “Sleeping Beauty”!
30 NOV – JAN 4 THE PURE AMAZING WIZ OF OZ
Various times | from £12 Kings Theatre, Glasgow G2 4JN www.atgtickets.com Doomed to sell his trusty coo, join Jack as he fights to save the beautiful Princess, outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams along with the hand of the girl he loves. Expect laughs, music, special effects, magic beans and bundles of audience participation in this GIANT of a pantomime!
30 NOV-1 DEC LANTERN WEEKEND
1 DEC THE MAGIC CIRCUS
16.00-18.00 | £5/£4 RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond, Gartocharn, 01389 830 670 Families Fami Fam amiilies lie ie es Gl G Glasgow la l sgow sgo
30 NOV ST ANDREW’S DAY TORCHLIGHT PARADE
Various times | from £9 Webster’s Theatre, Glasgow G4 9HZ, 0141 357 0151 www. webstersglasgow.com The all-singing, all-dancing banterlicious family pantomime with a first-class professional cast. Join Dotty, a PR from the Garage, who dreams of becoming a star. She is blown from Poor Partick to the Land of Oz where she meets some new friends; Scarecrow, The Tin Wuman and the Lioness. Join Dotty and the gang for a Scottish twist of the original story, filled with popular songs and good old Scottish banter.
30 NOV – 5 JAN JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
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www.rspb.org.uk/lochlomond Design your own lantern then take a wander along our trails lit by twinkling candlelight and listen out for some of the creatures that only come out after dark. Please book a timeslot by emailing loch.lomond@rspb. org.uk or calling 01389830670.
14.00 | £6.50/£5.95 Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, Glasgow G12 0QF, 0141 339 6185
What’s On
We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print. www.maskandpuppet.co.uk Roll up, roll up, Magic Den presents The Magic Circus, an exciting, fun, fast-paced and colourful magic show for all the family. Everyone from 3-93 is sure to love this interactive show, so get in early as you could be a star in Den’s Magic Circus.
1, 8, 15 DEC CHRISTMAS FAMILY BRUNCH 11.00-13.00 | £19.50 (inc 1x adult, 1xchild) The Language Hub, Glasgow G11 6QW www.eventbrite.com Join us for a family friendly Christmas brunch to celebrate Advent. With lots of lovely food, music and activities for everyone to join in; pick up a gift from us to your little one too. With your booking you will be supporting the wider community as part of the profits will go toward the upkeep of our multilingual lending library.
5 DEC-5 JAN ELFINGROVE 17.30-22.30 | from £12 Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow G3 8AG www.itison.com/elfingrove Discover a world beyond your imagination: a place powered by the magic of elves. All you need to do to get there, is believe. The world class team behind GlasGLOW and itison is turning Kelvingrove into Elfingrove, with a spellbinding night time tour of Glasgow’s best-loved museum, where the magic of Christmas is brought to life.
5-22 DEC THERE’S A MOUSE IN THE HOUSE Various times | £6 | under 5s Cumbernauld Theatre, Cumbernauld G67 2BN, 01236 737 235 www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk Mitzi is a little mouse with a very big dream: to sing carols on Christmas Eve by the giant Christmas tree. Every year she hears them sung from her quiet little house, and sees the lights twinkle from her little attic window. She wants nothing more than to join them all in song. But getting to the big tree in the park might be tricky for a little mouse.
7 DEC SANTA’S WORKSHOP 13.00&15.00 | from £12.10 | 4-12yrs Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow G2 3NY, 01413538000 www.childrensclassicconcerts. co.uk Featuring hits from festive films, family singalongs and plenty of holiday spirit – can the hardworking elves of the RSNO, talented dancers of the Manor familiesonline.co.uk ffami ami m lies liiessonli o ne ne.co.uk ne.c o.uk o.uk
School of Ballet and the lovely audience use the gift of music to get Christmas back on track, in a race against time? Our family-friendly performances, in collaboration with Children’s Classic Concerts, are a fantastic way to introduce the sensational sounds of the symphony orchestra. With lots of onstage antics, imaginative costumes and joining in, you’ll see little ones’ faces light up as they experience their favourite music live.
7 DEC THE SNOW CHILD 14.00 | £6.50/£5.95 Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, Glasgow G12 0QF, 0141 339 6185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk When all was quiet a childless couple went outside and made a little snowgirl in the snow. How they wished that she would come alive and be a daughter to them... in the morning she knocked on the door of their cottage and came in... A poignant Russian folk tale.
7 DEC-4 JAN PINOCCHIO Various times | from £12.50| 6+yrs Tramway, Glasgow G41 2PE, 0141 429 0022 www.citz.co.uk Follow the mischievous Pinocchio on his journey from wooden puppet to real boy. On his action-packed quest, he travels from the cobbled streets of his home town to the tempting lights of Playland, via the dangers of the dark woods and the belly of a giant whale! Along the way he meets a host of colourful characters and with the help of wise Cricket and kind Geppetto Pinocchio learns the importance of telling the truth and discovers what it means to be truly human. Full of magic and adventure, this production embraces the vivid inventiveness of the original tale and will enchant the whole family this Christmas.
7-8 DEC RIVERSIDE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 11.00-16.00 | FREE Riverside Museum, Glasgow G3 8RS, 0141 287 2720 www.glasgowlife.org.uk The annual Christmas Festival returns to Riverside Museum promising festive fun for all the family! Enjoy our traditional Christmas Market in the Victorian Street where you can get into the festive spirit as you browse the stalls for stocking fillers and unusual gifts. Our event square will be transformed into a traditional fairground with FREE rides and carousels for all to enjoy!
Family Tickets from £39
BY
CARLO COLLODI ADAPTED BY
ROBERT ALAN EVANS AND LU KEMP
7 DEC 2019 - 4 JAN 2020 BOOK NOW
0141 429 0022 citz.co.uk
Citizens Theatre Ltd. Registered in Scotland No. SC022513 and is a Scottish Charity No. SC001337.
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What’s On What’s On? On? 10-23 DEC MOTHER GOOSE FAE EASTERHOOSE Various times | £9.50/£6 | 5+yrs Platform, Glasgow G34 9JW, 0141 276 9696 www.platform-online.co.uk Happy living a quiet peaceful life, looking after her animal friends, with just enough to get her by, Mother Goose’s world is thrown up in the air when her favourite pet Bruce the goose lays a golden egg. Everything changes… she is rich! What will she do with this new found wealth and fame? Will Mother Goose stay true to her self or will she get lost in a whirlwind of fancy clothes, sports cars and celebrity pals?
12-15 DEC THE LYING KING 14.00&19.00 | £12 The Shed, Glasgow G41 2QS, 0141 463 4714 www.tramdirect.com Family panto for all ages! Plenty of song, dance and audience participation! Join Princess Nala as she seeks to find true love while Scarf, the baddie, prevents her from doing so when he tries to get everyone to drink the jungle juice. All is sorted out when Dame Nellie Pants and her pal from the Glasgow Green join forces to beat Scarf, the baddie. Glasgow’s own Lying King panto!
13-15 DEC FUNBOX PRESENTS CHRISTMAS IN TOY TOWN Varius times | from £16 Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow G2 3NY, 0141 353 8000 www.funbox.co.uk The mischievous Gnorbert the Gnome is about – creating mayhem and pinching everyone’s favourite things. Santa has asked the gang to look after his most precious toy, so it’s up to them to make sure Gnorbert doesn’t get his hands on it. There are also keys to discover, games to play and songs to sing, so they’ll definitely need your help too.
14 DEC IT’S A MAGIC CHRISTMAS 14.00 | £6.50/£5.95 Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, Glasgow G12 0QF, 0141 339 6185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk t’s Christmas time folks... just around the corner. Come and meet Cecil the puppy dog, for a magic Christmas time with Alex the Magician, up to all his old tricks to make sure Santa arrives in time for Christmas.
GLASGOW ROYAL CONCERT HALL 7 December 2019, 1pm & 3pm childrensclassicconcerts.co.uk
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We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.
14-15 DEC THE GREAT CHRISTMAS PUPPET MAKING WORKSHOP 14.00 | £6.50/£5.95 Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, Glasgow G12 0QF, 0141 339 6185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk Lots of festive family fun for Christmas in this crafty workshop! What would you wish to make? An elf? A reindeer? A snowman? Maybe even Santa himself! With just a little imagination and lots of Christmas cheer, we will help you to design and create your own puppet for Christmas, just in time for Santa! All materials included.
14-15 DEC ELF - A CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Various times | from £37.50 The SSE Hydro, Glasgow G3 8YW www.thessehydro.com The hit West End and Broadway musical based on the Hollywood blockbuster movie starring Will Ferrell, is to be supersized into a festive spectacular and it’s coming to Glasgow this Christmas!
19-29 DEC JACKIE AND THE BAKED BEAN STOCK 14.30&19.00 | from £10.50 Village Theatre, East Kilbride G74 4HG, 01355 261 000 www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk A GIANT of Family Pantomime with all the banter, bouncing beats and a first-class professional cast. Fee, Fie , Fo Fum...We smell the blood of a strong Scots woman! Join Jackie and her pals Joe the Joker and Janey along with her hilarious Mammy Lola on a Panto adventure not to be missed this Christmas. Will Jackie and the gang defeat evil Endora? Will they make it out of the Giants castle alive? Only one way to find out! Book now for this year’s hilarious Scottish twist on the classic tale.
20 DEC HANDSOME & GRETAL 14.00 | £6.50/£5.95 Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, Glasgow G12 0QF, 0141 339 6185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk Handsome and Gretel discover a house made of sweets in the woods... but have their troubles only just begun. Hilarity, great cast singing and audience participation ensure a good night will be had by all, in this wacky Christmas pantomime show.
would like to wish you all a very merry christmas and a happy new year.
20 DEC – 12 JAN IRN BRU CARNIVAL 11.00-22.00 | £13.60 SEC, Glasgow G3 8YE www.irn-bru-carnival.com Join us to celebrate 100 years of Carnival fun! The centenary year will be the biggest yet with more fun attractions than ever before, including thrill rides, family rides, kids’ rides, game stalls and a hall dedicated to inflatable play.
27-29 DEC THE MCDOUGALLS CHRISTMAS PARTY 13.00&15.00 | £7.50 Village Theatre, East Kilbride G74 4HG, 01355 261 000 www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk Join Max, Auntie Aggie and Morag the Rabbit as they get ready for the biggest and best party of the year - and you’re invited too! There will be games, songs, dances and lots of festive fun. The party invitations have all been sent out, but what magical characters will turn up?
3-18 JAN THE SNOW QUEEN Various times | from £16.35 Theatre Royal, Glasgow G2 3QA, 0844 871 7615 www.atgtickets.com Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s much-loved tale – which was also the basis for Frozen – this glittering new production will be set to the music of Rimsky-Korsakov, performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra. Choreographed by Christopher Hampson and designed by the awardwinning Lez Brotherston, this story of love and friendship is sure to delight the whole family!
We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.
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