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FR EE
TAKE M E
South East WIN! Family Theatre Tickets “What is Climate Change?” The Gift Guide What’s On
ONLINE EDITION
with working website links
Issue 200 November December 2019
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Our Nordmann Fir is on order from King’s Christmas Trees and the cats are twitching their noses at thought of turkey offcuts - in the words of the song ‘it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas...’ We would like to give a BIG thank you to the wonderful advertisers who support Families through the year, without whom there would be no magazine - please support them too! Also to the many shops, nurseries, schools, cafes, libraries and more who stock copies throughout southeast London - thank you, too (we can feel a group hug coming on). We wish you all a very merry Christmas with your important people around you - enjoy each other. Robina Cowan, editor
What are the alternatives to the traditional nine to five? Mandy Garner, editor of Working Mums, explores family-friendly options
Stoke the Crow
Education News Expert tips to improve children’s concentration, the International Early Years Curriculum in southeast London, and a new award for diddi dance founder Anne-Marie Wilkins
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“What is Climate Change?” How to answer when your children start asking big questions about the big issue
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Christmas Starts Here Holiday workshops and daycare; and family-friendly, festive days out
10-11
The Gift Guides Top toys and games recommended by local toyseller Vicky Brown, and our 10 under £20 picks
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Acts of Kindness What better way to cheer up December than spreading some joy? Be inspired with our advent calendar of kindness
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The Book Page A festive flurry of book recommendations from resident bookseller and writer Justine Crow
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WIN! ‘To The Moon and Back’ family show tickets
A Flexible Job that Works for You
Local News and Views West End tickets to be won, crowdfunding Bookseller Crow, running and drumming in southeast London, Danny Nutt wins Best Children’s Entertainer award, and letters from Santa (for good little boys and girls)
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email your news to editor@familiesse.co.uk
Knock, knock! Let your little ones open the door to a new world in a fantastical adventure to space this Christmas. M-SET: To The Moon and Back is coming to the Barbican this Christmas - and we have tickets for a family of four to be won! Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, this immersive, multi-sensory show is for children ages 3 months to 4 years; see our What’s On pages for more details. The competition closing date is 30 November. Entry and full terms and conditions are online. https://bit.ly/2B7f7Rk
IN THIS ISSUE 2-3
LocalNews
An inspired, events-led fundraiser has been launched to save Crystal Palace’s much-loved Bookseller Crow retailer of thousands of fantastic books, wealth of literary knowledge, and home to co-owner Justine Crow, writer/ curator of our renowned Book Review page. Facing the prospect of an untenable doubling in landlord’s rent, the community has rallied to Stoke the Crow - an awareness project, a series of instore events and crowdfunding, to support the indie bookshop as a hub for author events, writing courses, book groups, work-in-progress readings and community meetings. Launched at the end of September by the shop’s award-winning writer in residence Karen McLeod, Stoke the Crow got off to a flying start and continues apace. Pop in, say hullo and buy a book - see page 13 for inspiration. For forthcoming events, to contribute or read more, google #stokethecrow, or go to https://bit.ly/2oFYIRn
What’s On Five pages of magical shows, makers’ markets, Christmassy workshops and museum events to jingle your bells Front cover: Portrait by Gerd Altmann at Pixabay New year issue out 10 January, deadline 6 December
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Award-winning Nutty’s Children’s Parties Nutty’s Children’s Parties, based in West Norwood and run by father of two Danny Nutt, is a thrilled new award-winner. They were voted Best Children’s Entertainer London for the Prestige Awards hosted by Corporate Live Wire. The award marks another great achievement for Nutty’s, whose teams of professional actors offer a huge variety of party types and themes including their trademark Adventure Parties, Discos, Drama Workshops and holiday clubs. Danny told us he’s “thrilled to bits! It’s another great stamp of approval for us and makes all the hard work worthwhile.” For bookings and more information, visit their website, email danny@nuttyschildrensparties.co.uk, or call 0788 405 0954. www.nuttyschildrensparties.co.uk
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Exhibition celebrates the Image of the Child The charity 1st Place is celebrating the ‘Image of the Child’ as part of a special exhibition being held on 30 November. The charity, which has three nurseries in Southwark, is bringing together a unique collection of photos, quotes and artwork by its nursery children. The exhibition documents the children’s year-long exploration of a range of themes including nature, the solar system and the string project. Nicki Howard, 1st Place Director told us: “Image of the Child is about bringing together our families and community to recognise, celebrate and honour our children, their voice and their unique contribution to the world.” 1st Place has nurseries located in Lorrimore Square, Chumleigh Gardens and Cambridge House, which adopt a Reggio Emilia inspired approach to early years education. ‘Image of the Child’ will be held on 30 November from 10am-4pm at 1st Place Children and Parents’ Centre in Burgess Park and is open to all. www.1stplace.uk.com
Let’s drum! The School of Rhythm has opened a new studio exclusively for group drum lessons. Open from 10am to 10pm seven days a week, the studio offers a fun and affordable way to give drumming a try before or after Christmas - enrol now and bash away those frustrations! Established in 2001 by Dominique Pizzinat, The Forest Hill & Penge drum school is also open for one-to-one coaching for all ages, either just for fun or to Grade 8, preparation for Trinity College standard, in their professionally equipped, soundproofed studios. All levels and all styles of music are catered for. www.schoolofrhythm.com
Burgess Junior Parkrun Burgess Junior Parkrun is a sociable, fresh air 2k run, jog or walk for 4-14 year-olds every Sunday morning. Part of Parkrun UK, the runs take place in Southwark’s Burgess Park, starting at 9am by Chumleigh Gardens behind the Park Life cafe. Participation is free; just register first. There are plenty of opportunities for non-runners to help with marshalling, timekeeping and even buddying up with younger, perhaps new participants. The organisers also enlist older, Years 10-11 students to volunteer as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. www.parkrun.org.uk/burgess-juniors
Letter from Santa All children love to receive a letter addressed to them in the post, but what could be more special than a letter from Father Christmas? 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 write and 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. Don’t forget your child’s full name and address! www.royalmail.com/christmas/letters-to-santa 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 needs to be placed by 9 December. https://letterfromsanta.nspcc.org.uk/letter-from-santa
UK loses measles-free status One in seven 5 year-olds may not be protected against potentially life-threatening measles, Public Health England (PHE) has warned. PHE has revealed that about 30,000 children may have started primary school with no protection against measles, mumps and rubella, while 90,000 may have had only the first of the two vaccines necessary for protection. There were 230 cases of measles in England in the first quarter of 2019, many linked to visiting European countries during holiday periods. As a result of these outbreaks, the UK has now lost its measles-free status, just three years after the virus was eliminated. PHE is urging all parents to check their child’s Red Book to make sure there is a record of two MMR doses and the 4-in-1 booster vaccine. If not, parents should contact their GP practice to arrange any further vaccinations. www.nhs.uk//conditions/vaccinations
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E D U C AT IO N N E W S
Improving your child’s concentration By Dr Claire Halsey Concentration is a vital life skill which develops from birth. Linked closely to brain development, it improves alongside a child’s memory and ability to organise their thoughts. Perform and parenting expert and child psychologist, Dr Claire Halsey offers tips for parents: Set up for success Reduce big distractions: television, music and screen time make it difficult to listen and concentrate, so limit these to set times. Make it fun Make activities fun as your child is more likely to pay attention eg tidying up toys is less of a chore when you offer a tickle to the child who finishes first!
Keep practising Games and activities can build concentration. Choose turn-taking games like Snap or Picture Dominoes or those with simple instructions. Praise the good stuff Praise your child when they focus rather than highlighting when they don’t, for example “Well done for sticking with that puzzle.” Seek advice A small number of children have difficulty paying attention no matter how hard they try. Ask your child’s teacher for suggestions. If you’re still concerned, see your GP.
More information Read more from Dr Claire Halsey at www.clairehalsey.com Perform offers concentration-boosting termtime drama classes for 4-7 and 7-12 year-olds in Blackheath, Hither Green, Greenwich, Eltham, Forest Hill, East Dulwich, West Dulwich and Beckenham; and school holiday workshops. Book a FREE no-obligation class. www.perform.org.uk/try
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ED UC AT I ON N EWS Anne-Marie Wilkins - lifetime achiever The winners of the national What’s On 4 awards for the Children’s Activities sector with Morton Michel were announced at a special awards ceremony in October. Founder of multi-award-winning national pre-school and toddler dance classes diddi dance, Anne-Marie Martin, was presented with the highest honour of The Lifetime Achievement Award. As with the other What’s On 4 awards, The Lifetime Achievement award isn’t voted for by customers, which means that Anne-Marie’s achievements over nearly 17 years have been recognised by industry leaders as truly exceptional and worthy of bestowing this most prestigious award. Anne-Marie said: “I am absolutely honoured and delighted to have been recognised for my work with diddi dance, in receiving The Lifetime Achievement award from What’s On 4. To join such prestigious previous winners of this award is indeed a privilege.” Southeast Londoner Anne-Marie has built diddi dance to the national success it is today as the only pre-school dance class in the UK offering 16 different dance styles, with a new style adopted each half term. Using various dancing games and exercises, bells, hoops and dance ribbons to diddii dance’s own funky pop songs, little ones improve their rhythm and co-ordination, along with spatial awareness, creativity and gross motor skills. www.diddidance.com
Under 1 Roof Nursery introduces the International Early Years Curriculum Under 1 Roof Nursery and Preschool is the UK’s first private nursery to deliver the International Early years curriculum. This unique curriculum draws on research and plans from the UK, Singapore, Sweden and New Zealand (all considered world leaders in early years education), setting out 18 high quality units of exciting themes aiming to capture children’s natural curiosity. The children at Under 1 Roof have already benefitted from the International connections partnering with the Laude Newton School in Spain, and are looking forward to making many new friends from around the world. After initial training with Verity Welsh, the programme writer, it will be a three-year journey to achieve full accreditation in the IYEC, after which Under 1 Roof will become a training ground for nurseries worldwide. Nursery Director Laura said: ‘We were looking for something that would enhance our provision and suit our diverse children and families. The IYEC does just that. To be plugged into the global world gives our children so many opportunities and such rich resources. It also encourages our team to be ambitious and look at things with fresh eyes. We are all enjoying the new friends we are making around the world.’ Under 1 Roof Nursery and preschool is on the Royal Arsenal Riverside and is open 7am - 7pm Monday to Friday. There are regular tours and open evenings which welcome children as well as parents/ carers. Email thenursery@under1roofkids.com to book, or read more online. www.under1roofkids.com
Ballet Classes in West Dulwich and West Norwood Please contact for a FREE trial lesson info@skballet.co.uk Tel 0749 416 9004 www.skballet.co.uk
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FA MI LY L I FE
Finding a flexible job that works for you By Mandy Garner
Time becomes an increasingly precious commodity once you have children. For many that means looking to reduce or re-arrange their working hours to give themselves the time they need to enjoy family life. So what are the alternatives to the traditional full-time job? Well, these days there are many different options.
Flexible working requests Firstly, you could seek some form of flexibility in your existing job. It’s important to be open-minded as to what that might look like, whether it could be part-time hours, some home working, flexible start and finish times, annualised hours, compressed hours (longer days but fewer of them), or a combination of several possibilities. In order to make a formal flexible working application you will need to show you have thought through the implications of any changed working pattern on your employer and colleagues. Are there, for instance, parts of your job that could be delegated to others to enable them to get experience? Could you use the flexible working process to review your job and hone in on where you can have the most effect? If you can show that you have thought your case through carefully, weighing up your own and your employer’s needs, you are more likely to be successful. Bear in mind that flexible working legislation currently only applies to those who have been in position for six months.
If this is not you or if you do not want to permanently change your hours - perhaps you only need some temporary flexibility - then you could ask for changes in your working pattern on a more informal basis.
Be creative Another way around the flexible working issue is to switch jobs or even careers. Having children means that all your creative skills will be in play most of the time, including when it comes to your work life. You could try listing your skills and thinking broadly about any possible available job that might fit around your family’s needs. Talk to others and look into industries you may not have considered before. Check out family-friendly websites to see who the most flexible employers are and read around about what other parents do. Sites like www.workingmums.co.uk have a regular jobs alert and case studies of working parents which can give you suggestions of where to look that you might not have thought of before. Once you have honed sectors and types of jobs you might be interested in, you could join LinkedIn professional groups and check out company websites and social media. Thorough research is key to securing the right job for you. If the sector you are interested in requires you to re-train, you could look into whether there is any on the job training.
Portfolio career
flexibility around drop-off and pick-up times. You could, for instance, reduce the hours in your regular job and run a franchise or self-employed job on the side either on a permanent basis or until your self-employed work is earning enough to support you. Another advantage of the portfolio approach is that it gives you time to experiment with different work options. It could also allow you to re-train for another career while still earning.
Self-employment You could, of course, choose to jump straight into self-employed work. If so, ensure you do your business research well. You could also consider becoming a franchisee, which means that you would have the freedom associated with running your own business with fewer of the risks of going it alone since the franchise will provide a tried and tested business model. The important thing is to be creative and to try to think out of the box about your skills. Go back to basics and rediscover what those skills are, who you are, what you like doing. A good coach can help you work your way through all the above options.
About the author Mandy Garner is editor of Working Mums, where you can find courses, events, jobs and more suggestions for flexible working options. www.workingmums.co.uk
Another potential option is the so-called portfolio career where you juggle several part-time or freelance / self-employed jobs, creating a kind of tapestry which gives you
A nursery for children aged 6 months to 5 years old inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. 17-19 Blackwater Street East Dulwich SE22 8SD
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FA MILY LIF E Talking to children about climate change By Valentina Giannella Being a parent is a tough job. The trickiest part is making sure we tell our children the truth, without simultaneously causing them to be either over-anxious or delusional about the future. It applies to an extensive range of aspects in life, and climate change is a relatively new but undeniable one. My children were 10 and 7 years old when we first started talking about the environmental challenges facing humanity. Even as a journalist who has dealt with such topics for years, I was frankly terrified of this task. Writing an article is one thing: facing their worried questions was entirely another. Then, a young girl showed up. Greta Thunberg was everywhere online, with her yellow raincoat and a straightforward concept: we have to DO something to save our planet, or there’s going to be trouble. Action: that was the key. If you know that there is something you can do about a problem - even the smallest thing, anything that is within your power - you feel less hopeless. Less scared. Here are some of the questions that children - and their parents - have been asking me about climate change and the answers that seem to help them. My child gets anxious about the future of humankind: what should I say? Talk frankly, but also help them understand the everyday actions that we can all take to tackle the main issues related to climate change. Action is the best cure for fear. Stop using disposable plastic; start using re-fillable water
bottles; make sure you recycle correctly; re-use; exchange instead of buying new things; save energy; save water; walk and cycle more; use public transport or shared transportation. Show your child we can all make a difference and that if everyone does the same, the future looks more positive. “What is climate change?” - how to answer The earth is our home, and it is nestled within a precious shelter that is called the atmosphere. Inside the atmosphere, we and other creatures can breathe and live. For nearly 200 years we have used something called fossil fuel (carbon and oil), which we burn in order to fuel our working world, in everything from factories to transportation. Every time we burn fossil fuels, or cut down trees, the atmosphere temperature rises a tiny bit because the gas (mostly a gas called carbon dioxide) that comes from this burning becomes trapped inside the atmosphere. This means the earth cannot release the heat that it receives from the sun. This is called global warming. As the temperature rises, the climate changes. This brings heavy rains or severe drought, diverts the sea currents and disrupts the natural habitat of many species. It also means that the sea level is rising due to the ice melting in the Poles. All of these are the main effects of climate change.
A
What can help me communicate the key facts to my child? It helps to introduce a hero character that
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allows children to engage their imagination while they absorb abstract information. Greta Thunberg is a perfect medium for these concepts. Discover other children who have also made a difference - like William Kamkwamba, who inspired the book and film The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. Who is Greta Thunberg? Greta is a child who loves to be “in the know” about what is happening to our planet. She comes from a family of scientists and artists, she has studied the facts, and she is not afraid of being in the spotlight. This combination worked well when she decided it was time to speak out and gain attention from the world about the danger we are facing and what we should be doing to avoid it. Where can we learn more about this? Sometimes, the news can be challenging for children to understand because it only illuminates part of a problem. Also, some headlines can be scary. Suggest that your child come to you with their questions and look for scientific sources together. Bookshops and the internet - reliable websites such as www.climatekids.nasa.gov can give a wider view. Look for sources that have been translated in a way that is understandable for younger ages. About the author Valentina Gianella is the author of We Are All Greta: Be Inspired to Change the World published by Laurence King, rrp £9.99.
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C HR IS T M AS S TAR T S H ERE
Holiday camps and workshops HOLIDAY DROP OFF MULTI SPORTS CAMPS
COMPUTER CODING WORKSHOPS IN DULWICH
Every school holiday at DULWICH COLLEGE SPORTS CLUB SE21, www.holidaydropoff.com Your children will have a blast at HDO’s fantastic multi-sports camps! Children from age 5+ can take part in a whole range of incredible indoor and outdoor sports to keep them happy and active through the school holidays, including swimming pool inflatable sessions and many new exciting activities www.holidaydropoff.com. If your children simply can’t wait for the holidays, you can book one of their amazing weekend party packages www.eventdropoff.com.
020 8090 1444, www.spark4kids.com Spark4Kids run all-day holiday workshops that introduce children to computer coding through the medium of games. Available are courses on Minecraft Modding, Roblox Coding, Robotics, Games Design, MicroBit & Arduino coding, Python, HTML/CSS, JavaScript and Unity/C# in a fun, engaging environment. Ages 5-7, 8-12 and 13-16 years.
ALPHA HOLIDAY CLUBS
21 December, Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes in HERNE HILL SE24, 01732 457100, mail@funkymonkey.info, www.funkymonkey.info Leave your little ones in capable, creative hands and nip off to your local shops to indulge in a little ‘you’ time before Christmas! Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes fun filled ‘Jingle Bells’ music workshops are a perfect Christmas themed taster day for 4-8 year-old beginner musicians. Discover the electronic keyboard, how it works, and how to start reading and writing music too!
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‘JINGLE BELLS’ MUSIC WORKSHOP
School holidays in ELTHAM SE9, 020 8469 1888, www.thealphaclub.co.uk Alpha Holiday Club offers safe and professionally-run daylong childcare where children play, learn and explore a variety of creative activities, games, physical activities and local trips out. Ages 3-11 years, open from 8am (earlier drop-offs available on request) to 6.30pm.
Interspersed with art activities and games all based around music, there is so much fun to be had, they may not even want to come home for Christmas! 10am-2pm, £35/ £30 subsequent siblings, book first.
Bring on the festive spirit with our pick of very special
Christmas Days Out LEEDS CASTLE Near Maidstone, Kent ME17 1RG, www.leeds-castle.com MAGICAL BIRDS AND FESTIVE FEATHERS, 23 November 1 January. Experience an enchanted, feathery world through a magical forest in the magnificent Castle rooms, from a lavishly dressed Christmas banqueting table to the glitz and glamour of Lady Baillie’s bedroom. Write your Christmas dream on a feather in a room of winged wishes and experience shimmering duckling eggs ready to hatch under the tree, with the signature Leeds Castle black swan among decorations of silver and gold.
The best place to get ready for Christmas FREE LANTERN MAKING Saturday 16 November LANTERN PARADE & LIGHTS ON, Wed 20 November MEET SANTA in his Greenwich Grotto, every weekend in December & Thurs 19, Fri 20 & Christmas Eve. £5 per child FESTIVE LATE NIGHTS UNTIL 8PM every Wednesday in December (4th, 11th & 18th)
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ARTS&CRAFTS MARKET ANTIQUES&COLLECTABLES Nearest Station DLR Cutty Sark
8 Families South East
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Weekends Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
#greenwichmarket www.greenwichmarket.london
13–21 Dec M-SET
To the Moon and Back A multi-sensory journey of discovery for little-ones aged three months to four years
Image © M-SET Arts Limited
LEEDS CASTLE
The annual Christmas Market will be open every weekend from 23 November to 15 December, offering a splendid array of seasonal gifts, toys, decorations and specialist food and drink. Outside, meet the Castle’s real birds of prey, enjoy nostalgic fairground rides or take a leisurely trip on the big wheel for a spectacular view of the Castle. Castle and gardens admission £26 adults, family tickets £70 valid for a whole year.
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CH R IST MA S STA R TS HERE
GREENWICH MARKET
LONDON BRIDGE CITY
ELTHAM PALACE
LEICESTER SQUARE
GREENWICH MARKET
WINTER WONDERLAND
CHRISTMAS FAMILY RACE DAY
GREENWICH MARKET SE10 9HZ, www.greenwichmarket.london Market open daily 10am-5.30pm. FREE LANTERN MAKING WORKSHOPS, 16 November. Make your own lantern at a special, free Lantern making workshop, sponsored by RBGC, from 1-4pm. LANTERN PARADE AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON, 20 November. Starting at 3pm, children from five local schools, led by jazz band Tunnel Chops, will parade their handmade colourful lanterns through the ORNC grounds, round Cutty Sark Gardens and into the Market for the big Christmas Countdown and Lights On at 5pm, with special guest singer, songwriter and presenter, Jack Rose (JCK). Followed by performances on stage by the Angelina Jandolo Dance Showcase and Greenwich Stagecoach singers. Father Christmas will welcome visitors in his Greenwich Grotto. STORYTIME WITH SANTA, 2-6 December. Santa will read a special Christmas story to children (in small groups) after which they will visit him in his grotto individually to receive a gift. All proceeds go to Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice. Between 10am and 3pm, £7 per child, book first on 020 8319 9230 or email fundraising@gbch.org.uk GREENWICH MARKET GROTTO, December weekends and 19-23 December. Visit Father Christmas in his grotto, where he will be sharing the goodwill in support of Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice. The Grotto will also open for the Greenwich Christmas Lights On the night on 20 November from 3-6pm. Tickets £5. LATE NIGHT SHOPPING, 4, 11 and 18 December. Meet designer-makers showcasing their beautifully handcrafted gifts, munch on delicious street food and enjoy heavenly music from Tunnel Chops. The market will be open until 8pm for festive evening shopping.
21 November - 5 January, HYDE PARK, www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com A top annual London attraction, Winter Wonderland offers an array of rides, ice slides, a skate rink, shows and activities for visitors of all ages. New attractions this year include the world’s tallest transportable observation wheel, a new ‘A Christmas Carol’ theme at the Magical Ice Kingdom, Mr. Men & Little Miss and a programme of comics at the Winter Wonderland Comedy Club. Open 10am-10pm daily, admission free.
20 + 21 December, ROYAL ASCOT, High Street, Ascot, Berks SL5 7JX, www.ascot.co.uk The most valuable racecard of Ascot’s jumps season features visits from Father Christmas and his reindeer, story-telling from Mrs Christmas, an animatronic polar bear, face painting, a carol singing concert, festive cocktails, fine dining, animal meet and greets, free fairground rides and more. Truly an elegant and uplifting day to celebrate with loved ones. Tickets from £19.
CHRISTMAS BY THE RIVER
Thursdays to Sundays 5-22 December, ELTHAM PALACE, Court Yard, Eltham SE9 5QE, www.english-heritage.org.uk Explore a stunning historic landscape lit up after dark in the weeks before Christmas. Magical secrets hidden deep within the grounds include dancing fairies and extraordinary talking trees, projections on the historic palace walls, chiming bells playing favourite seasonal tunes, lit fountains and a glittering mirror ball alley. Traditional fairground rides and heritage inspired gifts also available. Family tickets from £31.60, book first.
ENCHANTED ELTHAM 26 November - 5 January, LONDON BRIDGE CITY, SE1 2DB, www.londonbridgecity.co.uk Perfect for family and friends, Christmas by The River boasts 70+ stalls alongside a busy schedule of creative workshops, to keep both parents and little ones busy over the Christmas break. Nestled between the Pier and Tower Bridge, the festive stalls offer a stunning array of boutique gifts and delicious world cuisine, for a unique Christmas shopping experience with unbeatable riverside views. Open from 11am daily; to 7pm Sundays to Wednesdays, 9pm Thursdays to Saturdays, closed Christmas Day.
THE SANTA EXPRESS 7-24 December, THE GLADES BROMLEY, High Street, Bromley BR1 1DN, www.theglades.co.uk Journey through a wonderful adventure facilitated by a host of engaging and characterful elves who have been dispatched from the North Pole to The Glades especially to ensure that the countdown to Christmas Day runs smoothly. Your adventure of course includes a meeting with the man himself, Santa Claus. Tickets £8.
CHRISTMAS IN LEICESTER SQUARE 9 November to 5 January, London WC2H, www.christmasinleicestersquare.com Leicester Square transforms the centre of bustling London into a winter wonderland of theatre, music, cabaret and comedy performances, traditional Christmas markets, hand-crafted goods, delicious food and drinks. There’s a Santa’s grotto (book first) where children can meet the man himself, plus a whole host of fantastic Underbelly shows in the beautiful surrounds of a traditional 1920s Spiegeltent.
C E L E B R AT E T O G E T H E R THIS DECEMBER
MY CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRAL ADVENTURE
FATHER CHRISTMAS
THE NUTCRACKER
SING-ALONG CAROLS
E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL IN CONCERT
Call: 020 7589 8212
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C H RI S T M AS S TA R T S H ER E
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10 Top Toys and games for Christmas
Chosen for us by Vicky Brown, owner of Just Williams toyshops
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LONDON’S FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SHOW
Based on Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman Music and lyrics by Howard Blake
“Sheer theatrical magic. Go see The Snowman and melt” The Times
£1Max20 ONLY KETTransa LY TIC FAMI £3 s. applie fee ction child 1 least , must include at 4 tickets
21 Nov – 5 Jan
peacocktheatre.com 10 Families South East
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Rush Hour Logic game with 40 challenges to progress through. Each card sets up your traffic jam and you have to slide the vehicles up and down, left and right. Can you get the red car out to win the challenge? A great travel game that comes in a junior version too. Age 8+, £14.99
Selfie T-shirt Colour in and create your own long-sleeved round neck top. Comes with six fabric pens and a colour-in practice sheet. The colours will not fade and can be worn time and time again. Lots of designs to choose from along with Pj’s, cape and baseball caps. Age 2+, £15
Ocean World Shrink Art Comes with everything needed to create plenty of shrink fun designs that can be turned into jewellery, keyrings and more! Simply colour in the plastic designs and bake for 1 minute whilst they shrink to a quarter of their size. Age 5+, £11
Robotic Hedgehog Once this AI hedgehog has been built you can watch how it detects sounds and uses sensors to interact and play. It uses a built-in microphone to hear and react to hand claps, performing tricks when it does! The cute pet also has bicolour LED eyes which blink while performing its tricks. Age 8+, £34.99
Animetrics Scratch Cards Creative activities providing calm, concentration and relaxation. Comes in a lovely gift box, to store the scratch cards and wooden tool. Age 7+, £19.99
Pipity Activity Case Portable, packable and practical Pipity arrives with everything you need to keep kids creatively busy for hours! This ready to grab-and-go accessory is ideal for travelling, holidays, cafes, restaurants... oh and it’s fab for rainy indoor days too! A range of re-fill activity books available and all the paper play activities are recyclable. Age 3+, £24.99
Green Toys Dump Truck Great chunky durable dump truck made entirely from recycled plastic milk bottles, safe, non-toxic; contains no BPA, PVC, phthalates or external coatings. Age 3+, £16.99
Boppi the Booty Shakin Llama Pets Alive Llama that dances, twerks, and shakes its head in time to music! What more could you want! Age 3+, £24.99
4M Logiblocs Alarm Tech 30+ projects Build light and touch sensitive alarm circuits with this kit. Alarm Tech is based around light and touch sensors which can trigger all sorts of surprises! Over 30 projects and applications are included, such as Intruder Alarm, Rain Detector, Treasure Guard, Water Beeper, Morse Code Machine, and many more. You can do loads of things with this kit, including a chance to test your logical skills. Age 4+, £29.99
EasyRead Time Teacher Watch 33mm diameter watch with Seiko movement, stainless steel back & non-allergenic plating. Battery installed. Water-resistant. Washable fabric strap with stainless steel buckle. Supplied with time-teaching instructions in colourful printed card box. £19.99
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Just Williams has everything your 0-12 year-old could desire, from dolls and soft toys to construction and science sets, fancy dress kits, action figures, stationery and art supplies, collectible figurines, gadgets, puzzles and scooters. The shops are open daily at 106 Grove Vale, East Dulwich SE22, 020 8299 3444, and 226 High Street, Beckenham, 020 8663 6334. www.justwilliamstoys.com
Editor’s picks
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10 under £20 stocking fillers for all ages, chosen by Families South East An enchanting book of paintings, traditional folklore and myth from acclaimed artist Catherine Hyde, The Hare and The Moon follows the journey of a running hare who sings the seasons, encountering a seasonal tree, flower and bird for every month. £15 from good bookshops and www.catherinehyde.co.uk Sup from a fine bone china Christmas hare mug while the potatoes are a-roasting, £10.95 from Annabel James, www.annabeljames.co.uk Keep your ears warm while running for the 176 to Tottenham Court Road. Christmas hats £12 for children, £15 adults from the London Transport Museum shop, www.ltmuseumshop.co.uk Family fun for all ages after the obligatory afternoon walk on Boxing Day - 5 in 1 table top game set, £19.99 from Homesense stores, www.homesense.com 100% organic baby comforters upcycled and handmade from leftover Egyptian cotton clothing scraps. Fair Trade GOTS certified, suitable from birth and machine washable - what’s not to like? £8.99 from www.bestyears.co.uk
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Let your little one serve up the best Christmas lunch in town on a classic wooden tray and carve with the pastel blue knife - who could resist? Five-piece Roast Chicken Set from Le Toy Van, £19.95 from good toyshops and www.letoyvan.com
Admittedly not a wildly exciting gift, but pets and indoor dust mites can trigger sneezy, wheezy runny-nosey allergies in susceptible folk, so a little pot of HayMax organic allergen barrier balm could be just the ticket (Frankincense, anyone?) £6.99 from pharmacies, selected chemists and www.haymax.biz Socks of course - but not just any socks. For every pair of Jollie socks, the company gives a pair of hardy socks to a local homeless charity. From £14 a pair, or by subscription at £10 per month, John Lewis, www.bigissueshop.com and www.jolliesocks.com Baby’s first avocado - in the form of a printed cotton rattle. How droll smashing it! We couldn’t find rattly halloumi; however leeks, aubergines, carrots and more are available. £14, www.thefoxintheattic.com Bath time couldn’t be cosier with Childs Farm’s new festive sensitive-skin hair & body wash. In packaging worthy of a winter wonderland with a snowball fight between a unicorn and a snowman, the festive edition of this favourite contains sweet orange oil and argan oil. Rrp £4 from Boots and www.childsfarm.com
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An Act of Kindness for Every Day of Advent! – choose from below or make up your own 1. Smile at everyone you see today 2. Make cards for elderly people in your street 3. Tell someone the reasons you like them 4. Pick up litter in your street or local park 5. Clean up a mess you didn’t make 6. Wish a stranger a nice day 7. Help make dinner 8. Donate pocket money to charity 9. Compliment staff at a café or shop 10. Donate books, toys and clothes to charity 1 1. Volunteer at a festive community event
1 s it cu is b Zoe took to school
12. Leave snacks on your doorstep for delivery people 13. Let somebody go ahead of you in the queue 14. Hug someone 15. Bake biscuits to take to school or work 16. Deliver notes to houses with great Christmas light displays 17. Pack away your things without being asked 18. Make someone laugh 19. Take canned food to your local food bank 20. Make a list of the things you’re thankful for 21. Leave a kind note where someone will find it 22. Send a Christmas card to someone overseas 23. Do a chore for someone else 24. Leave food out for Santa and his reindeer!
Perform an a ct of kindness each day until Ch ristmas! Pin up the c alendar and keep a daily record of yo ur family’s good deeds .
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ADVENT CALENDAR
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The Bookseller Crow
is a fantastic, volume stuffed shop run by some of the most knowledgeable bookworms in the business. Call in for the feel of a real bookshop, or if you’re too busy, pick up the phone or head to their website for a fast mailorder service. Justine Crow recommends this month’s best titles. The neighbour’s barky dog, Mussolini, is away and my offspring have sprung off somewhere else. The late autumn sunshine is filtering through what leaves are left and I’ve got leftovers for lunch. This all very nearly rates as spa treatment. But folks, while my life may closely resemble an exclusive Goop retreat right now - I’ve even got a treatment appointment booked with iPlayer on an IKEA sofa - those Christmas recommendations aren’t going to write themselves. BEDTIME STORIES FOR WORRIED LIBERALS by Stuart Heritage - Profile rrp £9.99. In other words, bedtime stories for after bedtime, with headings such as The Very Trendy Caterpillar, Centrist Dad in Wonderland, Trumpelstiltskin and Jack and the Sustainably Produced Meat Substitute Stalk, imagine a world where Waitrose is free and Brexit disappears like a divine magic trick. A proper gift for the furious. Though I’d steer clear of giving it to anyone from the Piers Morgan fan-club. THE OTHER MOTHER by Jen Brister - Square Peg rrp £14.99. We middling class mums don’t all fit the mainstream media cookie cutter shape. Some of us have never seen Mama Mia. Many of us don’t drink Prosecco (okay, not that many of us), remain steadfastly unsold on Tesco’s “Food Love Stories” (pass the sick bag) and can shift entire defunct washing machines onto the street single-handed (through strength of bloodymindedness alone). This particular “panicked beige” lesbian with her tales of IVF and twins, also makes us laugh very loud indeed. P.S. Remind me to ask them in M & S if they have a cardi in “panicked beige.” ABJECT QUIZZERY by Karl Shaw - Old Street, rrp £12.99. I hate games and quizzes, but as the rest of the universe are hooked on them, just like they are with puppies, I agreed to “snuff out” my inner optimist, as the blurb suggests. Actually, mine had already vamoosed at the announcement: “Contains 834 questions.” “How many press ups does it take to work off a single creme egg?” Apparently 300 of your English calories. Though you’ll have to wait until December 27th before the shops are flooded with them. LONDONIST DRINKS - AA rrp £16.99. It’s not all about getting sloshed, the puff basically boasts, as there’s a chapter on caffeine too. Featuring coffee-tably type illustrations depicting city streets where you can have a cocktail in a toilet or a pint beside a station, it also goes without saying that London sort of vanishes south of Battersea, but t’was ever thus in the land of travel guides. I guess they were too drunk to remember being here. LONDON ESCAPES by David Hampshire Survival Books rrp £9.99. This contains lots of ideas for packing - to use common parlance and
cue posh voice - ‘the fam’ off. I love annoying the yoof in my house by abusing their lexicon. From daytrips to Cambridge and Salisbury and Bath to the beachy bits of Sussex, Kent and Essex, there are seventy potential picnic opportunities here. Fam-tastic! A CHEESE MONGER’S HISTORY OF THE BRITISH ISLES by Ned Palmer - Profile rrp £16.99. Speaking of picnics, this is a contender for the Best Present Ever prize, from a true “freelance cheesemonger,” which is definitely what I want to be when I grow up. Encompassing moments in history told through, you guessed it, non-plant based diary products, beside background on who makes what and why, it is also a guide to eating the stuff. Just go Caerphilly with that butter knife. DOUBLE DANGEROUS BOOK FOR BOYS by Conn Iggulden - Harper Collins rrp £20.00. Alongside sections on extreme envelope-pushers such as Shackleton as well as tips on constructing a plane that really flies (sadly, advice too late for Ernest), in the long-awaited follow up to the first bestseller, the celebrated author of historical epics coaches the kids to master totally wholesome activities like lock-picking, as well as some pretty useless ones like tying a Windsor knot. GARDENING FOR THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE by Phil Clarke & Isabel Lloyd Head of Zeus rrp £14.99. With the lowdown on how to grow dinner in a dustbin and transforming a balcony into a juice bar, when the end of the world is nigh, or the queues of lorry freight from Dover are at a standstill on the M20, this clever if brash tome has all we need to survive whilst poking the undead in the eye. MIDNIGHT FEASTS by A.F Harrold, illustrated by Katy Riddell - Bloomsbury rrp £12.99. A hearty welcome to the creator of Fizzlebert Stump and most colourful poet in the business with his anthology of tasty poems from myriad lyrical writers that include odes to ice-cream and Yorkshire pudding, rhubarb and crisps and, eating in the bath. As you do. HARRIET VERSUS THE GALAXY by Samantha Baines - Knights Of rrp £12.99. A debut novel for burgeoning readers by comedian and broadcaster Samantha Baines, who like her protagonist Harriet just happens to wear a hearing aid. The difference is Harriet’s is far from ordinary and can translate what they are saying in outer space. CHILDREN OF VIRTUE AND VENGEANCE by Tomi Adeyemi - Macmillan rrp £12.99. The long-awaited sequel to the novel for older children hits the shelves in December. It’s going to be a fantastic read that Santa may just keep for himself. THE TERRIBLY FRIENDLY FOX by Susannah Lloyd & Ellie Snowdon - Simon &
Schuster rrp £6.99. I do like a little subversion and there’s more than a little here when Gerald the fox shows up at the annual woodland ball. Luckily the suave chap is reassures everyone he is a vegetarian. No really. SEA LIGHTS by Ruth Symons, illustrated by Carolina Rabei - Templar £12.99. Gosh, this is a rather lovely, clever piece of kit with the stunning art work. When the pages are turned during the telling of the tale of a little girl and her dad on a fishing trip in the dark, the lights actually appear to come on. SECRET SCIENCE: THE AMAZING WORLD BEYOND YOUR EYES by Dara O’Briain - Scholastic rrp £7.99. Not another comedian stroke author, I hear you groan. Yet, can you get to the bottom of the reason that electrons burp out colours or why holding your nose while eating chocolate is the greatest experiment of all time? Be thankful that this celebrity funny guy is doing a difficult job so that you don’t have to. EARTH HEROES by Lily Dyu, illustrated by Jackie Lay - Nosy Crow rrp £9.99. Highlighting twenty inspiring people selflessly intent on saving our beleaguered planet - Gwyneth Paltrow, I’m not looking at you - we begin with Greta. Who’d have thought pig-tails would become iconic? But while Mizz Thunberg’s plaits rile the disaster movie baddies, there are others for whom the media spotlight is less glaring. Take Andrew Turton and his surfing pal Pete, inventors of a self-collecting rubbish bin that goes in the sea and sucks up trash, but not trout. Or Isabel Soares who redefined perfection when she stopped the waste of wonky fruit. And we can all learn from aspiring engineer, 14 year-old William Kamkwamba who, when kicked out of class because his parents were poor, constructed a windmill out of junk that generated real live electricity. Suddenly I don’t feel quite so cruel yelling at the kids take out the ruddy recycling. PRISONERS OF GEOGRAPHY: OUR WORLD EXPLAINED IN 12 SIMPLE MAPS by Tim Marshall - Elliot & Thompson rrp £16.99. Finally a youngsters’ approach to a title that has already graced the grown-up bestseller lists, in an abridged version that seeks the answers to questions as to how the world’s great powers came to be so successful. As the critic said: “Quite simply one of the best books about the subject you can imagine.” Given that, after a year of tongue-holding diplomacy, most of the family will now be there in your living room going heavy on the sherry amidst a pile of wrapping paper and mince pies, I’d say it’s never too soon to introduce the concept of ‘geopolitics’ to your children. Afterall, international relations are for life, and not just for Christmas.
The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: info@booksellercrow.co.uk Twitter @booksellercrow www.booksellercrow.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
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THE CONSERVATORIE
CIRCUS 1903
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
What’sOn C HR IS T M AS M AR KE T S AND CR A F T FA IR S IVY ‘HO HO HO’ HOUSE CHRISTMAS CRAFT MARKET
LOVE WEST DULWICH CHRISTMAS FAIR
16 November, IVY HOUSE pub, 40 Stuart Road, Nunhead SE15 3BE, www.ivyhousenunhead.com An afternoon of seasonal shopping with a fabulous mix of local South London makers to choose from. You’ll find everything you’ll need to tick off that Christmas shopping list from a range of prints, t-shirts, textiles, decor, cards, jewellery, hot sauces and much more. It’s a great family-friendly venue in a much loved local pub where you can indulge in a delicious lunch and a tipple or two. 1-6pm.
30 November, Croxted Road, Park Hall Road, Rosendale Road and more in West Dulwich SE21, lovewestdulwich on Facebook Organised by local businesses and residents, the annual celebration features special offers in the independent shops and eateries; an indoor arts and crafts market; Santa’s Grotto at Wigwam Toys, storytime at Dulwich Books, decoration painting in the Dulwich Trader, live music, carol singing and dancing, face painting, market stalls, street food, mulled wine and more. 11am-4pm.
CHRISTMAS MAKERS’ MARKET 24 November, THE CONSERVATOIRE, 19-21 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RQ, 020 8852 0234, www.conservatoire.org.uk An indoor Christmas market in the Conservatoire’s big Victorian art studio featuring a selection of unique gifts from local artists and makers, plus mulled wine to scent the air and tingle your tastebuds. 11am-3pm, admission free.
ENCHANTED MEWS 1 December, CATFORD MEWS SE6, www.catford-mews.co.uk Get in the holiday spirit with Christmas movies, craft and gift stalls, mulled wine, mince pies and more! From 10am. Then pop over the road to the Ninth Life pub at 167 Rushey Green for an arts and crafts market supporting local designers and makers.
SLEEPING BEAUTY - GREENWICH
HUMBUG - ALBANY
DULWICH VILLAGE CHRISTMAS STOCKING 1 December, St BARNABAS PARISH HALL plus local independent stores and businesses in Dulwich Village SE21, Instagram and FB @ThisIsDulwichVillage and Twitter @DulwichVillage_ Organised by local businesses, The Dulwich Estate and Southwark Council, the annual celebration features the best of local fayre, with a focus on all things festive. There will be special offers in many of the independent shops, a mystery stocking trail, arts and crafts activities for children, free family entertainment at St Barnabas Parish Hall, free family entry to Dulwich Picture Gallery with a Christmas Stocking flyer, Christmas carols from local school bands and choirs and Dulwich Popchoir, roast chestnuts, mulled wine for adults, hot chocolate for children. Collections for local charities Kingfishers (supporting King’s College Hospital paediatric units) and Linkage Southwark (supporting local elderly people). 11am-5pm. 12noon - 6pm.
CRAFT SELLERS’ MARKET 7 December, GERALD MOORE GALLERY, 4RW Mottingham Lane SE9 4RW, www.geraldmooregallery.org Stock up on crafts, art, Christmas gifts, bric a brac and refreshments, helping raise money for the gallery’s outreach programme. 10am-4pm.
M USIC A ND T HE AT RE CIRCUS 1903
THE SYDENHAM CENTRE
19 December - 5 January, ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX, www.circus1903.com Experience the thrills and daredevil entertainment of a turn-of-thecentury circus this Christmas. Circus 1903 returns to Southbank Centre, with new acts for 2019 including the Brazilian Wheel of Death. The show includes sensational life-sized elephants stunningly created by puppeteers from War Horse, putting elephants back in the ring as never before. The circus boasts a huge cast of jaw-dropping and dangerous acts from all corners of the globe. Featuring acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, trapeze and high-wire performers and more, this show captivates and transports audiences of all ages to the golden age of circus. Ages 3+, tickets from £29.50, concessions 25% off.
44a Sydenham Road SE26 5QF, www.spontaneousproductions.co.uk THE SNOW QUEEN, weekends from 30 November 14 December. Spontaneous Productions’ third Christmas show is a new version of Hans Christian Andersen’s magical tale The Snow Queen (which was the inspiration for Disney’s FROZEN did you know that?). With a script by Lucy Kaufman, there’ll be magic, mystery, excitement, an icy-hearted villain and a dancing snowman! Tickets £2 children, £3 adults. Book in person at Kirkdale Bookshop, by phone 020 8778 4701 or online.
THE CONSERVATOIRE 19-21 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9RQ, 020 8852 0234, THE NUTCRACKER, 8 December. A concert of music and spoken word with a healthy dose of magic - back by popular demand! 2.30 and 4pm, tickets £5 children, £10 adults.
BLACKHEATH HALLS 22 Lee Road SE3 9RQ, 020 8463 0100, www.blackheathhalls.com CARDBOARD CARNIVAL, 23 November. Trunk, Tail or Wings? Lempen Puppet Theatre take the fantastic music of Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals in a production refreshingly focused on the magic of puppetry and the creative potential of the simple cardboard box! 3pm, tickets £8.50.
FESTIVE FAMILY SING-A-LONG, 30 November. Sing your heart out with local choirs to all your favourite Christmas songs in this upbeat and fun annual family event. 3pm start, tickets £9 adult, £6 under 16s includes a festive treat. THE NUTCRACKER, 1 December. Journey through the magical night with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince, meet the Mouse King and join the Sugar Plum Fairy in the beautiful land of Sweets. Let’s All Dance return with their beautiful and enchanting production of this popular festive favourite. 1.30 and 3.45pm, tickets £14 adults, £12 under 16s.
OLD VIC THEATRE The Cut SE1 8NB, 0344 871 7628, www.oldvictheatre.com A CHRISTMAS CAROL, 23 November - 18 January. The Old Vic’s A Christmas Carol fills the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment. A unique staging immerses the audience in this uplifting story. Recommended for ages 8+, tickets from £12.
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Children go FREE
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TO THE MOON AND BACK
ROYAL ALBERT HALL
THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA
THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE
TABBY MCTAT
OI FROG & FRIENDS
MoreWhat’sOn THEATRE PECKHAM 221 Havil Street, Camberwell SE5 7SD, 020 7708 5401, www.theatrepeckham.co.uk JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, 4-22 December. The classic tale is reimagined as a festive pantomime with an ‘80s Peckham vibe. There’s been a series of break-ins in the estate where Jack lives. Even aspiring young detective Lucy is finding it hard to follow the clues. All is lost for Jack and his Mum until a mystical rapper Spot the Poet sets the adventure in motion with a bag of magical beans. Will Jack save the day or will he end up in Steak and Kiddy pie? The production is written by Olivier-nominated and award-winning playwright Paul Sirett, directed by Suzann McLean. Tickets from £12; £3 reduction for Southwark residents.
GREENWICH THEATRE Crooms Hill SE10 8ES, 020 8858 4447, www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk SLEEPING BEAUTY, 22 November - 12 January. Andrew Pollard returns to Greenwich Theatre for a very special pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. A sleeping princess, an unlikely hero, an even more unlikely villain. Grab your tickets for this time-travelling, continent-hopping, gravity-defying treat, written to celebrate 50 years of theatre in Greenwich! Tickets £30, concessions £20, children £15.50.
CANADA WATER THEATRE 21 Surrey Quays Road SE16 7AR, 020 8692 4446, www.thealbany.org.uk FROZEN SNOW QUEEN, 20 + 21 December. A brand new interactive, festive adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen with incorporated British Sign Language and spoken English. Featuring a cast of two live performers joined digitally by a host of other characters. Take a journey through an icy landscape with a young woman searching to find her soulmate who has been kidnapped by the evil Snow Queen. 12noon and 7pm, ages 6+, tickets £12/ £8 concs, £34 family ticket.
THE ALBANY Douglas Way, Deptford SE8 4AG, 020 8692 4446, www.thealbany.org.uk HUMBUG! THE HEDGEHOG WHO COULDN’T SLEEP, 1-29 December. You don’t want to be above ground when winter comes around: every hedgehog knows that. As Humbug tries to hibernate in her cosy nest, her home comes under threat and she is forced on a quest to find a new place to call home - will she find the perfect place for a slumber party, where she can snuggle up till spring? This humorous and uplifting tale of friendship and belonging is full of charming characters and visual flair to entertain children and adults alike. Ages 3+, tickets £12/ £8 concs/ £34 family ticket.
THE BROADWAY THEATRE Catford Road SE6 4RU, 020 8690 0002, www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, 20-29 December. A fun-filled pantomime starring singing legend Mica Paris, telling the story of Belle, who longs for romance and adventure, a bad-mannered prince who is transformed into a beast to teach him a lesson, and a good fairy who makes both their dreams come true. There’s a star cast, impressive music, energetic dance routines as well as plenty of jokes, slapstick and heaps of audience participation. Tickets from £15.
UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street SE1 2HZ, 020 7845 0580, www.unicorntheatre.com OSCAR WILDE’S THE CANTERVILLE GHOST, 10 November 5 January. This wonderfully witty, delightfully spooky retelling of Oscar Wilde’s 1887 comic novel is brought to life this Christmas with spine-tingling magic, spectacular illusions and ghoulish effects. Ages 7+, tickets from £12. THE WOLF, THE DUCK AND THE MOUSE, 15 November 5 January. One day Mouse is gobbled up by a wolf. ‘Oh woe’ says Mouse, who fears this must be the end. But then we discover Duck, who was, until Mouse arrived, taking a nap. This stage adaptation of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen’s brilliantly subversive picture book finds joy and friendship in the darkest and most unusual of places. Ages 3-7, tickets from £12.
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SCRUNCH, 27 November - 22 December. It’s baby’s first Christmas. Share in your baby’s excitement at the building anticipation of Christmas Day and all things present-related including the very best bit: crumpling, rumpling and scrunching that wrapping paper! Ages 6-18 months, tickets from £12 for one baby + adult.
TO THE MOON AND BACK 13-21 December, BARBICAN CENTRE, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS, www.barbican.org.uk Create imaginary worlds in this immersive, participatory experience inspired by the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. With a simple knock on a front door, you and your little one will share a multi-sensory journey of discovery into interactive spaces of touch, colour, sound and special effects. You’ll encounter props and scenes that conjure the natural world, made of unusual and tactile materials, from feather rain to velvet stars. You’ll also be shown ideas on how everyday objects can be turned into tools for creativity and fun at home. Ages 3 months to 4 years, tickets £9.
THE BRIDGE THEATRE 3 Potters Fields Park SE1 2SG, 03333 320 0052, www.bridgetheatre.co.uk THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, 9 November 2 February. Step through the wardrobe this winter into the magical kingdom of Narnia for the most mystical of adventures in a faraway land. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and say hello to a talking Faun, an unforgettable Lion and the coldest, cruellest White Witch. Tickets from £15.
ROYAL ALBERT HALL Kensington Gore, South Kensington SW7 2AP, 020 7589 8212, www.royalalberthall.com E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL IN CONCERT, 8 December. Experience all the mystery and fun of the unforgettable E.T. adventure, complete with John Williams’ Academy Award-winning score performed live by the BBC Concert Orchestra while the film is projected in high definition on the big screen. 1.30 and 7pm, ages 5+, tickets from £40.50. MY CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRAL ADVENTURE, 15 December. Father Christmas has lost his map on a practice run of his delivery route, and needs help to return it to him ahead of the big day! Zip around the world on an orchestral adventure taking in skating on frozen lakes, a Sleigh Ride and a white Christmas, all without leaving the Royal Albert Hall’s magical auditorium. There’ll be singing, dancing and best of all, a full symphony orchestra to bring the adventure to life. 1 and 4.30pm, ages 3+, tickets from £15.50. FATHER CHRISTMAS AT THE HALL, 5-22 December. Father Christmas once again returns to his secret London headquarters at the Royal Albert Hall. In this theatrical walk-around event, children encounter a range of magical North Pole characters on their way to meet Father Christmas himself. Discover the stories and characters of Christmas’ past through engaging puppetry and live music; gain some secret elf knowledge; make and take home your very own stuffed toy. Ages 3+, tickets £39.24 per child; accompanying adults free. THE NUTCRACKER, 28-31 December. Created specially for the Royal Albert Hall, with gorgeous period costumes, stunning lighting, and dazzling projections by Tony Award-winning 59 Productions, this Christmas classic is brought to life by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s world-class dancers and its orchestra, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia. Ages 5+, tickets from £10.
THEATRE ROYAL Haymarket SW1Y 4HT, 020 7930 8800, www.tigertealive.com. THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA, 9 December - 5 January. Hailed as Britain’s best-loved picture book, The Tiger Who Came To Tea has become a timeless classic, enchanting generations of children worldwide. Join the Tiger, Sophie and her Mummy and Daddy, in this musical slice of teatime mayhem in the Olivier Award-nominated stage production’s sixth West End run. Tickets from £14.50.
APOLLO THEATRE Shaftsbury Avenue, Soho W1D 7EZ, 0330 333 4809, www.nimaxtheatres.com THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE, 30 November - 5 January. Join an adventurous young girl and her seafaring father as they reimagine the story of a tiny snail’s incredible trip around the world, inspired by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved picture book The Snail and the Whale. This heartwarming family show is produced by Tall Stories, the Olivier Award-nominated team behind productions of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom. Ages 4+, tickets from £15.
FAIRFIELD HALLS Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1DG, 020 3292 0001, www.fairfield.co.uk TABBY MCTAT, 2-14 December. Tabby McTat is a busker’s cat with the loudest of meows. He sings all day long with his best friend Fred, until one day they get separated. Tabby finds shelter and a new life with all the home comforts a cat could dream of, but he soon misses his old friend. Will they ever find each other? Julia Donaldson and Alxel Scheffler’s heart-warming story is brought to life on stage with original songs and Freckle Productions’ distinctive style. Tickets £12 children, £15 adults.
CHURCHILL THEATRE High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA, 020 3285 6000, www.churchilltheatre.co.uk THE SCARECROW’S WEDDING, 27-29 November. Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay are excellent scarecrows. Their wedding plans are all coming together until Harry leaves Betty’s side and the devilishly smooth Reginald Rake tries to take Harry’s place. Will Harry make it back in time to save their special day? This heart-warming and award-winning adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling book is bursting at the seams with Scamp Theatre’s inimitable style. Tickets £13.50. ALADDIN, 7 December - 5 January. Starring stage legend Christopher Biggins as the iconic Widow Twankey, this year’s panto will be a wish-granting, magic-carpet ride you’ll never forget. Packed with traditional pantomime ingredients, Aladdin will feature a star cast, a lamp-load of comedy, jaw-dropping special effects, sensational song and dance and plenty of boos and hisses the whole family will enjoy. Tickets from £20, concession discounts.
LEICESTER SQUARE THEATRE 6 Leicester Place WC2H 7BX, 020 77134 2222, www.leicestersquaretheatre.com STICK MAN, until 26 January. What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? This award-winning production, from the team behind The Scarecrows’ Wedding, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves!
LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE, 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross Street N1 2DN, 020 7226 1787, www.littleangeltheatre.com THE PIXIE AND THE PUDDING, 22 November - 2 February. It’s Christmas Eve on the farm, and the chickens, pigs and cows are fast asleep. Inside the farmhouse, the fire is roaring and a delicious, steaming pudding is left out on the windowsill... This brand new musical brings a tale from Scandinavian folklore to life with puppetry, original music and a sprinkling of pixie magic. Ages 4-11, tickets £13 children, £15 adults. ME... 29 November - 2 February. The world is a very big place, especially for a tiny baby penguin who is just finding her feet. The shimmering stars and glistening snow spin around our little hero, while the mountains tower high and the wind rushes to and fro. And although baby penguin may be small, her family know she’s the biggest thing of all. Based on Emma Dodd’s early years picture book, this is a lovely and touching story about a parent and their love for their child. Ages 2-5, tickets £11.50 children, £13.50 adults.
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CUTTY SARK
BLACK BEAUTY
REMBRANDT - DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY
MoreWhat’sOn LYRIC THEATRE
SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE
29 Shaftsbury Avenue W1D 7ES, 0330 333 4812, www.nimaxtheatres.com OI FROG & FRIENDS, 29 November - 5 January. The highly anticipated stage show brings together Kes Gray and Jim Field’s bestselling and award-winning picture books Oi Frog!, Oi Dog! and Oi Cat! Packet with more laughs and more rhymes than you can shake a chime at, ages 3+, tickets from £15.50.
21 New Globe Walk, Bankside SE1 9DT, 020 7401 9919, www.shakespearesglobe.com CHRISTMAS AT THE (SNOW) GLOBE, 19-23 December. The Globe Theatre stands empty, the stage left bare, the Christmas tree undecorated and the performers need your help. Someone has stolen the Magic of Christmas from Snowdrop, the fairy who stands watch during the winter months, protecting the great wooden ‘O’. So gather everyone you know to help comedians Sandi Toksvig and Sindhu Vee and their merry gang find the spirit of Christmas and return it to the Globe. This brand new production will invite audiences to pack into the open-air theatre wrapped in their warmest Christmas jumpers and let loose their Christmas spirit. The cast will also be joined by London’s LGBT+ Classical choir, The Fourth Choir, who will encourage the audience to sing along with all their favourite classic Christmas songs. Tickets from £5.
PEACOCK THEATRE Portugal Street WC2A 2HT, 020 7863 8222, www.peacocktheatre.com THE SNOWMAN, 21 November - 5 January. Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to see The Snowman! Now in its 22nd hit year, Birmingham Repertory Theatre Production’s enchanting stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ classic book is guaranteed to transport you to a world of wintery adventure. Tickets from £18.
E V E N T S AN D MU SEU MS THE HORNIMAN MUSEUM
ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH
HORNIMAN MUSEUM and gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ, 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk The museum’s music gallery and hands-on base, regular weekend and holiday drop-ins and workshops allow family visitors to explore the collection through arts and crafts, music, stories and hands-on sessions. All this within 16 acres of beautiful green space which has the oldest nature trail in London, an animal corner, a butterfly house, a crazy golf course and a Farmers’ Market every Sunday. Museum open 10.30am-5.30pm daily, admission free, charges apply for special exhibitions and the aquarium. STAGES OF MAKING, until 19 April. Step into an immersive exhibition where all the artworks have a story to tell about design, techniques and time. Inspired by the history of the Horniman and its collections, Stages of Making is produced by a collective of local community members working with artist Katie Schwab. Works include painted walls, table tops made from yoghurt pots and a giant rag-rug created from used t-shirts by members of the public. Free. BEING HUMAN, 16+17 November. Explore the sounds of the Horniman and our impact on the environment through a sound walk, field recording and composition workshop, live performance and interactive installations. This event is organised by Goldsmiths, University of London and is part of Being Human, a nationwide festival of the humanities. Free but book first. YOUTH LATE, 30 November. The Horniman Youth Panel is back with their annual museum takeover. Featuring DJs, bands, silent disco, dance performances and a new club room, there is something for everyone. 6.30-9.30pm, ages 14-19, free but book first. CHRISTMAS STORYTELLING, 7, 8, 14 and 15 December. Cosy up for magical retellings of the classic fairy tale ‘The Elves and the Shoemaker’ with Sandal Sticks Theatre, using storytelling, song and puppetry. Five performances each day, tickets £5 children, £2.50 adults.
National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, Greenwich SE10, 020 8858 4422, www.rmg.co.uk Royal Museums Greenwich holds the world’s largest maritime collection. It is housed in historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site and incorporates the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the 17th-century Queen’s House, and Cutty Sark. The Museums works to illustrate for everyone the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people, and is also a major centre of education and research. On Saturdays and Sundays free performances and workshops entertain family visitors, while on Tuesdays preschoolers can make music and play with parents and carers. Open 10am-5pm daily. General admission is free; some buildings, special exhibitions and events have an admission fee. AHOY! Drop into NMM’s brilliant children’s gallery for a boatload of fun and adventure. Stoke the boiler of a steamship, land a fish and work in the interactive boatyard. Polar exploration, pirates and a host of other maritime themes are brought to life in this playful and immersive gallery, which also has a buggy park and easy access to all the facilities you need to have a stress-free visit. Ages 0-7, free and open daily (sometimes pre-booked for schools groups). THE GREAT EXPLORER is an interactive game for families. Borrow a tablet device and set sail across The Great Map to explore distant lands and discover treasures from all around the world. Where will you visit and what will you find? Take a photo and share your adventure. 11am-4pm, free. CHARACTER ENCOUNTERS, Saturdays. Join an exciting performance and journey bringing maritime history to life. 12noon, 1, 2 and 3pm.
02 GREENWICH Peninsula Square, Greenwich SE10 0DX, www.theo2.co.uk ABBA: SUPER TROUPERS, 6 December - 31 August 2020. Incorporating lyrics, costumes, instruments, experiential backdrops of the key events and locations that defined and shaped the band, album artwork, photography, film and more, ABBA: Super Troupers The Exhibition examines the band’s universal popularity. From their multi-layered sound to their iconic look, the exhibition goes behind-the-scenes to examine the heavy-weight influence of one of the most enduring acts of all time. Child tickets from £13.50, adults from £22, from www.abbasupertroupers.com.
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TUTANKHAMUM - SAATCHI GALLERY
THE FOUNDLING MUSEUM 40 Brunswick Square, Camden Town WC1N 1AZ, 020 7841 3600, www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk Britain’s first home for abandoned children and London’s first public art gallery reveals the stories of the Foundling Hospital’s founder Thomas Coram, the artist William Hogarth and composer George Frideric Handel. Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays and from 11am Sundays. Admission free for under 21s, from £12 adults. SPECTACULAR SPECIAL EFFECTS, 30 November. Learn how the Georgians created special effects and have a go at their techniques for yourself. Ages 5+, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm, free for children and up to two accompanying adults, book first. HANDEL AND FRIENDS: CHRISTMAS MUSIC, 15 December. Enjoy family-friendly music fun with works from Handel and his friends. 3pm, free with museum admission. MUSICAL CHRISTMAS CRACKERS, 15 December. Make your own crackers to decorate your Christmas tree, with artist Isobel Manning. 4pm, ages 5+, free to children and up to two accompanying adults.
LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM COVENT GARDEN PIAZZA, WC2E 7BB, 020 7379 6344, www.ltmuseum.co.uk Museum open 10am-6pm daily, adult tickets from £16.50 valid for a whole year; children free. HIDDEN LONDON, from 11 October. Experience an ‘abandoned’ Tube station underworld and discover secrets beneath our busy streets. Hidden London - The Exhibition takes visitors on an immersive journey of some of London’s most secret spaces belonging to the oldest subterranean railway in the world. These ‘forgotten’ parts of the Tube network have incredible stories to tell about Britain’s wartime past such as the Plessey aircraft underground factory which had 2,000 members of staff, mostly women, working in the two 2.5 mile-long tunnels on the eastern section of the Central line during the Second World War. CHRISTMAS FUN, 30 November - 5 January. Search for Santa and get a free Christmas badge when you find him in his Secret Cabin or in the museum galleries. Create bunting and decorations using the iconic Tube roundel, bus or jumper shapes with a variety of sparkly materials; join in lively singing and storytelling sessions using a selection of props and instruments.
NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM
CUTTY SARK
Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HT, 020 7730 0717, www.nam.ac.uk The National Army Museum is a leading authority on the British Army and its impact on society past and present. Through its collections the museum preserves and shares stories of ordinary people with extraordinary responsibilities; exploring the role of the army and its relevance today. Free children’s trails cover a wide range of topics and suit a variety of age groups. Open 10am 5.30pm, admission free. HANDMADE CHRISTMAS CRAFTS, 20 + 21 December. During the Second World War, Christmas luxuries were in short supply. Propaganda posters encouraged families to make decorations out of old paper and newspapers. Make your own handmade Christmas decoration to hang on your tree or give as a gift and bring some Christmas magic into your life. 11am-1pm and 2-4pm, free on a first come, first served basis. PLAY BASE, daily. Whether your child wants to take on the soft play assault course, climb aboard a truck or prepare scoff in the cookhouse, Play Base lets every child shine. Ages 0-8, £4.50 per child for an hour-long session.
CUTTY SARK, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT, 020 8858 2698, www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark The world famous 19th century tea clipper offers visitors four levels to explore. Take in the views from the main deck and steer at the ship’s wheel, meet the crew who worked on board, explore the various cargoes from wool to whiskey, and see how tea was loaded on board through interactive displays, props, information boards and animations. Family friendly events run at weekends and during school holidays. Open 10am-5pm daily, admission from £6.30 children, £12.15 adults, from £24 families. Bundled tickets are available with the other Royal Museum Greenwich attractions. CUTTY SARK’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND, 22-24 November. Celebrate Cutty Sark’s 150th birthday with arts, crafts and stories. Help an artist create a textile sculpture inspired by signal flags and listen out for maritime stories. Visitors can enjoy face painting as part of the celebrations.
48-49 Doughty Street WC1N 2LX, 020 7405 2127, www.dickensmuseum.com Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Sundays; daily in December except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and 1 January. Admission £9.50 adults, £4.50 children, under 6 free. Take a journey of discovery through No. 48 Doughty Street, where Dickens once lived with his wife and young family, with a family trail if you have the little ones with you. CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSEUM, 20 Nov to Twelfth Night. Follow in Dickens’s footsteps as you savour the sights, sounds and smells of the rooms where he lived and worked - with holly and ivy decking the halls, beautiful Victorian decorations and a whole host of other festive surprises to discover. Where better to experience the rich traditions of a Dickensian Christmas than in the home of the author of A Christmas Carol?
CHARLES DICKENS MUSEUM
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SCIENCE MUSEUM SCIENCE MUSEUM, Exhibition Road SW7 2DD, 0870 870 4868, www.sciencemuseum.org.uk The Science Museum makes sense of the science that shapes our lives, sparking curiosity, releasing creativity and changing the future by engaging people of all generations and backgrounds in science, engineering, medicine, technology, design and enterprise. Open daily 10am-6pm except 24-26 December. General admission free; tickets required for some events and special exibitions. TOP SECRET: FROM CIPHERS TO CYBER SECURITY, until 23 February 2020. Explore the challenges of maintaining digital security in the 21st century and the unique technologies used throughout the 100-year history of GCHQ - one of the UK’s intelligence agencies. The exhibition features over 100 never-before-seen objects, interactive puzzles and first-person interviews, revealing fascinating stories of communications intelligence and cyber security from the last century including cipher machines used during the Second World War, secure telephones of the type used by British Prime Ministers, and an encryption key used by Her Majesty The Queen. Admission free.
MOVING TO MARS
GINGERBREAD CITY
ROYAL OPERA HOUSE
THE BRITISH LIBRARY
Bow Street, Covent Garden WC2E 9DD, 020 7304 4000, www.roh.org.uk THE SLEEPING BEAUTY, 7 November - 16 January. Journey with The Royal Ballet to an enchanted world of princesses, fairy godmothers and magical spells in this landmark production of Petipa’s classic ballet, to Tchaikovsky’s glorious music. Tickets from £8. FAMILY SUNDAYS, 10 November, 8 December, 12 January. Discover everything you didn’t know about the Royal Opera House in these fun-packed Sundays, full of creative activities - ideal for all the family. Tickets from £8. DANCE WITH THE ROYAL BALLET, 15 and 22 November. Whether you’re an aspiring dancer or taking your first ballet steps, try out with workshops led by a member of The Royal Ballet team. 2.15-3.30pm, £10.
96 Euston Road NW1 2DB, 01937 456030, www.bl.uk The British Library is open to everyone and offers Reading Rooms for research and study, exhibitions and events for curious people of all ages, tours and great places to eat, drink and shop. Open 9.30am - 8pm Mondays to Thursdays, to 6pm Fridays, 7pm Saturdays, and 11am-5pm Sundays, admission free. MARVELLOUS AND MISCHIEVOUS: LITERATURE’S YOUNG REBELS, 8 November - 1 March 2020. Anyone can be a rebel, whether they are standing up for their beliefs, saving the planet or battling against the odds. See how characters from Pippi Longstocking to Princess Pearl break rules and defy conventions to make the world a better place for others. Before you go, you can start your own adventure too. Dress up as a determined rebel, create your own comic, or take time out in the reading area.
V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD MUSEUM OF LONDON MUSEUM OF LONDON, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN, www.museumoflondon.org.uk From specially-designed interactive children’s galleries, free activity bags and stimulating online games, as well as all-important details like high chairs and baby-changing spaces, the Museum of London is a perfect fun family venue. Open 10am-6pm daily, admission free. BEASTS OF LONDON, until 5 January 2020. Step into an immersive tour through London’s history, narrated by the animals who once lived here. Beasts of London explores the fascinating role animals have played in shaping the capital. Be guided through time, from the Roman era through Medieval London and right up to present day, narrated by the beasts themselves. Discover how animals - from lions and elephants, to horses, rats and pigeons - have shaped the city and its beastly history. Ages 7+, family tickets from £20. CHRISTMAS CRACKER JOKE WORKSHOPS, 28+29 December. Learn how to build a joke and practice your puns in an interactive workshop with comedian Dan de la Motte. Ages 6+, tickets free on the day. VICTORIAN GHOST STORIES, 30 December and 1 January. Join a mysterious governess who will lead a spine-tingling tale of seances, haunted houses and Christmas ghosts. Ages 5+, free drop-in. FESTIVE MUSEUM OF LONDON, 28 December - 5 January. Festive workshops, storytelling and performances at various times.
MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS, Warehouse 1, West India Quay E14 4AL, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Find out more about London’s history, through displays covering events such as the Great Plague, Londoners’ jobs and occupations, and Roman life. Open daily 10am-6pm, admission free. On Sundays, museum hosts help visitors explore the galleries through fun, hands-on activities at 11am and 2pm. FAMILY RAVE, 23 November. Rave with award-winners Big Fish Little Fish as they bring bangin’ tunes back to the museum along with a sensory light, confetti, balloons, bubbles and music from acid house to drum and bass plus a licensed bar to enjoy. Joining in this time are The Clangers - turning 50 this year! 2-4.30pm, ages 0-8 with their grown ups, tickets £9 adults, children £7. THE SLEEPING BEAUTY, 30 Nov, 1 Dec, 4+5 January. Experience the classic fairy tale of the princess cursed to sleep for a hundred years, performed by Ruggieri Dance Academy; a semi-professional ballet company composed by adults of different ages who share a love for classical dance. 1.30pm, ages 5+, free but book first. FESTIVE FOLK TALE, 1+28 December. The Lord of Misrule comes to the museum to spin the festive yarn of Dick Whittington, who rose to become the Lord Mayor of London. Join the ‘feast of fools’ or try your hand at being a jester in this interactive storytelling session. Ages 5+. A DOCKLANDS CHRISTMAS CAROL, 7+8, 14+15 December. Travel back in time to Victorian London and meet the miserable Scrooge, the long-suffering Cratchits and perhaps encounter some friendly ghosts in this immersive family event based on the well-beloved work by Charles Dickens. Ages 5+, fee with tickets allocated on arrival. HOLIDAY WREATHS, 14+15 December. Create a sweetsmelling wreath based on traditional Victorian designs that would even cheer up Ebenezer Scrooge himself in this art workshop. 11.30am and 2pm starts, ages 5+, free drop-in. FROST FAIR FESTIVAL, 21+22 December. A weekend of festivities recreating the magic of Frost Fairs on the frozen River Thames, with interactive games and workshops, enchanting performances and arts and crafts. Plus learn about winter traditions from around the world in this wintry festival for the whole family. 12noon -4pm, free drop-in.
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SOUTHBANK SOUTHBANK CENTRE, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX, 020 3879 9555, www.southbankcentre.co.uk BLACK BEAUTY, 14 December - 5 January. From the cosy horsebox they call home, Andy and Andy take the bit firmly between their teeth and tell the classic tale of Black Beauty as you’ve never seen it before. Saddle up, jump on and gallop headlong into a story where loneliness gives way to hope, friends become heroes, and courage saves the day. Blending storytelling, music and puppetry, this vibrant re-telling of Black Beauty offers fun and adventure for fans of the book, lovers of the classic TV show and those brand new to the tale. Ages 5+, tickets £20 adults, £15 children.
Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk This gem of a museum houses dolls, dolls’ houses, puppets, teddy bears, games, childcare, clothing, furniture and art and photography. Everyday drop-in activities include storytelling, arts and crafts, and trails. There’s dressing-up, role play and an under 3s area, an indoor sandpit, and regular special events. Open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free. PLAYING WITH BUILDINGS, until March 2020. Seventy first-year BSc Architecture students from UEL re-think how visitors might interact with the museum and designed new inventive spaces for playing and learning. Pupils from Morpeth Secondary School and St Johns Primary School have user tested their prototype designs and created their own inventive responses.
A RT AC T IVI T IES DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY
THE DESIGN MUSEUM
DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8693 5254, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, from 11am weekends and bank holidays. Artplay workshops on the first and last Sunday of each month offer a different family workshop each session. Gallery admission free for accompanied children, £8 adults. Listed activities free for families with a gallery ticket or £3 per child. REMBRANDT’S LIGHT, until 2 February. An enduring storyteller; a master of light - Rembrandt is one of the greatest painters who ever lived. This landmark exhibition celebrates 350 years since his death with 35 of his iconic paintings, etchings and drawings, including major international loans from The Louvre and Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum. Standard admission £16.50 adults, under 18s free. DREW COLBY’S PUPPET SHOW, 7 December. Drew Colby conjures up stories through the ancient art of hand puppetry, enchanting both young and old. 10.30am and 1.30pm, tickets £5. SPARKLEFEST, 15 December. A sparkling festival of light in celebration of the Rembrandt exhibition. Enjoy a variety of activities from light drawing workshops to candlelit storyteling, festive decoration making and much more. 10am-5pm, tickets £8 adults, £6 Friends & concessions.
DESIGN MUSEUM, 224-238 Kensington High Street W8 6AG, www.designmuseum.org The museum offers a programme of regular events and activities with plenty of opportunities to get creative, offering free and ticketed workshops and gallery experiences for adult visitors and families with children aged 5-11 years. Open 10am-6pm daily. MOVING TO MARS, until 23 February. A new exhibition explores how sending humans to Mars is not just a new frontier for science but also for design. See over 200 exhibits including original objects and materials plus new commissions, and major installations which enable visitors to get closer to life on Mars. CREATE AND MAKE, once a month on Sundays and during school holidays. Be inspired by the museum and its exhibitions through informal drop in sessions focusing on light-touch design and making. Ages 5-11. GET INTO DESIGN workshops and courses run for families and young people. Led by specialist tutors, they include input and inspiration from some of the rising stars in contemporary design. Check the website for dates and details. Ages 8-11.
TATE MODERN BANKSIDE SE1 9TG, 020 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk OLAFUR ELIASSON: IN REAL LIFE, until 5 January 2020. Olafur Eliasson returns to Tate Modern for an unmissable exhibition of his career to date, offering a timely opportunity to experience the immersive world of this endlessly inquisitive artist; both inside and outside the gallery. Driven by his interests in perception, movement, and the interaction of people and their environments, Eliasson creates artworks which offer experiences that can be shared by visitors of all ages. Open 10am-6pm daily and to 10pm Fridays and Saturdays. PICK UP AND PLAY, weekends during school holidays. Take part in family activities, discover playful ideas and create large-scale artworks in learning-assistant workshops. 11am-4pm free drop in.
SAATCHI GALLERY Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Rd, Chelsea SW3 4RY, 020 7811 3070, www.saatchigallery.com TUTANKHAMUN: TREASURES OF THE GOLDEN PHAROAH, until 3 May 2020. This exhibition commemorates the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, and is the final chance to see these glittering world heritage artefacts before they return to Egypt forever. Explore the life of King Tutankhamun, and the storied discovery that captivated the world through more than 150 authentic pieces from the tomb. Tickets from £16.50.
THE WALLACE COLLECTION THE WALLACE COLLECTION, Hertford House, Manchester Square W1U 3BN, 020 7563 9500, www.wallacecollection.org The Wallace Collection displays wonderful works of art collected in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the son of the 4th Marquess, in their main London townhouse. Family multi-media tours and trails bring the exhibits to life for younger visitors. Open 10am-5pm daily, admission free. GET CRACKING! 20 December. Join the education team and celebrate Christmas and Hannukah by making your own festive crackers, inspired by the Wallace Collection. 11am-1pm, free drop in.
SOMERSET HOUSE SOMERSET HOUSE, Strand WC2, 020 7845 4600, www.somersethouse.org.uk Art and culture in the heart of London in a stunning riverside setting. Open daily, admission free with a charge for some exhibitions. Free family workshops run on occasional Saturdays check the website for details. Children aged 6-12 years must be accompanied by an adult. GINGERBREAD CITY, 7 December - 5 January. The Museum of Architecture brings its hugely popular Gingerbread City exhibition to Somerset House, which challenges leading architects, engineers and designers to create a futuristic city made entirely of gingerbread. Expect the unconventional and mesmerising from this mini edible city. Tickets £9, under 12s £7, under 3s free.
Families South East 19
Families november december 2019.qxp_Layout 1 28/10/2019 5:02 pm Page 20
Sun 1 – Sun 29 Dec
Dumbshow, in association with the Albany and ARC Stockton, present
FESTIVE TREAT FOR AGES 3+
Book thealbany.org.uk Call 020 8692 4446 Tickets from £8 The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8 4AG
Departing 7th to 24th December Hop on board ‘The Santa Express’ this Christmas for a magical journey.
See website for more details
per person
Book your visit today!
theglades.co.uk
20 Families South East
familiesonline.co.uk
Families South East Tel: 020 8699 3958 Email: info@familiesse.co.uk Contact: Robina Cowan Website: www.familiesse.co.uk MAGAZINE DESIGN: Lancasters 020 8658 9975 www.lancasters.co.uk Printed on paper from sustainable forests. www.ridgewaypress.co.uk
For ages 5+