Looking for the perfect day out for the family to get into the festive season? Well, for starters, park the idea of trudging the mud and battling the crowds at Winter Wonderland, and there’s also no need to spend hours scrolling through the overwhelming choice of Christmassy stuff to do in the capital. Here, Ruth Emery and Jess Baldwin show you how to avoid any overpriced and underwhelming experiences (remember the infamous Willy Wonka event?) with a choice of carefully curated picks…
Twixmas Family Tickets to The Nutcracker at the Royal Albert Hall
For many, Christmas without a trip to The Nutcracker is like easter without the eggs – utter piffle. So spread a little Christmas magic this year by surprising a theatre-loving family with tickets to the fabulously festive show. You know the drill – little Clara’s nutcracker comes to life, miraculously transforming into a charming prince who introduces her to a fantastical winter wonderland littered with jaw-dropping surprises along the way. And where better to witness Tchaikovsky’s iconic score than the country’s most famous concert venue, the Royal Albert Hall.
Created exclusively for the capital’s most beautiful venue, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s take on the famous fairy-tale is a riot of exquisite costumes, dazzling projections and world-class ballerinas performing to the sound of Britain’s busiest ballet orchestra: the Royal Ballet Sinfonia. Plus, as its run doesn’t start until Sunday 29th December, you can delight with this Christmas cracker on the big day. You’re welcome!
Birmingham Royal Ballet will be performing The Nutcracker at the Royal Albert Hall from Sunday 29 – Tuesday 31 December 2024. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.royalalberthall.com.
The Paddington Bear Experience
Paddington fever is sweeping the nation faster than you can say “marmalade sandwich.” The duffel-clad, suitcase-clutching bear first graced the capital nearly 60 years ago, quickly securing a special place in Londoners’ hearts. When the Channel Tunnel was completed, British tunnellers passed a sentimental gift to their French counterparts: a beady-eyed, blue duffel-wearing bear. After the late Queen’s passing (Paddington’s favourite afternoon tea date), hundreds of red-hatted, suitcase-clutching teddies were left stuffed between the bouquets which flooded Buckingham Palace.
So, it’s no surprise that London’s newest family attraction is an immersive multi-room experience dedicated to our beloved bear. Set within South Bank’s iconic County Hall, The Paddington Bear Experience takes you on a journey; from Paddington Station to the Peruvian jungle, meeting iconic characters along the way, helping them complete games and challenges in a bid to throw the ultimate Marmalade Day Festival. Until Sunday 5th January 2025, the halls are decked for Christmas, with a neck-crickingly tall Christmas tree and festive treats galore.
Treat a lucky Londoner with tickets to The Paddington Bear Experience this Christmas. Visit www.paddingtonbearexperience.com.
The Nutcracker again…but with a difference
The Polka Theatre’s Nutcracker production is definitely worth the trip down to SW19. This magical, musical quest contains a sleigh-load of jokes as well as Christmas favourites sung by the “cheesy five”. Think “Last Christmas, I gave you my cheese”. Aside from the cheesiness, the singing is actually brilliant, and the jokes much-enjoyed by adults and kids alike. Inspired by the story of “The Nutcracker”, it features siblings Clara and Fritz who have to put their squabbling aside to defeat the evil many-headed Mouse King trying to ruin Christmas. My six-year-old daughter’s highlight? When Fritz had to fight a monster poo, of course. On now (until 26th January) at the Polka Theatre, Wimbledon. For more information, and for tickets, please visit www.polkatheatre.com.
Christmas at Kew, Kew Gardens (main picture)
No Christmas outing list would be complete without the mighty light trail at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Again, worth the trek to south London if you’re a north Londoner like me. This enchanting experience celebrates nature at night with more than 20 dazzling installations. Highlights include the laser show, glittering tunnels, Christmas trees with real fire, and the spectacular water show finale.
At 3km long, you need a few hours to get around it, take photos, and soak up the atmosphere. You’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of food and drink stalls dotted along the way (and toilets!). My kids loved the churros, and I enjoyed a tipple of Disaranno Velvet liqueur. There’s also a funfair with nostalgic rides. Christmas at Kew runs until 5th January. For more information, and for bookings, please visit www.kew.org.
Dick Whittington and his Cat at the Hackney Empire
The iconic Hackney Empire gets my vote for the capital’s best panto, and this year’s Dick Whittington and his Cat doesn’t disappoint. The show marks the theatre’s 25th pantomime, and 17th year with Clive Rowe as the dame – and his fourth year directing. It’s got everything you’d want in a panto: extravagant costumes, audience participation, cheeky jokes, sensational song and dance numbers, plus a strong London theme as Jack finds himself on the path to becoming the Mayor of London.
Kat B as Tommy the Cat and Kandaka Moore as Dick Whittington (Photo by Mark Senior, courtesy of the Hackney Empire)
This is a great one to take your mates to, as well as your kids. Note that it’s about two and a half hours long (including a 20-minute interval) so may not be suitable for toddlers and pre-schoolers – depends what their attention span is like! Dick Whittington runs at the Hackney Empire from 30th November until 5th January. For more information, and for bookings, please visit www.hackneyempire.co.uk.
Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas, The Apollo Theatre
If you’d rather stick to central London and want something educational yet magical that really is tailored to kids, check out TV presenter Maddie Moate (from CBeebies ‘Maddie’s Do You Know?) in “Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas”. Set in Santa’s workshop, Maddie and her young audience must use science, curiosity, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic to help sort out a whirlwind of mishaps before Mrs Claus’ surprise inspection.
It’s a fun and energetic show complete with science demonstrations and plenty of giggles. If your children like Maddie off the telly, they’ll love her West End show. Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas runs at the Apollo Theatre from 6th December to 4th January. For more information, and for tickets, please visit www.theapollotheatre.co.uk.
Xi Home Dumpling Masterclass, Liverpool Street
Something a bit different: how about a cookery class with the family? All ages are welcome in this two-hour dumpling masterclass from Xi Home. You’ll receive a step-by-step guide to dough making and fillings, and then make two different flavours and styles, which are cooked and enjoyed at the end of the class. Plus you get a complimentary drink, and a well-earned certificate to show off your newly acquired dumpling-making skills.
If December is too hectic for you, consider booking in for the January class as a great way to regroup as a family and blow away any January blues. You can also pop into the Liverpool Street branch from 10 December to try their seasonal specials. These include a Red and White Winter Mitten with umami black sesame, a Reindeer custard bun, and a Christmas Tree filled with sweet matcha. Xi Home Dumplings courses run 3pm-5pm on Sunday 8th December and Sunday 22nd December. For more information, and for bookings, please visit www.wjxfoodculture.co.uk.
Tickets to The Snowman at Sadlers Wells’ Peacock Theatre (main picture)
You can rustle up a swoonworthy wreath and deck your halls till the cows come home, but everyone knows it’s not officially Christmas until you’ve attempted to impersonate a pre-pubescent boy belting out ‘we’re walking in the air’. Luckily, Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s heartwarming stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ iconic festive classic, The Snowman, is back at Sadler’s Wells for its 27th consecutive year – consider Christmas saved!
Delivering a hefty dose of seasonal nostalgia, this gasp eliciting extravaganza is the perfect show to get younger families into the spirit of Christmas- and a great first ballet for little ones with short attention spans! Featuring a live orchestra, it’s a cavalcade of dancing penguins, a pirouetting princess and of course the snowman himself, causing a stir as he soars around the gods – even Santa makes an appearance. One of the best value Christmas shows in town, this family friendly ballet is the ultimate crowd pleaser, whether you’re 5 or 55 – and let’s be honest, where else will you find a dancing pineapple this close to Christmas?
You can catch Birmingham Rep’s The Snowman at Sadler’s Wells’ home in the West End, the Peacock Theatre, until Saturday 4th January 2025. Tickets start at £18. To book, call the ticket office on 020 7863 8000 or visit www.sadlerswells.com.
