Christmas classic: Home Alone is being shown at the Royal Albert Hall
It’s the most wonderful time of the year — but as soon as the kids break up from school, they’ll be looking for festive frolics and fun to get in the mood before the big day itself.
As such, it can be a trying old time; after all, there are only so many trips to Hamleys a parent can be expected to make. With that in mind, spread some Christmas cheer elsewhere with our seasonal selection of family-friendly days out in the capital — and have a very merry Christmas.
Potted Panto
Expect bundles of fun and laughter at Potted Panto, an Olivier-nominated production at the Apollo Theatre. The seven-pantos-in-one performance opens on December 17, bringing to life a host of classic stories. Whether it’s helping Cinderella find her true love, roaming across London with Dick Whittington or waking up Sleeping Beauty from her year-long slumber — there’s entertainment for everyone during this hilarious, 70-minute show, which is recommended for children aged six and over.
December 17-January 8, Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7EZ, theapollotheatre.co.uk
Lightopia
Crystal Palace Park is presently lit up with huge handcrafted lanterns in an array of shapes including butterflies, dragons, Christmas trees and baubles. This is Lightopia, an immersive light show back for a second year. The magical, two-kilometre trail includes 22 trees representing unity and growth, but there’s also a stunning lakeside musical water show with synchronised lights to get visitors into the Christmas spirit, plus stalls stocked up with food and refreshments to fuel up on along the way.
Until January 2, Crystal Palace Park, SE19 2BA, london.lightopiafestival.com
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea
You don’t need a golden ticket to enjoy all the magic and extravagance of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory with this indulgent afternoon tea, which boasts sweet creations that wouldn’t look out of place in Wonka’s factory itself. Little ones can channel their inner Violet Beauregarde with the Blue as Blueberry tart or emulate the greedy Augustus Gloop with a caramel chocolate milkshake — mixed by waterfall, of course. Grown-ups can unwind with seasonal sandwiches and cocktails, including the Chocolatier, a blend of whisky, cherry liqueur, chocolate bitters and sparkling wine.
Wednesday to Sunday until December 24, then daily from December 26-January 2. 1 Aldwych, WC2B 4BZ, onealdwych.com
Dream Big by Disney on Ice
Head over to The O2 Arena to watch the likes of Mickey Mouse, Moana and Aladdin on a spectacular ice-skating adventure. Audiences can enjoy eight tales of courage and heart, including Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Tangled. Join the fearless Moana and demigod, Maui, on a voyage to restore the stolen heart of Te Fiti; get tangled up in Rapunzel’s quest to see the floating lights; and head to Arendelle with Anna, Elsa and Olaf for a powerful retelling of the sisterly love that saved the kingdom. Expect plenty of singing, high-flying acrobatics, breathtaking stunts and thrilling special effects during the 90-minute show that is sure to amaze younger Disney fans.
December 22-31, The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX, disneyonice.co.uk
Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is back and this year there’s a host of new attractions, including the thrilling 80-metre long Aeronaut Starflyer, a surreal, immersive VR ride called Dr Archibald, and a Canadian Mountie Funhouse complete with themed rooms full of obstacles. There’s also a new look Magical Kingdom with secret passageways, a snow-tunnelled ice slide and a spectacular life-sized unicorn.
Elsewhere, take a ride down the 45-metre Real Ice Slide and don’t forget to drop by Santa’s Grotto in Santaland. Creative kids aged 12 and over, meanwhile, can let their imaginations run wild at the Ice Sculpting workshop where they’ll be guided by the experts responsible for building the Magical Ice Kingdom. Oh, and the entire family will likely get a kick out of the jaw-dropping stunts at Zippo’s Christmas Circus.
Until January 2, Hyde Park, W2, hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Elf the Musical
Will Ferrell’s beloved tale of Buddy the Elf is back on our screens thanks to his appearance in a Christmas ad, so the return of this fun-packed West End show is perfectly-timed. The madcap Christmas fish-out-of-water comedy features a toddler raised as an elf who ends up in New York in search his true identity, and the charming caper is brought to life at this two hour and 25-minute show. Dancing Elves, a singing Santa and Buddy himself should have everyone feeling suitably festive.
Until January 7, Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7AQ, elflondon.com
London Zoo
Get Christmas off to a roaring start with an overnight stay at ZSL London Zoo. From December 16 to the 23, families can book the London Zoo Lodges’ Meet Santa Experience — a limited series of magical, festive sleepovers. Check into one of the animal-themed lodges before heading on an after-hours adventure to visit some of the nocturnal residents.
There’s also an opportunity to meet the big guy himself — Father Christmas, that is — who will visit each family bearing gifts. Kids also get to make Christmas presents for the animals, enjoy a two-course dinner and a hearty breakfast in the morning. Spend the following day roaming the zoo and its seasonal attractions like the Polar Post Room and cookie-decorating with Mrs Claus.
December 16-23, London Zoo, NW1 4RY, zsl.org
Home Alone in concert
A fantastic Christmas movie is an annual must. Since its release in 1990, Chris Columbus’s heart-warming blockbuster Home Alone has become much-loved classic. Watch this holiday favourite come to life on a giant screen with a live orchestra playing John Williams’s entire Academy Award-nominated score, all in the grand setting of the Royal Albert Hall.
December 10, Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP, royalalberthall.com
London Eye’s Christmas pod
Christmas without a trip to the panto is like a Christmas tree without baubles — but how about one taking place 443ft above the capital? Enjoy the classic London-themed panto Dick Whittington in an unusual setting — inside one of London Eye’s 32 pods. The Christmas Panto Pod will be decked out with velvet seats, spotlights, and a mini stage, to offer audiences an intimate and fun experience. Each show features the stars of the Phoenix Arts Club and lasts 30 minutes, while the pod completes its rotation on the South Bank. Magical.
December 14-18, London Eye, SE1 7PB, londoneye.com
The Tower of London’s Christmas trail
The capital’s 11th century castle is giving visitors a unique experience this festive season. Explore the 12 Days of Christmas with a twist as you stroll through the grounds of the iconic fortress, which once was used as a prison. Guided by a map, look out for seven sovereign crowns, nine rowdy ravens or try spotting a Christmas tree for each of Henry VIII’s six wives. Walkers can refuel with a mince pie or hot chocolate along the way.
