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. We show you how to avoid any overpriced and underwhelming experiences (remember the infamous Willy Wonka event?) with our top five carefully curated picks…
The Nutcracker…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.
