🧛 17 things to do in London this weekend with the kids (6–7 December)

Get in front of 12,000 of the best people in London! Find out about sponsored ads here.

Hey DILFs!

A couple of weeks ago I took my son to Wundrful World of Christmas (yes: spelled like a start-up circa 2013 that couldn’t afford its vowels). And while it wasn’t exactly wundrful, it was a lot more enjoyable than the Google reviews – which are almost universally apocalyptic – make it sound. There’s a present-sorting game, a “baking session” with Mrs Claus, a magic penny for the wishing well, and a meet-and-greet with Santa himself – who I’m fairly sure was hammered, as all great Santas should be.

The best bit was the “lift” to the North Pole, which felt magical and properly exciting: I have videos of my three-year-old squealing with delight and pointing out everything he could see as our lift soared over London and through the clouds. Other reviewers complained it relied too heavily on screens, but unless someone’s cracked real teleportation, I don’t see how else we’re all supposed to get to the real thing.

I did have few gripes. There’s no gift from Santa at the end, which feels a bit mean and creates a slightly awkward “so… that’s it?” moment. And at one point our elf helper vanished and we stood around unsure whether it was part of the storyline or a staffing issue. I thought it was just us, but other people have mentioned it too, so hopefully they’re ironing things out. Also, the venue is almost impossible to find. The shops in the area were no help at all; I asked inside three of them and they all looked at me like I’d turned up asking for directions to actual Lapland.

BUT – and this is important – my little boy loved it. Not one complaint, not one moment of confusion, nothing. And they’ve really tried to make the whole “grotto” experience more of an actual event, rather than ten minutes of awkward small talk near a velvet chair.

If you’ve been, tell me everything. Am I being irresponsible for recommending it, or did you think it was worth it too? Have they fixed any of the issues I mentioned?

If you’d rather not gamble your weekend on a potentially tipsy Santa, here are some safer bets…

Enjoy!

Jeff xx

PS I haven’t included any “While you’re there…” sections this week, because there are so many individual events and I needed to save your (and my) sanity.

PPS Because there’s so much on this week, you might see a “[Message clipped]” notification at the bottom of your email. Simply tap “View entire message” to see the rest of it.

1: Celebrate Christmas from the shepherds’ hillside with lesser-known carols and a cheeky festive megamix

Carols for All — The Shepherds
Saturday 6 December, 12:30
St James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, W1J 9LL
Adults £15.82, under-16s £10.54

I didn’t really do much “traditional British stuff” or feel much like a Londoner when I was a kid, so now I’m inflicting it on my own children like they’re interns at the Ministry of London and Britishness.

They’re experts at bus etiquette and know when to give up their seat for someone else; they know their way around St James’s Park; they can list at least three favourite pubs and will rank each one’s respective apple juice for anyone who asks; they know that if they give me their scones, I’ll hand over my pastries; they have strong opinions about the sausages at various greasy spoons; they know how to gain access to Westminster Abbey for free; they have postcards from almost every gallery shop we’ve ever visited; and they’ll hum along to the drunk man singing Dancing Queen at 10am outside a Robert Dyas, without batting an eyelid or asking me why he’s wearing underwear over his pyjamas.

Another tradition? Christmas concerts. Both the ones with classic fun tunes like Winter Wonderland and Merry Christmas Everybody, and the proper old-school carol services with O come, all ye faithful and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (and the one song that needs to disappear from every repertoire before I scream: I Saw Three Ships).

This year, we’re killing two turkeys with one wreath: Carols for All – The Shepherds at St James’s Piccadilly has some lesser-known carols that lean into the shepherds’-eye view of things, plus a “Christmas Megamix” featuring everyone from Mariah to The Pogues.

St James’s is also one of those churches that’s worth supporting even if your relationship with organised religion begins and ends with singing descants at Christmas. Alongside the usual services, they run candlelight concerts, a free monthly gospel and soul music festival in the courtyard, free Saturday lunchtime performances, art exhibitions, free counselling, Sunday breakfast for people who are homeless or on low incomes, and plenty more besides. Also: the building is a Sir Christopher Wren original. Meaning: not too shabby.

Find out more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carols-for-all-the-shepherds-tickets-1642859570199

2: Wander through 2,000 pieces of Japanese craft and realise even their colanders are cooler than you

Hyakkō 100+ Makers from Japan
Saturday 10:00–20:00 and Sunday 12:00–18:00 (plus daily until 10 May)
Japan House, 101–111 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA
FREE – but booking is recommended

If we ignore sumo wrestling and hikikomori for a moment, everything that comes out of Japan is SO damn cool and such good quality. Their whisky routinely beats the countries that invented the stuff; their green tea actually tastes like something worth inventing in the first place (unlike the undrinkable green soup we have here); their denim is the purist’s choice and far better quality than the American stuff; their cars, cameras and audio equipment are famed for their reliability; their household goods are as classy and understated as you can get; their video games makers are pretty much industry royalty; their kitchen knives are what you buy when you’ve made it in life; and even their beef is seen globally as the pinnacle of what a cow can taste like.

And we’re lucky enough to have access to lots of this Japanese wondrousness here in the UK. Albeit in moderation: a Japanese bowl or wallet or pair of jeans may be ten times more exceptional than something you’ll find on Shein, but it’s also about ten times more expensive, so we do need to pace ourselves.

Which brings me to this exhibition. Hyakkō: 100+ Makers from Japan focuses on contemporary Japanese craft, and features around 2,000 handmade objects – your everyday bowls, glasses, pots and bits of cutlery – to show how even the most ordinary items in Japan are made with real skill and care. There are also films about the makers, along with talks, demonstrations and workshops to show how it all comes together.

Japan has been good at this stuff for a very long time. For years it was all about the master artisans making lacquerware, metalwork and fine ceramics that involved years of training and serious price tags. After that came the mingei (folk craft) movement, which shifted attention to everyday items that were more practical and less flashy.

What’s happening now is a mix of the two earlier approaches: everyday objects, but with more personality. Makers are still producing practical pieces, but they’re giving themselves more room to bring in their own style and ideas. The traditional techniques are there in the background, but they’re not treated as strict rules anymore.

It’s all very sensible and practical until you’re eyeing up a £130 ladle, which is 173 times the price of the perfectly serviceable IKEA one currently in my kitchen.

Find out more: https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on/hyakko-100-makers-from-japan

3: Watch a full musical improvised from your children’s ideas, complete with lyrics made up on the spot

Showstopper: The Christmas Kids Show
Saturday 6 December at 11:00 and 15:00 (also on 12–14 December at various times)
Soho Theatre Walthamstow, 186 Hoe Street, E17 4QH
£12–£22 per person
Age guidance: 6+ (according to various websites)

I’ve tied myself in knots trying to describe this because it’s alarmingly close to my dream show. I think the best way to summarise it is this: imagine Whose Line Is It Anyway? powered by children’s suggestions and performed as a full-blown musical.

The suggestions must all come from the children (grown-ups need to keep schtum), so they’re the ones deciding the setting, the characters and whatever deranged plot twist happens next. Which means you might witness Bluey running a medieval castle staffed entirely by Pokémon, Mr Tumble negotiating peace talks between dragons, the Tiger Who Came to Tea leading an intergalactic heist, or Peppa Pig discovering a portal to the Cretaceous and forming a jazz trio with three confused triceratops. And the cast must improvise all the lyrics and then sing their way through with a straight face.

I’ll be there with my family next weekend, and I’m ridiculously excited to witness the chaos firsthand.

Find out more: https://sohotheatre.com/events/showstopper-the-christmas-kids-show/

4: Sink your teeth into Dracula retold with a cappella anthems, human beatboxing and a love-square subplot

Dracapella
Saturday 6 December at 15:00 and 19:30 (and other dates and times until 17 January)
Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, N4 3JP
£22.50–£47.50 per person
Age guidance: 10+

I thought the Showstopper musical (above) was my dream show, but now this has appeared in my inbox and I’m torn. This seems like a good moment to remind myself, “Jeff: this is not a test. You don’t have to rank your dream shows.” Fine. I pick both.

This one’s about a solicitor from London, a mysterious count from Transylvania and an ensemble of very impressive vocal talent. When Harker heads off to sell a crumbling castle to his enigmatic client, he doesn’t expect to end up in a love triangle – or actually a square – involving his wife, her best friend and one extremely melodramatic vampire. It’s already sounding unreasonably exciting, but I haven’t even told you the best bit – which you’ve no doubt guessed but I’m sharing anyway. It features a cappella covers throughout, all accompanied by “a human beatboxer”!!! (Minor quibble: when are beatboxers not human? Unless there’s a famous hamster beatboxer I’ve somehow missed – which is entirely possible, as I’m not exactly plugged into beatboxing culture.)

Songs include Somebody to Love, The Great Pretender and Eye of the Tiger – all performed by a cast with serious West End credentials, plus a reigning UK beatbox champion. The co-writer is Dan Patterson – creator of Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Mock The Week – so the show is basically guaranteed not to be bad. Warning: if puns do nothing for you, perhaps don’t book this one.

The recommended age is 10+, and I’m assuming that’s because of the “love square” rather than gore. There aren’t any reviews yet for me to check that, so if you’re keen to find out, it may be worth a quick call to the theatre.

Find out more: https://parktheatre.co.uk/events/dracapella

5: Catch one of London’s biggest community choirs as they deliver festive classics with proper gospel fire

London International Gospel Choir: A Gospel Christmas
Saturday 6 December at 19:00 and Sunday 7 December at 14:00
Sinfonia Smith Square, SW1P 3HA
£19.44–£28.08 per person

Note: at the time of writing, barely any seating remains in the stalls, but there are still plenty of seats in the gallery.

I love gospel music, which is why I’ve watched Sister Act more times than I’m willing to admit. (Sister Act 2 has not had the same treatment from me, because even gospel can’t make up for certain plotlines.) Which means a proper gospel choir in London is very much my idea of festive joy.

London International Gospel Choir is one of the biggest community choirs in the city, and they’ve sung for royalty, politicians, BBC audiences and even Hugh Jackman at the O2. My feelings about Hugh Jackman are complicated, but that’s not the choir’s problem, so on we go.

After their debut at Smith Square Hall in April, they’re now returning for two Christmas concerts with big harmonies and proper festive energy – so if your children have only ever heard carols mumbled in school halls, this will be a useful corrective. Last year they were finalists at international choir competition How Sweet the Sound, performed with Joss Stone at the Royal Albert Hall and released their first EP, so they’re not exactly winging it.

Warning: you WILL spend the rest of December judging every other Christmas event by thinking, “Would this improve with a gospel breakdown?” and the answer will almost always be yes.

Find out more: https://www.sinfoniasmithsq.org.uk/event/ligc-christmas-2025

6–17: SO. MUCH. MORE!

A Squash and a Squeeze by Julia Donaldson
Until 23 December, 11:00 and/or 13:30
Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX
Adults £25.50, children £19.50
Age guidance: 3+

“Step into the magical world of A Squash and a Squeeze live on stage!

Once upon a time, a little old lady lived all by herself in her cosy cottage, but she wasn't happy – her house felt just too small. Whatever could she do? Will the wise old man's solution of bringing in a flappy, scratchy, greedy, noisy crowd of farmyard animals work?

Join us for this heartwarming and hilarious adventure, full of beautiful puppets and enchanting songs. Written and illustrated by the unparalleled picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and adapted for the stage by Oliver-nominated duo Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane.”

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Until 4 January, 10:00–20:00
Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, KT8 9AU
Adults £18, 3–12s £13.50 (doesn’t include palace admission)

“Experience a regal day out where elegance and history meet the electricity of ice skating. In the iconic landmark of Hampton Court Palace, inspired by traditional royal decoration, the traditional Ice Rink has been redefined with the chance to glide and dance, surrounded by centuries of architectural beauty.

Be immersed in the magical scenes where Henry VIII once walked, surrounded by beautiful greenery, captivating fairy lights and a warm, festive experience.

Alongside fewer skaters for a more intimate experience, the traditions of Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink are enhanced, taking years of a traditional London winter staple into a whole new atmosphere. With a brand new rink for smoother, longer-lasting skate sessions and fresh and updated skates for comfort, every detail is crafted for the perfect winter skate.

Make your day unforgettable with a trip inside Hampton Court Palace, which will be transformed into a food lover’s winter wonderland at this year’s Festive Fayre on 05 - 07 and 12 - 14 December.”

Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 2025
Until 8 February, 10:30–18:00 (until 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays)
National Portrait Gallery, St Martin's Place, WC2H 0HE
Adults £9.50, 12–18s £4.75, under-12s free

“The Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize showcases the work of talented young photographers, gifted amateurs and established professionals in the very best of contemporary photography.

The competition celebrates a diverse range of images and tells the fascinating stories behind the creation of works, from formal commissioned portraits to more spontaneous and intimate moments capturing friends and family. The selected images, many of which are on display for the first time, explore both traditional and contemporary approaches to the photographic portrait whilst capturing a range of characters, moods and locations.

The 2025 edition also sees the unveiling of a new commission for the Gallery’s Collection.”

A Story of South Asian Art: Mrinalini Mukherjee and Her Circle
Until 24 February, 10:00–18:00 (until 21:00 on Fridays; closed Mondays)
Royal Academy, Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD
Adults £15, under-16s free

“Experience a constellation of avant-garde artists who have shaped the trajectory of Indian Modernism through to contemporary art. At its core, the radical work of Mrinalini Mukherjee.

This exhibition traces a century of South Asian art, from the 1930s to the present day, through the people and places that influenced Indian sculptor Mrinalini Mukherjee (1949-2015). Her artworks fuse abstraction with the human form – drawing on nature, regional traditions of architecture and craft and international Modernist art and design.

Alongside Mukherjee, the exhibition features seminal work by her parents, Leela Mukherjee and Benode Behari Mukherjee, who taught at Kala Bhavana in Santiniketan, the pioneering art school founded by poet and polymath Rabindranath Tagore. It also celebrates key figures of the Indian cultural scene, including KG Subramanyan, Jagdish Swaminathan, Nilima Sheikh and Gulammohammed Sheikh. The works on view range from monumental woven sculptures to intricate paintings, ceramics, collages and drawings.”

The Firework-Maker’s Daughter
Until 18 January, various times (usually 11:00 and 14:30 on weekends)
Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, SW19 1SB
£10–£​​29 per person
Age guidance: 6–12

“Lila dreams of becoming a Master Firework-Maker just like her father. However, to become one, she must go on an epic journey that will push her to her limits. Only then can she discover the closely guarded secret to becoming a true firework master.

But when her father’s life depends on her winning the firework competition and pulling off the best display the world has ever seen, can Lila’s skills save the day and light up the skies?

Join Lila on the quest of a lifetime as she faces friend and foe on her illuminating journey of self-discovery.”

The Winter Bar Street Food Market
Until 2 January, 11:00–21:00 (Monday and Sunday, 11:00–18:00)
St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ
FREE entry

“Step into St Martin-in-the Fields Festive Bar and Food Market, situated behind the church on the world-famous Trafalgar Square. Featuring live music, face painting, delicious winter cocktails, and classic street food from state-of-the-art vendors, our unique winter experience is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas.

There is something for everyone from amazing food from all corners of the globe to delicious, mulled wine and hot chocolate. Set within the courtyard behind St Martin-in-the-Fields, a beautiful Georgian church hosting Christmas concerts and services throughout November and December. Grab some lunch or relax before or after a Christmas concert.”

Note: there are different hours during Christmas week and New Year Week; check the website for more information.

Family Day: Christmas crafts and carols
Saturday 6 December, 10:00–13:00
The Chapter Office, Westminster Abbey, 20 Dean’s Yard, SW1P 3PA
FREE – booking essential
Age guidance: 3+

Note: “This event does not include entry to Westminster Abbey.”

“Celebrate Christmas at Westminster Abbey this festive season. Join our choristers for carol singing and get creative with Christmas crafts!

Get your holiday spirit flowing on this extra special family day where we have stories, crafts and singing all wrapped up.

• Arts and crafts: Get creative and make your very own Abbey-inspired Christmas tree decoration.

• Christmas trail: Discover Christmas connections on a festive trail through Westminster Abbey’s historic cloisters.

• A Christmas message: Share a message of hope or prayer in the Abbey’s ancient candle lit chapel.

• Storytelling: Snuggle up with your grown up to hear some warming festive tales.

• Christmas carol sing-a-long: Join the Abbey’s world-famous choristers to sing your favourite carols.

Whatever your family’s beliefs or traditions, join us at Westminster Abbey to celebrate and explore the magic of Christmas.”

Storytelling with Santa at the Natural History Museum
Until 21 December, various slots throughout the day
Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD
£18 per child (each child ticket includes up to two adults)
Age guidance: suitable for all ages

“Join Santa as he shares a magical Christmas story filled with surprises and cheer, perfect for little ones and grown-ups alike.

After the story, capture the moment with a festive photo and take home a special T. rex tree decoration as a roaring reminder of your visit to us.

Don’t forget to say hello to our famous animatronic T. rex afterwards, sporting its very own dino-sized version of our Christmas jumper.”

The Snow Queen – A Woodland Adventure
Weekends until 21 December, daily until 24 December, 11:00 and 14:00 (and also 16:00 on weekends)
The Albany, Douglas Way, SE8 4AG
£14 per person
Age guidance: 3–8

“It’s Christmas Eve in Bluebell Wood, and excitement is in the air.

Gerda, the littlest mouse, is hosting a cosy sleepover with her best friend Kai — and you’re invited. But something’s not quite right…

A sudden chill sweeps through the trees. The mysterious Snow Queen has cast an unhappiness spell over the forest, and suddenly Kai vanishes in a flurry of snow. Gerda must set off on a daring adventure to bring him home.

Can she break the spell and save Bluebell Wood in time for Christmas? She’ll need courage, kindness… and your help!

Bursting with original songs you can sing along to, enchanting puppetry, lively dance, and wintery surprises, The Snow Queen: A Woodland Adventure is a heartwarming retelling of a classic tale filled with friendship, bravery, and the magic of helping others.”

My Christmas Orchestral Adventure
Sunday 7 December, 12:30 and 16:30
Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2A
£25–£83 per person
Age guidance: under-10s

“Calling Santa's little helpers!

Oh no! Father Christmas has lost his map on a practice run of his delivery route! Thankfully our trusty ensemble has found it but they need your help to return it to him ahead of the big day!

We need to zip around the world on an orchestral adventure to track him down. Along the way we’ll ice skate on frozen lakes, embark on a festive sleigh ride and even go on a bear hunt, all without leaving the Royal Albert Hall’s magical auditorium.

A full symphony orchestra will bring our adventure to life! Will you help the BBC Concert Orchestra save Christmas?”

Soul at St James
Sunday 7 December, 14:00–16:00
St James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, W1J 9LL
FREE – ticket required

“Join us for a gospel take on the Nine Lessons And Carols, a selection of seasonal texts and sizzling gospel arrangements of carols.

This is always a beautiful occasion, a lovely way to begin the run-up to the great Feast of Christmas. Our food vendors will help you to fight the cold weather…but wrap up warmly anyway!

The Soulful Celebration Messiah’s version of Handel’s “And He Shall Purify” is one of the best pieces of music we perform…sneak previews of other songs to follow…plus there’ll also be original spoken word pieces and poetry alongside traditional texts, two of which we’ll explore through extemporary song.

If you feel able to make a donation towards the running of this event that would be massively appreciated; but if not you are welcome anyway!”

The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Until 4 January, 11:00 and 14:00 on weekends, 10:30 and 13:30 on weekdays
artsdepot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, N12 0GA
£15 per person
Age guidance: 3+

“Direct from the West End, the Olivier Award nominated smash hit show, The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns to artsdepot.

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger!

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to be surprised!”