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It can be tough to keep the family tightly knit around Christmas time. The little uns’ are jumping at the chance to start decorating the tree and the house with tinsels, baubles and the lot. It’s a regular occurrence to see them flicking eagerly through the internet, picking out the perfect list to send to Santa. The days of the Argos catalogue were simpler, weren’t they? Not only this, but the rest of the family can get caught up in presents, plans, and preparing for the perfect Christmas day meal.
It can be particularly hard for those living in London to escape the bubble of work and festive frenzy. However, one of the best things you can do to relieve this stress and ensure valuable family time over Christmas is to have a family day out!
But we know how busy everyone can be during this period, so Skiddle have done the work for you. There are loads of top family days out around big smoke, whether at a London show, festive park, Santa’s grotto, and so much more.
So scroll down and check out all of these incredible things to do with the family in London this Christmas, and make it one that you will all remember!
The Snowman at The Peacock Theatre
When: Saturday 19th November – Saturday 31st December 2022
Where: Peacock Theatre in London
Featuring colourful sets and extravagant costumes, exuberant dancing and a heart-warming story, this very special edition of The Snowman has enchanted audiences of all ages at the Peacock Theatre for decades, and is returning for a very special 25th year.
This magical stage adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Raymond Briggs will leave you and your kids with a sense of wonder and joy as you will be transported to the wintery wonderland of a snowman who comes to life, and the boy who befriends him.
It’s the ideal day out with the family, especially if your little uns are particularly little, and will provide you all with an essential injection of Christmas spirit.
Illuminature at The London Wetland Centre
When: Friday 25th November – Friday 9th December 2022
Where: WWT London Wetland Centre in Barnes
The stage for one of London’s most unique light trails has once again been set, and is returning with new displays and so much more for you and the family to take in. Hot chocolate in hand, you can follow the twinkling lights and wander along an immersive light trail of glowing sculptures and installations that emulate and celebrate the natural world.
This is one that the kids will love, as this year you can also enjoy glimpses of real animal magic through night vision goggles, spotting birds and plant life going about their after-dark activities, as well as visit the resident family of otters tucked up in bed, while also learning about phases of the moon and how they impact our environment.
It’s a day out both filled with festive wonder, and a valuable lesson for your children, what more can you ask for!
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
When: Monday 18th July – Sunday 8th January 2023
Where: Gillian Lynne Theatre in London
Step through the wardrobe into the magical kingdom of Narnia for the most mystical of adventures in a faraway land. You and the family can 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.
Whilst the show has been running for a few months now, we think the tale C.S. Lewis’s tale has an inherently Christmassy tone, and if there was any time to go and see this classic, it’s during the winter period.
So if your kids love the movie adaptations, or you’re just after a day out to see them retold, it’s a great day out for everyone involved!
FUN DMC – Xmas Jumper Special
When: Sunday 18 December, 2022
Where: Colours Hoxton in London
Now if you haven’t heard of Fun DMC, then both you, and the kids, are missing out. The regular kids event, held in Colours Hoxton during half term and summer holidays, is the rave you never knew they wanted to attend, and the kids will always want to go back to.
Parents can enjoy dancing to their favourite party anthems from the 70’s until now, with a drink in one hand and your kids hand in the other! There’s family dance competitions, a soft play area for the smaller kids, face painting, colouring in and loads more so everyone from outgoing theatre school kid to the shyest wall flower are all kept entertained.
Plus, this special Christmas jumper edition means you can all sport your finest ugly jumpers for the show. It’s one that you will all have so much fun at and may provide something a bit different for you all this holiday season.
Elf the Musical at the Dominion Theatre
When: Monday 14th November – Saturday 7th January 2023
Where: Dominion Theatre in London
We should all know who Buddy is by now. Will Ferrell’s portrayal of the overgrown Elf has gone down in Christmas movie folklore and there are very few families who don’t give it an annual watch this time of the year. However, why not one up yourselves this year, and go and see the joyous theatre adaptation of the beloved story.
Whilst Mr Ferrel, unfortunately, doesn’t make an appearance, the tale of the misfit Elf who, when Santa tells him of his true nature (a human), heads to New york to find his real father, causes merry mayhem, falls in love, and eventually saves Christmas, is an awe to watch unfold on stage, and will have you all in tears with laughter.
It’s fun for everyone involved and is one that the whole family will love. Who knows, it may even save your Christmas too!