What's On in London, North

Little Swifts 2025

Venue: RAF Museum London

Website: www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Fun and lively sessions for pre-school children which include arts and crafts, games, stories and songs. Each session is linked to the amazing collection and helps bring the Museum to life. Free but please...

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Venue: Hyde Park

Website: https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

The ultimate destination for festive fun is back with over 150 rides and attractions for visitors of all ages to enjoy. New for 2025, get ready to step into the revamped Santa Land and visit the largest...

The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition

Venue: Immerse LDN, Excel London Waterfront

Website: https://pompeii-experience.com/london

Travel back 2,000 years with VR and cutting-edge immersive tech and experience Pompeii like never before. Wander ancient Roman streets, explore the legendary Villa of Mysteries and come face-to-face with...

Anna Fiorentini Taster Day

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.afperformingarts.com/theatre-and-film-school/schools/camden

Students follow a weekly timetable of Drama / Film, Singing and Dance all taught by leading industry professionals.Take part in a taster day to ensures the school is right for your child. If you are unable...

Chatterbooks Children's Reading Group

Venue: Dalston CLR Library

Website: www.lovehackney.uk/dalston-clr-james-library-activities

Last Wednesday of the month from 4pm to 5pm. A monthly reading group for children aged 8 to 12. Join the library to talk about books, meet new people and discover your next favourite read!

Chess Club

Venue: Dalston CLR Library

Website: www.lovehackney.uk/dalston-clr-james-library-activities

Every Sunday 2pm to 3pm join the club of one of the oldest games in the world. It teaches strategic thinking, logic and it’s fun too. No booking required. Open to any skill level. Ages 7+.

Fun Fridays, Super Saturdays and school holidays

Venue: Hackney Museum

Website: https://hackney-museum.hackney.gov.uk/visit/families/

Learn about life in Hackney with fun hands-on toys and dressing up every Saturday and school holidays. Live like Anglo-Saxons and load the Saxon boat, learn about Victorian toys,try on historical costumes...

Highbury Fields Junior Parkrun

Venue: Highbury Fields

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/highburyfields-juniors

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9am. Free to join but register before you first go along. The aim is to have fun so go along and join in...

Hillgate Tutors

Venue: Online

Website: https://hillgatetutors.co.uk

Hillgate Tutors are highly qualified and passionate educators, offering support at all levels. Hillgate Tutors will work with you to develop a personalised learning plan, specifically tailored for your...

Kumon

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.kumon.co.uk

Using carefully tailored worksheets, students are guided to discover their own capabilities, the skills to self-learn and therefore develop a solid learning foundation. Students start at a comfortable...

Minecraft Experience

Venue: Maritime Street

Address: Corner Corner, Canada Water

Website: www.minecraftexperience.com/london

Don’t miss Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, the ultimate real-life immersive adventure coming to London. Battle mobs and collect resources in a daring quest to save the villagers. Experience Minecraft...

Mini Farmers Club

Venue: Hackney City Farm

Website: www.hackneycityfarm.co.uk

Held every Saturday morning from 10.20am-12.30pm for children ages 8-12 years. This is a great way for children to learn about nature, make art and crafts and get to know the animals under the careful...

Red Bull Race Into Christmas

Venue: Red Bull Racing

Website: www.experiences.redbullracing.com/mk-7-experience-2026

Looking for an unforgettable gift for the F1 fan in your life? The MK-7 Experiences at Red Bull Racing’s Technology Campus offer the ultimate day out for families and fans aged 5+. Gift Certificates...

Royal Drawing School

Venue: 19-22 Charlotte Road

Website: https://royaldrawingschool.org

Young artists (ages 10–18) can immerse themselves in the world of drawing at the Royal Drawing School’s Shoreditch Studio, in London’s museums and galleries, or online. Discover courses and apply...

Story Explorers: A journey through imaginary worlds

Venue: The British Library

Website: www.events.bl.uk/exhibitions/story-explorers

Take a free family trip through the collection and discover the stories behind objects which take you to wondrous places. Designed for children 0–9.Free. Booking essential. Please book one ticket for...

Red

Venue: Chickenshed

Website: www.chickenshed.org.uk/events/red

In the hush of a winter forest, secrets stir - and something unexpected waits beyond the trees... This season, Chickenshed presents RED - a magical, modern twist on the classic tale of Little Red Riding...

The Three Bears

Venue: Half Moon Young People’s Theatre

Website: www.halfmoon.org.uk

This hilarious fairy tale remix celebrates love, laughter and the beauty of families of all shapes and sizes.The Three Bears flips the classic fairytale of Goldilocks on its head and is packed full of...

Neverland at Kenwood

Venue: Kenwood

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/kenwood-neverland

Follow Tinkerbell on an unforgettable journey to a place of magic, imagination and adventure. Neverland at Kenwood invites you to leave the ordinary behind and follow the stars through an enchanting new...

Cinderella

Venue: Hackney Empire

Website: www.hackneyempire.co.uk

This festive season you shall go to the ball, as the magic of Cinderella comes to Hackney Empire! From an unbelievable cast to extravagant costume, from audience participation to sensational song and dance...

Mark Thompson - Spectacular Science

Venue: The Radlett Centre

Website: www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Designed for children and adults alike, Mark’s Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even...

The Snowman

Venue: Peacock Theatre

Website: www.sadlerswells.com

Back for its 28th year, The Snowman is a magical stage adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson. The Snowman is an enchanting introduction to...

Frost Fair

Venue: Stephens House and Gardens

Website: www.stephenshouseandgardens.com

Finchley Women's Institute present their 14th Annual Frost Fair with over 40 Stalls, offering an exciting variety of seasonal gifts and treats, created by local artisans at affordable prices.10.30am-5pm.

Santa’s Grotto

Venue: Alexandra Palace

Website: www.alexandrapalace.com

Santa Claus is swapping the North Pole for North London as he sets up camp in the East Court this Winter! Little ones are treated to a meeting with Santa, a small gift, plus the opportunity to have their...

Stick Man

Venue: Arts Depot

Website: www.artsdepot.co.uk

Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is back in town! This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors,...

The Gruffalo's Child

Venue: Lyric Theatre London

Website: www.thelyrictheatre.co.uk

Tall Stories presents The Gruffalo’s Child. The Gruffalo said that no gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood… Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’...

Christmas Fayre 2025

Venue: Forty Hall Estate

Website: www.fortyhallestate.co.uk

Step into the magic of the holidays at the Forty Hall Christmas Fayre, where festive cheer awaits you on two floors of shopping and outdoor live music. Explore a wide array of stalls offering unique gifts,...

Meet Father Christmas

Venue: Kenwood

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk

Father Christmas is taking time out of his busy festive schedule to tell some of his favourite seasonal stories around the Christmas tree. After the group storytelling session, you and your children will...

Chanukah Funukah

Venue: JW3

Website: www.jw3.org.uk

Get ready to light up the season! Step into a building packed with excitement where you can get creative, groove and move and party, and dive into captivating interactive stories. There will be something...

Primrose Hill Street Fair

Venue: Regents Park Road, London

Website: www.irvinleisure.co.uk

Wherever you are born or whatever your colour, you will always be welcomed into George Irvin’s Funfairs as they show zero tolerance towards racial or religious prejudice. Because of this, people of all...

Stokey Winter Fest

Venue: Stoke Newington High Street and Stoke Newington Church Street

Website: https://news.hackney.gov.uk

Enjoy a festive jigsaw trail, Stokey’s Special Tree, magical Santa’s Grotto, a tag-making workshop and winter folk songs. 10am-4pm. Suitable for all ages.Collecting for Hackney Foodbank. Info: https://www.seeyouinstokey.com/

The Nutcracker

Venue: Leicester Square Theatre

Website: www.leicestersquaretheatre.com

Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they journey to the magical land of sweets, meet King Rat and the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy. With stunning dancers, Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score, beautiful costumes...

Dickensian Xmas Xtravaganza

Venue: Everyday Sunshine N16 0RT

Website: https://news.hackney.gov.uk

Featuring DJs, live bands, mulled wine, cakes and soup, Oliver Twist and sing-a-long Christmas Carols. Dress code: fingerless gloves. Suitable for all ages. 2-6pm. Collecting for Hackney Foodbank. Info:...

Hackney Christmas Lights Switch-On

Venue: Hackney Town Hall Square, Mare St

Website: https://news.hackney.gov.uk

Join in the countdown to the borough’s Christmas lights being switched on, with performances by the Hackney Empire Choir, a carol singalong (lyric sheets provided) and free hot chocolate for all from...

King's Cross Lights by Water

Venue: London Canal Museum

Website: www.canalmuseum.org.uk

The museum will stay open late on selected dates in December and there will be short trips to St. Pancras and back taking 20-25 minutes from which you will see the plentiful Christmas lights of the King's...

Jacksons Jingles

Venue: Jacksons Lane

Website: www.jacksonslane.org.uk

Take your family and friends for a free evening of festivities hosted in the beautiful Studio 1. Led by the experienced choir leader Laurence Morgan, the choir will be leading a festive sing-along for...

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Venue: Arts Depot

Website: www.artsdepot.co.uk

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…...

A Squash and a Squeeze by Julia Donaldson

Venue: Leicester Square Theatre

Website: www.leicestersquaretheatre.com

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? A musical adaptation of the best-selling book...

Rapunzel and the Revengers - Pantomime 2025

Venue: Millfield Theatre

Website: www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk

Hold onto your wigs and grab your hairbrushes, because London’s favourite pantomime is back with a modern twist like you’ve never seen before! Join Rapunzel and her luscious long locks in an epic showdown...

Sleeping Beauty on Ice

Venue: Alexandra Palace

Website: www.alexandrapalace.com

This festive season, enjoy a charming retelling of Sleeping Beauty brought to life on ice at Alexandra Palace.This adaptation of the beloved fairy tale features graceful choreography, glittering costumes...

Christmas Comes to Moominvalley

Venue: Jacksons Lane

Website: www.jacksonslane.org.uk

The Moomin family demonstrate their special values of tolerance, kindness and integrity, as they prepare for their first Christmas – helping us understand what the festive season is really all about....

Christmas Comes to Moominvalley 

Venue: Jacksons Lane

Website: www.jacksonslane.org

The Moomins are woken up from their winter sleep to be told that ‘Christmas’ is coming. The only trouble is, the puzzled Moomins have no idea who, or what ‘Christmas’ is . . . The Moomin family...

Cinderella

Venue: The Questors Theatre

Website: www.questors.org.uk

Expect big tunes and even bigger hair as Cyndi takes charge and lets her ‘True Colours’ show in a feel-good family pantomime full of romance, rebellion and ridiculousness. £10 tickets are available...

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show!

Venue: Theatre Royal Haymarket

Website: www.trh.co.uk/whatson/peppa-pigs-big-family-show

Peppa Pig and friends are back in their brand new live stage show packed full of music, adventure and surprises for little ones, and is set to delight audiences across the UK.Babes in arms are allowed...

Cinderella

Venue: The Radlett Centre

Website: www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Join in the fun, songs and laughter and follow Cinderella’s magical story with her lovable friend Buttons, her nasty ugly sisters, a charming prince, a pumpkin, a glass slipper, mice... and, of course,...

Cinema Chill: Ten in the Bed

Venue: Half Moon Young People’s Theatre

Website: www.halfmoon.org.uk

Chill out and watch a digital performance on the big screen in a relaxed and laidback environment.This humorous and inventive filmed production celebrates the power of imaginary play and proves there’s...

Showstopper! The Christmas Kids Show

Venue: Soho Theatre Walthamstow

Website: https://sohotheatre.com

If your children could create their very own musical adventure – where would they start? Showstopper! The Christmas Kids Show takes kids’ ideas and turns them into marvellous, musical adventures from...

Splendiferous Santa Days

Venue: Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre

Website: www.roalddahlmuseum.org

Meet Santa in the galleries and get a chocolate treat. Enjoy storytelling from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Mrs Claus, meet the Oompa Loompas, and enjoy Christmas crafts and gallery trails.Free...

Yokimono Japenese Christmas Market

Venue: The Factory, Dalston

Website: www.instagram.com/yokimono_japanese_market/#

As well as a wide variety of market stalls, there will be live performances from musicians and demonstrations of Kimono, Japanese eco-wrapping, Tea Ceremony and Bonsai tree making. Explore the traditional...

Christmas Concert

Venue: Chickenshed

Website: www.chickenshed.org.uk

Expect mince pies and mulled wine, heartwarming melodies, lively sing-alongs, and a celebration that captures the true spirit of the season.This spectacular event promises to showcase the wonder and joy...

Hoxton Street Market

Venue: Hoxton Street

Website: https://hackney.gov.uk/hoxton-market

Grab all your gifts, food and craft essentials every Saturday in December from this old-school market. On 7 December there will be free activities to enjoy for all of the family – including face painting,...

Santa's Grotto at St Augustine's Tower

Venue: St. Augustine’s Tower, The Narrow Way

Website: https://news.hackney.gov.uk

Climb up this atmospheric, ancient tower to see Santa in his brilliantly illuminated 700-year-old grotto. Suitable for all ages. Free, although donations are welcome. Also 14 Dec.

Wick Wonderland

Venue: River Lee, Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Ln

Website: www.bargeeast.com/wick-wonderland

Visit Barge East for their riverside Christmas market, Wick Wonderland. Expect an array of festive trinkets, seasonal sweet treats, and an abundance of Christmas goodies, perfect for picking up gifts for...

Chatsworth Road Market

Venue: Chatsworth Road

Website: https://hackney.gov.uk/chatsworth-road-market

Shop locally for unique gifts and delicious grub in the run-up to Christmas at Chatsworth Road. On 22 December there will be a festive market with children’s entertainment, free face painting, fairground...

The Night Before Christmas

Venue: Arts Depot

Website: www.artsdepot.co.uk

Inspired by Clement Clarke Moore's much-loved poem bringing Christmas Eve to life in a new production featuring original music, skilful puppetry and a sprinkling of festive magic.   Join Amber on...

Festivities at Hackney Libraries

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.lovehackney.uk/regular-activities

Hackney’s libraries are putting on a range of free activities for families this winter – from making Christmas decorations and wreaths, to singing festive songs and watching a wintry film. For more...

Christmas Jumper Day

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.savethechildren.org.uk

Sign up with your workplace, school, community or friend group and join millions of people getting silly for a seriously good cause with Save the Children.You get to have fun, commit some crimes against...

Christmas Tree Decorating

Venue: Shoreditch Library, 80 Hoxton Street

Website: https://news.hackney.gov.uk

Help to decorate Shoreditch Library’s Christmas communi-tree. Make your own tiny book to take home or hang on the tree. Drop in. Suitable for all ages.

Festive Skate

Venue: Alexandra Palace

Website: www.alexandrapalace.com

Glide around the rink beneath a towering Christmas tree, surrounded by twinkling lights, festive music, and even a sprinkle of falling snow. Create unforgettable memories as you skate to your favorite...

Nutcracker

Venue: London Coliseum

Website: www.ballet.org.uk/production/nutcracker

This festive season, join Clara on a fantastical adventure where anything is possible. Embark on a journey full of delight and wonder as English National Ballet brings Nutcracker to life with over 100...

Beauty and the Beast: A Young Company Panto.

Venue: Young Actors Theatre

Website: www.youngactors.org.uk

This festive season, join Young Actors Theatre for a magical panto packed with laughter, sparkle, and a beastly twist! Expect silly jokes, sing-along moments, and a story that proves beauty is more than...

Christmas at Capel Manor Gardens

Venue: Capel Manor Gardens

Website: www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk

Adults and children alike can explore the beauty of winter throughout the Gardens this festive period as families enjoy a Christmas-themed trail. Pick up a free trail sheet from reception where children...

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer -The Drone Light Show

Venue: Copthall Fields, Mill Hill

Website: https://luminadrones.com/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer-sign-up

Follow Rudolph’s journey through the stars at a magical drone light show this Christmas. The sky comes alive with the heart-warming tale of the world’s most famous reindeer, told through cinematic...

Stella's Imaginarium

Venue: Hoxton Hall

Website: www.hoxtonhall.co.uk

Through dazzling aerial acrobatics, shadow-dances, and a kaleidoscope of light, Stella learns that even in the coldest winter moments, joy, play, and friendship are never far away. Step through the snow...

Winter Lights

Venue: Stephens House and Gardens

Website: www.stephenshouseandgardens.com

Come and take Christmassy walk around the lit up gardens. Tickets £6.50 (under 2 years free). Entrance via Stephens Gate on East End Road only. Dogs on leads welcome.

Chanukah Light Ups

Venue: JW3

Website: www.jw3.org.uk

Drop-in for Chanukah and stay for the candle lighting and festive fun featuring storytelling, music, and delightfully delicious doughnuts! Pianist and vocalist Suzie Rubin will join each evening, as well...

Comedy Club 4 Kids

Venue: Park Theatre

Website: www.parktheatre.co.uk

The show is family friendly, but without any patronising idiocy. In fact, it’s just like a normal comedy club, but it’s on in the day, kids are allowed in, and thus there is a higher than usual chance...

The Magic Flute

Venue: The Place

Website: https://theplace.org.uk

Step into Luca Silvestrini’s highly anticipated new dance-theatre adaptation of Mozart’s opera, The Magic Flute, from award-winning company Protein Dance. This enchanting new tale of love and friendship...

Drag Tales

Venue: Park Theatre

Website: www.parktheatre.co.uk

Experience festive magic with Drag Tales Christmas edition starring the spectacular Tania! Christmas is Tania’s favourite holiday, so expect beloved Christmas stories brought to life through captivating...

Snow Play

Venue: Half Moon Young People’s Theatre

Website: www.halfmoon.org.uk

Snow Play is a showdown between Winter and Spring over who gets to stay and who has to go away. Help Mr Green against Mr White in this highly interactive festive treat where you get to make a giant snowman,...

The Crick Crack Club Christmas Carols Show! For families

Venue: Hoxton Hall

Website: https://hoxtonhall.ticketsolve.com

With Sheema Mukherjee and Raoul Neumann banging out the carols, stories from Tim Ralphs, Ben Haggarty and Steph Brittain, disorders of service, chaotic sing-alongs, and Christmas tree shrines - this is...

The Elmer Adventure

Venue: Soho Theatre Walthamstow

Website: https://sohotheatre.com

Join three adventurers on a joyful jungle quest in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the much-loved Elmer books by David McKee. A celebration of uniqueness, family and fun, this feel good...

Winter fun at Hackney Museum

Venue: Hackney Museum

Website: https://hackney-museum.hackney.gov.uk/visit/families

Head to Hackney Museum with your kids during the school winter holidays to learn about life in Hackney. Fun, festive activities include a reindeer trail and carnival-inspired crafts – as well as the...

A Christmas Carol

Venue: Hoxton Hall

Website: https://hoxtonhall.ticketsolve.com

With the rest of the acting cast stuck on a train, the great Charles Dickens himself, aided by his faithful tour manager, George Dolby, take on the daunting challenge of portraying not just Ebenezer Scrooge,...

Hackney Flea Market

Venue: Abney Hall, 73A Stoke Newington Church Street

Website: https://hackneyfleamarket.com

Rummage through a selection of salvaged treasures from dozens of vintage traders and grab yourself some unique bargain gifts just in time for the big day. 11am-5pm.

Magical Markets - Ridley Road

Venue: Ridley Road Market

Website: https://hackney.gov.uk/ridley-road-market

Stock up on your fresh produce and essentials just in time for Christmass and head down on the days before New Year’s Day to replenish your diminished stocks. On 22 December enjoy Ridley Road’s festive...

Make and Race Your Own Toy Car – Christmas 2025

Venue: Alexandra Palace

Website: www.alexandrapalace.com

The Elite Transformation team returns to the Transmitter Hall to bring you more festive family fun, as they offer children the unique opportunity to make and race their own wooden car. After building their...

Pre-Hanukkah Celebration

Venue: Hackney Town Hall Square, Mare St

Website: https://news.hackney.gov.uk

Head to Hackney for an early celebration of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, with music, speeches and a light lunch. The eight-day festival officially starts on 25 December when the first light of the...

Festive Foodbank Volunteering for Families

Venue: JW3

Website: www.jw3.org.uk

Looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend the winter break with the whole family? Volunteer with JW3 and cook up a storm for their foodbank with a special festive twist! This activity is perfect for...

New Year's Family Disco

Venue: JW3

Website: www.jw3.org.uk

You're invited to a family disco with Ilana Banana, the queen of kid-friendly funk and feel good fun. This is a New Year's celebration packed with glittering dance tunes, interactive games, and surprises...

London New Year's Day Parade 2026

Venue: Picadilly, Regents Street, St James's, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and Westminster

Website: www.londonparade.com

Step into the heart of Westminster on New Year’s Day as the London Parade 2026 takes over the streets for its 40th Anniversary celebration. This unmissable extravaganza will showcase the very best of...

The Tale of the Loneliest Whale

Venue: Half Moon Young People’s Theatre

Website: www.halfmoon.org.uk

At its heart, this is a story about neurodiversity, about how being different can be lonely, but also beautiful. The play was developed through workshops and conversations with children, including those...

Tiny Girl Big Show

Venue: Jacksons Lane

Website: www.jacksonslane.org.uk

Tiny Girl Big Show is a fast-paced blend of whip-smart comedy and high-skill circus, packed with surprises at every turn. Expect whip-cracking from the seat of a unicycle, fire juggling, and feats of strength...

Snow White, Rose Red, Brown Bear

Venue: Half Moon Young People’s Theatre

Website: www.halfmoon.org.uk

Snow White and Rose Red – sisters, twins, best friends – have lived in the forest since they were babes in the Wood. When their quiet life is interrupted by a friendly bear a new chapter begins. All...

Flyaway Katie

Venue: Half Moon Young People’s Theatre

Website: www.halfmoon.org.uk

Based on Polly Dunbar’s popular children’s book, with music by Tom Gray of Gomez, Flyaway Katie is an inspiring flight of fancy about the power of imagination. Join Katie in a show bursting with colour,...

Westminster Abbey Chorister Experience Day

Venue: Westminster Abbey

Website: www.westminster-abbey.org

Each term, interested primary school-aged boys can experience being an Abbey chorister for the day. A love of singing and enthusiasm for music are all they need: no formal training is necessary. Book...