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e! e r F Issue 93 Nov/Dec 2011
Festive Cheer! PLUS • Top Baby Sleeping Tips • Natural Remedies for Winter Colds
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Contents Issue 93 | Nov/Dec 2011 | Families North London
This Issue 8 Go to Sleep, please… 14 Gift Guide 15 Christmas Cheer!
4
7
8
Regular Features 4 News 7 Health:
15
17
10
Three Natural Energy Boosters Have a Happy Healthy Winter!
11 Book Corner
14
12 Eating Out 13 Five of the Best: Streets for Christmas Shopping 16 Out & About
Welcome Families North Magazine PO Box 56943, London N10 9AE Tel: 020 8815 1351 Proprietor/Editor: Harriet Taylor Web Manager: Melanie Carpigo melanie@familiesnorth.co.uk Advertising: advertising@familiesnorth.co.uk Listings: Contact Kathy Brown on listings@familiesnorth.com Distribution: distribution@familiesnorth.co.uk Design: Positive2 020 8444 5050 Print: Bishop’s Printers Next issue: xxxxx Focusing on: xxxxxx Deadline: xxxxx
Families all over North London start planning the festive season, and we hope that as busy parents, our guide to surviving this demanding time of year helps you to get everything wrapped up with the minimum stress! This issue brings you a whole selection of special events, shows, concerts, Christmas markets, and more making the holiday season really memorable. Wishing you a very happy festive season, and a prosperous New Year! Harriet Taylor Editor
Stagecoach Parties!
We take children on a roller coaster ride through their imagination and land them safely back home with a bulging bag of amazing memories.
Christmas
Themed Parties available
Spectacular Themed Parties for 4-10 years! Unforgettable stories and characters! Thrilling and exciting party games! Plus Murder Mystery Parties for 11-16 years!
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they’ll remember forever!
Blast off to the ‘Space Party’! Join the North Star Squadron, headed up by Captain S TA G E C O A C H Milky Way
For further information
0776 622 7810 or 0208 444 2220 Trust Stagecoach to know parties! www.familiesnorth.co.uk
e: primrosehill@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach-parties.co.uk
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news
News who why where
Mum turns passion for fashion into cutting edge business! Nicole Frost (mother of twins Isabella and Sophie) has created Half-Pint Chic, an online private sale club offering parents up to 70% off children’s clothing from the world’s very best boutique brands. Previously employed in a demanding advertising role, Nicole relished her busy lifestyle but when the girls came
Party for the Parents and a Great Babysitter for the Kids! Do you want to go out during the party season, safe in the knowledge you have the very best care at home for your little ones? For excellent, background-checked babysitters this Christmas season, make sure you try Sitting Pretty Babysitters. We reviewed the company in a previous issue of the magazine and found it to be a truly brilliant service with lovely, experienced child carers. The whole service was top-notch from
Got some news for us? If you are a North London based group or organisation whose services or products are for families of young children, we’d love to hear from you. Send press releases and pictures to: editor@familiesnorth.co.uk
along in 2009 she needed a change. Nicole said: ‘I loved my job but rarely saw my children as a consequence. I wanted to find a way of having a career that challenged me, whilst being able to give my children all the support and attention they need to grow.’ She told us ‘Choosing and buying clothes with your little one often takes a fair amount of time and an awful lot of patience! Half-Pint Chic aims to make the whole process much easier and far more affordable.’ Half-Pint Chic is an exciting new online member’s club – free to join, and members receive exclusive access to exquisite weekly clothing sales via email alerts – so you’ll never miss your favourite label! Catering for fashionistas from newborn to nine years old, it updates its stock weekly with items from sought-after labels and better-known brands, including Poppy & Ned, French Connection Kids and Their Nibs plus many more. Online purchasing through a fully secure payment system and quickly dispatched for efficient delivery, why not grab a bargain for the festive season! www.halfpintchic.com
start to finish. A Sitting Pretty sitter will call before the booking to introduce themselves. They are all effortlessly brilliant with the kids, and will even do the ironing while the little ones are in bed – guaranteed! Sitting Pretty Babysitters offers the very best in professional childcare that North London has to offer. If you needed a good reason to go out, now you have one! It’s easy to make bookings. Just go to their website www.sittingprettybabysitters. co.uk and register online, and if you have any questions call: 07971 083207. You even get a text reminder on the day of booking.
Preparing for a New Arrival? Baby Concierge, the renowned personal shopping service for expectant parents, opened another showroom in Islington earlier this year. The one stop showroom allows parents to-be to view hand-picked products from major baby brands to independent boutique companies. Baby Concierge provides parents-to-be with in-depth, unbiased advice and tailored product recommendations to ensure they are fully prepared for their new arrival – all from a private
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Toddlers Swing into Kings Place Kings Place is a hub for music, art, dialogue and food, housed in an award-winning building in Kings Cross. Since opening in 2008, a diverse and open-minded programme has established Kings Place as one of Europe’s leading cultural landmarks. But did you know even the youngest of children can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a variety of events there? Award winning trumpeter and vocalist Abram Wilson (born in Arkansas, raised in Louisiana) attended the famed New Orleans Center for the Performing Arts, like Wynton Marsalis and Harry Connick Jr before him. Now a prominent performer and music educator in the UK, Abram hosts a series of workshops specially designed with younger audiences in mind. To prove you are never too young to get into the swing of things, Jazz for Toddlers workshops are for 2- 5 year olds plus parents/ carers. Expect lots of fun, music and movement, and an idea or two to take away with you. Workshops last approximately 50 mins and cost £4.50 per child (accompanying adults are free). Book via their box office directly on 020 7520 1490
showroom just for them. Each item selected from the shopping list is ordered specifically for the individual couple and will be delivered and assembled all at one go, at a time to suit them – making the whole process of preparing for a new baby as convenient as possible. A two-hour consultation with Baby Concierge costs £120.00 and if parents spend £500 or more, 50% of the consultation fee will be refunded. For more details visit www.babyconcierge.co.uk. (The appointment only showroom is at 38 Pentonville Road, Islington N1 9HF)
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news
Don’t Miss The Enormous Turnip! It’s the most Enormous Turnip you will have ever seen and it’s coming to Jacksons Lane this Christmas. Following sell-out performances of The Three Little Pigs last year, Stuff and Nonsense return to Jacksons Lane with their infamous blend of unswerving energy, puppetry and live music in this wholesome festive treat for the whole family. In a tiny house the size of a shed, Mr and Mrs Chickweed live on their allotment surrounded by vegetables aplenty. But they can’t resist planting one more seed and as their turnip grows it threatens their house with disaster! Can anyone help pull up their Enormous Turnip? The lovable puppets are created and directed by puppet maestro Marc Parrett who has worked with Bristol Old Vic and The RSC. The company have teamed up with leading early-years performance expert Niki McCretton to create an enormously entertaining show. This re-potted version of the world-famous children’s story promises surprises aplenty for those in the theatre and out on the street too. ‘A simple story excellently told, this is pure down to earth enchantment.’The Stage Log onto www.familiesnorth.co.uk/ enormousturnip to read the interview with the creators and original cast.
Mars Montessori Bilingual Nursery
Islington Green (Angel). 2-5 year olds. 8.00 am - 6.00 pm 2 days, 3 days or 5 days a week 47 weeks a year
020 7704 2805 www.marsmontessori.com
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Twinkle Twonkle – an intergalactic theatre adventure! From the company that brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom, the much-loved children’s theatre company Tall Stories, bring an unmissable treat to the Roundhouse this Christmas. Full of stories, music and the mystery of space to lift you up, up and away Twinkle Twonkle is inspired by nursery rhymes and the
Pupils at Eden Primary Positively Thriving Haringey’s newest primary school opened its doors for the first time in September, and welcomed a full complement of thirty Reception-age children into Eden Primary. For the first year of its existence, Eden is occupying temporary premises rented from Fortismere secondary school. But during those twelve months, just next door on Creighton Avenue, the school’s permanent home will be taking shape. Peter Kessler, the project leader, said, ‘It’s a really exciting new building, designed to embody everything we stand for: diversity, fun, love of learning and valuing nature.’ The families who have joined the new school are reporting that their kids are loving every minute. ‘We’ve received some emails and letters which have made the whole project worthwhile’, added Peter. One parent said: ‘The school has an amazing ethos and as such seems to have brought together an amazing
Big Bang and was devised in association with The Royal Society as part of their 350th year celebrations. Stella loves the stars, her little brother Ryan loves nursery rhymes (and fits them into his life whenever he can). One night, while gazing at constellations of the Great Bear and the Little Bear, Ryan and Stella see a brand new constellation in the night sky with a MediumSized Bear. And worse, Ryan’s favourite teddy bear has gone missing... When Ryan extends the telescope all the way up and starts climbing into the stars in search of his bear, Stella has no choice but to follow. It’s dangerous up there – and Ryan could fall into a black hole and be spaghettified... Will Stella find Ryan in the night sky and solve the mysteries of the universe before it’s too late? ‘Tall Stories sets the benchmark for children’s theatre.’ Sunday Times Showing at The Roundhouse NW1 Tue 29 Nov-Fri 30 December 2011 group of families. Having had the opportunity to talk to other parents in the playground this week we were all expressing how lucky and privileged we feel that our children have places at this school, and that we will be part of this growing community. The positive impact Eden will have will be far reaching for generations to come, never underestimate what you have and will achieve.’ Another commented by email, ‘As a parent I wanted to ensure you knew what a difference you have made to our family. While there is so much to acknowledge, and much that has been done beyond our sight, there are two things I wanted to point out that really show us we are in a different and special environment. The first is the scooter park. The parents really appreciated that you listened to their and the children’s requests and made it happen. The second is that my son seems in a week to have really started to build a relationship with all the teaching staff. I wanted to acknowledge that we know you and the staff have gone way beyond the call of duty to make our dream a reality. Words will never be able to express our thanks and our gratitude for your actions and your attitudes.’ Admissions are now open for 2012, and Eden is holding an Open Evening as well as classroom visits for prospective families. The Open Evening is on 9th November, and classroom visits on 23rd November and 7th December. Places are limited, so if you are thinking of applying to start primary school in 2012, contact Eden Primary now on 020 8883 9527, or visit the school’s website www. edenprimary.org.uk.
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news NCT Haringey’s Christmas Baby Fair Do all your Christmas shopping under one roof and join in festive fun for all the family at NCT Haringey’s Christmas Fair on Saturday 3rd December, 10am-1pm at Union Church, Weston Park, N8 9TA. Shop till you drop at local stalls from NiddleNoddle, Littechook, Cherry Orchard Designs, Arbonne and more, plus free taster sessions from local classes including Diddi Dance, Hartbeeps and Monkey Music, and a visit to Father Christmas
personal, social and emotional development and this in turn enables your children to happily explore their environment and broaden their experiences. They have enthusiastic staff teams, many of whom have been with them for a long time. kidsunlimited day nurseries have been giving babies and children unlimited opportunities to learn and develop through imagination, creativity and play. Their reputation, as one of the UK’s largest, most innovative and progressive providers of private childcare, is one which has been well earned. To find your nearest nursery at www. kidsunlimited.co.uk or call 0845 365 2988.
Choosing the Right Day Nursery kidsunlimited day nurseries look after children from 3 months to 5 years of age. They know that babies and young children need a familiar and trusted adult who will support their
The free pick-me-up for busy young families in North London
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INSIDE!
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Easter Family Fun!
INSIDe!
• Gift Guide • Milk Intolerance Options • Family Entertainment Guide • Cinema Special
Pregnancy Nutrition • Fostering
•
Festive Fun
Choosing a Nursery! INSIDe!
Education News Family Getaways
INSIDE! • School Open Days • Clubs & Classes • Pregnancy Tips • Ballet Special
Performing Arts Training 4 - 16 year olds
STAGECOACH PRIMROSE HILL 077 6622 7810
Venues: Friday School: Primrose Hill Primary Princess Road, London NW1 Saturday School: 14 Gloucester Gate email: primrosehill@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/primrosehill
Covering the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Westminster
Covering the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Westminster
• Childcare: The cost of paid work • The Weaning Process
Stretching children’s imagination for 20 years ENROLLING NOW FOR
SPRING TERM
Covering the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Westminster
Covering the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Westminster
Established business for sale! • • • •
Are you looking for a new career? Fitting in with childcare and school holidays? Creative, fun, worthwhile local business opportunity! Work from home, control your own hours
Families North London has been going from strength to strength since I took over in 2008. This bi-monthly free publication offers North London parents a wealth of local information, news and interesting articles, together with a super useful Out & About guide. It is distributed throughout private schools, nurseries, libraries, health & leisure centres, children’s boutiques, activity classes and workshops etc, and covers postcodes N1-N22, NW1-NW11, EN1-EN5. The print run is 24,000 (and growing each issue) and we have a solid database of loyal advertisers Please email Harry at editor@familiesnorth.co.uk for more information or call 020 8815 1351
Don’t forget to say you saw the ad in Families North!
of course! Or make personalised gifts and cards in time for Christmas with ZEBRA Ceramics and MSMD Creative. Get into the festive mood – and soak up the atmosphere in their café with a slice of homemade cake, whilst kids enjoy craft activities by Creation Station, balloon modelling and facepainting. ‘The Fair is a great place to meet other local families, and we’ll also be raising funds to support the work of NCT charity.’ says Paula Carter, coordinator of NCT Haringey branch. www.nct.org.uk/haringey
Ready for some Seasonal Sparkle! Great news for mums – Mama Jewels, makers of the elegant and innovative baby-proof jewellery for mums of all ages, are delighted to announce the launch of a brand new and exciting range! Each and every piece from Mama Jewels is cleverly designed to withstand anything young children can throw at it and the new winter collection is no different. Like the original designs the new additions are gorgeously stylish, yet maintaining the unique Mama Jewels practicalities. With every necklace having been strength tested up to 90N, completely non-toxic and washable, they are ideal to keep mums looking that bit special even with the children around… And, the added bonus, every Mama Jewels product comes beautifully packaged making them the ideal gift for every mum this Christmas (and a great way to brighten up the grey winter season)! Prices from £19.95 for necklaces www. mamajewels.co.uk
Dramarama ad Xmas 85x87 18/10/2011 15:50 Page 1
DRAMARAMA Stage School Ltd
Drama
Dance
Singing
Christmas courses in NW3 Star in exciting, original dance shows, musicals & plays Plus Saturday morning Street Dance, Drama and Drama Exam Classes in Hampstead. Specialised, fun-based, classes for ages 3-4, 5-6, 7-11 & 12-14 yrs.
020 8446 0891 info@dramarama.co.uk www.dramarama.co.uk
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health
Three natural energy boosters Keep yourself going through the long winter months with these great natural pick-me-ups With another hectic Christmas period on the horizon, many of us feel our energy levels have been sapped after a long summer. Luckily this party season there are some great solutions to offer you a natural pick me up when energy levels are low! Nature’s Plus Shot-O-B12, the ultimate B vitamin boost Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient, essential for maintaining energy levels and overall health. Many of us are deficient in B12, but if you don’t fancy a meat overload, or B12 injection (popular with Madonna!) there is another solution. Nature’s Plus Shot-O-B12 a seven-day vitamin boost that raises your levels of B12 and helps fight fatigue and increase energy levels. Alcohol, stress and antibiotics, poor digestion and certain medications also all deplete your B12 levels, so it’s worth topping up every once in a while in order to recharge your energy levels. Nature’s Plus Shot-O-B12 is available from Nutri Centre stores nationwide and www.nutricentre.com; RRP: £4.75 for a seven-day boost
Have a happy healthy winter: Natural Remedies for Winter Colds No matter how many jumpers, coats, scarves and gloves we wrap our children up in, they always seem to come home from school or playgroup at this time of year with a cough or cold. Each year children catch an average of eight or more colds, and as there are hundreds of different cold viruses around that your little ones are bound to catch one at some point or another. Coughs and colds often come hand in hand,
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EnergyMel Boost your energy and support your immune system during times of stress with help from EnergyMel, a new natural supplement made by some of nature’s hardest workers, the humble honeybee. The bees are fed with a diet of powerful plants with known restorative, energising and stress-busting properties. The active ingredients of the botanicals then enter the honey the bees produce, resulting in a natural supplement containing the combined healing health benefits of the individual herbs. EnergyMel is available from The Nutri Centre nation wide and online at www.nutricentre.com and costs £25 for a 120ml jar.
In our hectic modern lives we are often looking for a little lift.
Scheckter’s OrganicEnergy In our hectic modern lives we are often looking for a little lift, with millions of us turning to coffee and unhealthy energy drinks to keep us going! In today’s ‘work hard, play hard’ culture many of us would love a natural, and tastier, alternative to the chemical-ridden energy drinks currently on the market. This delicious (Great Taste Award winner 2011 – a first for the energy drinks category), natural drink harnessing the power of nature to give a real energy lift also boosts mental performance – Scheckter’s OrganicEnergy. Containing organic raw green coffee beans and organic Guarana giving the physical and mental boost from caffeine, Ginseng helps relieve stress and Gingko Biloba helps boost mental focus. Available from Waitrose, Holland & Barrett and at health food stores nationwide and costs £1.45 for a 250ml can.
as coughs can develop from a cold when mucus trickles down the back of the throat causing irritation and coughing. Coughs can cause little one’s discomfort and even disturb their sleep. Nelsons Sootha®* can help parents bring gentle relief to coughs. It contains the 6c homeopathic potency of natural Bryonia, in a honey rich formula and zesty lemon juice base. (Bryonia, more commonly known as Bryony, is a yellow flowering climbing plant, which has been used in homeopathic tradition for the symptomatic relief of coughs.) Nelsons Sootha is part of Nelsons’ baby range of products, which includes Nelsons Teetha®* teething granules, containing Chamomilla 6C. When my children were teething, Teetha was always the first remedy I would reach for. Available from selected Boots stores, Boots.com and all good independent health food and pharmacy stores.
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parenting
Go to sleep, please… By Joanna Parry
It’s the first questions new mums ask – how can I get my baby to sleep? ‘The moment I put him down, he just howls!’ We have all, at some time or other, rocked our baby to sleep, pushed them up and down the hall, put them in the pram and pounded the pavements to get them to sleep. But it doesn’t have to be like this. Here are our top tips to encourage your baby to sleep. Every baby is different. Some sleep through from the start, others won’t sleep more than an hour or two at a time. Although there’s no way to force a baby to sleep through the night, there are steps you can take that can help baby
How to put your baby to sleep is a matter of debate but whether you use controlled crying or co-sleeping, it’s important to find the way that works for you.
not only sleep through sooner, but also establish healthy sleep habits for life. Establish a bedtime routine. A routine provides babies with security and comfort and can encourage them to sleep for longer spells. Establishing a routine can be tricky with a newborn, but try to get a loose schedule started, especially at bedtime. Your baby will be more relaxed if they know what’s coming, and the more relaxed they are, the more likely they’ll fall asleep easily. Before bedtime let your baby get any pent-up energy out of their system with tummy time or a kickabout, then follow it up with a bath and lullaby. Dim the light when you’re feeding and whatever you do, do the same thing every night. Learn the signs that your baby is tired. If they’re fussing, grizzling, crying, pulling their ears, rubbing eyes or is especially clingy, they’re probably sleepy Teach the difference between day and night. In the daytime, play with your baby. Chat and sing to them, keep their room light and bright. Don’t try to cut out the radio or washing machine. At night, stay quiet when you feed, keep lights and noise low and hopefully your baby will work out that night-time is for sleeping! Give your baby a security object, blanket or stuffed animal. A great way to make teddy a favourite is keep it near you so it becomes mum-scented. Stretch one of your t-shirts over baby’s mattress – when they startle awake the smell of mum can calm them Put your baby down awake. If they’ve become sleepy on the breast or bottle, rouse them slightly before putting them in their cot. How to put your baby to sleep is a matter of debate but whether you use controlled crying or co-sleeping, it’s important to find the way that works for you. I suggest giving your baby a
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chance to fall asleep on their own. It might be OK to rock them to sleep in the middle of the day but not so much fun at 3am! If in the first few weeks your baby is allowed to fall asleep during a feed or stroked until they are asleep, they’ll soon depend on it. Teach your baby to settle itself. If your baby cries, allow them to cry for 3 minutes, then comfort them but don’t pick them up. Let them cry for 5 more minutes and return again. Extend the time you wait before returning each time and your baby will learn to soothe itself and fall asleep without assistance. It’s difficult listening to your baby cry but this method does usually work, although it may take a few days Stay by the cot. Some parents choose to stay with their child as they fall asleep but unless you want to do this forever gradually move further away. After a week you’re sitting by the door and, finally, you need no longer stay. If your baby is upset, go to them and say ‘night, night’, then go back to your place in the room Be consistent. Whichever approach you take, it’s no good doing it one night and not bothering the next and remember, your child won’t love you any less in the morning! Ensuring your baby stays asleep Now that you’ve got your baby to sleep, the next step is to get them to sleep all night long. Swaddling often helps with younger babies, while older infants like to sleep ‘loose’, with coverings that allow freedom of movement. Some babies wake easily at sudden noises so make sure their cot doesn’t squeak and turn the phone to silent! If you’re concerned about your child’s health seek advice from a doctor. Sometimes there are medical causes of nightwaking, such as gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or allergies.
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parenting Every baby is different. Some 30/3/07 14:08 sleep through from the start, others won’t sleep more than an hour or two at a time.
njoy a ball 64 a copy
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Once you’ve got it sorted, it goes wrong… Sometimes when a baby is around six to nine months old, even if they’ve never had sleep problems, they may start waking up at night. This could be because of separation anxiety, teething or reaching milestones in physical and mental development. Stick to your chosen routine for getting them back to sleep. The sudden burst in development isn’t the same as a growth spurt, so feeding them during the night won’t help them sleep better. Move bedtime earlier, as well as moving their afternoon nap earlier and making it shorter. Install blackout blinds if your baby wakes early. If they still wake early, don’t turn on the lights, settle and leave them as if it was still the middle of the night. It might take a while but they’ll get the message! Get in the professionals If nothing’s working it might be time to call in the cavalry. Sleep deprivation can seriously affect the health of both mother and baby and there are agencies that offer specialist help with sleep problems. Sometimes referred to as ‘sleep trainers’, these night nannies will observe sleep patterns and implement routines to help baby sleep.
Sleepy time products that may help: • G robag Baby Sleep Bag www.gro.co.uk, £26. Dream bag www. thedreambag.co.uk, £14.99 • Keep your baby snug in SwaddleMe www.summerinfant.co.uk, £9.95, Grobag Swaddle, £11.95, or Swaddlepod, £12 night light from Slumber Buddies, £20 Grobag Egg room thermometer, £22.50 • Gro Anywhere Blackout Blind, £29.99, or the Magic Blackout Blind, £35.99. Wish I’d had one! • Cuski Baby Comforters stimulate the awareness of familiar scents. Sleep with your Cuski, pass it on to your little one and they’ll drift off to sleep feeling the closeness of you. Officially approved by the NHS. £16.25, www.cuski.co.uk • put a few drops of Sleepytime Room Aroma into a bowl of warm water in your baby’s room. Developed by Jo Tantum, one of the UK’s leading baby sleep specialist, it fills the nursery with lavender, roman chamomile and other calming essential oils and soothes into a restful sleep. £7.99 www.4little1.com • Available at www.jojomamanbebe. co.uk, www.mothercare.com, www. babiesrus.co.uk.
As seen on London News, ITV HOLIDAY CLUBS for 3 -7 year olds Year round Programmes 1 - 3 yrs
Customised Art & Music Birthday Parties 1-12yrs and after school club
Helpful websites For support call the Cry-sis helpline on 08451 228669 (9am to 10pm, seven days a week). www.nhs.uk www.contentedbaby.com www.4little1.com www.babycentre.co.uk
020 7794 6797
email: creativewizkids@gmail.com www.creativewizkids.com
French-English Bilingual Nursery School
Enjoy-a-Ball Sports coaching for 3-9 year olds in a
fun, positive and non-competitive environment. Classes running in Finchley, Mill Hill and Hampstead Garden Suburb. Children’s parties also available!
St George’s Hall Crayford Road (entrance on Carleton Road)
Call 08452 262694 to book a FREE trial session.
London N7 0ND 020 7697 8110
www.enjoy-a-ball.com www.familiesnorth.co.uk
Top tips • m ake the last feed of the day a big one • don’t rush to baby at every whimper – many of their noises are attempts to fall asleep • incorporate baby massage into your bedtime routine • make sure baby’s room isn’t too hot place a warm towel on the sheets to warm baby’s bed, remove it just before putting baby down • tank up your baby during the day – feed them at least every 3 hours • learn a few reflexology points to massage • Remember, a happy mother equals a happy baby. Learning good sleep habits early on will stand both of you in good stead for the future Don’t expect miracles right away, but persevere and be consistent. Good luck!
We are looking for babies and children between the ages of 0 and 12 years to assist us in a range of fun activities investigating how children see. The Child Vision Lab is based at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology in Central London. We will refund any travelling costs up to £20.
020 7608 6819 www.childvisionlab.org
PROFESSIONAL BABYSITTING
• ALL sitters fully vetted and background checked • Daytime or evening babysitting • Excellent rates • Free ironing service www.sittingpretty babysitters.co.uk
07971 083207
Free Ironing Service Once the children are tucked up in bed, your babysitter will do your ironing!
www.lespe�tesetoiles.co.uk
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Local venues
Nurseries
Schools
Children’s Centres
Parties
Baby Story Play
Imagination takes you everywhere...
story
drama
play
6 months – 7 years
www.debutots.co.uk
Dipping their tiny toes into the world of stories, words and sounds, babies and toddlers delight in a multi-sensory blend of storytelling, puppets, bubbles and music. Early Years Drama Growing in age and poise, children are inspired by each week’s magical tale to share their own ideas and feelings as they creatively explore the characters, scenery and sounds together. Family Story Play An engaging blend of our two class formats – perfect for siblings, childminders and children’s centres.
keeley@debutots.co.uk, 020 8211 3389 – Islington, Camden, St John’s Wood jennifer@debutots.co.uk, 020 8442 2380 – Finchley, Hampstead, Muswell Hill
Music classes for babies and young children! ® d no blues ! all r hythm an Hampstead & Notting Hill 020 8451 7626 Muswell Hill, Crouch End & Highgate 020 8889 0114 High Barnet, Mill Hill & Whetstone 020 8449 4025 Southgate, Winchmore Hill & East Barnet 020 8360 2730
www.monkeymusic.co.uk
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Action songs and rhymes Music and movement Fun with percussion Musical games
Since 1993 thousands of children across the UK have grown up with Monkey Music. Our unique teaching curriculum was written by classically trained musicians, and introduces music to very young children in a way they can easily understand and enjoy.
Rock ‘n’ roll - from 3 months Heigh ho – from 12 months Jiggety jig – 2 & 3 year olds Ding dong – 3 & 4 year olds It’s fun, formative and a great way of making friends!
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book corner
Book corner AnyBook Reader – helping children to love books Here is a clever handheld device which can help your child to enjoy books and learn to read independently.
Book Reviews Christmas Eve at the Mellops by Tomi Ungerer (Phaidon)
Meet the Mellops: the world’s most intrepid family of pigs. It’s the day before Christmas and the four Mellops brothers each hatch a cunning plan to surprise their family with a Christmas tree. Little did they know that they would end up with a house full of Christmas trees! The Mellops find a way to share their festive cheer and discover the true meaning of Christmas. A heart-warming tale to inspire children and adults alike.
Jack Frost by Kazuno Kohara (Macmillan)
A magical tale that transforms a little boy’s world into a winter wonderland! Distinctive and beautiful lino-cut illustrations and witty story-telling in this enchanting and very seasonal story.
The device is shaped like a pen but that is where the similarity stops. An optical reader is built into the tip which reads unique codes embedded in the designs of the stickers supplied with the Reader. The stickers are placed on each page of any chosen book and the Reader is automatically synced with the sticker, you can record yourself reading the story straight away. It really is that quick and easy. AnyBook Reader stores the recording and ‘remembers’ which sticker has been associated with the
recording. Your child will be able to play back and enjoy your voice anytime anywhere even when you’re not there. By using your own voice rather than a computerised voice, you can really bring stories to life by adding your own emphasis and voice inflections. It comes with 40 pre-recorded stickers with fun sounds and 220 reusable stickers you can use for your own recordings. RRP £54.99 www.anybookreader.com
Artichoke Hearts
Miki
by Sita Brahmachari (Macmillan)
Twelve-year-old Mira comes from a chaotic, artistic and outspoken family where it’s not always easy to be heard. As her beloved Nana Josie’s health declines, Mira begins to discover the secrets of those around her, and also starts to keep some of her own. She is drawn to mysterious Jide, a boy who is clearly hiding a troubled past and has grown hardened layers – like those of an artichoke – around his heart. As Mira is experiencing grief for the first time, she is also discovering the wondrous and often mystical world around her. This is an incredibly insightful, honest novel exploring the delicate balance, and often injustice, of life and death – but at its heart is a celebration of friendship, culture – and life. This book is the winner of the 2011 Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize.
by Stephen Mackey (Hodder)
On Midwinter Eve, Miki and her friend Penguin find their wishes come true, as they are given a little tree to brighten up their cold, dark home. However, keeping the fairy lights twinkling takes more energy than even the great Polar Bear can muster. Miki’s friends worry when she suddenly disappears, but her magical underwater journey provides her with a light that is everlasting. Set in a timeless, frozen place with dark blue skies and stark snowy landscapes in beautiful tones, this book evokes winter so thoroughly that the reader cannot fail to snuggle up somewhere cosy and read it.
TIME FOR A CHANGE? NEED EXTRA INCOME? £500 – £2,000 per month Home Based Business “Without compromising your home or business life” Global Product (Est. 29 years) “Look Good Feel Good Industry” You could be anything from a parent, struggling to balance work/life through to topping up your pension … People from ALL walks of life … If you are honest and ethical and have a desire to succeed, we would like to hear from you.
Call: Alison or Ian on 01923 232242
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eating out
Eating out
Rotunda Bar & Restaurant
Buca di Beppo
Kings Place, 90 York Way London N1 9AG 020 7014 2840 www.rotundabarandrestaurant.co.uk
Village Hotel, Centennial Avenue, Elstree, Hertfordshire, WD6 3SB 0844 980 0302
A lovely canal-side location, set within the hub of the fabulous arts centre ‘Kings Place’. Enjoy hearty meals serving up great British contemporary dishes. All beef and lamb comes from their own farm in Northumberland, and is hung in Rotunda in specially built rooms and then butchered by their chefs. The menu changes daily. With a pre-performance menu on offer too, why not combine your visit with a concert, for a perfect evening out without the children! The Roast pumpkin soup with toasted seeds was beautifully warming, and the Rotunda gourmet beef burger quite outstanding and cooked to perfection. The wine list has an excellent selection, and Rotunda is also open for fabulous Sunday Roasts with all the trimmings at a reasonable £13.95!
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Whilst the location isn’t particularly inspiring, the restaurant itself offers a warm welcome. Kids are presented with a balloon and activity pack on arrival. The style is very evidently inspired by Italian American diners. The menu encompasses a wide range of choices, and what makes it more unusual is the emphasis on promoting traditional Italian family style dining through the sharing of food. We opted for a mussels starter and a Tuscan steak main and pan-fried Tuna in pesto sauce... fresh, ‘home-cooked’ style dishes that left us more than impressed. Our three your old enjoyed a healthy portion of lasagna and generously outsized ice-cream. For the chance to win a meal for 10 people in one of the private rooms and 5 runners up the chance to win a meal for 4 people at Buca di Beppo then log on to familiesnorth.co.uk/competitions.
The Giraffe Café 46 Rosslyn Hill, NW3 1NH 020 7435 0343 www.giraffe.net/hampstead
The original and first Giraffe café opened in Hampstead 13 years. But despite its much loved status in the neighbourhood as a vibrant and fun restaurant enjoyed by all ages, it has had a new makeover. It still serves up the same great brunches and lunches with the same delicious standards, but the menu has been given a fresh new look. There are some yummy additions, such as the grilled ‘marrakesh’ sea bass fillet, and the amazing open ‘saltie’ focaccia sandwich (a New York recipe of roasted red & golden beets, radishes, egg, feta and capers) bursting with flavour! My children enjoyed the nachos with Mexican salad & chicken, and a perfectly hearty macaroni cheese. Kids meal deal serves any main plus drink for £4.95. And don’t worry, despite the facelift they still get their little plastic giraffes in the drinks! The interior has a real ‘surfy’ vibe – hip, retro and a travel-esque theme, great fun for all the family.
www.familiesnorth.co.uk
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five of the best
Five of the Best:
Streets for Christmas Shopping!
Shopping locally in North London there are some very special streets with a wonderful array of quirky and individual shops. A good antidote to Oxford Street, and certainly plenty of unusual and festive treats can be found up and down the road. Our favourites include…
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STOKE NEWINGTON CHURCH STREET N16
• O live Loves Alfie – for Scandinavian and vintage inspired clothes, quirky gifts for the home and lots of beautiful Knick-knacks! • Route 73 – A magical toy shop bursting with ideas, from traditional wooden toys to the very latest educational toys, craft sets, puppets, and plenty of stocking fillers! • Early Bird – Huge array of Christmas cards, gift wrap, decorations, and a huge array of little trinkets and gifts from lipglosses, notebooks, candles and their renowned Stylish Moustaches!! • Of Cabbages and Kings Christmas Market – Artists, designers and craftspeople come together to peddle their wares (see Out & About for more details) B_Panthakarate.pdf
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28/03/2011
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Regents Park Road NW1
• Elias & Grace – Children’s clothing boutique stocking designer brands including Chloe, Bellerose, Miller, Little Marc and Simple Kids. • Graham & Green – elegant and beautiful gifts for the home, from delicate little picture frames to sumptuous throws, mirrors, plus some interesting little toys • Primrose Hill Books – a lovely independent bookshop selling both second-hand and new titles. • Cachao Toy Café – Choose from much loved brands and hand-picked lesser known toys, from Sylvanian Families, Sophie la Giraffe, Crocodile Creek, together with Aravore Babies, Janod and Micro Scooters. Stop for coffee without having to leave the shop! • Richard Dare – This is a seriously good kitchenware shop
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Upper Street
• Igloo – from beautiful designer children’s clothing to perfect little stocking filler toys, this place is bursting with ideas for all ages. • After Noah – Toys from days-gone-by and retro treats sit alongside the very latest quirky novelty gifts. Plenty of stocking treats, plus little trinkets and gifts for adults, not just those young at heart, plus a basement full of vintage furniture! • Brora – fine Scottish cashmere making the usual gift of socks or scarves that much more special • Gill Wing – handmade contemporary jewellery from talented designers, to suit all budgets • Toast – stylish and unusual clothing, accessories and homeware
Lambs Conduit Street WC1
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5
Flask Walk
• S omething… – a treasure trove of unusual little finds ranging from homewares to vintage gifts, toys, garden accessories and beauty products • Kennards – Shop for food lovers in the family here – tempting treats ranging from saucisson sec to fine cheeses, fine British grocery produce, handmade chocolates, fudge, licorice and other sweet treats plus spectacular hampers brimming with goodies. • The Lamb Bookshop – Known for its brilliant children’s book department, but also stocking toys, crockery and gifts • Oliver Spencer – A modern British designer of men and women’s fashion, quality fabrics, old-school construction and very wearable.
N1
NW3
• M ystical Fairies – Adorned with fairyfolk from ceiling to floor, and an array of enchanting gifts straight from fairy land! Delightful stocking fillers such as fairy dust, little elfin trinkets, stationery, and amazing fancy fairy outfits and jewellery. • JM Pennifeather – stationery galore, quality writing pens and great array of cards and gift wrap • Personalised crockery – Why not order a plate to celebrate baby’s first Christmas? • Judy Green – gifts for the garden, stylish wellies, vases, candles and more
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Choose kidsunlimited nurseries for: w All inclusive fees (nappies, milk and food) w Experienced managers with care focused & enthusiastic teams w Flexible part time sessions and work friendly opening hours w Safe & secure nursery environments w Care for children from 3 months to 5 years Ladbroke Grove - Notting Hill, Wandsworth, Chelsea Hepworth Court, Regents Place - Longford Street, Watford Printers Avenue, East Barnet, Mary Seacole - Tollington Way
Beginners Classes: Wednesday 16.30 Hampstead Garden Suburb Thursdays 17.45 Swiss Cottage
020-8445-2588
www.panthakarateclub.co.uk info@panthakarateclub.co.uk
Save £50 for children aged 5 to 14 years
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on your registration fee Quote: Families
Find your nearest ku nursery in London at www.kidsunlimited.co.uk or call us on 0845 365 2988
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gift guide Fabric Nativity Set £45 www.kidsrooms.co.uk
Gift Guide
Fabric Nativity Set Set the scene with this charming fabric nativity set… A soft fabric playset, where the stable folds down to reveal the sweet little Christmas figures and animals. The star plays Jingle Bells, and with carry handle on the top of the stable it is an imaginative and very portable toy for younger children.
Soft Activity Blocs £20 www.silvercross.co.uk
Soft Activity Blocks 6 beautifully decorated blocks introducing numbers, letters, animals, vegetables, colours and textures in handy canvas carry bag.
Zoo Playspot Mat £50 www.bibsandstuff.com
Broughton Bear £30 www.silvercross.co.uk
Broughton Bear This antique style bear with jointed head, arms and legs is presented in a Silver Cross gift box.
Paper Planes £4.99 www.galttoys.com
Head Phonies At only three inches high, the funkiest portable plug-in speakers around with seriously surprising sound!
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Fairy Tin Tea Set £17.99 www.galttoys.com
Fairy Tin Tea Set Entertain dolls, friends and family with this delightful tin tea set supplied in a handy suitcase, with a pretty fairy design.
Harry Potter Studio Tour www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
My Friend Emily £9.99 www.tomy.com
Paper Planes Make 10 different paper planes following the step by step guide. Includes 40 sheets of patterned paper, stickers and guide. Age: 7+ years
Z oo PlaySpot mat Stylish and fun indoor play mat comprising of 12 interconnecting foam tiles featuring lovable zoo characters. Here is a safe and comfortable play area for children and babies. The 36cm square interlocking foam tiles are easy to put together with the unique ‘X’ connector system.
My Friend Emily A delightful, soft, developmental first doll for little girls from birth upwards. Emily features a rattle necklace, clanking rings and lots of interesting crinkly textures and sounds. Suitable from birth
Headphonies £19.99 www.headphonies.co.uk
The Making of Harry Potter’ Warner Bros Studio Tour Journey behind-the-scenes and experience the magic that has gone into creating the most successful film series of all time. See firsthand the sheer scale and detail including sets, costumes, animatronics and special effects. Visit the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office, the Ministry of Magic, Harry Potter’s famous cupboard under the stairs, 4 Privet Drive, Gryffindor common room, the Hogwarts bridge and much more on this unique walking tour attraction. Open 31st March 2012. Family ticket £83 www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
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christmas cheer
Christmas cheer Spread the festive spirit around your home!
Christmas Shows ‘My choice would be Matthew Bournes’ Nutcracker at Sadler’s Wells. A Theatrical feast!’
We asked one local mum Daphne from Hornsey how she would be spreading the festive spirit around her home and her tips for those Christmas essentials! Christmas Trees ‘We always get ours from Crews Hill in Enfield. Tie it in with a visit to Santa’s grotto. Last year they had live reindeer which the kids loved!’ www.crewshill.com Decorations ‘They have just got to be homemade colourful paper chains, snowflakes made from doilies also essential, and strings of popcorn threaded onto strings with a few dried cranberries. Stock up on popcorn kernels, prittstick and coloured paper the day before.’
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www.sadlerswells.com
Mince Pies ‘Dunns Bakery in Crouch End make the yummiest so I don’t bother making my own anymore. They also have a great range of very reasonably priced Christmas cakes, yule logs and other treats you can order.’ www.dunns-bakery.co.uk Carols ‘This year I have tickets to Christmas Galore at the Barbican, and as it’s an afternoon concert so even the little one can come. Father Christmas apparently drops by too.’ www.barbican.org.uk
Gifts ‘This year we are making them. We bought chocolate moulds and snowflake cookie cutters from Lakeland, so all the cousins will get sweet treats, and the grownups will get our special damson gin! Turkey ‘Able and Cole, they deliver all my groceries all year round and do a great job.’ www.abelandcole.co.uk
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out and about festive fun
Out & About Your guide to North London family entertainment
Festive Fun ADAM ANTS PARTIES 020 8959 1045 adamantsparties.co.uk info@adamantsparties.co.uk Santa at Your Door Bring Christmas to life – invite Santa into your home for a chat and to deliver the presents on Christmas Day or any other day.
BRENT CROSS CENTRE Hendon, NW4 3FP ( Hendon Central) 020 8202 8095 bxsc.co.uk Christmas Events November & December Lights switch on, Santa’s grotto, carols and special activities. Chanukah at Brent Cross December 18, 19, 20 Free activities and live performances.
BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 OQH ( Angel) 020 7288 6272 businessdesigncentre.co.uk countrylivingfair.com Country Living Christmas November 9 – 13 Gifts and home decorating ideas. Cost £16 – £7/ Under 5s free.
CAPEL MANOR GARDENS Bullsmoor Lane,Enfield, EN1 4RQ (M25/J25) 08456 122122 capelmanorgardens.co.uk Christmas Carousel December 3, 4 Carol singing, magic shows, demonstrations, tractor rides and a visit to Santa in his Victorian themed manor house. Entry £5.50/£2.50/ under 5’s free/family £13.50 (2+3). Mother Goose December 11 Principal Theatre Company. Advance booking. Cost £7/£5.
FORTNUM & MASON 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER ( Piccadilly Circus) 020 7734 8040 fortnumandmason.com
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Christmas Story Telling November & December Annual story telling event around the Christmas tree on special days. Charges apply.
HARRODS Brompton Road, SW1 ( Knightsbridge) 020 7893 8877 harrods.com Parade & Christmas Grotto November 5 – December 24 Popular event with the arrival of Father Christmas in style. Santa visits initially open to Harrods reward members only. Booking required.
HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND ( Hyde Park Corner) hydeparkwinterwonderland.com November 18 – January 3 Free entry and a visit to Father Christmas. Themed attractions with markets, observation wheel and Zippos Circus. Charges apply. Open from 10am – 10pm.
KEATS HOUSE Keats Grove, NW3 2RR ( Hampstead) 020 7332 3868 cityoflondon.gov.uk/keatshouse Deck the Halls December 3 Family fun. Entrance £5 annual ticket. Amadio Flute & Harp Duo December 4 Festive music. Free with annual ticket £5. Victorian Parlour Musician December 17 Costumed musicians. Family event. Entrance £5 annual ticket. Christmas Teddy Bear’s Picnic December 21 Festive songs, stories and poems. Bring a teddy. Free.
KENTISH TOWN CITY FARM 1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN ( Kentish Town) 020 7916 5421 ktcityfarm.org.uk Christmas Fayre December 11
Visit Santa’s grotto and take part in craft activities, pony rides and face painting. Cost entrance £1/20p/ Santa £3.
LEE VALLEY PARK Enfield, EN2 9HG 08456 770 600 (M25/J25) leevalleypark.org.uk
LAUDERDALE HOUSE Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk
RNLI Reindeer Run November 20 At River Lee Country Park. Fundraise for the RNLI. 10k or 5k course and family Santa Saunter. Entry fee £5 – £12.50.
Creative Cookery December 19 Booking required. 10 – 13 years. Cost £6.50. The Christmas Cake Show December 19, 20, 21 Family fun. 3+ years. Cost £6. Booking required. Go Crackers! December 20 Make crackers, puppets and paper chains. Booking required. 7 – 9 years. Cost £6.50. Father Christmas in the House December 20 Have a chat with Santa and leave with a present. Cost £5. Santa’s World December 20 Christmas craft activities. Booking required. Cost £6.50. 5 – 7 years. Lantern Making December 21 Make a lantern for the carol concert. Bring a jam jar. Drop-in. 3 – 8 years. Christmas Singalong December 21 Carols by candlelight. Free.
LEADENHALL MARKET Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LR ( Aldgate) leadenhallmarket.co.uk Winter Festival Week From November 14 Market street lights will be switched and Christmas festivities will continue in December.
Christmas Gala December 17, 18 At Lee Valley Ice Centre. Booking required on 020 8533 3154. Cost £5. Santa Cruise December 20 – 22 At Lee Valley Boat Centre. One hour cruises with mulled wine, mince pies for adults and presents from Santa for children. Booking required. Cost £8.
MARYLEBONE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Marylebone High Street, W1 ( Bond Street) marylebonechristmaslights.com November 16 Switch on of Christmas lights by a celebrity, with local retailers Cabbages and Frocks street market, children’s activities, stage shows, Santa’s grotto and fireworks.
OLYMPIA LONDON Grand and National Halls ( Kensington Olympia) eco.co.uk Spirit of Christmas Fair November 2 – 6 spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk Tickets from £16/£8.50. London International Horse Show December 13 – 19 0871 230 5580 olympiahorseshow.com Equestrian Christmas party with show jumping and dressage,
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festive fun • christmas concerts • ice skating out & about War time classics with orchestra in uniform. Cost £16.50 – £32.50. Viennese New Year’s Eve Gala December 31
BURGH HOUSE & HAMPSTEAD MUSEUM New End Square, NW3 1LT ( Hampstead) 020 7431 0144 burghhouse.org.uk Family Carol Concert December 11 Festive favourites. Tickets £10/£8.
Regent Street Lights
shopping village and special West End Christmas finale. Cost £30 – £55.
GREAT CHRISTMAS PUDDING RACE Covent Garden Piazza ( Covent Garden) xmaspuddingrace.org.uk December 3 Fancy dress event. Organised on behalf of Cancer Research UK.
REGENT STREET LIGHTS regentstreetonline.com November 8 Take advantage of the traffic free event to do early Christmas shopping. As is the tradition the lights will be switched on by a celebrity with winter themed activities and entertainment.
SELFRIDGES 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB ( Marble Arch) 0800 123 400 selfridges.com Santa’s Grotto Opens November 19 Meet Father Christmas and his elves and receive a gift. Early booking recommended.
WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans, AL4 OPF (M25/J22) 0870 129 9718 willowsfarmvillage.com Santa’s Spectacular Grotto and Magical Ice Rink November 23 – December 24 Visit Santa and choose a present from his toy shop. Also Nativity show, fair rides, play barn, reindeer trails and synthetic ice rink.
Christmas concerts APSLEY HOUSE 149 Piccadilly, W1J 7NT ( Hyde Park Corner) 020 7499 5676 englishheritage.org.uk Carol Concert – Family Sing-Along December 14 Family friendly carol concert with light refreshments. Cost £20/£15.
BARBICAN CENTRE Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS ( Barbican) 0845 120 7550 barbican.org.uk
SUTTON HOUSE – NATIONAL TRUST 2 & 4 Homerton High St, Hackney E9 020 8986 2264 nationaltrust.org.uk
Mojo December 16 – 31 Puppets, dance and music. 5+ years. Cost £15/£7.50.
Set up for Santa November 27 Family day in preparation for Santa’s visit.
Christmas Galore December 18 Festive music introduced by Chris Hollins. Cost £17 – £39.50.
Christmas Craft Fair December 3, 4 Christmas crafts, carols, mulled wine and mince pies and a visit to Santa. Cost £1/£2.
Lee Mead’s Merry Christmas December 22 Favourite songs by Lee Mead and band. Cost £17 – £39.50.
TRAFALGAR SQUARE 020 7983 4000 ( Charing Cross) london.gov.uk Christmas Celebrations December 5 – 22 Christmas tree lights and carol singing.
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The Joy of Christmas December 23 Carols and traditional music. Cost £17 – £39.50. Mozart by Candlelight December 27 Orchestra in full period costume. Cost £16.50 – £38.50. Glenn Miller Orchestra December 30
CADOGAN HALL 5 Sloane Terrace, SW1X 9DQ ( Sloane Square) 020 7730 4500 cadoganhall.com Christmas Cracker December 21, 23 Christmas favourites from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Cost £37.50 – £12.50.
KINGS PLACE 90 York Way, N1 9AG ( Kings Cross) 020 7520 1490 kingsplace.co.uk Vivaldi’s Four Seasons December 31 The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Cost £9.50 – £39.50.
ROYAL ALBERT HALL Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP ( South Kensington) 0845 401 5045 royalalberthall.com Junior Ignite November 15 Free youth jazz concert at Door 12 – Café Consort. Classical Spectacular November 17 – 20 Thundering cannons and indoor fireworks. Cost £13.50 – £55. Christmas Carol Singalong December 15, 17, 21, 22, Carols by Candlelight December 17, 18, 23, 24
ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ ( Charing Cross) 020 7766 1100 smitf.org Mini Maestro Family Concert November 19 Listen, learn and join in. Cost £8.50/£6.50. Family Christmas Carols December 3 Cost £12/£6. 5+ years. Mini Maestro Carol Concert December 10 Carols, readings and musical instruments. Cost £14/£7.
Carols for Shoppers December 17 Cost from £14 – £7. Mini Maestro Family Tales December 17 Tale of a bull who refuses to fight. Cost £6.50/£4.50. Babar the Elephant December 31 LMA orchestra. Cost £6.50/£4.50.
ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL St Paul’s Churchyard, EC4M 8AD ( St Paul’s) 020 7246 8357 stpauls.co.uk Advent Procession November 27, 28 Sankta Lucia December 9 Service of light with the cathedral choir. Tickets available from the Swedish Church in London. Ceremony of Carols December 10 Medieval carols. Carols & Midnight Mass December 24
WESTMINSTER ABBEY SW1 ( St James’s Park) 020 7222 5152 westminster-abbey.org Christmas Concert December 13 Readings and traditional carols. Cost £10 – £30. Lessons & Carols December 23, 24 Ticketed event. Free. Sung Eucharist December 25
WIGMORE HALL 36 Wigmore Street, W1U 2BP ( Bond Street) 020 7935 2141 wigmore-hall.org.uk Cavatina Family Concert November 26 Music, games and fun. 5+ years. Cost £7/£5. Christmas from Sweden December 23 British and Swedish festive songs and carols. Cost £28 – £12.
Ice skating Open-air ice rinks operate in all weather, so suitable clothing is recommended. There is no minimum age but children’s shoe size 8 or 9 is usually the smallest and bob skates may be available for toddlers. All venues have free viewing areas for non-skaters with warm drinks and snacks.
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out and about ice skating • cinema • museums ALEXANDRA PALACE 020 8365 4386 alexandrapalace.com Indoor Ice Rink Recently refurbished permanent ice rink. Sessions include toddlers on ice and school holiday courses. Cost from £5.
CANARY WHARF 0844 847 1556 canarywharficerink.com November 12 – February 19 Outdoor ice rink at Canada Square Park. Tickets on sale in November.
HYDE PARK hydeparkwinterwonderland.com November 18 – January 3 Open air ice rink amongst the Winterwonderland attractions. Booking recommended. Cost £13.50/£10.50/£9/£8.50/family £34/£36.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM ICE RINK 0844 847 1576 nhm.ac.uk November 4 – January 8 Fairground carousel and openair viewing balcony. Experienced ice marshalls can be booked for individual lessons. Café and viewing area for non-skaters. Cost adults £13/£11.50/child £8/£8.50/family £36/£31.
SOMERSET HOUSE 0844 847 1520 somersethouse.org.uk November 22 – January 22 Special story telling sessions around the Tiffany Christmas tree, on selected dates. Also children’s lessons, ice dance workouts and Tiffany Shop. Cost adults £10.50 – £15/children £7.50/£8.50.
TOWER OF LONDON ICE RINK 0844 871 8814 020 8241 9818 ( Tower Hill) toweroflondonicerink.com November 19 – January 8 Annual ice rink with spectacular views. Mince pies and mulled wine sold in the café. Cost £12.50/£10.50/£8.50/£8. Family £34/£32.
Cinema BFI SOUTHBANK/IMAX South Bank, SE1 8XT ( Waterloo) 020 7928 3232 bfi.org.uk/southbank/imax
BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM Bartholomew Lane EC2R 8AH ( Bank) 020 7601 5545 bankofengland.co.uk
Dinosaur (PG) November 12 Disney’s 39th animated feature.
Lord Mayor’s Show November 12 Professional make-up artists on hand for face painting characters from ‘The Wind in the Willows’. Free.
The Emperor’s New Groove (U) November 14 The Wizard of Oz November 21 Born to be Wild 3D (U) Until November 27 Remarkable bond between humans and animals. Happy Feet 2 3D December Penguin sequel.
PHOENIX CINEMA 52 High Road, N2 9PJ ( East Finchley) 020 8444 6789 phoenixcinema.co.uk Agent Cody Banks 2 (PG) November 12 Cody Banks tracks down his old teacher. Kids club and activities. Eight Below (PG) November 19 Husky dogs travel across the Antarctica. Kids club and activities. Bolshoi: The Sleeping Beauty November 20 Ballet – live transmission from Moscow. Prom (U) November 26 Kids club and activities. Bolshoi: Nutcracker December 18 Ballet – recorded from live performance.
RIO CINEMA 107 Kingsland High Street, E8 6LJ (Dalston Kingsland ) 020 7241 9410 riocinema.org.uk Kung Fu Panda 2 3D (PG) November 12 Spy Kids – All the Time in the World in 4D (PG) November 19 Zookeeper (PG) November 26
SOUTHGATE COLLEGE High Street, N14 6BS 020 8982 5050 sc-zone.co.uk Family Movies Kids cinema every Saturday. Tickets £3 includes free popcorn and drink.
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Museums
Olympic Countdown December 19 – 23, 28 – 30 Make a calendar with an Olympic theme. Free.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HOUSE 36 Craven Street, WC2N 5NF ( Charing Cross) benjaminfranklinhouse.org Children’s Christmas Party December 17 Traditional carols, crafts and treats – 18th century style. Cost £5 per child.
BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street,WC1B 3DG ( Tottenham Ct Road) 020 7323 8000 britishmuseum.org Teddy Time Traveller November 12, 26, December 10 Bring a bear or borrow one – learn about Alan Measles, artist Grayson Perry’s teddy bear. Drop-in. 5+ years.
BRUCE CASTLE MUSEUM Lordship Lane, N17 8NU ( Seven Sisters) 020 8808 8772 haringey.gov.uk Vintage Fair November 26
CHARLES DICKENS MUSEUM 48 Doughty Street, WC1N 2LX ( Russell Square) 020 7405 2127 dickensmuseum.com Christmas Splendour Closed until November 7 Visit the house to see the Christmas decorations. Bookable. Normal admission £7/£3/under 10 years free.
GEFFRYE MUSEUM Kingsland Road, E2 8EA ( Old Street) 020 7739 9893 geffrye-museum.org.uk
Open evening December 8 Festive music and decoration – making workshop. Free.
GRANT MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY Rockefeller Building, University Street, WC1E 6DE 020 3108 2052 ucl.ac.uk Christmas Creatures December 19 – 23 Family activities based on snowbound and ice-age animals. Free drop-in.
HANDEL HOUSE MUSEUM 25 Brook Street, W1K 4HB ( Bond Street) 020 7495 1685 handelhouse.org Weekly Concerts November & December Hour long concerts including short explanations of instruments. Try on costumes, write music and follow family trails. Cost £6/£2/ children free at weekends.
HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY MUSEUM Horse Guards, Whitehall, SW1A 2AX ( Charing Cross) 020 7930 3070 householdcavalrymuseum.co.uk Craft Weekend November 26, 27 Make cards, calendars, decorations and gifts and have a go at candle making, clay modeling and sewing. 5 – 11 years. Small charge for materials. Booking essential. Entrance £6/£4/family (2+3) £15.
JEWISH MUSEUM Raymond Burton House, 129 – 131 Albert Street, NW1 7NB ( Camden Town) 020 7284 7384 jewishmuseum.org.uk Hanukah Candles December 11 Make candles. Bookable. All ages. Entrance £7.50/£3.50/family £18 (2+4). Light up the Night December 18 Lantern making workshop. All ages. Bookable. Entrance £7.50/£3.50/ family £18 (2+4).
Fizzing, Whooshing and Banging Hats November 5 Create a fun hat. Free.
LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM Covent Garden Piazza, WC2 ( Covent Garden) 020 7565 7299 ltmuseum.co.uk
Family Day December 3 Workshops and carols. 3+ years.
John Burningham Book Signing November 26 Author and illustrator of children’s
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special events • further afield out & about books. Free entrance with book purchase.
MUSEUM OF LONDON London Wall, EC2 ( St Paul’s) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk Animals in Wartime November 12 Animals and their courage during the war – pigeons, cats and dogs. 5+ years. Dickens & London From December 9 To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens. Cost £8/£6/family tickets available.
MUSEUM OF LONDONDOCKLANDS West India Quay, E14 4AL (DLR West India Quay) 020 7001 9844 museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands Santa’s Grotto December 3 Help decorate Santa’s Victorian Grotto. 3+ years. Free. Decorations December 10 Use a computer to create festive decorations. 5+ years. Free. Make a Pomander December 31 Tickets on arrival. 4+ years. Free.
NATIONAL GALLERY Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN ( Charing Cross) 020 7747 2885 nationalgallery.org.uk Magic Carpet Story Telling November 6, 13, 20, 27 Stories in front of a different painting each day. Under 5 years. Free. Art Workshops November 6, 13, 20, 27 Hands-on art workshops. 5 – 11 years. Free.
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY St Martin’s Place, WC2H OHE ( Leicester Square) 020 7306 0055 npg.org.uk
Storytelling November 19 Stories and art activities. 3+ years. Free. Art Sessions November 19 Art activities based on a painting. 5+ years. Free.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD ( South Kensington) 020 7942 5000 nhm.ac.uk
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Animal Vision November 12, December 10, 18, 21 Live animal show. Free.
OCTOBER GALLERY 24 Old Gloucester Street, WC1N 3AL ( Holborn) 020 7242 7367 octobergallery.co.uk
Simple Soane Sketchbooks December 30 Make a notebook. Booking essential. 7+ years. Cost £12.
SOMERSET HOUSE Strand, WC2R 1LA ( Temple) 020 7845 4600 somersethouse.org.uk
Family Art Workshops November 19 Limited places, arrive early. Under 5 years. Free.
A Glow in the Dark November 5 Art workshop to celebrate fireworks night. Tickets allocated on the day. 6 – 12 years. Free.
ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS Burlington House,W1J OBD ( Green Park) 020 7300 8000 royalacademy.org.uk
Super Sparklers November 6 Songs and stories. Under 5 years. Free.
Degas and the Ballet Until December 11 Degas’s paintings on movement and dance. £14/£4/£3/under 7 years free.
ROYAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM Grahame Park Way, NW9 5LL ( Colindale) 020 8205 2266 rafmuseum.org.uk St Andrew’s Day November 26, 27 Make a paper plane. Free entry. Wartime Christmas Carol Concert December 17, 18 Christmas concert 1940s style. Free.
SCIENCE MUSEUM Exhibition Rd, SW7 ( South Kensington) 0870 870 4868 sciencemuseum.org.uk Hidden Heroes From November 9 History and design of 36 everyday classic unaltered objects. Charges apply. Robots Festival November 30 – December 31 Latest robotic research to surprise and educate. Includes a children’s conference and workshops.
SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP ( Holborn) 020 7440 4263 soane.org Awesome Egyptian Amulets December 21 Craft activities based on Egyptian artefacts. Booking essential. 7+ years. Cost £12. Deck the Halls December 22 Create festive decorations. Booking essential. 7+ years. Cost £12. Picture Room Calendar December 29 Make a calendar. Booking essential. 7+ years. Cost £20.
Sketches of Spain November 12 Drawings in charcoal and chalk. Behind the Mask November 19 Art workshop based on a masked ball. Fantastic Fiestas November 26 Learn about Spanish
V&A MUSEUM Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL ( South Kensington) 020 7942 2000 vam.ac.uk Glitter & Glow December 27 – 31 Make boxes to keep secrets in. Cost £3 per accompanied child.
V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA ( Bethnal Green) 020 8983 5200 museumofchildhood.org.uk Up, Up in the Air November 26, 27, December 3, 4 Aerial dance show. Free. Mrs Santa’s Craft Corner November 26, 27, December 3, 4 Make and buy Christmas gifts. Pinocchio December 28, 29 Puppet show. 3+ years. Cost £3.50.
Theatres ARTS DEPOT Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 ( West Finchley & Woodside Park) 020 8369 5454 artsdepot.co.uk Robin and the Big Freeze November 6 Robin stays behind while the other birds leave town for the winter. 4+ years. Cost £7. Great Gran’s Great Games November 13
Great gran cannot do a lot of things, but she can swim very well. 4+ years. Cost £7. A Christmas Carol December 22 Ebenezer Scrooge learns the true meaning of love and forgiveness. 10+ years. Cost £13.
ARTS THEATRE WC2H 7JB 020 7907 7092 thelazyelf.com The Lazy Elf December 10 – 22 CBBC’s Ben Hanson joins Santa and Mrs Claus. Cost £14/family £48 – includes small gift for kids.
BLOOMSBURY THEATRE 15 Gordon Street, WC1H OAH ( Euston) 020 7388 8822 thebloomsbury.com
The Nutcracker December 9 – 11 Ballet from the West London School of Dance. Cost £20. The Firework Maker’s Daughter December 14 – 17 Lila dreams of becoming a fireworkmaker but her dad thinks it’s no job for a girl. Cost £19.50/£14.50/ family £64.
(THE) BULL THEATRE High Street, Barnet, EN5 5SJ ( High Barnet) 020 8441 5010 thebulltheatre.com The Snow Queen December 26 Classic fairy tale – family event. Cost £12.
CAMBRIDGE THEATRE Earlham Street, WC2H 9HU matildathemusical.com
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out and about theatres Matilda Until February 12
CHATS PALACE 42 – 44 Brooksby’s Walk, E9 6DF ( Homerton) 020 8533 0227 chatspalace.co.uk cryingoutloud.org Dance Please! November 19 – 22 Interactive show with movement, light and sound. 5 – 10 years. Cost £8.
CHICKENSHED Chase Side, N14 4PE ( Cockfosters/Oakwood) 020 8292 9222 chickenshed.org.uk Cinderella November 30 – January 14 Popular fairy tale with a modern twist. 5+ years. Cost £11 – £20. Tales from the Big Shed December 10, 17 Laughter, fun and silliness from the Tales team. Under 7 years. Cost £6/ babies free. Christmas Tales December 21 – 23 A Talesomime – panto with favourite Tales characters! Cost Under 7 years. £6/babies free.
HACKNEY EMPIRE 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central) 020 8985 2424 hackneyempire.co.uk
Cinderella November 26 – January 8 Family pantomime with a popular theme. Cost £9.50 – £27.50.
HALFMOON THEATRE 43 White Horse Road, E1 OND (Limehouse ) 020 7709 8900
Circle of Tales December 10 A fable using African languages and English. 4+ years. Cost £6. Gretel and Hansel December 17 Comedy version of a classic tale with music from the Humperdinck opera. (BSL) 3 – 7 years. Cost £6.
HAMPSTEAD THEATRE Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, NW3 3EU ( Swiss Cottage) 020 7722 9301
hampsteadtheatre.com Beasts and Beauties December 1 – January 7 Festive treat of fairy tales. 8+ years. Cost £24/£18/£12/family £60.
JACKSONS LANE 269A Archway Road, N6 5AA ( Highgate) 020 8341 4421 jacksonslane.org.uk
The Snow Dragon November 6 Billy, a young goat, awaits the arrival of the Snow Dragon. 3+ years. Cost £8.95. Travels with Grandad November 13 Magical tales of adventure. 3+ years. Cost £7.95. The Magician’s Daughter November 19, 20 Written by Michael Rosen, with puppets and song. 3+ years. Cost £8.95. Bob The Man on the Moon November 27 Bob’s job is to look after the moon. 3+ years. Cost £9.95. The Enormous Turnip December 3 – 31 Can anyone help Mr & Mrs Chickweed pull up their enormous turnip? 2+ years. Cost £14.50/£10.50/family (4) £43.
halfmoon.org.uk
A Roo in my Suitcase November 5 Rosie has a suitcase full of Australian animals. 3 – 6 years. Cost £6. Liang and the Magic Paintbrush November 12 Chinese tale with origami, puppets and video images. 3+ years. Cost £6. Hare and the Tortoise November 19 Meet two competing friends. 3+ years. Cost £6. Snow Play November 26 Join in with Mr Green and Mr White to make a snowman. 3 – 7 years. Cost £6. The Night Before Christmas December 3 Eddie the mouse goes in search of Father Christmas. 3+ years. Cost £6.
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LAUDERDALE HOUSE Highgate Hill, Waterlow Park, N6 5HG ( Archway) 020 8348 8716 lauderdalehouse.co.uk Alan in Wonderland and the 3 Goats Plus November 5 Interactive show with lots of laughs. 3 – 8 years. Cost £4.50. Charlie the Clown’s Circus Stars November 12 Clowning, juggling and songs. 2 – 7 years. Cost £4.50. Tales from the Washing Line November 19 Recycling fun. 3 – 8 years. Cost £4.50. Ali Baba and the Naughty Thieves November 26
‘Bob the Man on the Moon’ at Jacksons Lane
A woodcutter discovers a cave full of treasure. 2 – 6 years. Cost £4.50. The Frog Prince December 3 The frog prince turns to Princess Coral the mermaid for help. 2 – 7 years. Cost £4.50. Mr Boom’s Turn of the Year Show December 10 Songs, music and lots of joining in. 3 – 8 years. Cost £4.50.
LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN ( Angel or Highbury Islington) 020 7226 1787 littleangeltheatre.com The Very Old Man with Enormous Wings November 19 – January 29 A very old man crashes to earth behind the chicken coop. 6+ years. Tickets £5 – £13. Goldilocks December 7 – January 29 Classic tale with puppets. 2 – 5 years. Cost £8 – £10.
LONDON COLISEUM St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES ( Charing Cross) 020 7836 0111 0871 911 0200 eno.org The Nutcracker December 8 – 30 English National Ballet. Cost balcony from £10/stalls from £67.
LYRIC THEATRE King Street, Hammersmith, W6 ( Hammersmith) 0871 22 117 29 lyric.co.uk
Remember the Umbrella November 12 Brolly’s adventures with music and songs. 3 – 7 years. Cost £8/family £30. Gretel and Hansel November 19 Puppets, magic and singing. Messy play activities extra charge. Cost £8/ family £30. Aladdin November 19 – December 31 Fun, laughter and lots of surprises. 6+ years. Cost £12.50 – £30. Limited family tickets. The Magician’s Daughter November 26 – 27 Based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest. 3 – 7 years. Cost £8/family £30. Holly and Ivan’s Christmas Adventure December 1 – 31 Two toys fall off Santa’s sleigh and go looking for their new owners. Messy play activities extra charge. Under 6 years. Cost £8/family £30.
MILLFIELD ARTS CENTRE Silver Street, Edmonton, N18 1PJ (Silver Street ) 020 8807 6680 millfieldartscentre.co.uk Beauty and the Beast November 24 – January 8 Beastly fun in the enchanted forest. Cost family £54. The Snow Queen December 16 – 31 At Dugdale Centre, EN2 6DS. New production of a classic tale. Cost £10/family £30.
PEACOCK THEATRE Portugal Street, WC2A 2HT ( Holborn)
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theatres • workshops out & about 0844 412 4322 sadlerswells.com The Snowman November 30 – January 8 A snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve and travels with his maker to meet Father Christmas. Cost £12 – £32.
SADLER’S WELLS & LILIAN BAYLIS STUDIO Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN ( Angel) 0844 412 4300 sadlerswells.com Beauty and the Beast November 12 Fairytale ballet at Lilian Baylis Studio. 5+ years. Cost £18.
PUPPET THEATRE BARGE Blomfield Road, Little Venice, W9 2PF ( Warwick Avenue) 020 7249 6876 puppetbarge.com
Boing! December 13 – 31 At Lilian Baylis Studio. Joel and Wilkie wait for Santa to arrive and transform their bed into a trampoline. 3+ years. Cost £12/£7. Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! December 6 – January 22
Mr Rabbit meets Brer Santa December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 27 – 31 A Christmas tale with hand carved marionettes. Cost £10/£8.50.
Cost £10 – £60.
SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT ( London Bridge) 020 7401 9919 shakespearesglobe.com
ROUNDHOUSE Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH ( Chalk Farm) 0844 482 8008 roundhouse.org.uk
Family Activities & Tour December 17 Special events for families – sword fighting, demonstrations and dressing up. Cost £12.50/£8/family £35.
Twinkle Twonkle November 29 – December 30 Stella and Ryan reach for the stars. 4+ years. Cost £9/£7.50.
SHAW THEATRE 100 – 110 Euston Road, NW1 2AJ ( King’s Cross)
0844 248 5075 shaw-theatre.com Jack and the Beanstalk December 6 – 31 Traditional family pantomime with a few famous faces. Cost £17.
SOHO THEATRE 21 Dean Street, W1D 3NE ( Tottenham Court Rd) 020 7287 5060 sohotheatre.com Comedy Club 4 Kids November 19, 26, December 3, 10, 17 Cost £10/family £30. Bagpuss December 22 – January 8 Stories, songs and puppets with favourite characters. Cost £13.50/£11.50.
THE TRICYCLE 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR ( Kilburn) 020 7328 1000 tricycle.co.uk Tim and Light November 12 Tim and his cat ‘Light’ discover the true meaning of friendship. 5+ years. Cost £6/£5. Fiddlesticks November 19 Musical mayhem with Fiddlesticks the playful violin. 4+ years. Cost £6/£5. Voyage of the ‘Nutjellynana’ November 26 Three forgotten cuddly toys go looking for adventure. 3+ years. Cost £6/£5. Gretal and Hansel December 2 – 3 Puppets and songs. (BSL) 3 – 7 years. Cost £6/£5. Peter and the Wolf December 10 3+ years. Cost £6/£5.
An intergalactic theatre adventure for everyone aged 4+ From the company that brought you The Gruffalo
ts Tick-e£9 £7
29 Nov - 30 Dec www.roundhouse.org.uk 0844 482 8008
The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark December 17 A baby barn owl and his night time adventures. 3 – 7 years. Cost £6/£5.
UPSTAIRS AT THE GATEHOUSE THEATRE The Gatehouse Pub, Highgate Village, N6 4BD ( Highgate) 020 8340 3488 upstairsatthegatehouse.com Kindertransport December 1 – 4 A nine-year old girl is evacuated from war time Germany. Garden Suburb Theatre production. Cost £12. Guys and Dolls December 15 – January 29 American musical. Cost £16/£14/£12.
www.familiesnorth.co.uk
UNICORN THEATRE 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ ( London Bridge) 020 7645 0560 unicorntheatre.com Blackberry Trout Face November 22 – 27 Three teenagers are left home alone. 13+ years. Cost £11. The Snow Queen November 23 – January 8 Kumar is captured by the Snow Queen and his best friend journeys to save him. 7+ years. Cost £16 – £22. Ring a Ding Ding December 3 – 30 Interactive show. 3 – 6 years. Cost £11/family £32.
Workshops CREATIVE MOVEMENTS St Marys, Primrose Hill, NW3 3DJ. 020 7435 8217 creativemovements.co.uk The Present December 20 – 22 4 – 8 years. Cost £120. The Little Fir Tree – Hans Christian Andersen December 20 – 22 2 – 4 years. Cost £110. Mr Men & Little Miss Stories December 23 2 – 4 years. Cost £40.
CREATIVE WIZ KIDS Golders Green Parish Church NW11 7QG 020 7794 6797 creativewizkids.com Xmas Club December 19 – 23 At Golders Green and Belsize Square. Creative art projects. 3 – 9 years.
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out and about workshops • special events DRAMARAMA STAGE SCHOOL @South Hampstead School, Maresfield Gardens, NW3 5SS. 020 8446 0891 dramarama.co.uk Christmas Workshops December 19 – 23 Dramatots: Drama fun and games. 3 – 4 years. £135/£30. Drama: Games and exercises and final performance. 5 – 6 years. £145/£35. Street dance / musical theatre: 7 – 11 years. £145/£35. Advance Acting: 11 – 14 years.
LEAGUE ONE SPORTS ACADEMY South Hampstead High School, Maresfield Gardens, NW3 5SS 020 8446 0891 leagueone.co.uk Holiday Courses December 19 – 23 Little League and League One: games, exercises, skills and matches. 3 – 4 years & 5 – 11 years.
PERFORM 0845 400 4000 perform.org.uk Narnia December 19 – 21, 21 – 23 Drama, dance and singing workshops with final performance. Venues include Hampstead, Highgate, Northwood, Primrose Hill and St John’s Wood. 4 – 8 years.
VIVEKA 27a Queen’s Terrace, NW8 6EA ( St John’s Wood) 020 7483 0099 viveka.co.uk
020 7522 7888 whitechapelgallery.org Drawing Workshops November 12, 19, 26, December 3, 10 Weekend classes led by artists. Booking recommended. 10+ years. Cost £50 for 5 sessions.
WIGMORE HALL 36 Wigmore Street, W1U 2BP ( Bond Street) 020 7935 2141 wigmore-hall.org.uk For Crying Out Loud November 10 Music for new parents and their babies. Under 1 year. Cost £6 per adult. Chamber Tots November 22, December 2 Music workshops. 2 – 5 years. £6 per child.
Special events BRITISH LIBRARY 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB ( Kings Cross) 0843 208 1144 bl.uk Royal Manuscripts; The Genius of Illumination From November 11 Exhibition of medieval and Renaissance manuscripts. Cost £10/ children free. A Christmas Carol, and the Conjuror December 9, 10 Ghost stories and magic. 8+ years. Cost £7.50.
Health Workshops November 8, 12, 13, 15, 26, 27 Special workshops for parents.
EFDSS Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Road, NW1 7AY ( Camden Town) 020 7485 2206 efdss.org
WHITECHAPEL GALLERY 77 – 82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX ( Aldgate East)
Family Barn Dance November 6, December 4 No unaccompanied adults! Cost £5/£3 on the door.
Perform Narnia Workshop
The British Military Tournament at Earls Court
A Ceremony of Carols and Customs December 18 Carols, music and dance. Cost £14/£11/£5/family £25/under 8s free.
FIREWORKS DISPLAYS enfield.gov.uk / brent.gov.uk Enfield Town Park November 5 Cost £6/£4. Barham Park, Wembley November 5 Fireworks, funfair and music.
HAMPSTEAD HEATH ( Kentish Town/Hampstead) 020 7332 3322 020 7482 7073 (bookings) cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampsteadheath Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club November 13 Booking essential. 8 – 12 years. Christmas Party December 10 Adventure playground (020 7482 2116). 5 – 12 years.
HARINGEY NCT nct.org.uk/haringey events@haringeynct.org Christmas Baby Fair December 3, 10am – 1pm At Union Church, Weston Park, N8 9TA. Gifts, advice, workshops and toddler class taster sessions, also visit Father Christmas.
HIGHGATE LITERARY & SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION 11 South Grove, N6 6BS 020 8340 3343 hlsi.net
JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE 6 Park End, NW3 2SE 020 7431 9866 jcclondon.org.uk Chanukah Fair & Fun Day December 11 At Ivy House, NW11 7SX. Doughnut decorating and arts and crafts. Cost £2/children free. Chanukah at Brent Cross December 18, 19, 20 Performances and creative activities. Free.
LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL November 11 – 20 londonjazzfestival.org.uk Jazz for Toddlers November 13 At Kings Place, N1. Music and movement with jazz trumpeter Abram Wilson. 2 – 5 years. Cost £4.50 per child. Adults free. Jazz for Toddlers November 17 At Arts Depot, N12. 2 – 5 years. Cost £7. Twisted Toons November 20 At Southbank Centre. Cartoon music. 7+ years. Cost £5.
LORD MAYOR’S SHOW Mansion House/Royal Courts of Justice ( Bank or Mansion House) lordmayorsshow.org Lord Mayor’s Show November 12 Procession from Mansion House to Royal Courts of Justice and Thames firework display.
Antique & Craft Fair December 10 Entrance £1/children free.
Animal Parade! November 12 At St Paul’s Cathedral. A musical tale for children. Free.
HIGHGATE WOOD 020 8444 6129 cityoflondon.gov.uk/highgatewood
The Wind in the Willows November 12 At Bank of England Museum – face painting. Free.
Tree and Fungi Walk November 12
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Winter Guided Walk December 10
www.familiesnorth.co.uk
special events • further afield out & about Animated film with live music. Cost family £23.
OF CABBAGES & KINGS Abney Hall, 73a Church St, N16 OAS 020 7254 0060 ofcabbagesandkings.co.uk
CHELSEA THEATRE Kings Road, SW10 0DR 020 7352 1967 chelseatheatre.org.uk
Christmas Market December 3, 4, 17, 18 Free entry.
The Snow Dragon December 1 – 21 Cost £8. Under 7 years.
ST JOSEPH’S HOSPICE Mare Street, Hackney, E8 4SA 020 8525 6070 stjh.org.uk
EARLS COURT Exhibition Centre, Warwick Road, SW5 9TA ( West Brompton) 0870 903 9033 eco.co.uk
Christmas Bazaar November 19, 10am – 1pm Clothes, jewellery, books, toys, music, games and Santa’s Grotto. Light up a Life December 1 Multi-faith remembrance service. Call 020 8525 6033 for more information
SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM County Hall, SE1 7PB ( Waterloo) 0871 663 1678 visitsealife.com 12 Days of Fish-mas December 20 – January 3 Family trail to hunt for baubles leading to Chrismassy fish and regular Santa dives! Cost from £16.20/£11.25.
SOUTH BANK CENTRE Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX ( Waterloo) 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk National Children’s Orchestra December 4 Under 13s orchestra with music from Harry Potter and a celebration of carols and carnivals. Cost £18/£15/£10. Christmas Chocolate Festival December 9 – 11 Free admission. Slava’s Snowshow December 17 – January 8 8+ years. Cost £20 – £65.
The British Military Tournament December 2 – 4 Military theatre, stunts, and vehicles. Cost from £29.75 (concessions available).
EPPING FOREST Visitor Centre, High Beach, IG10 4AE ( Epping) 020 8508 0028 cityoflondon.gov.uk/epping Father Christmas in the Forest At High Beach. Fun trail and forest grotto. Booking essential. Cost £6.50 per child. Father Christmas at the Temple December 17, 18 Drop-in event. Cost £6.50 per child.
ODDS FARM PARK Wooburn Common Road, High Wycombe, Bucks HP10 OLX (J2/M40) 01628 520188 oddsfarm.co.uk
Murmurs December 20 – January 2 8+ years. Cost £15 – £30.
O2 ARENA Peninsula Square, SE10 ( North Greenwich) theo2.co.uk
Santa Specials December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 23, 24 Train ride, and a visit from Santa. Cost £22 – £10.
www.familiesnorth.co.uk
WATFORD PALACE THEATRE Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ (Watford Junction) 01923 235455 watfordtheatre.co.uk Jack & the Beanstalk November 25 – December 31 Hilarious family show. Cost £20 – £12.
The Nutcracker December 27 – 30 Performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet.
STRATFORD CIRCUS Theatre Square Stratford, E15 1BX ( Stratford) 0844 357 2625 stratford-circus.com The Snowman December 2
are proud to present
HENRY HEDGEHOG for 2–8 year olds
Delightful, original puppet shows, magic and games www.pippinpuppets.co.uk Tel: 02083484055
WWT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, SW13 9WT (Barnes ) 020 8409 4400 wwt.org.uk/London Winter Wonderland Weekend December 10, 11 Meet Santa and his huggable huskies and under 8 years can take a sleigh ride. Cost family £26.73. Under 4 years free.
Piano LESSONS Ages 5 – Adult All levels CRB checked Tel. 07792 052 919 www.pianotalents.co.uk
Which Witch is Which? December 17 – 20 A magical pantomime. Cost £6 + entrance.
SALLY SUNSHINE FACE PAINTING FUN !
07837 713 699
OSTERLEY PARK & HOUSE Jersey Road, Isleworth, TW7 4RB ( Osterley) 020 8232 5050 nationaltrust.org.uk Christmas Carols in the Park December 4, 11, 18 Free no booking required.
BLUEBELL RAILWAY Sheffield Park Station, East Sussex TN22 3QL 01825 720800 bluebell-railway.com
Snow Play December 7 – 11 Interactive festive fun. 3+ years. Cost £7.
Christmas Magic December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19 – 24 Visit to Santa. Cost £9.50/£8.50/ under 2s free.
White December 17 – 31 Music, stories and surprises. 2 – 4 years. Cost £12.
Further afield
The Magician’s Daughter December 2, 3 Puppets and song. Cost £7.
‘Bewitching!’ Daily Telegraph ‘Highly Recommended’ Time Out
Magical parties with Laurie Temple and his Company Themed parties & complete party organisation available
magic juggling puppets guitar & songs storytelling mini disco face painting
www.thepartywizard.co.uk
020 8951 9469 07951 596240
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