What's On
listings for all the family Compiled by Anna Blackshaw
To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next What’s On listing. Email Listings@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk. Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check details of the events before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.
www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk for all our local weekly regular events. Many activities and events require advance booking. Please check the website in the listing to confirm terms and conditions for attending before heading out. Wed 9 Nov - Tiny Troopers: Poppies (SW3) Sing, play and create with your little ones at these fun, sensory sessions at the National Army Museum, perfect for ages 2 to 4. Each month will have a different theme. The November session will be exploring poppies and remembrance. Each session lasts approx 45 minutes. 10.15-11am & 11.15am-12pm. www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/tinytroopers-poppies-2 Wed 9 Nov-Wed 14 Dec Parenting Course for Separated Parents (online) This course is recommended for parents who have separated or newly separated and would like to co-parent. Both parents are not required to attend. Topics include: Understanding and acknowledging your needs and those of your children : Building self-esteem: Understanding children’s behaviour : Why a consistent approach works best : Listening skills : Effective communication : Dealing with feelings, and promoting positive discipline. Every Wed, 7-9pm. Call on 020 8863 7319 to register or email info@hopeharrow.org.uk www.hopeharrow.org.uk Sat 12 Nov - Remembrance Day Poppies (SW3) Head along to the National Army Museum this Remembrance weekend to reflect on the service of soldiers past and present. Craft a poppy and add it to the Remembrance Day installation, which will grow and bloom across the day. This drop-in activity is suitable for all ages. www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/ remembrance-day-poppies Sat 12 Nov - Lord Mayor’s Show (EC2R) Join in the fun at a rare weekend opening at the Bank of England Museum, as part of Lord Mayor’s Show! Watch the parade, then explore the galleries and enjoy a variety of activities for all of the family. 11am-4pm. www.bankofengland.co.uk/ museum/whats-on/2022/lordmayors-show Sat 12 Nov & Sat 10 Dec - SENsory Sailors (SE10) Families with children with special educational needs and disabilities (under 13 years) are invited to a monthly session at the National Maritime Museum. Explore the collection, enjoy the opportunity to be creative together as a family, and meet other local families. 11am12.30pm, free, pre-book. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/nationalmaritime-museum/sensory-sailors
10 Families North West London
Sat 19 Nov–Sat 3 Dec - Festive Carolling for Families (HA5) Learn about tone, pitch, melody and tempo while singing a selection of festive family songs, prepared especially for the sessions. Ages 5+. www. harrowarts.com/whats-on/event/ festive-carolling-for-families
Illuminature at WWT London Wetland Centre
Fri 25 Nov - Rickmansworth Winter Fair 2022 (WD3) Rickmansworth library will be open as part of the Christmas evening. Access to all facilities, plus children’s activities. FREE, donations welcome. 6-7.30pm. www.hertfordshire. gov.uk/services/libraries-andarchives/library-opening-hours/ rickmansworth-library.aspx
Sat 12–Sun 13 Nov - VegfestUK London (W14) The UK’s biggest indoor vegan gathering of the year VegfestUK London at Olympia Grand. With a vast array of new products, new vegan businesses, firm favourites from pre pandemic days and a whole host of exciting developments in the plant based world. www.london.vegfest.co.uk Sat 12 Nov–Mon 2 Jan - Christmas at Waddesdon (HP18) With magical lights, the gardens aglow and dazzling displays inside the house creating a Waddesdoninspired wonderland. Experience the Christmas Fair (until 18 Dec), illuminations, and Winter Light Trail. www.waddesdon.org.uk/whats-on/ christmas Sun 13 Nov - Family Workshop: Build Your Own ‘Operation’ Game (HA2) Inspired by the well-loved game Operation this magnetic fishing game is a fun family make where you can create your very own patient to pamper. This craft involves cutting, colouring, sticking and fiddling. At Headstone Manor and Museum. 11am, 12:15pm & 2pm. www.headstonemanor.org/events/ family-workshop-build-your-ownoperation-game Mon 14 Nov - Toddler Takeover Day (HA2) A day for Under 5’s to take over the running of Headstone Manor & Museum. Toddlers will have the chance to be Security Guards, Curators Archaeologists and more! www.headstonemanor.org/events/ toddler-takeover-day Thu 17 Nov - Museum Late: Go for Gold! (EC2R) Discover all things gold at this free evening opening. Kids and adults alike can make their very own money box to take home, shaped like a gold bar. 5-8pm. www.bankofengland.co.uk/ museum/whats-on/2022/museumlate-go-for-gold
Fri 18 Nov–Sun 8 Jan – Illuminature (SW13) Explore WWT London Wetland Centre in a magical new light. Wrap up with your family and friends this winter and experience the wonder of wildlife at night. 4.30–9pm. www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ london/whats-on/illuminature-lighttrail Sat 19 Nov - LGBTQ+ Family Network (SE10) As part of their regular LGBTQ+ programming, the National Maritime Museum hosts a space for LGBTQ+ families to meet and get creative. Join in with artistled activities and LGBTQ+ histories. 10am-12pm. www.rmg.co.uk/whatson/national-maritime-museum/ lgbtq-family-network Sat 19 Nov - Magic in the Museum (TW8) Ryan F. Lacey is a magician specialising in card magic. His tricks will delight anyone. Young and old! You’ll find him exploring the London Museum of Water & Steam and sharing some amazing tricks between 11am-12pm. www.waterandsteam.org. uk/event/magic-in-the-museum Sat 19 Nov - Sea Shanty Festival 2022 (SE10) Visit Cutty Sark for a fantastic day of sea shanty performances and workshops in celebration of the tea clipper’s birthday. 10am-4.30pm. Free with entry to ship. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/cuttysark/sea-shanty-festival-2022 Sat 19 Nov - Families Workshop: Body Adornment (NW7) Make your own wearable creations using a wide range of materials and design techniques at the V&A Museum. Artist Anita Quansah will demonstrate and share her diverse creative skills in exploring the past and the present. There are two sessions, the 10:30am for ages 7-10 and 2pm for ages 10-13. www.vam.ac.uk
Fri 25–Sun 27 Nov - Knebworth Christmas Fair (SG1) Enjoy festive shopping and fun as the Knebworth Christmas Fair returns to the Barns and Marquees at Knebworth House. The region’s biggest festive shopping event, packed with Christmas presents and gift ideas for all ages, plus festive food and drink. www. knebworthhouse.com/events/ knebworth-christmas-fair Fri 25 Nov-Fri 6 Jan - Toys, Tech and Tamagotchis: Christmas Bestsellers of the 20th Century (W11) A new display at the Museum of Brands, featuring the top-selling Christmas toys of the 20th Century. Toys will include Star Wars, Simon, Atari Video Computer System and Bratz dolls. Children are invited to explore the Time Tunnel by helping fill the pretend Christmas Stocking, before creating their very own Christmas tree decoration. www. museumofbrands.com/#exhibitions Sat 26 Nov - Family Workshops: Books you can wear (NW1) Join artists Helen Rousseau and Katriona Beales on a creative adventure inspired by the British Library’s Artists Books Collection. Learn how to fold, cut and thread paper in interesting ways. Let your imagination run wild as you turn everyday materials into wearable artworks. Take your wearable books for a walk around the Library and maybe even wear them home. Free, drop in, ages 5–11. www.bl.uk/ events/family-workshops-booksyou-can-wear-26-november-2022 Sat 26 Nov - War Games Live (SE1) A half-day festival taking place at the Imperial War Museum, exploring the phenomenon of war video games. Bringing leading designers, podcasters, journalists and gaming enthusiasts, this unique event will feature live performances, talks and gaming interactives with visitors granted after-hours access to the exhibition and retro game zone. 2-8pm. www.iwm.org.uk/events/ war-games-live Familiesonline.co.uk
WHAT’S ON
Thu 1 Dec - Mini Museum (HA2) Join Herga and Duck in The Great Hall at Headstone Manor and Museum for stories and adventures from their life in Harrow. From Harvest celebrations to Herga’s first train ride – children will discover a rich history that’s right on their doorstep. 10-11am. Suitable for under 5’s and their grown-ups! www.headstonemanor.org/ events/mini-museum/2022-11-03 Thu 1 – Sat 31 Dec - Twinkle Trail (HA2) Can you help find all of the decorations hidden around Headstone Manor Museum? Celebrate the 12 days of Headstone! Fill in the sheet as you explore the site and you will get a festive prize when you have finished! www. headstonemanor.org/events/ twinkle-trail Fri 2–Sun 4 & Sat 17–Sat 24 Dec Festive Markets with Duck Pond (W4) Head along to Chiswick House and Gardens in the lead up to Christmas for shopping and festive cheer with Duck Pond Market. With artisan markets and Christmas music. Including live music from Rock Choir and exclusive return of Grow FM radio producers. 10am–3.30pm. www.chiswickhouseandgardens. org.uk/festive-shopping Fri 2 Dec-Sun 1 Jan - Christmas At Kenwood (NW3) A sensational light trail will be nestled amongst the grounds of Kenwood House to captivate visitors. Awe inspiring illuminations and installations will bring the night to life and transport visitors into an enchanting world of light and colour. Enjoy festive food, warming cocktails and a host of brand-new sights and sounds with friends and family. www.englishheritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/ kenwood-christmas-at-kenwood Sat 3–Sun 4 Dec - A Special Christmas Event at Chiltern Open Air Museum (HP8) Go and find out a little about how Christmas was celebrated in the past and see some of the Museum’s historic buildings traditionally decorated for Christmas. There will be a small artisan Christmas market and the Museum’s shop will be full of handmade products made by local crafts people! www.coam.org.uk/ events/christmas-event Sat 3–Sun 4 Dec – Fulham Palace Annual Christmas Fair (SW6) Enjoy a variety of activities and amusements such as free storytelling sessions from ECOhistories, free crafts with Paperbirds and Glue Gang. Plus face painting, swing boats, traditional fairground games, a mini Ferris wheel and more! www.fulhampalace.org/whats-on/ events/christmas-fair-2022
Familiesonline.co.uk
Sat 3–Sun 18 Dec - Ho ho ho! (TW8) The magic of Christmas is coming to the London Museum of Water & Steam. Head along on Sat and Sun in Dec (until Sunday 18 Dec) for festive activities and help to spread a little festive joy! Musical Mark will be there on Sun 11 and 18 Dec at 12:30 for his wonderful story and song time. www.waterandsteam.org.uk/ event/ho-ho-ho-2022 Sat 3–Sat 31 Dec - Become One Of Santa’s Elves This Christmas At Kidzania London! (W12) Take the kids to KidZania London where they can be specially trained to become part of the next generation of Santa’s little helpers. Learn the ropes and prepare for the big day at the best Elf School in the land, where kids can join the Nutcracker parade, design toys, songs and more! www.kidzania.co.uk Sun 4 Dec - Pop Up Vintage Fairs London at the Old Hampstead Town Hall! (NW3) Just three weeks before Christmas it’s the perfect time for some festive retail therapy! This Grade II Listed Victorian building will be filled with the best vintage traders selling designer, affordable and on-trend vintage fashion from the 1930s-1980s, vintage partywear, accessories, vintage jewellery, vintage homeware, collectables and unusual Xmas gift ideas. www.popupvintagefairs.co.uk Sun 4 Dec - Children’s Willow Christmas Sculptures (SW3) Get into the festive spirit as a family by making your own willow Christmas sculptures with Chelsea Physic Garden. All materials will be provided so you can create willow Christmas sculptures that will decorate your home for the rest of December. Enjoy a festive day at the Garden. www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/ event/childrens-willow-christmassculptures Sat 10 Dec - Family Barn Dance (NW1) Take all the family to Cecil Sharp House and take part in lively dances from Britain and beyond in a supportive and fun environment! Live music inspires the dancing and expert callers guide the moves with simple instructions. Groups should include a minimum of one adult for every four children. 3pm. Advanced booking recommended. www. cecilsharphouse.org
Sun 11 Dec - Duck Pond Market: Artisan Food & Craft (HA2) Go along to Duck Pond Market at the Great Barn at Headstone Manor Museum, with the best local artists, crafters, food producers and ethical businesses. There are locally made arts and crafts, gifts, vintage goods along with locally made food both to eat and take home. 10am-3pm. www.headstonemanor.org/ events/duck-pond-marketartisan-food-craft Sun 11 Dec - Family Workshop: Sparkly Festive Mobiles (HA2) With the winter festivals fast approaching, go and help Jaquie design some beautiful sparkly mobile decorations to enhance your homes at this most festive time of the year. Your hangings can then be packed away to be used again next year. 11am, 12:30pm & 2pm at Headstone Manor Museum. www.headstonemanor.org/ events/family-workshopsparkly-festive-mobiles Sun 11–Wed 21 Dec - Frost Fair Fun! (E14) Head on down to the Museum of London Docklands for festive frost-themed play session for under 5s. Imagine how the frozen River Thames was used for frost fairs in days gone by in this free drop-in play session for under 5s. Enjoy sensory exploration, role play your own food stall or put on a puppet show! www. museumoflondon.org.uk/ museum-london-docklands/ event-detail?id=294808
Wed 14 Dec - Maggie’s Royal Free Christmas Concert (NW3) Head along to The Parish Church of St John-at-Hampstead for a wonderful festive evening of entertainment and carols to raise money to support individuals and their friends and family living with cancer in North London. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start and drawing to a close at 8.30pm. www.maggies.org/our-centres/ maggies-at-the-royal-free Wed 14 Dec - Tiny Troopers: Music (SW3) Sing, play and create with your little ones at these fun, sensory sessions at the National Army Museum, perfect for ages 2 to 4. Dec will be inspired by music. Session lasts approx 45 minutes. 10.15-11am & 11.15am -12pm. www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/tinytroopers-music-4 Thu 15 Dec - Chipperfield Choral Society Carol Concert in aid of Cancer Research UK (WD3) Chipperfield Choral Society concert in celebration of Christmas, including some carols for all to sing Proceeds in aid of Cancer Research UK. 7.30pm at Christ Church in Rickmansworth. Pre-book. www.chipperfieldchoral.co.uk Sat 17–Sun 18 Dec - Winter Lights (N3) Go and take Christmassy walk around the lit up gardens at Stephens House. The cafe will be open. 5.30-7.30pm. www.stephenshouseandgardens. com
ISN‘T IT TIME FOR ...
THE LIVE THEATRE SHOW
Sat 10 Dec - Chinese Astronomy (SE10) Join this live planetarium show at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, to explore topics in ancient and modern Chinese astronomy, including the sun, moon, stars and space exploration. 10.30am. Ages 7+. Under-5s will not be admitted. www.rmg.co.uk/ whats-on/planetarium-shows/ chinese-astronomy Sat 10 Dec - Morning Explorers at the Museum of London Docklands (E14) Enjoy a festive edition of relaxed early openings in which families can explore the museum in an environment sensitive to the needs of children with an autism. The galleries will be open exclusively for morning explorers from 9-10am and you can visit Mudlarks childrens’ gallery from 10.10-10.40am. www.museumoflondon.org. uk/museum-london/eventdetail?id=304408
HEY DUGGEE™ and character logos™ & © Studio AKA Ltd 2014, Licensed by BBC Studios. BBC logo™ & © BBC 1996.
Sat 26 Nov & Sat 31 Dec - Safe Harbour (SE10) Safe Harbour is a series of free workshops at the National Maritime Museum, created to provide a safe space for foster and adoptive families with children under 13 years. Head along from 12.30pm, take a snack or lunch and say hello to other families. After refreshments, take part in creative activities inspired by the items in the National Maritime Museum. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/ national-maritime-museum/safeharbour
Hey Duggee – The Live Theatre Show is produced by Cuffe & Taylor and Kenny Wax Family Entertainment under license from BBC Studios
WED 14 DEC – SUN 8 JAN
020 3879 9555 southbankcentre.co.uk
Families North West London 11