It’s that time of year, when all wishes must be granted. Which is why when Cass Farrar, my BFF travel consultant from Kodomo.com asked me to put together a list of cool family fun, I knew I had to do my duty and grant my Cinderella her special wish.
I always giggle to myself at how understanding kids are when parents try and explain all the weird and wonderful things they come across in everyday life. And this Christmas season, we should all let it go and find something a little bit different to do to amuse ourselves. It beats making chutney, though I do love a spicy plum one with my cold meats…
BUMP ROLLER DISCO (Ages 5+) : Until 17th Jan, 2016
Get down with the kids under Hungerford Bridge, just by the Southbank Centre, and book your session at the BUMP Rollerdisco. If you’re anything like me, roller discos were a huge part of your teenage years, so you’ll have had plenty of practice.
Information : It opens on Friday 20 November 2015 until Sunday 17 January 2016. 11am – 11pm daily. Roller skates are available in a range of styles to fit feet from a child’s size 9 to an adult’s size 14. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, although if they can skate well on their own you can sit back and enjoy watching them.
Prices: Adult £10 & Child £7.50 (concessions available for off-peak times) : Friday & Saturday club nights £12 – £16. Please note, the rollerdisco closes at 6pm on Thursday 24 December and all day on Friday 25 December and Thursday 31 December.
LONDON GAY MEN’S CHORUS, ROUNDHOUSE (Ages 5+) : 11th and 12th December, 2015
The London Gay Men’s Chorus returns to the Roundhouse in collaboration with the London Gay Big Band for The Big Gay Swing! A festive night of song, swing, brass and dance. This has to be the perfect way to get your Christmas season started and children will love it, too.
The London Gay Men’s Chorus is Europe’s largest gay, all male choir and is celebrating its Silver Jubilee in 2016. It has performed around the world and to sell out London audiences in the Palladium, Cadogan Hall, Barbican, and the Queen Elizabeth and Royal Festival Halls.
Information: Friday 11 – Saturday 12 December, Performances 15:00, 19:30. Tickets online via the link above.
PADDINGTON BEARS FIRST CHRISTMAS CONCERT, CADOGAN HALL (ALL AGES) : Sunday 20th Dec, 2015
Here’s a hot ticket for you: a concert at the famous Cadogan Hall in Chelsea, all about Paddington Bear, with some Revolting Rhymes thrown in, and narration from the talented Simon Callow and Richard E Grant.
The charming score of Paddington Bear’s First Concert takes us on a journey with Paddington himself, from his first meeting with the Brown Family right up to his debut as a conductor at the Royal Albert Hall.
The second half of the concert features Roald Dahl’s take on the classic Jack and the Beanstalk tale, using Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes as the narration.
Information: Dates Sunday 20 December 2015, 2.30pm and 5.30pm. Tickets prices from £30, £27, £25. Book online on the link above.
STORYTELLING WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS, FORTNUM & MASON (Ages 3-11): until 22 December, 2015
A Very Special Person will read a Christmas story in the beautiful Fifth Floor Boardroom of Fortnum & Mason this December to all good boys and girls aged three to 11. There are plenty of opportunities to join in, and a jolly goody bag to take away to share with friends. It is the perfect way for children to get in the mood for Christmas.
Information: There are sessions at 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm; Tickets are priced at £20 per child. Places are limited, so early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Please click here to reserve your place. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times; there is a limit of 2 per booking.
ROYAL ACADEMY. FESTIVE DROP IN WORKSHOP (All Ages); Sunday 6 December 2015
Get ready for some fancy festivities in this family workshop. These Royal Academy workshops are in my Top 5 (shushhhh…) as they are some of the best in town. They have the widest range of materials, knowledgable and sweet staff and the RA choose to work with a variety of different artists from all disciplines, which brings something exciting to each session.
At their last family session of 2015, everyone will be able to create their own textile designs, and experiment with beautiful and exotic fabrics. Kids are encouraged to create festive fancy dress and parade their latest designs throughout the RA. It goes without saying that if you haven’t seen the Ai Weiwei exhibition, it’s a must. I’ll say it again: grab a ticket now as it closes on 13th December 2015.
Information: Workshop Times : 11am — 3pm. Go to the John Madejski Fine Rooms, Burlington House, Royal Academy of Arts. These drop-in workshops are suitable for all ages.