LittleBird’s Top Picks

LittleBird have rounded up some fun activities and festive events to help you and your family stay entertained, inspired and active throughout the Christmas holidays with the only problem, how to fit it all in! So get comfy, put the kettle on and get reading. 

THINGS TO DO IN LONDON 

Shakespeare’s Globe, Hansel and Gretal, from 8th December until 7th January

Head to the iconic open-air Globe Theatre with the whole family this festive season to enjoy Hansel and Gretel, a new version of the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage. This beautifully epic tale, filled with music, songs and a sprinkling of hope, is the perfect treat for everyone.

Aimed at ages 5+. Tickets from £5

To find out more, click here.

Wishmas, The Old Baube Factory, Waterloo, until 7th January

Wishmas is an immersive adventure that promises to take you on an unforgettable journey, filled with amazing characters and unbelievable sights.

Step inside the Old Bauble Factory, where festive magic lives and wishes take flight… and play your part in keeping Christmas on track with help from Father Christmas himself.

Tickets from £32, with different experiences available, between 60 – 75 minutes.

To find out more & to book tickets, click here.

Walking with The Snowman Trail, across Fleet St Quarter, until 5th January

Discover 12 sculptures of The Snowman™ throughout Fleet St Quarter, each individually painted and designed by British-based artists and inspired by the carol ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’, paying homage to the animation and the original picture book by the late Raymond Briggs. Spot them nestled in streets such as Chancery Lane, Carter Lane, Ludgate Hill and Fleet Street.

To find out more, click here and to download the map. click here.

The Gingerbread City Westfield London, White City  until  7th January

The hugely popular, brilliantly festive and mouthwateringly edible The Gingerbread City® exhibition returns to London but with a new home, Westfield London. Discover a whole city constructed entirely from gingerbread, candy, and frosting. Marvel at the moving trains and twirling parts built by over 50+ architects and designers.

Aimed at all ages. Tickets to Exhibition from £18.50 for adults (12+) Under 12 (3-12), £12.50.

To find out more, click here.

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, until 30th December

Join Santa as he awakes from a dream of sun, sea and sand only to find it is the busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve. Watch as he prepares for his Christmas deliveries, feeds his reindeer and finally takes flight into the snowy night.

Aimed at ages 6 and under. Tickets from £14.

To to find out more & book tickets, click here.

Glide at Battersea Power Station, until 7th January

Set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings, Glide at Battersea Power Station offers unrivaled views of the Thames and features three interconnecting rinks surrounded with a 30ft Christmas tree as its centerpiece. Off the ice, there is plenty to enjoy including a selection of vintage-style fairground rides, live entertainment, and photo booths. A selection of fabulous food and drink venues will also be available at the Grade II* listed Power Station.

Aimed at all ages (skates bobs that are twin bladed skates and fit over a small child’s shoes are available). Tickets are from £12.50 Adults (13+), £38 for Family.

Note there is a limited supply of penguin skate aids available at a fee on a first-come first served basis from the skate hire counter.

To find out more, click here.

Christmas at the Museum, London Transport Museum, until 4th January

Santa is landing his sleigh at the London Transport Museum. Let the kids climb aboard a Routemaster-inspired sleigh and flash the headlights, ring the bell and set the Christmas cheer-o-meter! There’s also a range of activities to enjoy right through to the new year as the Museum transforms into a twinkling winter wonderland.

Cosy up for seasonal stories in Santa’s hideaway, get creative with holiday crafts and follow a story trail to help an elf save Christmas.

Tickets: Kids go free with adult £24 & allow unlimited entry for a whole year (off-peak annual pass £22 allows unlimited entry weekdays after 2pm)

To find out more & to book tickets, click here.

Cinderella,  Brixton House, until 31st December

Sindi-Ella will do anything to keep the family business open including growing her own produce. Stuck with her bougie step-mum and her South London hating stepsister, Sindi’s only got her trusty ‘Delphy’ plant to talk to. Until a chance meeting with Charmz, Brixton’s biggest influencer, sparks something unexpected. Full of beats to dance and songs to sing along to, Cinderella is a tale of overcoming loss with the help of friendship, family, and community spirit.

Tickets from £20, children (under 16s) £15.

To find out more & to book your tickets, click here.

Kingdom of Winter, ExCeL, London, 8th December – 7th January

Whisk your family away on a magical adventure and Journey to the Kingdom of Winter. This is London’s only indoor festive experience designed with all the convenience that families need to make a perfect day out. Step into another world and enjoy a host of attractions, including a winter themed circus, ice skating, fairground rides, an immersive ice expedition trail, an alpine-style Christmas market and a tantalising range of festive food and drink all under one roof!

Tickets: Entry tickets from £5.50 per person. No booking fees.

To find out more & to book tickets, click here.

Winter Festival at Southbank Centre, until  7th January

The Southbank’s Winter Festival returns sprinkling magic. Wrap yourself in the spirit of the season with joyous shows, brilliant art and twinkling markets.

To find out more, click here.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, until 1st January

Once again, you’ll need to book your tickets in advance. Immerse yourself in all things festive with Santa Land, ice skating, Zippos Circus, Christmas Markets, an ice slide and ice Sculpting, fairground rides, entertainment, food, drinks and so much more.

Entry is free during off peak periods with tickets £5 & £7.50 in peak period. Rides are an additional cost.

To find out more & book tickets, click here.

The Gruffalo’s Child, the Garrick Theatre, running until 7th January

Don’t miss Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. She follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures – but the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he?

Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission!

To find out more & to book tickets, click here.

Peter Pan, Rose Theatre, Kingston, until 7th January

This Christmas, an enchanting adventure awaits at the Rose Theatre packed with song, dance and plenty of magic. Chasing his runaway shadow, a mischievous young boy crash lands through an open window and meets a headstrong young girl not yet ready to face growing up. With a sprinkle of fairy dust, they take flight on a whirlwind festive voyage over pirate ships, through mermaid lagoons and into the heart of Neverland.

Aimed at ages 5+. Tickets from £15

To find out more & to book tickets, click here.

Classic Tour presents – A Christmas Lights Experience!, just off Trafalgar Square, 30th December

Jump on board the classic open-top Routemaster bus, which has been decked out in Christmas décor to get you in the festive mood! See London’s most iconic Christmas light attractions including the infamous Oxford Street and Harrods and Hyde Park.

You can see Christmas in London in a whole new way as your tour guide brings you a comedy tour like no other while the high definition screens and the exclusively designed sound system will immerse you in footage of London through the ages and site-specific music and songs.

Tickets from £17

To find out more & to enjoy the saving, click here.

Japan: Myths to Manga, Young V&A, Bethnal Green, until 8th September 2024

Take an exciting and atmospheric trip through Japan – and explore how landscape and folklore have influenced Japanese art, technology and design. You’re encouraged to play and create inside the exhibition, with a range of activities from origami and music-making to creating a growing manga installation.

Tickets: £10. Under 4s free. Free ‘Repeat visit’ for the duration of the exhibition

To find out more & to book tickets, click here.

The Snowman, Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre, Holborn, until 30th December

Featuring colourful sets and extravagant costumes, exuberant dancing and a memorable soundtrack, don’t miss the magical stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ iconic children’s book, The Snowman, now on its 26th year.

Be transported to the wintery wonderland of a boy and a snowman who comes to life on Christmas Eve and relive a festive classic that once again will not disappoint.

Tickets from £18 with family tickets available & 16–30-year-olds pay £10 with a free Barclays Dance Pass

To find out more & to book, click here.

Christmas at Kenwood, Hampstead Heath, 1st December – 1st January

This interactive light trail invites you to expect the unexpected and allow the Christmas spirit to take over as you take a stroll through the grounds of Kenwood.

Surprises are around every corner, and festive food, and picture perfect moments add to the unique spectacle that will have you captivated as you enjoy an enchanted Christmas experience.

With light trails at various locations throughout the UK, click here to see if ones near you.

Little Angel Theatre presents Finding Santa, Bloomsbury Theatre, 7th – 24th December

Enjoy this interactive Christmas adventure for all the family. Ever wondered how letters for Santa Claus get to the North Pole? What if something goes wrong along the way? How will Santa’s elves make sure his mail is delivered on time?

A comical adventure full of quirky characters and puppets, where the audience helps decide how the story unfolds.

Aimed at 3+ Tickets from £13

To find out more & to book tickets, click here.

Christmas at The Postal Museum, Clerkenwell, until 2nd January

Immerse yourself in the Postal Museum’s magical collection of letters to Father Christmas, see the first ever Christmas card, take part in interactive storytelling sessions and ride Mail Rail with a festive twist.

Tickets (book online) Adults £16 Children £9

To find out more & to book tickets, click here.

Luminaze, Wembley Park, until 2nd January

This Winter, wander through The Luminaze and get lost in its neon lights and art installations and visit a brand-new light-based interactive maze heading to Wembley Park to wow visitors of all ages. The Luminaze promises to take you on a magical festive journey with cutting-edge neon installations and a specially curated soundscape. Free event.

To find out more, click here.

Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks, Lightroom, Kings Cross, 6th December –  21st April 2024

Tom Hanks narrates The Moonwalkers, an epic experience offering a unique perspective on humankind’s past and future voyages to the moon.  Lightroom’s powerful projection and audio technology will transform the immense space into a vehicle for a spectacular immersive voyage to our closest celestial neighbour.

Tickets from £25

To find out more & to book tickets, click here.

Ever After Garden, Mayfair, until 19th December

The Ever After Garden is a tranquil haven where everyone everywhere can remember treasured friends and family they have lost.   Over the festive season each year, Grosvenor Square in the heart of Mayfair is lit up with over 25,000 illuminated white roses. You are invited to dedicate a rose in memory of a loved one, whilst making a donation in support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.  £10 is the suggested minimum donation to dedicate a rose.

To find out more, click here.

Hogwart’s In The Snow, Warner Bros, Leavesden, until 14th January

You are invited to experience a very ‘Harry Christmas’ at the Studio Tour during Hogwarts in the Snow, the most magical time of year, when iconic Harry Potter sets are dressed for the festive season in a blanket of filmmaking snow. Enter the Great Hall, bedecked in the gold decorations from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Christmas trees will tower over you in the Great Hall topped by authentic flying witches and inviting fireplaces will be adorned with festive holly, mistletoe, and wreaths.

Tickets from £53.50

To find out more, click here.

Queen’s House Ice Rink, Greenwich, until 7th January

Get your skates on at the Queen’s House Ice Rink, Greenwich. Located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the spacious grounds of Royal Museums Greenwich, the Queen’s House Ice Rink is a magical place to skate. Enjoy unbeatable views of the River Thames and Greenwich Royal Park as you weave (or wobble) your way around the rink.

Tickets Adults from £17 adults and kids £10

To find out more and book tickets, click here.

Magic of Christmas at ZSL London Zoo, until 3rd January

Enjoy the Zoo’s fairy-lit festive wonderland, take part in the Christmas sleigh trail card, post your letter Santa at the polar post room and every day from 1st – 24th December at 11am and 1.30pm, join Santa’s cheeky elves as they open the Giant Advent Calendar and reveal a different animal to celebrate each day at the Zoo. With fun animal crafts and special Christmas-themed animal talks, there’s also a Meet Santa grotto – book tickets here (tickets selling fast).

Aimed at all ages. Adult tickets from £26.50 (with donation) off peak, Child tickets (3 -15) from £17.50 (with donation). Under 3s are free. Meet Santa is from £15.50 a slot.

To find out more & to book tickets,  click here.

Kids Countdown with Len Blanco, Sunday 31st December @10.30am,  Southbank Centre

Start your family’s New Year celebration early at a daytime party, hosted by Len Blanco, where the countdown to 2024 takes place just before midday. It’s the perfect way to celebrate New Year’s Eve with little ones, as all ages can come and party hard, have a smashing time, and still be in bed nice and early. The best bit, it’s free!

To find out more, click here.

London’s New Year’s Day Parade and Festival, Monday 1st January 2024 @ 12pm

Get ready to welcome the New Year with London’s New Year’s Day Parade and Festival, bigger and better than before. Taking place across Piccadilly, Regents Street, St James’s, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. Free Standing for general public, ticket Holders to arrive from: 11:00am, show starts: 12 Noon

To find out more, click here.

THINGS TO DO UK WIDE

National Trust, various locations

Visit Father Christmas, take part in a family trail and explore elaborately-decorated houses at the places we care for over the festive period. Find out which events and activities are happening near you this Christmas. Christmas lights and winter illuminations, Father Christmas, Christmas Markets.

To find out more, click here.

Glow Wild at Wakehurst, Selected evenings until 1st January

As the night draws in, the gardens at Wakehurst are brought to life with an enchanting lantern trail full of projections, immersive soundscapes and glistening torches of fire. Marvel at the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree, decorated with 1,800 fairy lights for the festive season, and celebrate the hidden heroes of the plant and fungal world.

Tickets from £12 for children

To find out more, click here.

Mission Christmas:The Clausometer Catastrophe, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, until 24th December

Deep in the Historic Dockyard is a secret sub station where a crew of ingenious elves are stationed, poised to jump into action should Father Christmas run into trouble.

You and the kids are invited to step into the centre of this secret world and help Mrs Claus save Christmas from catastrophe. You’ll need to master magical skills and learn the elf code before graduating from Elf Academy and solving the mystery of the missing clausometer and you’ll then get to meet Father Christmas.

Tickets: Adults £14, Children (4 – 15 years old)  £17, 3 years old and under £4.25

To find out more, click here.

The Lanterns at Chester Zoo, until 31st  December

Discover 11 fantastical lands at Chester Zoo this winter, each filled with sparkle and light, colourful lanterns, costumed characters and Christmas scenes. See the show-stopping Octopus, meander through a Cactus Desert and discover other exotic illuminated wildlife throughout the park, all the while keeping an eye out for Father Christmas.

Tickets from £19.63

To find out more, click here.

Blackpool Illuminations 2023 until 1st January

Immerse yourself in the world-famous illuminations that shine each year in Blackpool, along the six miles of beachfront promenade.

Ticket prices vary.

To find out more, click here.

Christmas at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, until 1st January

This Christmas Blenheim Palace is showcasing a brand new illuminated light trail and exquisitely themed Palace interior.

Tickets for Illuminated Trail: Adult £25.50 Child (3-16 Years) £18.50

To find out more & to book tickets, click here.

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, until 7th January

Show off your tricks on England’s largest outdoor ice rink, complete with a 30-foot Christmas tree at its centre. There’s an alpine-themed café overlooking the rink, where you can warm up with a hot chocolate before exploring the enchanted wood to find Santa’s log cabin. Enjoy fairground rides at the Vintage Funfair, or finish your Christmas shopping at York Designer Outlet.

Tickets from £13.50 (for ice skating)

To find out more, click here.

Epping Ongar Lights Express, Essex, Various dates November – January 2024

The Epping Ongar Lights Express promises an  incredible light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns.

Join the festive action on board and get in the party mood with a festive DJ mix of music the whole family will love. Each passenger will receive their own interactive LED wristband which is synchronised to the music, meaning you become part of the show!

Tickets from £20 per person inclusive of train travel.

To find out more, click here.

MAKE THIS 

Make a glitter free snow globe with The Wildlife Trust

Try making this eco-friendly snow globe for yourself or maybe gift it!

Download the instructions here.

Make no bake Mini Gingerbread Houses

These no bake mini gingerbread houses look super cool and most importantly, super easy.

Follow the recipe here.

Make DIY Reindeer Sprinkle Dust

On Christmas Eve night, as Father Christmas is rushing from house to house to deliver presents to all the good girls and boys, his reindeer helpers often need a quick snack to keep them going on their busiest night of the year. Get ready to guide Santa’s reindeers to your home on Christmas Eve with this RSPCA recipe that doesn’t include glitter, which is very bad for flying reindeer and other garden wildlife.

Find the recipe and how to make it here.

Make your own wrapping paper

Check out Tate Kids ‘Make your own wrapping paper’ activity.  Using potato printing you can create some colourful arty designs or get festive and sketch out some christmassy designs on your potato stamp.

Start creating here.

DO THIS 

Nature Overhead, Natural History Museum

Nature Overheard is an exciting and innovative programme of activities, co-created by school students and scientists at the Museum.You can take part by recording audio on your street and observing insects. Simply choose a nearby road, look for insects along a short section of it, and make a five-minute sound recording of the surroundings.

To find out more, click here.

12 Days Wild with The Wildlife Trust, 25th December – 5th January

Take The Wildlife Trusts festive nature challenge this Christmas encouraging you to do one wild thing a day from the 25th December to the 5th January each year. Your wild acts could be little things to help nature – like recycling your Christmas tree or feeding the birds – or ways to connect to the natural world, like walking off your Christmas dinner in the woods or admiring the beauty of stargazing.

Sign up to the challenge here.

Go foraging for natural decorations with the Woodland Trust

From wreaths to decorated hanging branches, cake and table decorations to gift wrapping, be guided by the Woodland Trust.

To find your local woods, click here and read the foraging guide here before you set off.

To find out more, click here.

READ THIS 

How the Grinch Lost Christmas, Dr Seus, HarperCollins

This sequel to the timeless classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas! featuring all your favourite characters – is a great present idea this Christmas!  The Grinch’s newfound Christmas spirit is in jeopardy with the arrival of the Whoville’s Christmas tree competition, but can one special Who remind him of what’s really important?

To find out more, click here.

Virtually Christmas, David Baddiel, HarperCollins

It used to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for years Christmas has been taken over by Winterzone.

All the things that made Christmas special are gone: the human connection, the baubles passed down through generations, even the rubbish cracker jokes.

But when they stumble on a curious clue, eleven-year-old Etta and her friend Monty find themselves thrown into a fight to bring back Christmas.

To find out more, click here.

LISTEN TO THIS 

Santa’s Got A Podcast The Santa Daily with Fun Kids Radio

It’s December which means Santa Claus is getting ready for his big day. Although he’s a really busy man, Santa’s elves have set up a recording studio at the North Pole and Santa’s agreed to make a podcast with Fun Kids Radl.

Find out more here.

DOWNLOAD THIS

Message from Santa

This Christmas, amaze your loved ones by creating a personalized video message and phone call from Santa Claus!

Find out more and download here.

CatchACharacter – add Santa to your photos

Imagine the look of wonder and surprise when a child you love sees a photo of Santa, Tooth Fairy or Easter Bunny in your home. Magically insert these childhood favorites into any photo. It’s the perfect gift ~ PROOF that these guys really do exist!

Find out more and download here.

NORAD Tracks Santa Claus

NORAD Tracks Santa Claus is the official app of the NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) Tracks Santa program to track Santa’s whereabouts around the globe as he delivers presents to kids, naughty and nice, but only if they’re asleep. You can enjoy a countdown clock to Christmas Eve and also includes an arcade with a different and challenging game to play every day until Christmas Eve.

Find out more and download here.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2024

Imagine Children’s Festival, Southbank Centre, 7th – 17th February

The Imagine Children’s Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the UK dedicated to families experiencing and enjoying all kinds of art and culture together. There are over 160 events jam-packed into 12 days and over 50% of the festival is completely free.

To find out more & to book tickets, click here.

Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers Turn 30!, The Cartoon Museum, Fitzrovia until 16th April 2024

Don’t miss celebrating the iconic animated duo Wallace & Gromit and the 30th birthday of the classic film The Wrong Trousers!

The  exhibition invites you to make your own piece of plasticine history and walks you through a one-of-a-kind collection of the full production process of Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers. Promising  never-before-seen behind the screen shots showing the artists and studio as the film was made, once believed lost set pieces and models and every surviving piece of original artwork.

Tickets; Adults £9.50, Under 18s Free

To find out more, click here.

The Paddington Bear Experience, opening soon 2024

This large-scale interactive experience is inspired by everyone’s favourite bear! It’ll be taking up residence in the iconic County Hall on the Southbank unfolding across 26,000 square ft. Audiences will be thrown into the thick of the action as they help Paddington and the Brown family prepare for a special day. A feast for the senses, visitors will step into the world of Paddington and become immersed in some of the most iconic locations, culminating in a Windsor Gardens extravaganza!

To find out more, click here.

NG200, UK wide, 12th May onwards

On 10 May 2024 the National Gallery’s Bicentenary celebrations begin – 200 years of bringing people and paintings together.

For the entire year, the National Gallery will celebrate their past and look forward to their future with a year-long festival of art, creativity and imagination.

To find out more, click here.

Barbie®: The Exhibition, The Design Museum, Kensington, 5th July

Opening to coincide with the 65th anniversary of the Barbie brand, the exhibition will map the Barbie legacy that started in 1959 when Ruth Handler wanted to craft a different narrative for her daughter, Barbara. It will explore the story of Barbie through a design lens, including fashion, architecture, furniture and vehicle design.

To find out more, click here.