Looking for things to do to entertain the kids in East London for the last week of holidays before heading back to school? Here’s some inspiration for you!
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1 Christmas at Greenwich Peninsula
Fly over the Thames to experience Christmas at Greenwich Peninsula. The 10-meter tree at Peninsula Square sets a festive tone, complemented by a charming Victorian-style Winter Carousel and market with mulled wine, bratwurst, and churros. Families and friends can join workshops for wreath-making, candle crafting, and gingerbread decorating to creat ultra personal gifts. Movie & Munch pairs film with festive treats, while artist-led events include a textile exhibition by Celia Pym on sustainable sock mending at NOW Gallery and repair workshops with TOAST. Get stuck into the season with nostalgia, creativity, and holiday magic at the Peninsula.
Until the 5th January 2025
Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, London, SE10 0SQ
Free to attend
2 Christmas at the Postal Museum
View a Christmas collection of greeting cards by Black British makers, take part in interactive lino printing sessions and ride Mail Rail with a festive twist. Don’t forget to add a Sorted play session to your trip.
Until the 2nd January 2025
The Postal Museum, 15-20 Phoenix Place, London, WC1X 0DA
£17.60 over 25, £12 16-24, £10 Children age 3-15 Sorted ages 8 and under £4.50
3 Pinocchio
Stratford East is at it again. With over 140 years of entertaining East London families at Christmas, this pantomime is a sure bet for festive fun for all ages. Famous for tearing up the rulebook, Stratford East pantos are full of original music and outrageous characters telling classic stories with a special East London twist. We have a family ticket for Pinocchio to give away – oh yes we do!
Until the 4th January 2025 various times
Royal Theatre Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, London E15 1BN
Tickets from £10
4 Dick Whittington and his Cat
Join Dick on his search for fortune, fame and new beginnings! Along the way, he’ll experience the adventure of a lifetime, battling rats, falling in love, and finding himself on the path to becoming the Mayor of London. Oh yes he will!
Until the 5th January 2025 various times
Hackney Empire, 291 Mare St, London, E8 1EJ
FREE
5 Visit Mars at the Painted Hall
Journey to Mars this Twixmas and view a 7-meter-diameter artwork, featuring detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface at scale, slowly rotates within the stunning Painted Hall. Following the sell-out success of ‘Gaia’ and ‘Museum of the Moon’, ‘Mars’ will continue Luke Jerram’s out-of-this-world installations housed within the stunning setting of the historical Painted Hall.
Until the 20th January 2025 various times
Admiral’s House, Old Royal Naval College, London SE10 9NN
£13 or £69 for family of 4 – Santa visits £15 or free for under 1s
6 Paddington
Step into a festive wonderland at The Paddington Bear™ Experience at London’s County Hall, transformed for the holidays with a grand 5.5-meter Christmas tree, gingerbread paws, mince pies, and orange hot chocolate. this immersive adventure spans 26,000 square feet and brings Paddington’s world to life with themed rooms, interactive games, and beloved characters.
Until the 5th January 2025, various times
London’s County Hall, Riverside Building, Belvedere Road, London SE1 7PB
£28.50 kids £39.50 adults. Family tickets available
7 Ice Rink Canary Wharf
East London’s longest running ice rink is back with its frosty patch in Canary Wharf. Get your skates on and enjoy their covered yet still open air rink rain or shine! Apres skate you can head to The Grandstand Bar, where you can enjoy watching the tumbles and twirls of those skating on the rink. All children must be attended. Ages 4+
Until the 23rd February 2025
Ice Rink Canary Wharf, Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AB
From £13.95 or £53.95
8 Rosie Robin and the Christmas Post
Welcome to the post office! It’s the busiest time of the year! The letters and parcels are piling up high and Rosie Robin is working hard delivering the Christmas Post. But when a snowstorm sweeps through Clover Leaf Wood, the animals must come together to make sure all the mail arrives on time. Blending puppetry, with song and movement, this heart-warming show tells the story of one tiny Robin determined that no one is forgotten this Christmas.
Until the 5th January 2025 various times
Little Angel Studios, Community Centre, 132 Sebbon St, London N1 2EH
£17 Adult £15 Child (age 1-17) All tickets £12 on Thursdays and Fridays at 4.45pm
9 The Revel Puck Circus Winter Festival
With two festive productions, Revel Puck Circus, promises some of the country’s best circus talent at the Winter Festival in Walthamstow. A cultural experience East Londoners of all ages can enjoy with daring acrobatics, clowning and storytelling for families to enjoy. Read our review.
Until the 5th January
Fellowship Square, Walthamstow, London E17 4JF
Tickets from £10.50
10 Christmas at the Tower of London
Explore royal festive traditions, from King Edward I’s lavish medieval feasts to Tudor court entertainments. Experience a historic frost fair display, reminiscent of those once held on the frozen River Thames. Enjoy festive music by the Southwark Waits musicians and participate in a giant game of pass-the-parcel. Capture a regal family portrait on a throne and discover how past royal celebrations mirror today’s festivities.
Until the 5 January 2025 Closed Christmas Eve and all public holidays
Tower of London, London, EC3N 4AB
Adults £33.60, Children £16.80, TH Residents £1 with Idea Store card
11 Horrible Histories Horrible Christmas
Ever wondered why we celebrate Christmas with trees, cards, presents, and turkey? Join a time-traveling adventure through Medieval monks, Tudor feasts, and visits from Charles Dickens, King Henry VIII, and St. Nicholas. When a mysterious man in red threatens Christmas, a brave young boy must save the day. Packed with sing-alongs, surprises, and laughs, it’s a festive journey like no other that’s as hilarious as it is educational.
Until the 4th of January 2025
Alexandra Palace Theatre, Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY
Tickets from £17.50
12 Tom Fletcher’s The Creakers
Join Lucy and the children of Whiffington as they embark on a topsy-turvy adventure to uncover the mystery of the missing adults. Based on Tom Fletcher’s best-selling book, this magical musical features surprises, silliness, scares, and rocking new songs. Adapted by Miranda Larson and directed by Tom Jackson Greaves, it’s a festive treat for ages 6 and up.
Until Sunday 5th January 2025
Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, London
From £20.00