CHRISTMAS 2018 with the kids… enjoy, make and do!
TO ENJOY:
Circus 1903
Haven’t heard of this yet? You soon will do. Featuring sensational puppetry from the award-winning team behind War Horseand a cast of the most unique, jaw-dropping acts from all four corners of the globe, the Christmas European premiere of Circus 1903 arrives in Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hallfresh from the Paris Theatre in Vegas.From the 19thof December to the 5thof January. Book tickets at https://circus1903.com/
Ice-skating
The Scandinavians may have invented it back in 3000BC, and the Edwardians may have first made it fashionable, but to this day, ice-skating remains a novel, not to mention fun way to spend the time. In a tongue-in-cheek (north) poll recently, ice-skating topped the list of things to do with your family over Christmas. Certainly in London, more and more ice rink venues pop up each festive season, but frankly, you can’t beat the old ones; such as the very beautiful Somerset House. On from 14thNovember -13thJanuary 2019;Tickets from £11 adults / £8.50 children
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2018
Yes it’s back with a host of glittering attractions, shows, activities, rides and games perfect for the ultimate festive family day out. Brand new and exclusive for 2018, The Magical Ice Kingdom will this year host a sparkling new theme –‘Enchanted Forest.’ Expect a magical world complete with woodland animals and mythical creatures, created from more than 500 tonnes of ice and snow. See the entire family fully entertainedwith Santa Land, the UK’s biggest Ice Rink, Giant Observation Wheel and Zippos Christmas Circus and Cirque Berserk. Launching on 22nd November, you can purchase tickets now at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Visit Father Christmas
From Harrods and Winter Wonderland Hyde Park to Painshill Park, there are plenty of places to see Mr C, make sure you book early to avoid any disappointment as he is a very busy man! Or you could go and help him at Lapland UK, a truly magical experience for all the family.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Tchaikovsky’s great ballet is perhaps the best Christmas treat of all? See The Nutcrackerat the home of the English National Ballet; The London Coliseum; a splendid setting for such an unforgettable outing. The London Coliseum ballet runs from 13th-30thDec 2018
Panto
Christmas isn’t Christmas until you’ve experience Panto – oh no it isn’t! For a nationwide panto list, head to Pantomime.com
Carol singing and services
Whether it’s a school concert, around the treetraditional village gathering, or a full-blown production at St. Paul’s cathedral, carol singing at Christmas is one of those things you don’t want to miss! London offers many concerts and carol services including Christmas at Westminster Abbey, St Martin-in-the-Fields,the Cutty Sark and the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Carol Concert at St Luke's. There really is something for everyone to sing about!
Christmas markets
If the lure of spiced iced ginger biscuits, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, along with unique gift shopping ideas inspires you, then why not discover an array of Christmas fairs and specialist London markets in the run-up to Christmas?
Winterville on Clapham Common, Kingston market, Greenwich market, Leicester Square Christmas market, Christmas by the river at London Bridge city, Wintertime Christmas market at Southbank and the Christmas markets at Winter Wonderland.
CBeebies Cinema Christmas Show
For the first time ever, UK audiences are invited to enjoy the popular Cbeebies Christmas show in cinemas where children can laugh and sing along with their favourite Cbeebies stars and be part of a fabulous interactive show for all the family. This unique adaptation of the original Hans Christian Andersen tale, Thumbelina,is available to watch from the 15thof December 2018.
NEW BOOKS TO ENJOY by Laurence King:
Charles Darwin – following on from the success of our first five Little Guides To Great Lives biography books, the incredible story of Charles Darwin is written by Dan Green and illustrated by Rachel Katstaller. Ages 7-11
The Element in the Room - join scientific sleuth Dr. Ohms teaches children all about the period table, using elements they would find around their own homes in The Element in the Room. Comic strips, pop-out fact boxes and lots of funny illustrations bring new life to this key topic. Ages 7-11
A Cat’s Guide to the Night Sky – An amazing introduction to stargazing and astronomy with the help of Felicity the cat. Children can discover the phases of the moon, the constellations and more through fun facts. There's even a recommended stargazing kit list! Ages 7-11
Elephants on Tour – An around the world search and find journey through Guillaume Cornet’s intricate and wonderful cityscape illustrations. Meet a cast of cute and quirky elephants and get to know each city they visit, through their reccomendations on everything from food to transport. Ages 6+
A Book of Bears: At Home with Bears Around the World – Katie Viggers adorable and humorous illustrations beautifully introduce the eight different bears of the world, their likes and dislikes and their homes. With facts and stats from who is the best climber, to who’s best at catching fish. Ages 4-7
Terrific Timelines: Fashion - From the ancient world to the modern day, children can find out all about the history fashion with this beautiful and unique display po-up timeline. Press out the figures, slot them into the timeline and imagine fashoin throughout the ages! An accompanying booklet provides lots of extra info on dress from baroque to the jazz age to the 21st century. Ages 7-11
TO MAKE & DO:
Festive wreaths
Surely no home is ready for Christmas until it has a festive wreath hanging on its door? Conifer foliage will give you an ideal start. Stick it to a cardboard ring, add some pinecones and glitter, and you’ll soon have the perfect homemade wreath to brighten up your doorway.
The table decoration
Children will love to be involved with the Christmas table centrepiece. Place a tall candle in the middle of some oasis, and decorate around it. Use holly and herbs or cinnamon sticks and dried orange slices.
Snowflakes
Cut out paper snowflakes, decorate them with glitter and hang, or Blu tac to windows for an immediate Christmassy feel.
Paper chains
Tried and tested, looping festive paper, or newspaper for that matter, will create a chain to throw around the playroom they can all be proud of.
Christmas tree decorations
Sourdough is easy to make and the Christmas tree decorations you can create with it are endless. You will need: A cup of salt, 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of water, paint and ribbon or string. Mix the salt and flour, then slowly add the water and knead. You don’t want it too sticky. Cut Christmas shapes and a hole to poke the ribbon through the top. Bake for up to three hours, on 100C/200F, then decorate and hang. (Older children could use permanent markers).
Gingerbread men
Bring more family fun to the table with edible place settings. Bake some vanilla, cinnamon or ginger biscuits, and ice family member’s initials on each for a tasty Christmas treat.
Celebrate Christingle
Make an orange and clove candle holder that will make your home smell beautiful. Help your child to insert cloves around the outside of the orange and a small candle into the top. Do remember to be careful with children around candles and when lit, keep out of their reach.
Festive wrapping paper
Red and green paint and a potato is all you’ll need for young children to make effective Christmas print wrapping paper. Older children will love the effect of using a fern print with gold glitter glue. Use twine for an elegant finish.
Why not source more creative ideas, from The Homemade Christmas Book? It’s brimming with them for a creative, greener, more traditional Christmas, from dk.com. Meanwhile hobbycraft.co.uk is a fabulous place to find Christmas creates.
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