If you\u2019ve enjoyed the previous festive LEGO builds in Covent Garden in recent years, then you\u2019ll love this years – climb aboard the <\/span>LEGO Santa Express<\/a>. Made with 500,000 LEGO bricks, the Santa Express \u00a0features three carriages, the engine and driver\u2019s cabin, a carriage full of presents with \u00a0the final carriage delivering a Christmas Tree. \u00a0\u00a0The Christmas Elf will be in charge and takes position in the driving seat. \u00a0\u00a0This years LEGO Santa Express is complete with special effects including smoke from the funnel, sounds and lights. Designed by the UK\u2019s only LEGO Certified Professional, Duncan Titmarsh, \u00a0the Santa Express has been in development for the last 3 months created by Duncan and a team of eight builders.<\/span><\/p>\n While you\u2019re in Covent Garden, enjoy a kiss under the 40 magnificent mistletoe chandeliers making up this years Christmas lights<\/a> in the Market Building and look out for the reindeer\u2019s petting corner – the kids can help hand feed Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner or Blitzen.<\/p>\n When: until 29th December LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Love LEGO?<\/a> Then don\u2019t miss BRICK 2015<\/a>, built for LEGO fans, \u00a0next weekend 11th – 13th December at London Excel. Enjoy an exclusive 37% saving on family tickets<\/a> for Friday 11th December only with LittleBird – book now<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n LONDON BRIDGE CITY ELPLESS ELVES TRAIL, HAY\u2019S GALLERIA<\/strong><\/p>\n There are lost elves in London who need help to find their way back to Santa\u2019s Workshop – it\u2019s up to your kids to save the day! \u00a0Festive and magical, the kids will love \u00a0this interactive Elpless Elves Trail <\/a>this \u00a0Saturday. Taking the kids around London Bridge City, performers will be stationed at various stops as the hunt for Santa\u2019s Elves begins\u2026. It starts at Hay\u2019s Galleria and although it\u2019s free, you\u2019ll need to book a ticket online here<\/a> and trails last approx. 45 mins.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a Christmas market, \u00a0carol singers in the afternoon plus an installation by designer Leo Woolcock. London Bridge City Pier\u2019s twin pagodas are \u00a0lit by a series of changing light ribbons, creating waves and patterns of starlight – magical!<\/p>\n When: Saturday 5th December, 12pm, 1pm, 2.15pm & 3.15pm LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: There are free festive crafts for the kids at Gabriel Wharf\u2019s Magical Christmas<\/a> \u00a0just by the Oxo Tower this Saturday – make Christmas cards and decorations 12pm – 3pm and enjoy Christmas carols at 4pm.<\/p>\n THE NUTCRACKER AT THE ARTS THEATRE, WEST END – SAVE UP TO 35% WITH LITTLEBIRD<\/strong><\/p>\n Synonymous with Christmas, The Nutcracker<\/a> makes us think of Christmas Eve, magical lands and dancing sweets making Let\u2019s All Dance\u2019s production of The Nutcracker at the Arts Theatre a classic Christmas treat for children of all ages.<\/p>\n Tchaikovsky’s iconic score takes us on a wonderful adventure as we journey through the magical night with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince, meet the Mouse King and join the Sugar Plum Fairy in the beautiful Land of Sweets. Fabulous dancers, beautiful costumes along with original music will enchant and engage young and old.<\/p>\n When: until 27th December LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: The Arts Theatre is in a brilliant location, sandwiched between Leicester Square (with it\u2019s Christmas funfair) and Covent Garden (make sure you visit this years LEGO festive build – a LEGO Santa Express<\/a>)<\/p>\n LIGHTS ARE SHINING AT THE FESTIVAL HALL, SOUTHBANK<\/strong><\/p>\n You might be heading to the Southbank for many reason\u2019s – festive food and gift ideas are promised at the Winter Market<\/a> on the Southbank and there\u2019s a Christmas Market<\/a> in front of \u00a0Tate Modern too with a carousel, a Santa\u2019s grotto and of course yummy food and plenty of present inspiration.<\/p>\n After a browse around the markets, head to Royal Festival Hall for some warmth. The kids will love Lights Are Shining<\/a> as they\u2019ll have \u00a0the chance to create a lantern to help them remember someone by or to capture a wish for the New Year. \u00a0There is then the opportunity to learn songs in time for a parade along the riverfront, lanterns in hand, to a finale at Jubilee Gardens.<\/p>\n When: Saturday 5th December, Lantern-making and Big Sing \u2013 12.30pm \u2013 4.30pm, Parade from 5pm LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Check out Frostival<\/a> at the London Eye – enjoy ice skating and then relax on the London Eye and take in the views and this looks fabulous – \u00a0A Quackmas Carol<\/a> courtesy of Duck Tours offering a festive sightseeing trip around London.<\/p>\n DR SEUSS\u2019S THE LORAX AT THE OLD VIC – SAVE UP TO 50% WITH LITTLEBIRD<\/strong><\/p>\n Loved by all, Dr Seuss is a firm family favourite. His renowned The Cat in The Hat and How The Grinch Stole Christmas have capaputled him into every family home and this Christmas The Lorax<\/a> has been brought to life at the historic Old Vic. \u201cI am the Lorax. I speak for the trees!\u201d If you haven\u2019t seen the film yet, The Lorax is Dr Seuss\u2019s eco-fable about a cantankerous critter who\u2019s mission is to protect the earth from the greedy, tree-chopping, Thneed-knitting businessman known only as The Once-ler. \u00a0Families are \u00a0promised theatrical invention aplenty, puppetry, songs and of course zany humour – it is Dr Seuss after all! Check out the trailer here<\/a>.<\/p>\n When: until 16th January 2016 LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: You\u2019re not far from the Southbank so depending on whether you\u2019re enjoying a matinee or an evening performance of The Lorax, you could enjoy some yummy edibles or simply soak up the festive atmosphere at the Southbank Centre\u2019s \u00a0Winter Market<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n FLY WITH THE SNOWMAN ON EMIRATES AIR LINE, NORTH GREENWICH<\/strong><\/p>\n We\u2019re walking in the air\u2026OK not quite, but as near as possible. This Christmas you can join The Snowman and The Snowdog<\/a> on Emirates Air Line. \u00a0The Snowman\u2019s flight will be brought to life using immersive digital effects, including specially edited sequences of the film and the soundtrack will be combined with new aerial footage of the cable car and its surrounding landmarks \u2013 treated to create wintery animation effects and featuring the film\u2019s characters.<\/p>\n You can also take your own family photo with a life-size Snowman model before boarding your flight or take a \u2018selfie\u2019 or a \u2018famelfie\u2019 on a replica ski chairlift complete with a snow machine and The Snowman and The Snowdog as the backdrop!. And, we\u2019re told, there are goodie bags for children \u2013 given away on a first come, first served basis and contain a Snowman chocolate, in-flight binoculars and a Snowman or Snowdog character mask.<\/p>\n Get the kids excited about their flight with The Snowman and The Snowdog with these free activity sheets<\/a>.<\/p>\n When: now until 4th January LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: While you\u2019re in North Greenwich, head to the Sky Studios at the 02<\/a> and step into an adventure! Try on Cinderella’s slipper and take on robot drones in Iron Man’s legendary Hulkbuster armour and then report on those memorable movie moments live to camera in Sky News studios – and it\u2019s all free this Christmas!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n RAYMOND BRIGGS FATHER CHRISTMAS AT THE LYRIC, HAMMERSMITH<\/strong><\/p>\n Raymond Briggs Father Christmas<\/a> has become an iconic portrayal of the great man himself and if you haven\u2019t seen this theatre show, you Bloomin\u2019 better! Returning for it\u2019s fourth \u00a0year, the show is full of warmth, fun and giggles and perfect for families with young children.<\/p>\n Father Christmas awakes from a dream of summer sun only to realise that it\u2019s bloomin\u2019 Christmas Eve and the start of his longest night of the year. He gathers the reindeer and prepares his sleigh, beginning the long journey into the snowy night to deliver presents to sleeping children all over the world. But things don\u2019t run smoothly and he soon encounters soot covered chimneys to squeeze through and treacherous weather conditions, all while plenty of mischief is had by his cheeky pets, Cat and Dog.<\/p>\n When: until 24th December LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: If you\u2019re looking for festive theatre with great savings, you\u2019re in the right place. LittleBird have a \u00a033% saving for \u00a0The Snow Queen<\/a> at the Arts Theatre, \u00a0a 22% saving at The Nutcracker The Musical <\/a>at the Pleasance Theatre and a 36% saving for \u00a0Hans Christian Andersen’s The Tinderbox<\/a> at Charing Cross Theatre.<\/p>\n A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT THE LONDON MUSEUM OF WATER & STEAM, BRENTFORD – SAVE UP TO 43% WITH LITTLEBIRD<\/strong><\/p>\n Head to London Museum of Water & Steam<\/a> this weekend for a Victorian Christmas<\/a>. The Steam Hall will be filled with festive music and there will be \u00a0seasonal crafts for the kids to enjoy as well as a Christmas trail and Santa will be visiting too! The kids will love a ride on Thomas Wicksteed, the Museum\u2019s very own steam locomotive, \u00a0as well as enjoy the museums fun interactive displays and wonderfully wet Splash Zone.<\/p>\n As well the Splash Zone<\/a>, there is the museum garden<\/a>, the new Waterworks gallery with interactive exhibits, a cafe and a shop too.<\/p>\n When: Victorian Christmas events until 20th Dec with Santa visits 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20 Dec LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Children go free with a paying adult if they are dressed up in festive or Victorian fancy dress so if you don\u2019t need a family ticket, \u00a0you can save up to 43% on adult tickets<\/a> only with LittleBird.<\/p>\n MEET SANTA & HIS HUSKIES \u00a0AT THE LONDON WETLAND CENTRE IN BARNES<\/strong><\/p>\n Get into the festive mood at WWT London Wetland Centre<\/a> this weekend and let the kids hop aboard a husky sleigh ride, visit Santa in his grotto in the northern pine forest or enjoy a donkey ride. Santa\u2019s elves are on hand getting ready for the big day and the kids are invited to\u00a0join in the fun making pinecone animals including owls, reindeer and bears and creating string stars and ribbon Christmas trees.<\/p>\n The London Wetland Centre is a great family day out<\/a>; there\u2019s the outdoor adventure playground with zip wires, climbing walls, giant water vole tunnels and water games, the Discovery Centre and Pond Zone!<\/p>\n When: Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th December LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Don\u2019t miss the Otters: feeding times are 11am & 2pm daily and note on Sunday only there are Fullers Shire Horse dray rides from 12.00-3pm.<\/p>\n ICE SKATING AT WEMBLEY PARK – SAVE UP TO 36% WITH LITTLEBIRD<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a festive day out but need to get some shopping done – ice Skating at <\/span>Wembley Park<\/a> is the perfect place. Located in betweeen Wembley Arena and the Designer Outlet, Wembley Park has not only an ice rink but a Christmas Market, designer shops, a Street Food Market & Craft Beer, \u00a0a fairground and a Cineworld too – enough to entertain everyone while you keep on top of your Christmas shopping.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re taking tots, there are a limited supply of penguin skate aids, which cost \u00a35, available on a first-come first served basis from the skate hire counter – no advance booking available. Ice marshalls will be on hand to offer an ice skating tip or two or simply to help you up and of course waterproof clothing is a good idea for all! So what are you waiting for – get your skates on!<\/p>\n When: save on LittleBird until 11th Dec with the ice rink open until 3rd Jan LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Fancy sailing with Santa on the River Thames? You can this Christmas! Enjoy a 20% saving with Sail with Santa <\/a>. This unique experience, new for 2015, \u00a0includes a tour, drinks, snacks and a gift for the kids.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"coventgardenxmastrain\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2015\/12\/coventgardenxmastrain.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: North\/East Covent Garden Piazza, WC2H 7AD
\nAge: All
\nCost: Free<\/p>\n![\"elplesselves\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2015\/12\/elplesselves.jpg\")
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\nWhere: Hay\u2019s Galleria, SE1 2HD
\nAge: 5 – 10 year olds
\nCost: Free with advance booking required<\/p>\n![\"nutcrackerLB2\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2015\/12\/nutcrackerLB2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: \u00a0The Arts Theatre, WC2H 7JB
\nAge: All ages
\nCost: Save up to 35% <\/a>with LittleBird; Adult tickets \u00a310, Children \u00a38.50 & Family tickets \u00a335 – book now<\/a><\/p>\n![\"southbankchristmaslights\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2015\/12\/southbankchristmaslights.jpg\")
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\nWhere: Royal Festival Hall, (Clore Ballroom)
\nAge: All
\nCost: Free<\/p>\n![\"loraxLB-2\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2015\/12\/loraxLB-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: \u00a0The Old Vic, SE1 8NB
\nAge: 6+
\nCost: Save up to 50% off tickets<\/a> with LittleBird – Book now<\/a><\/p>\n![\"snowmansnowdog\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2015\/12\/snowmansnowdog.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Emirates Air Line,\u00a0SE10 0PH
\nAge: Families
\nCost: Prices from \u00a38.40 for adults and \u00a35.00 for children and note Oyster Card holders get a discount on all online fares..<\/p>\n![\"FCRaymondBriggs\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2015\/12\/FCRaymondBriggs.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Lyric Theatre, W6 0QL
\nAge: Under 6
\nCost: All tickets \u00a310<\/p>\n![\"waterandsteamvictorianchristmas-2\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2015\/12\/waterandsteamvictorianchristmas-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: London Museum of Water & Steam, TW8 0EN
\nAge: Families
\nCost: \u00a0Save up to 43% on a family weekday <\/a>ticket and up to 27% of a family weekend<\/a> ticket with Littlebird<\/a><\/p>\n![\"wwtsanta\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2015\/12\/wwtsanta.jpg\")
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\nWhere: London Wetland Centre, SW13 9WT
\nAge: Families
\nCost: Normal admission is adults \u00a312.75, children \u00a37 (Huskies & donkey rides are for under 8\u2019s and are free. The visit to Santa plus goody bag is \u00a36 per child.<\/p>\n![\"iceboxwembley2\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2015\/12\/iceboxwembley2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: \u00a0Wembley Park Boulevard, HA9 0QL.
\nAge: 5+
\nCost: Save up to 36% <\/a>with peak and off peak entry, book now<\/a>.<\/p>\n