If you\u2019re looking for a festive family experience with a little \u00a0je ne se qua, then look no further – grab the kids and head to Victoria Park and immerse yourselves in Winterville<\/a>. \u00a0\u00a0Free to enter, and promising a groovy mix of family friendly fun, Winterville IS London\u2019s alternative festive destination.<\/p>\n Yes, there\u2019s ice skating<\/a>, a Snow White Pantomime<\/a>, the fabulous Moscow State Circus<\/a> and of course a fairground. But then the \u2018alternative festive destination\u2019 starts to shine – head to the Kids Shack <\/a>and let the kids enjoy a reimagined Santa’s Grotto, designed by Bearded Kitten<\/a> – it\u2019s seriously silly! The Kids Shack is also home to the Pop Tots Salon<\/a>, cafe, soft play , a children\u2019s market featuring all things kid related. \u00a0There\u2019s Plonk Crazy Golf to be enjoyed that will see you and family driving through snow drifts, past evil ice beasts and into foggy valleys! You can then get cosy in the secluded depths of a magical (indoor) woodland with Backyard Cinema and enjoy your favourite festive films in this pop up cinema only accessible through a secret tunnel of trees. There\u2019s Pop Shop, with a Pop Art theme and Bizarre Bazaar, a Vaudeville-Victorian marketplace plus a heated uncover Food Hall and Bar Humbug.<\/p>\n Where: Victoria Park, E9 LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip:\u00a0Head to the \u00a0Kids Shack & Grotto <\/a>\u00a0and enjoy a hot chocolate in the cafe, have a wander around the children\u2019s market or go and find Santa<\/a> in his seriously silly Grotto with visits costing \u00a35. \u00a0Check out all the family friendly fun you can have here<\/a>.<\/p>\n SLAVA\u2019S SNOWSHOW AT ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL, SOUTHBANK – SAVE 50% WITH LITTLEBIRD<\/strong><\/p>\n Renowned as an theatrical festive adventure like no other, Slava\u2019s Snowshow <\/a>returns to the Royal Festival Hall this Christmas. An award winning international sensation, Slava\u2019s Snowshow offers a unique experience \u00a0promising a joyous dream-like world. \u00a0Both heartwarming and funny, featuring breath-taking visual effects that culminate in a blizzard that leaves you literally knee deep in snow Slava\u2019s Snowshow is a sensory wintery experience like no other.<\/p>\n The Southbank is a top destination for families at Christmas with so much to do. \u00a0Before and after the show you can munch on festive food whilst finding some inspiration for those last minute gift ideas at the Winter Market<\/a> on the Southbank or head towards Tate Modern for the \u00a0Christmas Market<\/a> \u00a0with a carousel, a santa\u2019s grotto and where more yummy food and present ideas await.<\/p>\n When: until 3rd January 2016 – with a 50% LittleBird saving <\/a>on selected performances. 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 <\/p>\n SANTA\u2019S WONDERLAND ON THE GOLDEN HINDE, LONDON BRIDGE \u00a0– SAVE 25% WITH LITTLEBIRD<\/strong><\/p>\n Enjoy a Santa experience with a difference this Christmas on board Sir Francis Drake\u2019s famous galleon the Golden Hinde. Santa\u2019s Wonderland<\/a> invites the kids to meet not only Mr Claus but Mrs Claus too with gifts presented to all those children who have been good this year! Hear tales from the \u2018Biggest Elf of Them All\u2019, enjoy a sing-a-long as well as festive crafts with friendly Pirate elves and enjoy a mince pie and a hot drink too.<\/p>\n You\u2019re right by Borough Market<\/a> making this a perfect opportunity to pick up some tasty treats for festive feasting. In need of a bit of recipe inspiration this Christmas, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n When: until 23rd December LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: The Golden Hinde is a short walk from the Shakespeare\u2019s Globe<\/a> – enjoy an 11% saving<\/a> on tickets with LittleBird this Christmas holiday.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n THE HEIGHT OF WINTER AT THE \u00a0SHARD, LONDON BRIDGE<\/strong><\/p>\n Experience The Height of Winter <\/a>from inside the crystalline world at the top of The Shard<\/a>. The fantabulous British experience designers Bompas and Parr<\/a> have transformed The Shard into an enchanting, sensory winter experience. Theatrical ice crystals and frost will wow grown ups and kids alike \u00a0800ft above the city of London on the open-air Level 72 Skydeck.<\/p>\n Expect super-scaled crystals, carolling plants, gem-studded snow dunes, a touch-responsive iridescent grotto and glowing crystal benches. Bompas and Parr<\/a> have also created the following edible treats to ooh and ahh over; Snow White Hot Chocolate, Mulled Champagne and Christmas Candy Floss.<\/p>\n With the 360 degree view of London the kids will delight in seeing the entire city decorated and glistening all at once . \u00a0You can take turns spotting iconic landmarks and enjoy the interactive complimentary audio guides or listening to the interesting facts on the interactive Tell:scopes \u00a0while you munch on Christmas Candy Floss – want one!<\/p>\n When: until 31st January LittleBird Top Tip: Enjoy a wander around the \u00a0London Bridge City Christmas Market <\/a>\u00a0and this Saturday listen to some carols courtesy of London Baptist Association Christmas Carols between 1pm – 3pm at More London.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n GET HAPPY AT THE BARBICAN, IN THE CITY – SAVE 42% WITH LITTLEBIRD<\/strong><\/p>\n Told by an Idiot Get Happy <\/a>\u00a0at The Pit in the Barbican Centre will have you laughing out loud as you and the kids enter a world of artfully controlled chaos bursting with quirky playfulness and madcap humour. Watch the strangest egg sandwich made in front of your eyes, witness shoes that have magical powers and there\u2019s a mysterious bag afoot. Physical comedy, acrobatics, live music and silly dancing feature in this Christmas show perfect for the whole family.<\/p>\n The Barbican is a great space to hang out with the family, with plenty of places to eat and drink<\/a> and of course the current exhibition in the Art Gallery, The World of Charles and Ray Eames<\/a>. If you see the show on Sunday, the Barbican\u2019s Conservatory<\/a> is open to the public – a unique hidden tropical oasis in the heart of the city.<\/p>\n When: until 30th December with LittleBird savings on selected shows LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: The Museum of London is a short walk away and Father Christmas is in residence. Meet the man of the moment in his secret grotto in the Museum of London\u2019s<\/a> festive 19th century Victorian Walk. Booking is advised.<\/p>\n CHRISTMAS AT KEW GARDENS<\/strong><\/p>\n A favourite with all families, Kew Garden\u2019s<\/a> a great day out any time of the year. This Christmas Kew\u2019s glittering night-time trail returns including dancing illuminated fountains with \u00a0glowing waterside reflections, a Tunnel of Lights, a Choir of Holly Bushes as well as a scented Fire Garden.<\/p>\n As you make your way around the trail, you\u2019ll be tempted by the aroma of roasting chestnuts, spiced cider and hot chocolate. There is a Victorian carousel, helter skelter and other family rides (\u00a32 per ride) at White Peaks – the outdoor adventure playground providing fun for the young ones \u00a0and don\u2019t forget to make time for a visit to Santa and his elves. If an evening trail doesn\u2019t suit with little ones, enjoy Christmas in the day \u2013 take a walk through the wintery grounds then warm up with a hot chocolate and a mince pie before visiting Santa\u2019s grotto.<\/p>\n Where: Kew Gardens, TW9 3AB LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Why not download the Families at Kew discovery and activity map: Family day out at Kew map<\/a>; epic adventures await!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n CHRISTMAS PAST AT THE GEFFRYE MUSEUM<\/strong><\/p>\n Celebrating 400 Years of Seasonal Traditions in English Homes, the Geffrye Museum\u2019s annual Christmas Past Gallery<\/a> brings the yuletide traditions of the past to life. Discover how families celebrated Christmas through decoration, light, music, greenery and of course culinary dishes and treats.<\/p>\n Each year, the Geffrye Museum\u2019s eleven period living rooms are transformed to give families a magical glimpse into how Christmas has been celebrated in English middle-class homes over the past 400 years. Step back through the centuries and discover the origins and understand the meanings of some of the rich and vibrant traditions of Christmas past, from feasting, dancing and kissing under the mistletoe to playing parlour games, hanging up stockings, sending cards and decorating the tree.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a cafe<\/a> with a great value children\u2019s menu plus a shop<\/a> full of great Christmas present ideas.<\/p>\n When: until 3rd January 2016 LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: If you\u2019re up with the larks (aka the little ones) \u00a0– you could drop by the Columbia Road Shops & Flower Market<\/a> first and then after the exhibition, head to Rich Mix<\/a> for their Kids\u2019 Cine Time, there\u2019s a 12pm showing of Get Santa<\/a> this weekend and the tickets cost a fab \u00a31.75<\/p>\n <\/p>\n SANTA\u2019S GROTTO IN CANARY WHARF<\/strong><\/p>\n Canary Wharf Santa\u2019s Grotto<\/a> is back \u2013 hurrah! Visit Santa in his whimsical Grotto in Jubilee Place. \u00a0Santa\u2019s band of cheeky elves and helpers are on hand to \u00a0entertain \u00a0the children as they queue to meet Santa. Pre-booking isn\u2019t required but there can be queues so allow plenty of time to avoid disappointment.<\/p>\n Plus, there\u2019s lots of free Children\u2019s Festive Activities<\/a> taking place throughout the malls.<\/p>\n Children can have their faces painted with a multitude of seasonal designs as well as take part in exciting festive art and craft workshops in both Cabot Place and Canada Place. With \u00a0ice skating<\/a> \u00a0on hand too \u2013 you might well want to spend the whole day!<\/p>\n When: until 24th December at 11am \u2013 5pm LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Why not hop on a tube to the 02 and 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 THE LEGO SANTA EXPRESS IN COVENT GARDEN<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve enjoyed the previous festive LEGO builds in Covent Garden in recent years, then you\u2019ll love this years – climb aboard the 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.<\/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: Pop into the London Transport Museum for some Christmas Holiday fun with Dreamtime<\/a> – let the kids imagine themselves on the streets of London as they slither beneath it, and send ping pong balls flying high on a winter parachute creating a truly wintery blizzard. Adults tickets are \u00a316 but valid for a whole year with kids going free – a good investment.<\/p>\n SAIL WITH SANTA & CRUISE DOWN THE THAMES – \u00a0SAVE 20% WITH LITTLEBIRD<\/strong><\/p>\n Santa\u2019s going on the river \u2013 ho ho, ho \u2013 and you and the kids can go with him. Enjoy Christmas on the River Thames and treat the kids to a Sail with Santa<\/a> experience. Sharing the cruise with the main man himself, the kids will enjoy plenty santa fun, story telling, festive music and receive a present too. There\u2019s refreshments for all during the cruise with a soft drink and a cookie for the kids, a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie for the grown ups. This is a circular tour taking in the iconic landscape of the River Thames at a most magical time of year – cruise past \u00a0HMS Belfast, the Tate Modern, Houses of Parliament, Somerset House and the London Eye either on the top deck or in the warmth of the riverboat! The cruise last one hour.<\/p>\n When: Daily from 19th – 24th December LittleBird\u2019s Top Tip: Cross over Tower Bridge and after sailing past it, why not climb aboard HMS Belfast<\/a>. You can enjoy LittleBird\u2019s exclusive FREE voucher<\/a> entitling families to a 25% saving, plus the London Bridge City Christmas Market<\/a> is on too.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Fun and fantastic things to do with the kids in London this Weekend Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th December WINTERVILLE, VICTORIA PARK – 2 FOR 1 ON ICE SKATING & THE CIRCUS WITH LITTLEBIRD If you\u2019re looking for a festive family experience with a little \u00a0je ne se qua, then look no further – grab … Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2170,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,563],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2244","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","category-whats-on"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2244","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2244"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2244\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5559,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2244\/revisions\/5559"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2170"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2244"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2244"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2244"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"wintervillleBL2\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2015\/12\/wintervillleBL2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhen: until 23rd December
\nAge: All
\nCost: Free Entry with 2 for 1 tickets<\/a> on ice skating<\/a> and at the Circus <\/a>– use code \u201cpromo\u201d to purchase<\/p>\n![\"slaviaLB\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2015\/12\/slaviaLB.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Royal Festival Hall, SE1 8XX
\nAge: 8+
\nCost: Tickets from \u00a317.50<\/a> only on LittleBird, \u00a0book now<\/a><\/p>\n![\"GoldehindeSanta\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2015\/12\/GoldehindeSanta.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: Golden Hinde, SE1 9DG
\nAge: 4 – 16
\nCost: Book your tickets<\/a> through LittleBird and enjoy a 25% saving; adult & child ticket \u00a315<\/p>\n![\"bompasshard\"](\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/OxJibv13woCYbsVqoRySomAyN0cUJkTGjJJLPKGt4XPIGGKEotsQv2NxBFjN5mxh0alqK3nW51BSJiVeHjNPDmOCP9CIqWCgTiwgIhhcUW4onb4AkbnkEAzAjH7pAAiojwldPrPN\")
\nWhere: The Shard, SE1 9SG
\nAge: All
\nCost: Adults \u00a325.95, Children \u00a319.95<\/p>\n![\"barbicangethappy\"](\"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2015\/12\/barbicangethappy.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWhere: The Pit, Barbican Centre, EC2Y 8DS
\nAge: 4+
\nCost: \u00a312 or \u00a37 on selected performances<\/a> with LittleBird<\/a><\/p>\n![\"christmasatkew\"](\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/YSdr2m3dDMquUhmr7GHDxdgO4KEuc6QJBEiZx5De84PcdOASpm_bmKIO6nwzJX3yssinv9Bm-3yIE-Vkji_z9h7g2sTZ4aXdO47BQ7mCIoRn5st2U1V2YlZznsaqZoyppyUM4Pe0\")
\nWhen: until 2nd January 2016, timed entrance between 5pm \u2013 8.15pm
\nAge: Families
\nCost: Adults \u00a316, Children \u00a310 (advance ticket prices), under 4s free \u2013 booking recommended<\/p>\n![\"christmaspastgeffyre\"](\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/F5pYlTmiPjE2tVONnTag3wNKXJLqhfvU6ZDXQVnwGM9qd8z2cIrZsWQ77yYMPz5dwccqFStR6KxHBItiNKFpyA84QWl2j8M2yWBblfE1oLFc02HtdtJQesfSyWAN4cZXa3XTVOB4\")
\nWhere: Geffrye Museum,E2 8EA
\nAge: Families
\nCost: Free<\/p>\n![\"canarywharfgrotto\"](\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/uTF9ykYiwYFCto3AFkBw205tS-dRL4sRnhKbPdBOtv6GNCnM5psOe9MzVGJeKZaIYe8XK_-FdcURoRadBviYrZQ2sDPHeENaYD7ytOn15Ci5Chzjr1H_CrSkl8QRWTfNzvNtdCOa\")
\nWhere: Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf, E14 5NY
\nAge: Families
\nCost: Free with a recommended donation of \u00a32 to the \u00a0Richard House Children\u2019s Hospice<\/a><\/p>\n![\"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![\"sailwithsanta\"](\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/WWWMgkeA7HDxH0sUhNhbAd8fmZkwTwfkxsZJmkjTuUhgcBhJDby9CvRKcdUQQyBfFI699Y0JMZbgxfmKGSKroXknAoohfe4vg6e2v6tcvfinxpv4scRqvDRibMAjTKyNnakG13eg\")
\nWhere: Boats depart from Tower Pier at 10am, 11.15am, 12.30pm, 1.45pm, 3.30pm.
\nAge: All
\nCost: Enjoy a \u00a020%<\/a> saving with LittleBird<\/a> – Adults; \u00a320 and Children \u00a0\u00a312 – book your tickets here<\/a><\/p>\n