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The immersive light and sound installation is on in the courtyard of the ‘Cheesegrater’ until 15 March 2024.
Category Archives: Families
Ideas for parents and grandparents to entertain the children.
Guide to what’s on in London in April 2024
Find out what special events and exhibitions are on in April, including family attractions over the Easter Holidays.
Spring is here!
March is always a bit of a dodgy month weather wise and usually feels pretty wintry, so the coming of April means (hopefully) spring will be in full swing.
With Easter falling at the tail end of March, the long weekend eases us in gently to a new month with Easter Monday kicking off April. The first half of the month coincides with most schools’ Easter holidays, so expect plenty of family activities on around town. This month is full of cultural celebrations from our vibrant multi-cultural city, with the Sikh and Punjabi celebration of Vaisakhi, the Muslim celebration of Eid, as well as St George’s Day.
Find out what special events, festivals and exhibitions are on in London this April.
Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.
- 1 – 30 April 2024 : Easter @ Leadenhall Market
Take part in a treasure hunt with the Great Leadenhall Market Wild Goose Chase, including quirky in-market challenges, clue hunting and dressing up, with a first prize of £500 up for grabs. Leadenhall Market (access from Gracechurch Street, Lime Street and Whittington Avenue), City of London, EC3V 1LT. Nearest stations: Monument or Fenchurch Street. For more information, visit the Leadenhall Market website.
- 2 – 4 April 2024 : Market Explorers’ Garden @ Borough Market
Three days of educational, fun activities for children, including seed planting, what’s in the box, and arts and crafts. 11am-3pm. Free. Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL. Nearest station: London Bridge. For more information, visit the Borough Market website. 🐻
- 6 April 2024 : Vaisakhi 2024
Trafalgar Square hosts a celebration of Sikh and Punjabi tradition, heritage and culture. Featuring Kirtan (spiritual music), Gatka (Sikh martial arts), Langar, cooking demonstrations and Sikh art display. From 1pm-6pm. Free. Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2N 5DN. Nearest stations: Charing Cross, Embankment, Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square. For more information, visit the London.gov.uk website. 🐻
- 6 – 14 April 2024 : Now Play This
The UK’s leading experimental games festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary, with games, installations, workshops and activities. Open Sat-Sun, Thu 11am-6pm, Tues-Wed 12pm-6pm, Fri 12pm-8pm, Mon closed. Tickets: Adults £9, Children 12-16yrs £6.50, under 12yrs free. Somerset House, Strand, Westminster, WC2R 1LA. Nearest station: Temple. For more information, visit the Somerset House website. 🐻
- Now until 7 April 2024 : Ideal Home Show 2024 and Eat & Drink Festival
Two festivals in the same venue. One is home inspiration, with interiors, fittings and gardens. Includes plenty of opportunities to buy things both big and small for the house. Celebrity guests and experts include Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Scarlette & Stuart Douglas, Martin Lewis, George Clarke, Danni Menzies, Style Sisters, Sophie Liard, David Domoney, Kate Hardcastle, Tanya Sanyal, Danielle Mason, Dr Arora, and more. and many more. Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. Advance tickets (more on the door): Weekday £14 or Weekend £16, Children 15 yrs and younger free. Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more tickets, visit the Ideal Home Show website. 🐻
- 9 – 25 April 2024 : London Games Festival 2024
In-person and online festival to promote gaming and interactive entertainment, including Ensemble exhibition, Games Finance Market, Open Studios, Fringe event, BAFTA Games Awards, industry talks, and more. For more information, visit the Games London website. 🐻
- 11 – 14 April 2024 : The London Coffee Festival 2024
Festival of Java, featuring tastings, coffee masters, latte art live, brew school, samples, food court, DJs and more. Entry times via timed sessions. Thu and Fri daytime for industry only. Open to public: Sat 9am-6.30pm, Sun 9am-3.15pm. Tickets from £38. Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, Spitalfields, E1 6QR. Nearest station: Shoreditch High Street or Aldgate East. For more information and tickets, visit the London Coffee Festival website.
- 12 – 22 April 2024 : La Linea 24 – the London Latin Music Festival
The London Latin Music Festival returns at venues across the capital. Venues include Barbican, Cafe Oto, Eventim Apollo, Fox & Firkin, Jazz Cafe, Rio Cinema, Servant Jazz Quarters, St James’s Church, Village Underground. For more information and booking, visit the Como No website.
- 12 April – 8 September 2024 : Anne Desmet: Kaleidoscope/London exhibition
Explore three decades of wood engraver Anne Desmet’s artwork, including 41 London-themed prints. Open 10am-5pm. Admission: Pay what you can. Guildhall Art Gallery, Guildhall Yard, City of London, EC2V 5AE. Nearest stations: St Paul’s, Bank or Moorgate. For more information, visit the City of London website.
- 13 April – 30 November 2024 : Billingsgate Roman House and Baths
Visit the Roman ruins of a house and bathhouse in the basement of a City office block. 8yrs and over. Tours on Saturday only. Times vary. Tickets: Adults £12, Children 8-12 yrs £10. 101 Lower Thames Street, City of London, EC3R 6DL. Nearest station: Monument. For more information and booking, visit the City of London website. Check out Metro Girl’s blog post on the ruins.🐻
The Balloon Museum has been extended until April
- Now until 14 April 2024 : Balloon Museum
An immersive art experience made of balloons comes to the capital, following popular runs in New York, Paris, Rome, Milan, Madrid and Naples. Featuring inflatable work from over 20 international artists. Tickets: Adults £32, Children £15. Old Billingsgate, 1 Old Billingsgate Walk, City of London, EC3R 6DX. Nearest stations: Monument, Cannon Street or Tower Hill. For more information, visit the Balloon Museum website. 🐻
- Now until 14 April 2024 : Easter Trail @ Handel Hendrix House
Children can discover hidden treasures in the Georgian townhouse that was previously home to two iconic musicians. Open 10am-4pm. Free for children. 25 Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HB. Nearest station: Bond Street or Marble Arch. For more information, visit the Handel Hendrix House website. 🐻
- Now until 14 April 2024 : Cute @ Somerset House
New exhibition explores the cult of cuteness in contemporary culture, including music, toys, fashion, social media and video games. Open Tues-Wed, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm, Thur-Fri 12pm-9pm. Tickets: £18.50. Somerset House, Strand, Aldwych, WC2R 1LA. Nearest station: Temple. For more information, visit the Somerset House website. 🐻 Read the rest of this entry
Guide to what’s on in London in March 2024 and Easter
Find out what’s on in the capital this month, including London Comic Con Spring, BFI Flare, the Oxbridge Boat Race, London Design Week and more.
Spring is on the way! With the dark winter nights moving on, the capital’s event calendar is really starting to ramp up. There’s a host of popular events and festivals returning to London, such as the Oxbridge Boat Race, the Ideal Home Show and BFI Flare film festival.
As well as the usual array of exhibitions, art fans can also head to one of this month’s art fairs. The London Design Festival is also back with a host of events and shopping opportunities across town.
Meanwhile, the Easter Weekend kicks off at the end of the month, with Good Friday falling on 29th March. The long weekend also coincides with the beginning of most schools’ Easter break.
Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.
- Now until 1 March 2024 : The Conservatory x Ranjani Shettar
Artist Ranjani Shettar’s huge handcrafted sculptures, inspired by nature, are suspended amidst the greenery of the Barbican Conservatory. Times vary. Book a free time slot via the website. Barbican Centre, Silk Street, City of London, EC2Y 8DS. Nearest stations: Moorgate or Barbican. For more information, visit the Barbican website. 🐻
- 1 – 20 March 2024 : David Bowie – A London Day
A new exhibition of photographs of the London music legend by Kevin Davies in the stunning setting of the Fitzrovia Chapel. Open Tues-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm. Free entry. Fitzrovia Chapel, Pearson Square, Fitzrovia, W1T 3BF. Nearest station: Goodge Street or Tottenham Court Road. For more information, visit the Fitzrovia Chapel website.
- 2 – 3 March 2024 : London Comic Con Spring
Film and Comic Con returns, giving you the opportunity for autograph sessions, photoshoots, and panels. Names include Billie Piper, Anita Dobson, Bill Paterson, Alfie Allen, Vincent Regan, Maggie Service, Frazer Hines and more. Open Sat-Sun: 9am-6pm. Tickets: Adults Sat £25, Sun £23, Children Sat £22, Sun £20. Olympia National, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information and tickets, visit the London Comic Con website. 🐻
- Now until 3 March 2024 : Alegria – In A New Light by Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil bring their show Alegria to London. The show tells the story of a kingdom struggling after the loss of its King, with a power struggle unfolding between the young and older. Times vary. Tickets: £44.90-£182.40. Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP. Nearest stations: South Kensington, Knightsbridge or High Street Kensington. For more information and booking, visit the Royal Albert Hall website. 🐻
- Now until 3 March 2024 : Orchid Festival @ Kew Gardens
An orchid display is coming to the Princess of Wales Conservatory for four weeks, with this year being inspired by Madagascar. General entrance tickets to Kew Gardens includes orchid exhibition: Adults £24.50, Children (4-15yr) £7. Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, Kew, TW9 3AB. Nearest station: Kew Gardens. For more information, visit the Kew Gardens website. 🐻
- Now until 3 March 2024 : Collect 2024
International fair for contemporary craft and design, featuring specialist galleries, dealers and collectives representing 400 artists, selling pieces between £500 to £50,000. Open Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sun 11am-6pm. Tickets: £21-£27. Somerset House, Strand, Aldwych, WC2R 1LA. Nearest station: Temple. For more information, visit the Somerset House website.
- 6 – 10 March 2024 : Affordable Art Fair – Battersea Spring
A chance for people to buy a unique piece of art or photography for their homes at an affordable price. There are over 100 galleries, with pieces for sale ranging from £50 to £7,500. Open Thu-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun 11am-6pm. Tickets: Adults from £14.84, under 16yrs free. Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ. Nearest station: Battersea Park, Battersea Power Station or short bus ride from Sloane Square tube. For more information, visit the Affordable Art Fair website.
- 6 March – 30 April 2024 : Disney 100 – The Exhibition
Exhibition to celebrate 100 years of Disney magic in 10 themed galleries returns following its hit run over Christmas and new year. Featuring original artworks, artefacts, costumes, props, memorabilia and 14 interactive installations. Tickets: Adults from £28, Children 5-16 yrs £20. ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest stations: Prince Regent or Custom House. For more information, visit the Disney100 website. 🐻
Guide to what’s on in London in February 2024
Find out what events are on this month, including Chinese New Year, Imagine Children’s Festival, and a new Yoko Ono exhibition.
The new year is in full swing and the nights are fortunately getting lighter. As we move one step closer to spring, London’s 2024 exhibition scene is really starting to kick off with some fabulous new showcases.
It’s Chinese New Year on 10th February so there will be plenty of festivities to mark the Year of the Dragon, most famously in Chinatown.
There is also half-term (12-16 February for most schools) so expect plenty of parents and carers seeking out family-friendly fun at London’s museums and attractions.
Of course, not forgetting Valentine’s Day on 14th February with both singles and taken alike looking for different ways to celebrate the festival of love.
Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.
- 1 – 4 February 2024 : Destinations – the Holiday and Travel Show
Find inspiration for your next travels with over 600 travel brands, over 90 tourist boards, expert advice and exclusive offers. Open 10am-5.30pm. Tickets: Adults £11-£16. Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information and booking, visit the Destinations website.
- Now until 3 February 2024 : Life
A sound and light show will be projected in and outside of St Martin-in-the-Fields church, including the Crypt and aisle. From 5.30pm-9.45pm. Tickets £8-£12. St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2H 4JH. Nearest stations: Charing Cross or Embankment. For more information and booking, visit the St Martin-in-the-Fields website.
- 3 February 2024 : Lunar New Year @ Maritime Museum
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a day of family activities in Greenwich. Featuring workshops, talks, tours, tea ceremony and performances, including the lion dance, martial arts demonstrations, ribbon dance and Korean harp. Time slots at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm. Book online for a free ticket. National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, Greenwich, SE10 9NF. Nearest stations: Greenwich, Maze Hill or Cutty Sark (DLR). For more information, visit the Royal Museums Greenwich website. 🐻
- 3 February – 3 March 2024 : Orchid Festival @ Kew Gardens
An orchid display is coming to the Princess of Wales Conservatory for four weeks, with this year being inspired by Madagascar. General entrance tickets to Kew Gardens includes orchid exhibition: Adults £24.50, Children (4-15yr) £7. Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, Kew, TW9 3AB. Nearest station: Kew Gardens. For more information, visit the Kew Gardens website. 🐻
- 3 February – 28 April 2024 : Entangled Pasts
New exhibition brings together contemporary and historic artworks and their role in depicting narratives of empire, enslavement, resistance, abolition and colonialism. Open Tues-Thu, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-9pm. Tickets: £22. Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 9ER. Nearest station: Green Park or Bond Street. For tickets, visit the RA website.
- Now until 4 February 2024 : Coalescence
Designer Paul Cocksedge’s artwork makes its debut against the historic backdrop of Greenwich’s Painted Hall. The structure is suspended from the arch of the hall and is made with over 2,500 pieces of coal, which sparkles and shadows. Open daily 10am-5pm. Tickets: £15. Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, SE10 9NN. Nearest stations: Greenwich, Cutty Sark or Maze Hill. For more information, visit the ORNC website. 🐻
- 7 – 17 February 2024 : Imagine Children’s Festival
Two week children’s festival at the Southbank Centre, including art, theatre, books, music, performances and workshops for ages 0-11 years. 10.30am-4pm daily. Around 50% of the activities and events are free, but some go up to £26. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XX. Nearest station: Waterloo or Waterloo East. For more information and booking visit the Southbank Centre website. Check out Metro Girl’s blog post for more details. 🐻 Read the rest of this entry
Imagine Children’s Festival 2024: Chasing dreams, dance parties and story-telling at the Southbank Centre
The UK’s leading arts festival for children aged 0-11 years old returns to the capital.
Starchitects by Motionhouse is amongst the shows at the Imagine Children’s Festival 2024
© Dan Tucker
If you’re looking for something a bit different than bringing your kids to the same old museums they’ve been to before, the Imagine Children’s Festival 2024 could be right up your street. Over 11 days this February half-term, the Southbank Centre will host an extravaganza of creativity, imagination, and fun for little ones and their adults. From mesmerizing performances to interactive workshops, this festival has something for all ages. From 7 – 17 February, over 130 events will take place, including music, dance, comedy and drama performances, storytelling, workshops and more. Read the rest of this entry
Guide to what’s on in London in January 2024
Find out what events and exhibitions are on this month, including Winter Lights Festival, Mime London, RuPaul’s DragCon, and the Bankside Frost Fair.
The Winter Lights festival returns to Canary Wharf
January can be a tough month for many with the post-Christmas comedown and the depleted bank balance following the previous month’s celebrations and shopping. However, there’s plenty of free and affordable events on around London.
The first week or two of the month you’ve got your last chance to check out some of the festive events and experiences before they end if you’re still in the mood. After the Christmas lights have dimmed, those in need of a neon fix can head to Canary Wharf for the return of the Winter Lights Festival. There’s also a striking sound and light show in St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, as well as a coal installation in Greenwich’s Painted Hall. Fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race should head to DragCon for a gathering of the world’s best drag queens. Don’t forget Burns’ Night on 25 January if you’re interested in a spot of whisky and haggis.
Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.
- Now until 1 January 2024 : Winter Wonderland
The south-east corner of Hyde Park is transformed into a festive fair with rides, food and drink stalls, ice rink, the Magical Ice Kingdom, Giant Wheel, Bar Ice, Ice Rink, Real Ice Slide, Cirque Berserk, Justin’s Christmas Singalong, Ice Sculpting Workshops, Zippos Christmas Circus, and more. Open daily 10am-10pm. Tickets (must be pre-booked): Off-peak free, standard £5, peak £7.50. Entrance fee waived if you spend over £25pp on attractions in advance. Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner, Victoria, Knightsbridge or Marble Arch. For more information, visit the Winter Wonderland website. 🐻
- Now until 1 January 2024 : Christmas at Kenwood
The fabulous grounds and historic buildings at Kenwood will be lit up in a Christmas light trail. There will also be festive food and drink. From 4.30pm-9.30pm. Tickets: Adults £22-£30, Children 3-16yrs £17.50-£22.75 (English Heritage members get 1/3rd off). Kenwood House, Hampstead Heath, NW3 7JR. Nearest stations: Highgate or Hampstead. For tickets, visit the Christmas at Kenwood website. 🐻
- Now until 1 January 2024 : Christmas @ Eltham Palace
New interactive light trail brings light, colour and play to the Tudor and Art Deco Eltham Palace, along with festive food, and warming cocktails. Open 4pm-8.30pm. Tickets: Adults £20.50-£25.50, Children 3-16yrs £15.25-£19.25. Eltham Eltham Palace, Court Yard, Eltham, SE9 5QE. Nearest station: Eltham or Mottingham. For more information, visit the English Heritage website. 🐻
- 1 January 2024 : London’s New Year’s Day Parade & Festival
Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to gather to watch 10,000 performers from around the world. Starts from Piccadilly’s Berkeley Street at 12pm, ending at Parliament Square at 3.30pm. Free. Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus, Westminster or Charing Cross. For more information, visit the Parade website. 🐻
- Now until 2 January 2024 : The Luminaze @ Wembley Park
Wembley Park’s winter season is led by reflective, neon, maze-like art installation from Emergency Exit Arts (EEA). There will also be a festive market on some weekends, live entertainment and children’s activities. Open daily 10am-9pm. Free. Off Olympic Way, HA9 0FD. Nearest stations: Wembley Park or Wembley Stadium. For more information, visit the Wembley Park website. Check out Metro Girl’s blog for more information. 🐻
- Now until 2 January 2024 : Christmas at the Postal Museum
A host of Christmas experiences will be taking place at the Postal Museum and Mail Rail. Events include Mail Rail Christmas Ride, Festive Tunnel Walks, Storytelling with Ella Phillips, Jolly Christmas Day inspired by the Jolly Christmas Postman book and a chance to see the first ever Christmas card. Open Wed-Sun 10am-5pm. Tickets (Christmas activities included with regular entry): Adults £16 online, £17 in person. Children £9 online, £10 in person. Postal Museum, 15-20 Phoenix Place, WC1X 0DA. Nearest station: Angel or Russell Square. For more information, visit the Postal Museum website. 🐻 Read the rest of this entry
Frameless review: Step into iconic masterpieces of the art world in an immersive experience
Jump between genres and eras in the stunning multi-media art experience at Marble Arch.
The Librarian by Giuseppe Arcimboldo in the Beyond Reality room at Frameless
I’ve been to a few immersive art experiences, the last being the Mexican Geniuses (which, if I’m honest, left me slightly underwhelmed). However, I was pleasantly surprised by Frameless, which I thought had been very cleverly done and felt quite magical.
Introduce your little ones to art at Frameless
Frameless is a multi-dimensional and interactive, immersive art experience which releases some of the world’s most iconic works from within the confines of a frame into a moving, giant projections… hence the title ‘Frameless’. Located in a giant basement near Marble Arch, Frameless is divided into four rooms with distinct themes: Beyond Reality, Colour in Motion, The World Around Us and The Art of Abstraction.
I visited on a Saturday with some family visiting from up north, along with my toddler son. While all three of us adults – seasoned art lovers – really enjoyed the experience, Frameless was a great introduction to art to younger visitors. My son, who had only just started walking at the time, was mesmerised – and at times confused as the floor appeared to ‘move’ underneath him.
We started our visit in the Beyond Reality gallery, which featured some of the art world’s more surreal paintings, such as Henri Rousseau’s The Dream, Salvador Dali’s The Persistence of Memory and Edvard Munch’s The Scream. Given the nature of the art, it was no surprise it was rather trippy as the dreamlike ‘scapes moved across the floor and walls. We then moved on to the Colour in Motion gallery, which featured Vincent Van Gogh and many impressionists, such as Berthe Morisot, Claude Monet and Paul Signac. The room felt very spring-like with the moving flowers and greenery which provided so much inspiration to the artists in question. There was a clever interactive element which saw petals parting ways on the floor as you moved across it, which my son found particularly enjoyable. Read the rest of this entry
Guide to what’s on in London in December 2023
Find out what special events are in London in the run-up and during the Christmas period.
The countdown to Christmas is on. As expected, many of the events on around London have an obvious festive theme. Although there tends to be a mass exodus from the capital around the Christmas period, there’s plenty still on around town for those staying put.
There’s plenty of special events on around the capital to spend with the family, including opportunities to meet Father Christmas, illumination and light trails, pop-up festive cinemas, and foodie experiences. As an alternative to the long-running Winter Wonderland, there is a new festive experience at the ExCel entitled Kingdom of Winter.
If you want to do some shopping, head to one of London’s many Christmas markets and fairs. Or for those looking for sportier activities, glide on to one of the capital’s festive outdoor ice skating rinks.
Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.
- 1 – 3 and 8 – 10 December 2023 : Festive Fayre @ Hampton Court Palace
The courtyards of the historic royal palace will be transformed into a foodies’ paradise, with artisan food and drink, gift stalls, and carol services. From 10am-6pm. Tickets (included with palace admission): Adults from £26.30/£29, Children from £13.10/£14/50, Under 5s free. Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, KT8 9AU. Nearest station: Hampton Court. For booking, visit the Hampton Court Palace website. 🐻
- 1 December 2023 – 1 January 2024 : Christmas at Kenwood
The fabulous grounds and historic buildings at Kenwood will be lit up in a Christmas light trail. There will also be festive food and drink. From 4.30pm-9.30pm. Tickets: Adults £22-£30, Children 3-16yrs £17.50-£22.75 (English Heritage members get 1/3rd off). Kenwood House, Hampstead Heath, NW3 7JR. Nearest stations: Highgate or Hampstead. For tickets, visit the Christmas at Kenwood website. 🐻
- 1 December 2023 – 1 January 2024 : Christmas @ Eltham Palace
New interactive light trail brings light, colour and play to the Tudor and Art Deco Eltham Palace, along with festive food, and warming cocktails. Open 4pm-8.30pm. Tickets: Adults £20.50-£25.50, Children 3-16yrs £15.25-£19.25. Eltham Eltham Palace, Court Yard, Eltham, SE9 5QE. Nearest station: Eltham or Mottingham. For more information, visit the English Heritage website. Read the rest of this entry
The Luminaze neon art maze leads the festive fun programme at Wembley Park
A host of festive events and activities are taking place at Wembley Park from 2 December 2023.
The Luminaze is coming to Wembley Park
© Emergency Exit Arts
Wembley Park is hosting a plethora of seasonal fun this December, led by an exciting neon maze art experience. Kicking off on 2 December 2023, the north-west London destination will be hosting festive markets, live music and costumed performers, and other events.
Headlining the programme is The Luminaze, a walkthrough installation by Emergency Exit Arts (EEA). Located off Olympic Way, visitors can wind their way through a reflective, light-based maze-like art. Four participating artists have created neon pieces inspired by the themes of belonging and migration and what ‘home’ feels like.
If you’re up for some shopping, there will also be a festive market on the first three weekends in December (2-3, 9-10, 16-17). Stallholders will sell a wide range of gifts, crafts, gourmet treats and more across Market Square and Olympic Way.
The Sound Shell will feature a series of live music events on selected afternoons. Choirs, solo and groups will be perform festive classics against the backdrop of Wembley Stadium on the first three weekends in December from 12pm-5pm. Costumed performers will also be entertaining in Market Square, while children can have their face painted in Samovar Space.
For the party people, BOXPARK Wembley will be hosting a series of fun events, including Hip Hop Karaoke, Big Fat Quizbox, Ultimate Michael Buble Tribute and Massaoke. Other attractions include the nine-metre high Christmas tree decorated in neon, a festive photography exhibition in Arena Square and the return of the Shadow Wall by Jason Bruges so visitors can dance with their shadows.
- The Luminaze is open 2 December 2023 – 2 January 2024. Free entry. Off Olympic Way, Wembley Park, Wembley, HA9 0FD. Nearest stations: Wembley Park or Wembley Stadium. For more information on the winter programme, visit the Wembley Park website.
Find out what’s on in London right now:
Guide to London’s festive ice rinks this winter 2023/2024
Where to go ice skating in London this season, including prices, opening times and transport details.
Rooftop skating at Skylight Tobacco Dock
In the run-up to and over the festive period, a host of alfresco ice rinks will be popping up across London.
Although this year is missing the Natural History Museum, which closed in 2021, there’s a new central London pop-up rink in Mayfair’s plush Hanover Square.
As well as the ice skating, many of these outdoor destinations feature food and drink pop-ups, DJ sets and live entertainment and other festive fun.
Here’s details of London’s temporary outdoor ice rinks over the 2023-2024 winter season:
- 21 October 2023 – 24 February 2024 : Ice Rink Canary Wharf
London’s longest seasonal rink is open for over 4 months, kicking off over autumn half-term and running for the whole of the winter season. There will also be a rinkside Grandstand Bar. Open daily 9am-11pm. Tickets: Adults and over 13yrs £17.95-£20.95, Children 3-12 yrs £13.50-£15.95. Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, E14. Nearest station: Canary Wharf. For booking, visit the Ice Rink Canary Wharf website.
- 3 November 2023 – 2 January 2024 : Skate West End
Mayfair is the newest location to join London’s annual festive rinks. Popping up at Hanover Square will be the capital’s first elliptical ice rink. There will also be a bar, with a portion of the ticket proceeds going to the Great Ormond Street Hospital. Times vary. Tickets: £15-£24. Hanover Square, Mayfair, W1S 1JA. Nearest stations: Bond Street, Green Park or Oxford Circus. For booking, visit the Skate West End website.
- 10 November 2023 – 7 January 2024 : Glide Battersea
Back for a second year are three interconnecting ice rinks against the stunning Art Deco backdrop of Battersea Power Station and overlooking the River Thames. There will also be vintage-style fairground rides, live entertainment and igloos for group hire. Open 10am-11pm. Tickets: Adults from £13.50, Children from £8.50. Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, Battersea, SW8 5BN. Nearest stations: Battersea Power Station, Battersea Park or Queenstown Road Battersea. For more information, visit the Glide Battersea Power Station website.
Glide at Battersea Power Station
- 10 November 2023 – 7 January 2024 : Ice Rink @ Westfield London
Take a break from the shopping with a twirl on the ice at Westfield. Open daily 10am-10pm. Tickets from £11 (45 min sessions inc skate hire). Westfield London, Ariel Way, Shepherd’s Bush, W12 7GF. Nearest station: Wood Lane, White City or Shepherd’s Bush. To book, visit the Westfield London website.
- 11 November – 31 December 2023 : Skylight London (Tobacco Dock)
Skate on London’s highest rink with views of the City of London’s skyline. Features alfresco and covered bars, igloos, and street food. Open Thu-Sun (Nov), daily (Dec) 12pm-10pm. Free entry to Skylight. Tickets £15 (45 minutes inc. skate hire). Skylight (Pennington Street entrance), Tobacco Quay, Wapping, E1CW 2SF. Nearest stations: Shadwell or Wapping. For booking and more information, visit the Skylight London website.
- 15 November 2023 – 14 January 2024 : Somerset House
One of London’s longest serving alfresco rink is back. There will also be rinkside food and drink, skating lessons, club nights and more. Open 9.30am-9.30pm. Tickets: Adults from £11-£24, Children (12 yrs and under) £8-£12.50. Somerset House, Strand, Westminster, WC2R 1LA. Nearest station: Temple. For booking, visit the Somerset House website. Read the rest of this entry
Memoirs Of A Metro Girl 