With darker nights, colder days and the long school holidays, Christmas can be challenging. But London Mums have put together the ultimate Family Winter Guide for this festive season.
London Mums’ favourite Ice rinks
An Ice-skating trip can be a great opportunity for the whole family to get into the festive spirit while embracing the cold weather and drinking a glass of mulled wine.
Ice rink Canary Wharf
Natural History Museum Ice Rink
Set against the backdrop of the Waterhouse building, the Ice Rink at the Natural History Museum is one of the most magical places to be this winter. Experience the thrill of skating surrounded by fairy lights nestled in frost-covered trees, with the smell of mulled wine and toasted marshmallows in the air. Whether you can dance on ice like Torvill and Dean, or you skate more like Bambi, a visit to the Museum’s Ice Rink is a must this festive season. General skating tickets available from £8.80.
The 1,000-year-old year old Tower of London has the most dramatic surroundings for an ice rink. It can be enjoyed also as a romantic skate under the starry sky, as lights illuminate the wall of the fortress after dark. Hot chocolate, mulled wine, rum punches or even a glass of champagne are available on site as you watch the skaters from the rink-side bar.
This year for your skating enjoyment we have a bigger rink. Skating sessions are 45 minutes on the ice, plus we recommend that you arrive 30 minutes before your session to get ready to take to the ice! The price includes skate hire. After skating you can head to the Café Bar.
Skate at Somerset House
Until 13 January 2019, the iconic Somerset House will host one of London’s most beautiful ice rink, with Skate Lates providing a fantastic soundtrack to the skate session.
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Festive Activities at The O2 (North Greenwich)
The O2 is feeling merry this season as it brings London’s top choirs to the roof of the world’s most popular entertainment venue, 52 metres above the ground with Up at The O2. The choirs will perform classic Christmas hits between 14-16 and 21-23 December.
Giant Slugs at Tate Britain
Winter Commission 2018: Monster Chetwynd © Tate (Matt Greenwood & Seraphina Neville)
Until 28 February 2019, you can visit Tate Britain’s two giant leopard slugs with energy efficient LED lights slithering around its main entrance. To see them in full beam, visit on the 15 December to enjoy a free Winter Fair for pop-up stalls, food, craft makers, live music and more.
Winter Lights at Battersea Power Station
From now until 4 January 2019, check out the Piazza and Battersea Power Station’s interactive Christmas Tree created by Studio Bruyant. The photogenic installation creates patterns of light as different numbers of people approach it. People will be able to explore underneath the tree to discover an immersive spider web of light.
Southbank Centre Winter Festival
Over the Christmas until 6 January 2019 holidays Southbank Centre will transform into a winter fantasy and will offer family shows, twinkling lights, markets and much more. Eat, drink and be merry beside the River Thames with the return of the enchanting Winter Market and pop-ups, offering the very best in global street food, craft beers, cocktails, artisan gifts and more.
London Mums’ favourite family festive movies
Expect a lot of gloomier and darker days that will force us all to spend more time with the kids indoor. Luckily there are amazing movies out there and a trip to the cinema will cheer everybody up. A Family Winter Guide has to include my favourite festive films that have just been released. Here they are:
Winter Giveaways
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