Santa hats at the ready, we’ve rounded up the best family things to do in the South East to get you into the festive spirit.
Goldilocks and the Three Musketeers, Battersea Arts Centre
30th November – 31st December
This rip-roaring panto is great for all the family to enjoy. Following Goldilocks as she flees the three bears into the deep, dark wood, she stumbles down a rabbit hole to escape and finds herself in Wonderland! And all is not well…Teaming up with The Three Musketeers and a whole host of fairy tale favourites (with a little help from the audience), can Goldilocks rescue Wonderland and live happily ever after before it’s too late? A brilliant production performed superbly by a very enthusiastic cast.
Celtic Christmas Weekend at The Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village
30th November – 1st December
Set against the wintry backdrop of the Watts woodland, start your festive celebrations with the sights, sounds and fragrances of the Celtic-themed Christmas Weekend at Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village.
Inspired by the Celtic crafts of Mary Watts, the renowned nineteenth-century designer, create an array of seasonal crafts and decorations to take home with you. Make a sustainable winter wreath from fabric and ribbon and design a set of mini crackers using beautiful papers and thread. Create your own tartan printed wrapping paper and ice a delicious shortbread snowflake.
Start your Christmas shopping with unique gifts and stocking fillers from the Watts Shop and their Maker’s Market, which features a host of local artists and producers selling original artisan gifts. Enjoy musical performances across the weekend, including carolling, bagpipes and bell-ringers, and meet Father Christmas.
Adults £13 | Under 18s go free
Wiglet’s Christmas Adventure & Visit to Father Christmas, Godstone Farm
Selected dates between 23rd November – 24th December
This year Wiglet’s Christmas Adventure returns to Godstone Farm with all the usual farmyard fun and a truly festive visit to see Father Christmas. Celebrating all that is magical about Christmas, let little ones wander through the magical tunnel with the friendly farm elves and be guided to meet the big man himself. Watch small eyes light up as each child receives a marvellous present from the famous Godstone Farm toyshop and then the adventures continue around the rest of the farm. There’s interactive fun in Wiglet’s Workshop plus Christmas crafts and cookie decorating.
Visits to Father Christmas are strictly by timed tickets and bookable only in advance. Tickets are now on sale. SEN visits will be running on the afternoon and evening of 11th December – call the farm directly to book one of these slots.
Jack and The Beanstalk – The Borough Hall, Godalming
11th -24th December
Godalming’s first professional pantomime for all the family will bring magic, music and adventure to The Borough Hall with a brilliant performance of Jack and The Beanstalk. Jack and his friends will take panto-goers, young and old, on an exciting adventure to the zany Pantoland, where he begins his audacious quest to slay the fearsome Giant. With lots of fun and laughter, fantastic costumes and toe-tapping song and dance, this panto promises to be a great trip out for all the family this winter. The cast is made up of experienced professionals including BBC’s Mark Carter starring as Fleshcreep, the Giant’s villainous henchman, as well as local young performers. On Saturday 14th December at 11am there will be a relaxed performance available directly through the Box Office.
Magical Christmas House – 31, Thurloe Place South Kensington
22nd November – 5th December
Online kids store KidPix is bringing its shopping experience to London this winter with a Magical Christmas Pop-Up festive extravaganza. Shop leading boutique brands, meet Father Christmas and take part in activities for babies, children and adults. For the grown-ups there’s festive workshops such as wreath-making and hamper design whilst LittleFolk can take part in Art Play creative sessions, make their own Christmas decorations, create a Gingerbread House or Snow Globe workshop, Monkey Music sessions, book readings and a Snowfall Disco.
