FREEtake me home!

IN THIS ISSUE

Exclusive interview with Jacqueline Wilson

The best local Christmas events

Unlock with our expertly led singing, your child’s dancing and acting classes potential for 4 -18 year olds.

CHEAM & WORCESTER PARK 01737 669504 020 8773 4242

COULSDON & SUTTON CATERHAM 01372 272561 0345 078 0805

CROYDON SHIRLEY 0845 265 7083 020 8949 1116

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Creative Courage For Life

Issuefamiliesonline.co.uk 83 November/December 2018 familiesonline.co.ukFamilies Borders Prep school located in Purley and South Croydon for Girls and Boys aged 2-13

Now accepting applications for September 2019. Limited spaces available for September 2018.

Contact [email protected] 020 8 645 2614 | cumnorhouse.com

Build your child’s confidence and learning skills. Ages 5-16 years. Call 0779 000 4416 or visit www.firstclasslearning.co.uk/centre/south-croydon to enquire or book an assessment. OUTSTANDING 11+ RESULTS 2018

REGULAR FREE TRIALBOOK TODAY YOUR OPEN MORNINGS

For dates and to register please contact [email protected] Fun play based social skill activities; speaking and listening, managing feelings and much more. Classes are for 4-11 year Part of the family olds. Monthly parent support groups provided. Co-educational school for children aged 3-11 years GROUPS ARE SMALL SPACES ARE LIMITED CLASSES IN CROYDON , Street, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 5QZ @Chintschool chinthurstschool.co.uk I 01737 812011 facebook.com/ChinthurstSchool For more details call 07591 205646 or email [email protected] [email protected]

2 Families London Surrey Borders familiesonline.co.uk News & views Wild Gifts from Surrey Wildlife Trust! London Surrey Borders Give the gift of nature this Christmas by adopting a hedgehog with Surrey Wildlife Editor Tamar Pearson Trust! Hedgehogs are in serious decline in the [email protected] UK and are disappearing as fast as the tiger is globally. SWT are working hard to restore Design Rebecca Carr habitats for hedgehogs and other wildlife Printer Print Mates species on their reserves. Their animal adoptions make the perfect 21,000 copies printed present for nature lovers and you will be 42,000 readers per issue contributing to their vital work to protect some of the county’s rarest wildlife and habitats. Adoption gift packs are just £25 and include an adorable soft toy, a personalised adoption certificate, a species factsheet, a photo and a sticker. The recipient will also receive two Next issue January/February 2019 newsletters a year showing how your support is helping their work. (Otter and goat Booking deadline 3 December 2018 adoptions are also available from £25).

Cover Image Spillers Pantomines, Epsom & Or how about giving your loved ones a family membership? From only £5 a month, children Ewell Burough Council and Epsom Playhouse will receive their own regular magazine, handbook, stickers and posters. Family members Theatre present Jack and the Beanstalk can also take advantage of discounts on hundreds of events and activities, including their new holiday club, whilst enjoying access to beautiful SWT reserves all over the county. Make your Christmas gifts a little bit wilder this year and give nature on your doorstep a helping Editor’s note hand. For more information please visit: www.surreywildlifetrust.org. Wishing you a festive season filled with much merriments and contentment. Santa to your door Tamar Arrange a magical visit from Santa on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or any other time. He will deliver your presents and chat to your children about their favourite things. He may even xx sing a few festive songs before he says goodbye having nibbled a mince pie, or two. Call the In this issue Santa hotline 020 8959 1045 or 07969 121094, email [email protected] or visit www. adamantsparties.co.uk 3. Christmas news 5. Education news Croydon Dad Creates 6. Childcare options for Christmas TV Show to Sew Seed for 8. Exclusive interview with Jaqueline Wilson generations to come 9. Christmas days out in London Local first-time dad-to-be, Dom Williams was so 10. Christmas with the National Trust dismayed hearing friends’ complaints about the 11. What’s on at Christmas children’s programmes they were forced to endure he wrote and made his own TV series, Sunny Bank 15. What’s on in November & December Allotments.

Families London Surrey Borders is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the Sunny Bank Allotments is an animated pre-school series about a little boy and girl, Pippa group are independently owned and operated under licence. and Barney and takes its name from the road in Croydon where Dom and his family live, Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham although he has subsequently found out there are actually at least three places called Sunny House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families London Surrey Borders Bank Allotments in the UK. are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without The series consists of 12 x 11-minute episodes and 12 accompanying books. Details available prior consent of Families London Surrey Borders. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families London at: www.Sunnybank.TV where the episodes can also be watched or the popular Kids Surrey Borders; our distributors, the franchise company, Youtube Channel Wizz: www.youtube.com/c/wizz Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

A unique mobile miniature pig party with a difference

We provide a unique, unforgettable « Birthday parties experience where children and adults alike have an opportunity to interact « Weddings and Receptions with the pigs up close and personal, stroke, brush and feed them and « Schools and Nurseries even take them for a walk on a lead « in a secure environment! Why not Care and Nursing homes book your next Child’s Birthday Party, « TV and Media Christmas or any other Event with us? www.thepigfather.co.uk Call 0208 914 8241 familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders 3 Stagecoach Epsom Two local Miniature Pig, Mikey student shines bright and Sunny are the first in in Netflix’s Extinction the UK to get there Mini Pig Therapy Pet Certification Nominated ‘Best Young Actress’ at the 2017 Birmingham Film Festival for her Programme performance in the short film ‘Belle and The Pigfather, a local mobile Miniature Pig education, petting Bamber’, Amelia is no stranger to the and therapy service are so excited to become the First in the UK to Train their Mini Pigs on the big screen having starred in Limehouse Mini Pig Therapy Pet Certification Programme accredited by the AMPA. Golem alongside Bill Nighy, Alice Through the Looking Glass and The Huntsman: Earlier this year, Mikey and Sunny, their two Miniature Piglets, entered the programme and passed Winter’s War to name a few. with flying colours! The piglets learned to obey important commands such as “Sit”, “Stay”, “Come”, “Spin”, “Back” and be gentle when taking treats, which are essential for Therapy Work. They also The filming schedule took 14-year-old mastered climbing small stairs and ramps as well as walk on a harness and lead. Amelia to Serbia for 12 weeks, “I missed my family and friends, but I really had Becoming creative is another side of their Therapy Training – with their snouts and trotters the boys produced painting masterpieces, which are available to purchase online, as Unique Bespoke the best time filming Extinction. I love Gifts! the acting lessons at Stagecoach and I learned so much from the other actors on Most importantly, Mikey and Sunny are comfortable around children, friendly, sociable and cuddly set which I’ve already been applying to my and have visited many Piggy-Themed parties, Events and Shows and have even been filmed for performances since I’ve come home.” commercial campaigns!

On Amelia’s success, Stagecoach For more information on all the services that The Pigfather offer visit www.thepigfather.co.uk Epsom School Principal, Rachel Crouch comments, “we are so proud of Amelia’s Talking to young children achievements – she works hard across all three disciplines at Stagecoach and is about war this Remembrance a great example to show other children Day what’s possible. We love seeing our talented students take to the stage and big Remembrance Day this year will be on Sunday 11 November screen…it means we’ve made a difference.” and will be especially significant as it will mark 100 years since the original agreement to end fighting during the First For more information about Stagecoach World War in 1918, also known as Armistice Day. Epsom visit: www.stagecoach.co.uk/ Accordingly, you can expect that there will be a great deal of media coverage given to this epsom significant commemoration and your child may be prompted to ask you questions. Discussing war with children can be quite difficult. Recognising this, CBeebies has produced a short animation, simply titled ‘Poppies’ to help convey the notion of remembrance in a way that resonates with a young audience. Odd Socks Day for The 2-minute film follows a bunny who starts off playing in a meadow, which then becomes a Anti-Bullying Week WW1 battlefield. The film can be viewed at www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies Anti-Bullying Week runs from 12-16 November and the theme this year is choosing respect South East in Bloom judges over bullying. hail Hever Castle as one of the The aim of the week is to support schools to help children understand: the definition of “finest gardens in the UK” respect, that bullying is a behavioural choice, that we can respectfully disagree with each The 125 acres of glories grounds at Hever Castle and other i.e. we don’t have to be best friends or Gardens have been awarded a prestigious Gold medal by always agree with each other, but we do have The South & South East in Bloom gardens. to show each other respect and that we all need to choose to respect each other, both There was praise for the gardens and for the team itself, face to face and online especially head gardener Neil Miller: “An excellent relationship among the team is evident, agreeing on seasonal displays, maintenance programmes and passionate work ethic under the Students are being encouraged to wear odd leadership of Head Gardener Neil Miller. Excellent gardens for all the family and enthusiasts to socks to school on Monday 12 November to enjoy.” show their support and raise money for a good cause. To get involved, visit www.anti- A visit to the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth bullyingalliance.org.uk I, will leave you and your family enchanted in the 700 years of history of the double moated 13th century Castle and surrounding gardens. For more information, ticket prices and event details visit www.hevercastle.co.uk

New Nursery Coming To Croydon! We care for children aged 6 months to 5 years Contact Vinnette on 07538949908 to register for a place Humble Bees Day Nursery, Oasis House, 5-9 Peall Road, Croydon, CR0 3EX

Banstead, Ewell, Claygate and Esher E: [email protected] T: 01932 223309 , , Walton on the Hill, and South Epsom E: [email protected] T: 020 8432 0811

4 Families London Surrey Borders familiesonline.co.uk Education news INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPEN MORNINGS Some open events require advance booking. An exciting new approach to Please call the school to check. Banstead Prep childcare is coming to Croydon! 16 Sutton Lane, Banstead SM7 3RA 01737 363601 I www.Bansteadprep.com Humble Bees Nursery aim to provide a high quality, stimulating, safe Open Morning - Mon 19 Nov and exciting nursery experiences, where children are the centre of everything that takes place in the nursery. Humble Bees Nursery Chinthurst School prides itself on demonstrating that they are more than a babysitting Tadworth, KT20 5AP facility, and are if fact an extension of the family, giving parents confidence that their child is their 01737 812 011 I www.chinthurstschool.co.uk utmost priority. Co-educational day school. 3–11 years Nursery leader, Vinnette Reitte is an expert in her field and has worked in childcare since the early Open Morning – Thu 15 Nov, 10.30am 1980s as a childminder, progressing through to Early Years and Foundation Stage (EYFS) and for Cumnor House & Tree Tops Nursery the past 18 years as a nursery manager. Humble Bees Nursery care for children aged 6 months to Cumnor House Boys & Tree Tops Nursery 5 years 168 Pampisford Rd, South Croydon, CR2 6DA 020 8660 3445 I www.cumnorhouse.com Humble Bees Day Nursery, Oasis House,5-9 Peall Road, Croydon CR0 3EX. For more information Independent day school for boys. 2–13 years or to register your interest contact Nursery Manager, Vinnette on 07538949908. Cumnor House Girls & Tree Tops Nursery 1 Woodcote Ln, Purley, CR8 3HB Year 5 pupils at Chinthurst 020 8668 0050 I www.cumnorhouse.com Independent day school for girls. 2–13 years can benefit from an early offer Daily tours of each nursery take place from 9.30 entrance arrangement to RGS – 10.15am. To arrange a tour at either Purley or South Croydon, contact the admissions team. Chinthurst is a vibrant co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 11 providing strong academics and excellent sport, music Downsend School (Pre/Preps) Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom and drama. Chinthurst is part of the Reigate Grammar School 01372 372311 I www.downsend.co.uk (RGS) family and children in Year 5 can benefit from an early offer Whole School Open Morning, Fri 16 Nov entrance arrangement to RGS. Elmhurst School for Boys, and Little Elms For our youngest children, a spacious, newly renovated nursery provides a warm and nurturing Nursery environment, laying the essential foundations for a happy school life. Outdoor learning and a 44-48 S Park Hill Rd, South Croydon, CR2 7DW regular Forest School encourage them to explore their environment and to enjoy being out in 020 8688 0661 I www.elmhurstschool.net the fresh air. As children progress through the school their individual progress is monitored and Nursery and Reception Taster Morning, encouraged to ensure they reach their potential. Sat 10 Nov, 10am – 11am

For more information about Chinthurst please visit: www.chinthurstschool.co.uk Essendene Lodge Caterham, CR3 5PB 018 8334 8349 I www.essendenelodge.co.uk Compulsory Relationship and Sex Open Morning - Thu 22 Nov, 9.30am-11.30am

Education Ewell Castle Junior and Senior Church St, Ewell, KT17 2AW Relationship and health education will become compulsory 020 8393 1413 for school children from September 2020, the Government has www.ewellcastle.co.uk announced. Under the proposals, all pupils will study compulsory Open Morning – Thurs 8 Nov, 9–10.30am health education and new reformed relationship education in primary school, as well as and relationship and sex education in secondary school. Teachers will talk to primary school pupils in Homefield Preparatory an age appropriate way about the features of healthy friendships, family relationships and other Sutton, SM1 2TE relationships they are likely to encounter. 020 8642 0965 I www.homefield.sutton.sch.uk Open Morning – Thu 22 Nov, 9.20am At secondary school, teachers will build on the foundation of relationships education in primary To reserve your place, call us on 020 8642 2332. school and, at the appropriate time, extend teaching to include intimate relationships as well. At both primary and secondary, pupils will learn about staying safe online and how to use St Christopher’s School technology safely, responsibly and respectfully. Classes will also cover physical health, such as the Epsom, KT18 5HE importance of exercise and healthy eating, as well as the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and how it 01372 721807 I www.st-christophers.surrey.sch.uk contributes towards the prevention of health problems. Open Mornings are held termly. Please contact the school for more information. More information can be found at www.gov.uk/government/publications After School Nannies – Franchise The Lotus Practice Opportunities Now offering baby At After School Nannies, not surprisingly, we’re passionate about after school care. massage and yoga! Managed well there’s no limit to what we adults can help our children achieve in those hours out of school! ü Cranio-sacral therapy We all want the best for our children – particularly when we can’t be there to give it to them ourselves. It’s no secret that after school nannies ü Baby Massage Courses don’t grow on trees but we’ve spent over fifteen years sourcing excellent candidates for thousands of families across South West London. We know where to look and what qualities make the best candidates. ü Baby Yoga Courses

Our world may have changed considerably since 2003 when we were Baby massage is relaxing and enjoyable for both founded, but the needs of children at the end of the school day remain mum and babies, supporting bonding between the same as they have been for longer than we’ve been in business. Our challenge now is to expand our provision. To enable more families to try our you and your baby with quality time that’s fun. particular brand of after school care – because it works. Time and again, tried and tested. ) 07956442223 This is why we’re launching our long-awaited Franchise programme, initially : [email protected] reaching out to the rest of London and the Home Counties and then, well, “watch this space”… Or better still, join us! 8 www.thelotuspractice.com familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders 5 DISTRIBUTORS WANTED

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SS_XMAS 18_A4 TIME & LEISURE AD_PRINT.indd 1 11/10/18 12:50:49 familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders 7 Dame Jacqueline Wilson is arguably Britain’s favourite contemporary exclusive interview with children’s author. She has over one hundred published books to her name, Dame Jacqueline Wilson most of which deal with the often troubling and unvarnished realities of Did you and illustrator, Nick Sharratt, When did you being a real-life child or parent. disagree at all about how Tracy and her first become a daughter should be drawn? writer? First published in 1991, Tracy Beaker Rosie, age 9, Emily, age 10, quickly became Jacqueline’s most well- Sevenoaks known character. Now, over a decade I mostly leave it to him, and certainly I think after her last literary appearance, the he has done Jess wonderfully. He suggested Well, by the fiery, former foster-kid is back in new that Jess might wear glasses, which I thought time I was book, My Mum Tracy Beaker, and while was a very clever touch because it gives them fifteen I had she’s now mature and mother to Jess, that little bit of difference, and also Jess is a written what she’s still the same Tracy readers know total bookworm and it just looks right for her was - at least and love. to be wearing her little glasses. I was very in length - a full pleased with that addition. book. It wasn’t very good though! It was about two sisters, Margot was about Families Magazine is lucky enough to What’s been the highlight for you of fifteen, the narrator, and the sister was about have secured an exclusive interview with being the Children’s Laureate? eighteen. They had a car and went on a Dame Jacqueline Wilson in which our Emma’s mum, Portsmouth drive through France and Spain and got readers and their children ask her some boyfriends! It wasn’t the most inspiring work! of their most burning questions about her It gave me a chance to speak to lots of new book and her life as a writer. children and teachers and librarians, and How do you select names for your the particular thing I wanted to promote characters? Why do you think Tracy is one of your was reading aloud to children. Because right Readers at the Chatterbook Group, most popular characters? from when they are one year old, any child Ringwood Library, Dorset Harbinder, age 7, Croydon likes to sit on a lap and hear the simplest of stories, and I also suggested that even when I like to try and have slightly unusual names, I think because she’s naughty! She has your child has learned to read, sometimes and if they are pertinent to the story that reason for her bad behaviour, of course, and it’s fun to read aloud a book that they might pleases me - for my identical twins in my she’s naughty but she’s not spiteful, she’s not necessarily tackle themselves because book Double Act, I had them called Ruby funny. I think she’s a character that children it’s a bit difficult to get into, or the vocabulary and Garnet because they are both red jewel would like as a friend - I’m not sure about is quite hard, but they would love to listen stones. For The Illustrated Mum, the mother adults, I think a little of her as a child goes a to the story. If they are doing colouring, or Marigold has a great passion for tattoos and long way! building something, or just petting the dog or has called her girls the rather outlandish whatever, or at bedtime, children do still like names of Star and Dolphin, simply because How have you made the grown-up Tracy to be read to aloud. they are very popular tattoo icons. With Tracy as appealing to children as Tracy, the I wanted a quirky, bouncy modern name - and child? Your books depict real children’s real with Hetty Feather, Hetty is an old-fashioned Lily’s mum, Leeds lives and challenges in a way that few name and Feather because she’s light as a others do – how do you get inside the feather! I’ve kept her, not exactly naughty, but heads of your characters? mischievous. She’s quite surprising - she Lizzie’s mum, Glasgow My Mum Tracy Beaker by Dame Jacqueline might suddenly do something a bit mad, or Wilson is out now, published by Doubleday a bit silly. I think being a mum has slightly Bizarrely, I can remember very vividly what changed her because she’s a very loving, it is like to be a child. I mean, ask me what caring mum, happened or how I felt about something a couple of years ago and my mind is a WIN - Families LSB has Is Tracy’s daughter the same or different complete blank, but ask me what I was a copy of My Mum Tracy to Tracy? worried about when I was nine, say, and I Olivia, age 8, Aylesbury remember entirely. It’s just a happy trick of Beaker for one lucky nature that I can take myself back. Jacqueline Wilson fan They certainly look alike, but Jess is a quieter girl, partly because she has had a much What advice would you give to aspiring Email the answer to the following easier, more loving, caring upbringing than writers, young or old? question to [email protected] Tracy herself had. Jess is probably more Amaya’s mum, Harrow by 1 December. 2018. Winner will be studious, and more of a bookworm, but when contacted via email in early December. push comes to shove Jess can certainly stand I always suggest aspiring writers read lots to up for herself too. enrich their imagination and increase their vocabulary and try and get into a regular What year was Tracey Beaker first writing habit. Maybe keep a diary - just so you published? learn to write even when you don’t feel like it!

8 Families London Surrey Borders familiesonline.co.uk Thur 13 Dec - Sun 6 Jan, 2pm, 5pm & 7pm Rumpelstiltskin Rumpelstiltskin is full of twists and turns and is a whole new spin on a heart of gold that will delight the whole family. 8+

Wed 19 Dec - Sat 5 Jan Circus 1903 Our top 10 things to do in Brought to you by the award-winning puppeteers from War Horse. Circus 1903 is a stunningly created show with larger-than-life puppet elephants and London this Christmas jaw-dropping and dangerous acts from all four corners of the globe. 1 Christmas at the Zoo 7 See a puppet show Thu 22 Nov – Tues 1 Jan ZSL London Zoo Puppet Theatre Barge Nearest Tube, Camden. NW1 4RY Nearest Tube, Warwick Ave. Blomfield Road (opposite www.zsl.org 35) W9 2PF Get ready for stunning seasonal sparkle as www.puppetbarge.com Christmas comes to ZSL London Zoo like never The Puppet Theatre Barge is a unique, fifty-seat before. Discover their historic site and iconic marionette theatre on a converted barge in London, buildings as a one-mile illuminated pathway winds presenting delightful puppet shows for children and its way through the Zoo in a magical after-dark adult alike. experience where fairy-tale meets fantasy and larger-than-life, illuminated wild animal sculptures To 18 Nov rise high into the night sky. The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse. Sat 1 Dec -Sun 31 Dec 2 Get your skates on Mr Rabbit meets Brer Santa. To Sun 6 Jan 8 Go to the Opera Natural History Museum Ice Rink 5Hop aboard for a husky Nearest Tube, South Kensington. SW7 5BD sleigh ride Mon 3 Dec – Tues 15 Jan www.nhm.ac.uk Royal Opera House The Museum’s east lawn will be transformed Sat 8- Sun 9 & Sat 15-Sun 16 Dec Nearest Tube, Covent Garden. WC2E 9DD once again into a magical setting complete with WWT London Wetlands Centre ww.roh.org.uk thousands of fairy lights adorning the nearby trees, Nearest stop, Barnes Rail Station. SW13 9WT The Nutcracker. A Christmas treat for the whole a fairground carousel and café bar. www.wwt.org.uk/london family and a classic with a special place in the Get into the festive mood at WWT London Wetland hearts of ballet fans around the world. Fri 23 Nov – Sun 6 Jan Centre’s wonderful winter weekends. Children will Tower of London Ice Rink be thrilled to hop aboard for a husky sleigh ride or Wed 26 Dec – Sun 6 Jan Nearest Tube, Tower Hill. EC3N 4AB donkey ride and visit Santa in his magical grotto. Disney on Ice www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london Head over to their northern pine forest; Father The O2 Arena Skate in the shadow of the Tower and the Thames. Christmas will be ready to welcome families in his Nearest Tube, North Greenwich. SE10 0DX cosy grotto among the trees (tickets to see Santa www.disneyonice.com 3 Outdoor ice rinks in London must be pre-booked). Plus, the elves are a little High-flying jumps, breath-taking skating and lovable behind schedule this year, so Father Christmas Disney friends make Disney On Ice presents Dream Lumino City Ice Rink Canary Wharf needs some extra helpers to make enough presents Big an experience your family will never forget. www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk in time for Christmas. Create festive decorations and small gifts to take home. 9 Go to the Theatre Canary Wharf Ice Rink - London’s 5-star Ice Rink www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk Fri 23 Nov – Sun 13 Jan Lyric Theatre Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason Nearest Tube, Piccadilly Circus, WC2H 8DP www.somersethouse.org.uk/ice-rink www.tallstories.org.uk/room-on-the-broom Room on the Broom Live. Join the witch and her cat 4 Go to the museum on their mission to defeat the dragon in Tall Stories magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture Sat 1 – Sun 23 Dec book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Enjoy Museum of London songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged three Nearest Tube, Barbican. EC2Y 5HN and up in the Olivier Award nominated show. www.museumoflondon.org.uk Take a stroll through a twinkling Victorian Walk, 6 Visit the Southbank Centre 10 See the lights transformed with festive decorations and the sound of carols in the distance, and discover Santa Fri 9 Nov - Sun 6 Jan At Christmas London sparkles with magnificent in his secret grotto. Southbank Centre Christmas lights. Here are our top 8 Christmas lights Nearest Tubes, Waterloo and Embankment, SE1 8XX displays which happen every year. Sat 1 – Sun 23 Dec www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on Museum of London Docklands Winter at Southbank Centre returns this year with • Carnaby Christmas lights Nearest Tube, Mile End. E14 4AL an abundance of festive fun and entertainment for • Oxford Street Christmas lights www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london- the whole family. Hare a just a few of our favourites. docklands • Regent Street Christmas lights Experience their Sailor town gallery, transformed Sun 2 Dec, 11am • Covent Garden Christmas lights with festive decorations and the sound of Victorian Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler • Piccadilly Christmas lights carols being sung in the distance. Find Santa in his Creators of children’s classics including The • Bond Street Christmas lights grotto and receive a festive gift. Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler present • Shard Lights: Christmas lights show a festive sing-along show for families – with songs, • South Bank Christmas lights stories and live drawing.

familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders 9 + £5 per child readings in the Music Room. Adult £8, Child £4, Family £20. Every weekend in Dec plus, 26, 27, 28 Dec, 11am-3pm Sat 1 Dec - Sun 6 Jan, 10am-4pm. Victorian Carousel Lost in a Book: A Georgian What’s On The carousel with its galloping Christmas Trail at The National Trust this Christmas horses has entertained crowds Pick up a trail sheet from reception at fairgrounds since the reign of and discover the story of Gulliver’s Queen Victoria. This Christmas Travels. On your journey, discover Morden Hall Park Sat 8 – Sun 23 Dec, 10am-3pm you too can step back in time and tiny Lilliputian houses and ships, Morden Hall Road, SM4 5JD Rescue Rudolph trail enjoy a ride in Hatchlands’ very learn some Georgian Christmas 0344 249 1895 Rudolph is lost in our garden; can own Victorian courtyard. traditions, and you might even find www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden- you find him and help him get out the correct way to eat a boiled hall-park home in time for Christmas? NAA Sun 16 Dec, 12pm & 2pm egg. NAA Fri 30 Nov, 7pm-9pm + £1 per trail. Family Christmas Carols Traditions of Christmas Dinner Enjoy informal family carols and Sit down for a sumptuous, three- Tue 18 Dec, 11am-12.30pm course Victorian Christmas meal Coniferous Christmas walk and dinner talk. £40. Join our friendly guide Hilary and get into the Christmas spirit. Free Every Sat & Sun from 24 Nov-16 walk. NAA Dec, 10am-5pm Visit Father Christmas Sat 22 & Sun 23 Dec, 11am- Visit Father Christmas and his 12.45pm & 1pm-2pm elves in an enchanted grotto and Santa Paws receive a present. £10 per child. Dogs deserve Christmas treats too. Bring your furry friend to Thu 29 Nov & Thu 6 Dec, 11am- meet Santa Paws and they’ll 1pm & 2pm-4pm receive a festive biscuit. NAA + £2 Wreath making with natural per dog (min donation). materials Craft your own wreath under Winkworth Arboretum the expert eye of local florist, Godalming GU8 4AD Catherine Hall. £55. 0344 249 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ Thu & Fri- 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 Dec. winkworth-arboretum 10am-3.30pm Sun 11, 18 & 25 Nov Festive carriage rides Sun 2 & Fri 7 Dec, 11am-1pm For the first time, see the park Wreath making from a cosy vintage tram pulled Make a beautiful traditional by heavy horses. Wrap up with a Christmas wreath with materials mulled wine/hot choc and mince collected from the Arboretum. pie/shortbread. £18 adult/£13 NAA + £30 per wreath. BE. child/ £40 family. Sun 2 Dec, 2pm-3.30pm Polsden Lacey Festive table decoration making Dorking RH5 6BB Bring the whole family to make a www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ traditional table decoration polesden-lacey with materials collected from the Fri 30 Nov – Sun 23 Dec & Thu Arboretum. NAA 27 Dec–Thu 3 Jan + £10 per table decoration. 1930s Christmas party Experience a magical Get into the festive spirit by Sat 8 – Sun 23 Dec, 10am-3pm enjoying the sights, sounds and Mince pie hunt aromas of a sparkling 1930s Winkworth is a winter wonderland, Christmas Christmas party. Plus: Father waiting to be explored. Discover Christmas has had to nip back to the hidden clues and win a Enjoy festive fun at Hatchlands the North Pole but look for signs voucher for a free mince pie when of him and his helpers throughout you buy a hot drink from our tea- Park, Claremont Landscape the grounds. room. NAA + £3 per trail. Garden, Winkworth Every weekend in Dec until Hatchlands Park Christmas East Clandon, Surrey, GU4 7RT Arboretum and Polesden Festive sleigh rides 01483 44433 Wrap up warm and hop on a horse www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ Lacey. Follow the winter trails, drawn sleigh ride hatchlands-park £3 per adult, £2 per child Every weekend in Dec Meet Father Christmas enjoy wreath making and visit Claremont Landscape Garden Book your slot to meet Father Portsmouth Rd, Esher KT10 9JG Christmas in his cosy vintage Father Christmas. 01372 467806 living room and receive a small www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ gift. NAA + £5 per child claremont-landscape-garden Tue 4 Dec, 10.30am-12.45pm & Sat 15 Dec & Sun 16 Dec #nationaltrust 1.45pm-4pm Meet Mrs Christmas nationaltrust.org.uk/surrey Wreath making workshop Back by popular demand, Mrs Using local natural materials. Christmas makes a return visit © National Trust 2018. The National Trust is an Create a gorgeous wreath to to Hatchlands. Book your slot to independent registered charity, number 205846. decorate your home. NAA + £30 meet her in her cosy vintage living Photography © National Trust Images\National Trust per person. BE. room and receive a small gift. NAA Images/Tom Soper.

10 Families London Surrey Borders familiesonline.co.uk Sat 24 – Sun 25 Nov & Sat 1 – Mon 24 Dec Santa’s Grotto at Centrale Shopping Centre Ground Floor Mall, Centrale Shopping events Centre Before setting out please check details with the venue in case they have Visit Santa at his Toy Workshop Grotto Christmaschanged since we have gone to print ...and don’t forget to tell them you saw just outside House of Fraser. them in Families London-Surrey Borders! Sat 24 Nov, 12pm - 4pm The Children’s Trust Christmas Fair The Children’s Trust, Tadworth, KT20 5RU www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/ christmas-fair Get into the Christmas spirit early this Every Sat & Sun in Dec before year by coming along to the Children’s Christmas Trust Christmas Fair. Wiglet’s Christmas Adventure Godstone Farm, Godstone RH9 8LX www.godstonefarm.co.uk Wed – Sun from 24 Nov – 9 Dec & Celebrate this wonderful time of the daily, 10 Dec - 24 Dec year with us, let little ones explore our Revel in traditional Christmas at scenic walkthrough with our friendly Hever Castle and Gardens elves and take part in Christmas crafts Kent, TN8 7NG before meeting the man himself! www.hevercastle.co.uk Watch small eyes light up as each Hever Castle will be playing homage child receives a marvellous present to traditional Christmas tales this from our toyshop and then the Christmas. Ride the carousel and adventures continue with decorating enjoy vintage fairground stalls, roast delicious gingerbread and listening to chestnuts and the chance to meet our merry story time. characters along the trail. Our quiz, Wiglet’s Present Sat 24 Nov & Sun 25 Nov Pandemonium runs every day Priory Farm Christmas Food Festival Tues 13 Nov, 10.30am unprecedented scale and quality. through December and so does our Sandy Ln, Redhill, RH1 4EJ Christmas Willow Decorations Christmas Tractor Ride! Visits to see www.prioryfarm.co.uk Leithe Hill Place, Lane, RH5 6 Sat 17 Nov 6pm-8.30pm Father Christmas are limited and Priory Farm Christmas Food Festival www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leith-hill- Fire Walk at the Festival of Fire must advance, so book early to avoid has become a firm fixture on the place The Children’s Trust, Tadworth, disappointment. Learn how to make beautiful KT20 5RU foodie calendar and this year’s event Christmas decorations from natural www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk is set to sparkle brighter than ever. willow, including stars and trees. All Support some very brave children and Free. materials are included. BE. sign up for the sponsored Fire Walk at the Festival of Fire, or come along Sat 24 Nov – Sun 15 Dec, 10am – Thu 15 Nov, 16.30pm – 18.45pm to watch and enjoy a great festive 5pm MORE Croydon’s Christmas Launch Night day out. Igloo Wonderland North End, Croydon Times Square Shopping Centre, NINE www.checkoutcroydon.com/ Sat 17 Nov- Mon 24 Dec SM1 1LF christmas-unwrapped-croydon Santa’s Grotto at Woodcote Green www.enjoysutton.co.uk miiesonineou The festive season starts with a Garden Centre & Nurseries The fantastic igloo wonderland double bill of entertainment with the 4a Woodmansterne Lane, Wallington, offers a unique and fully immersive switch on of Croydon’s Christmas SM5 0SU lights simultaneously across the town www.woodcotegreen.com centre with our special guests, PJ See Santa’s reindeer taking a rest at Masks, who are loved the world over. Woodcote Green before they fly out on Christmas Eve before meeting Thu 15 Nov & Fri 7 Dec, 6pm - 8pm Santa in his cosy cabin. Reindeers are Morden Hall Park Garden Centre free to view. Grotto charged do apply. JOIN US FOR ‘Lates’ Morden Hall Park, Morden, SM4 5JD Tues 20 Nov – Sat 1 Dec www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden- Nonsuch Craft Group Annual Fair hall-park Bourne Hall, Ewell, KT171UF Be inspired and do all your Christmas A great event to finish all your CHRISTMAS shopping in this one-stop-shop. Christmas gift shopping. All items on sale are hand crafted locally. at LONDON WETLAND CENTRE Sat 17 Nov & Sun 18 Nov Garsons of Esher Christmas Food Thu 22 Nov – Sun 9 Dec, 10am – 6pm Festival Croydon’s Christmas Market PRE-BOOK Garsons, Esher, KT10 8LS North End, Croydon INTERACTIVE SANTA www.Garsons.co.uk www.checkoutcroydon.com/ A two-day Christmas Food Market christmas-unwrapped-croydon TICKETS that will bring a flavour-packed start Croydon’s Christmas market will offer FESTIVE FUN! to the festive season showcasing the something for everyone, whether best local produce Surrey has to offer. you’re looking for great Christmas gift Santa’s grotto 50p Children free. ideas, searching for a great shopping trip or just want to relax and get away Husky sleigh and Sat 17 Nov, 10am – 3pm from the Christmas hustle and bustle. Christmas Fayre donkey rides Glyn School, Ewell, KT17 1NB Thu 22 Nov – Tues 5 Jan A Variety of Christmas, Gift & Craft Christmas at Elves workshops stalls, raffle, tombola’s and more. , Richmond, TW9 3AB www.kew.org/christmas Sat 17 Nov – Thu 1 Jan This Christmas, Kew Gardens will BRING ALL Animated Christmas Displays and once again transform into a magical Stamp Worksheet after dark explosion of festive colour, THE FAMILY! Woodcote Green Garden Centre & as visitors embark on an illuminated Nurseries, Wallington, SM5 0SU trail inspired by the Gardens www.woodcotegreen.com themselves. Follow the trail of magical animated displays and help Santa find some Sat 24 Nov – Sun 24 Dec lost presents. Free The Tulleys Family Christmas Experience Sat 17 Nov – Mon 24 Dec Turners Hill Road, Crawley, RH10 4PE Lapland UK www.tulleysfarm.com Nr Ascot, Berkshire Bring your family to enjoy a magical www.laplanduk.co.uk and unique Christmas experience for wwt.org.uk/londonchristmas An original adaptation of the Father all ages! Christmas story and the secret world WWT reg. charity in England & Wales, no. 1030884 #wildchristmas and Scotland, no. SC039410 of the elves brought to life through a 4-hour immersive experience of familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders 11 Sat 8 & Sun 9 Dec, 10am-12noon & 1pm-3pm Christmas in the Woods At Nower Wood, Leatherhead www.surreywildlifetrust.org/families Join Surrey Wildlife Trust in their search for Father Christmas on a wintery walk through the woodland. Get hands on and enjoy some Christmassy crafts and treats. Booking essential: Members adult £2, child £10; non-members adults £3, children £15.

Thu 22 Nov - Mon 24 Dec Sat 1 Dec Experience a Magical Christmas at Carshalton Frost Fair Honeywood Walk, SM5 3NX Young Street, Fetcham KT22 9BS www.ecolocal.org.uk/highlight/ www.bockettsfarm.co.uk carshalton-frost-fair Children will love to hop on board Fun, family event with a varied range the Santa Express to his magical of tasty treats, local craft stalls, hog and traditional hay barn workshop. roast & seasonal food with bar & Once inside, each child will meet warming drinks. Father Christmas and receive a gift! Children can also meet the baby Sat 1-Sun 23 Dec, Wed 26 Dec- lambs, complete the fun Christmas Wed 2 Jan trail and get creative in the festive Knole House craft corner. Plus, experience a ‘white Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP Christmas’ in the giant snow globe www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole and enjoy endless amounts of indoor The magnificent Great Hall will be play. Great fun for all the family! Visit decorated for Christmas for the first bockettsfarm.co.uk for times and 25 Nov, 1 Dec – 16 Dec & 21 – 24 Dec Fri 30 Nov – Sun 2 Dec time this year showing it in all its glory availability and to buy your tickets in Santa’s Grotto at Priory Farm Horniman Christmas Market with a fire. advance. Nursery Horniman Museum and Gardens, South Nutfield, Redhill RH1 4EJ SE23 3PQ Sat 1 Dec – Wed 2 Jan experience for all ages. Watch one of www.prioryfarmnursery.co.uk www.horniman.ac.uk Christmas Glow the several films available, experience Come along and visit Priory Farm Join in for some festive Christmas RHS Garden , Woking virtual reality, have your picture Nursery where you will be enchanted shopping as the Museum is filled with GU23 6QB taken in the snow globe and grab a by the magical Grotto and taken stalls and products by independent www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley refreshment or a unique Christmas through the snowy wonderland to sellers, local designers and makers. Enjoy the atmosphere of the festive gift. meet Santa in his cosy log cabin. Free. season with the Jigantics light installation around the garden which Sat 24 Nov, 10am, 11am, 1pm & 2pm Mon 26 Nov – Fri 21 Dec (Mon – Fri) Sat 1-Sun 23 Dec, Wed 26 Dec-Wed blooms with magical giant illuminated Free Elf Pantomime Storytelling at the Castle 2 Jan flowers. Also, don’t miss the stunning The Elf Marquee, Sutton Town Centre Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Emmetts Christmas present trail Glasshouse display. Stage, SM1 Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JN Emmetts Garden, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, www.enjoysutton.co.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney- TN14 6AY Sat 1 Dec, 1pm-4pm Join Elvis the Elf on his adventure castle www.nationaltrust.org.uk/emmetts- Winter Wonderland Trail through Pantoland to retrieve the Father Christmas and Mrs Claus will garden Sutton Ecology Centre, Carshalton, missing spells and save Christmas! be hosting storytelling sessions in the Children can run off some energy SM5 3NY With crazy characters and plenty of Old Castle.Children can take part in exploring the garden looking for the www.suttonnature.wordpress.com/ panto laughs this puppet show is lots the Noah’s Ark trail as they venture Christmas presents hidden under events of family festive fun! down through the garden to see them. decorated trees. Someone’s stolen Santa’s sack … how are we going to get it back? Follow Sat 24 Nov – Mon 24 Dec Mon 26 Nov & Sun 10 Dec, 5 – 8pm Sat 1 Dec -Sun 23 Dec, Wed 26 Dec- the animal clues and explore the Chessington Garden Centre Late Night Shopping and Christmas Tue 1 Jan delights of Sutton Ecology Centre to Leatherhead Road, Chessington Craft Fair Christmas at Ightham Mote find Santa’s missing sack of toys. KT9 2NG , Dorking, Mote Rd, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT £4.50. Drop in. www.events. RH5 6AA www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham- chessingtongardencentre.co.uk www.denbies.co.uk mote Sat 1 Dec – Mon 24 Dec Your complete Christmas Wonderland Original gifts, music, carolling, free Annual Christmas mini-market, where See Santa at the Llama Park experience at Chessington Garden mulled wine and mince pies! a range of local producers will be Wych Cross, East Sussex, RH18 5JN Centre will involve a craft workshop, selling their wares and the man in a www.llamapark.co.uk two photo opportunities, plus your Wed 28 Nov – Sun 23 Dec red coat is rumoured to be making a Free Entry to The Llama Park to see meet and greet with Father Christmas. Meet Santa visit. the animals is included when you buy RHS Garden Wisley a ticket for Santa’s Grotto. Sat 24 Nov – Sun 23 Dec, 5-8pm Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB timed slots www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/ Festive Illuminations whats-on/Santa-at-Wisley Painshill, Cobham KT11 1JE For a magical day out, come and www.painshill.co.uk meet Santa at RHS Garden Wisley 22rd November - 24th December 2018 See Painshill landscape garden this festive season. On selected transformed with twinkling colourful dates you can also decorate delicious A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS lights and laser beams. The winter gingerbread to take home. up to the Enjoy a fantastic festive family day out with a visit to meet festivities continue under the stars day before with a live band, food stalls and a Father Christmas in his magical haybarn workshop! marshmallow camp fire. Thu, 29 Nov, 5pm – 8pm Banstead Christmas Community Just £9.50 per child Sun 25 Nov, and every weekend Event in addition to farm entry cost before Christmas in Dec High Street, Banstead, SM7 2 Christmas at Birdworld www.facebook.com/ Birdworld, Farnham, GU10 4LD BansteadChristmasCommunityEvent ADVANCE TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE www.birdworld.co.uk/christmas Father Christmas, Street Visit www.bockettsfarm.co.uk. Visit Birdworld to meet Santa’s entertainment, kids treasure hunt and Book early to avoid disappointment! reindeer and some of their friendly more fun for the whole family. farm animals before you enter a PLUS: Heated indoor play barn, newborn magical world full of animated Fri 30 Nov & Sat 1 Dec, 10am – 1pm lambs, giant snow globe, Christmas characters in winter wonderland Wreath Making Workshop trail and festive craft corner! settings. Leithe Hill Place, Leith Hill Lane, RH5 6 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leith-hill- AWARD Sun 25 Nov & weekends before place WINNING! Christmas in Dec, 10am – 4pm Join Leith Hill Place for a wreath www.bockettsfarm.co.uk Denbies Santa’s Cellar Grotto making workshop and make a Situated in Leatherhead, Surrey. 5 minutes from J9 M25. Denbies Wine Estate Ltd. Dorking, beautiful festive wreath to take home. RH5 6AA Booking essential. www.denbies.co.uk OFF PEAK WINTER WEEKDAY RATES: ONLY £7.50 per person age 2 years+ You will receive a warm welcome from Valid Monday - Friday 5th Nov - 7th Dec 2018 & 7th Jan - 15th Feb 2019. Elves, go on a train ride followed by a FM visit to see Santa!

12 Families London Surrey Borders familiesonline.co.uk Sat 1 Dec – Mon 24 Dec and a host of treats guaranteed to set Families top five… Christmas at Fishers Farm mouths watering. Included in palace Here is our pick of the best Newpound Lane, Wisborough Green admission. five pantomimes for the whole RH14 0EG family this Christmas… www.fishersfarmpark.co.uk Sat 8 Dec, 10am-12noon & 1pm-3pm Father Christmas will be at Fishers Winter Wreath Making meeting all the good boys and girls in Sutton Ecology Centre, Carshalton, his magical Grotto. SM5 3NY www.suttonnature.wordpress.com/ Sat & Sun 1,2, 8,9 Dec and Fri 14- events Mon 24 Dec Come and enjoy a relaxing time Battersea Park Zoo collecting materials to make your own Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ all-natural winter wreath to take home. www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk. Your door will be the talk of the town! Santa at the Zoo! Regular entrance £18 per adult. BE. fee required plus Santa visit includes Sat 24 Nov, join is from 11am to be a small gift and a sticker, plus a drink Sat 8 Dec & Sun 9 Dec part of the Elvish shenanigans! and Christmas treat. Miniature Train Rides to see Santa Sutton Town Centre Christmas Fetcham, Leatherhead KT22 9DQ Lights Switch on and ELF TAKEOVER Sutton Town centre will be alive with Sun 2 Dec, 11am-5pm www.ssme.co.uk Fri 14 Dec – Sun 6 Jan Christmas festivities, so come on Family Christmas Open Day Children can delight in a train ride to Jack and the Beanstalk down and have a fantastic day out. Little Holland House, Carshalton, and from Santa’s Workshop to meet Epsom Playhouse, KT18 5AL Win some great prizes, see the puppet SM5 3LW Santa in his Workshop and receive a www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk Pantomime, get your face painted and www.friendsofhoneywood.co.uk present. Tickets must be purchased in Jack and the Beanstalk is a thrilling see all the Christmas goodies and Enjoy seeing the house decorated advance. tale of adventure, magic beans,a gifts for sale. The Choir starts at 2pm for Christmas, follow the Trail, and mysterious land way up in the clouds... and there will be special celebrity make “Arts and Crafts” Christmas tree Sat 8 Dec & Sun 9 Dec a hidden treasure... and the terrifying special guest arriving at 6pm to decorations to take home. Free Festive Family Fun Weekend Giant - which today provides the switch on the lights at 6.30. Ashtead Park Garden Centre, Pleasure exciting, fun-packed storyline for Santa arrives at Mid-day to set up Sun 2 Dec & Sun 9 Dec Pit Road, Ashtead KT21 1HU family-friendly pantomimes. shop in the St Nicholas Shopping Santa’s Grotto www.ashteadpark.com Centre Grotto and can enjoy a Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TD Santa and the nativity animals will be fully immersive screening of some www.gattonpark.com back, along with our elf door hunt, great short films and some classics, Enjoy a buggy ride to meet Santa in Christmas crafts, face painting and experience virtual reality in the Igloo his grotto. Explore the grounds and more. Wonderland located in Times Square follow a trail of clues before returning shopping. to Gatton Hall to make a Christmas Sun 9 Dec, Sat 15 Dec & Sun 16 Dec, decoration 10am-5pm For Igloo Wonderland tickets, event Christmas Weekend Activities updates visit www.enjoysutton.co.uk Sun 2 Dec - Sat 22 Dec,11am - 5pm Whitehall Historic House, Cheam, Honeywood Advent Calendar SM3 8QD Honeywood Museum, Carshalton, whitehallmuseum.wordpress.com ME14 3AU SM5 3NX Christmas crafts each day throughout www.kentlife.org.uk Fri 9 Nov – Sun 17 Feb www.friendsofhoneywood.co.uk opening hours.Mince pies and Take a journey through the grounds The Wind in the Willows Come along and open our advent Christmas cake will be available in the of Kent Life to discover the nativity Polka Theatre, SW19 1SB calendar to collect and decorate your tea room. Up to 12 years. Free. story scenes and join in the traditional www.polkatheatre.com very own Christmas tree decoration. Christmas Carolling with Maidstone When Mole abandons spring cleaning Free. Sun 9 Dec, 3pm start Family Church. Children are for the delights of the riverbank, he Living Farm Nativity encouraged to dress up. has no idea of the adventures that lie Sun 2 Dec, 10am – 4pm Kent Life, Lock Lane, Maidstone, ahead. With Toad’s obsession for all Vintage and Collectables Fair things fast causing chaos, it falls upon Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, his friends Ratty, Mole and wise old RH5 6AA Badger to save him. www.denbies.co.uk If you are interested in vintage Every Sat & Sun to 11 Nov collectables, then Sunday 2nd The Wizard of Oz December is the for you with Colour House Theatre, SW19 2RD collectables c.1920-1980. www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk Join Dorothy over the rainbow in Oz, Mon 3 Dec, 3.30-7pm as you travel with her along the Yellow Christmas shopping evening Brick Road all the way to the Emerald Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher City. With the Wicked Witch of the KT10 9JG West hot on her trail, Dorothy will www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremont- need all the help she can get from her landscape-garden new-found friends. Join us for a special late-night Christmas shopping evening. There’ll Sat 8 Dec – Sun 6 Jan be a great choice of gifts to buy and Aladdin festive cheer in abundance. New Wimbledon Theatre, SW19 1QG www.atgtickets.com Thu 6 Dec,10.30am -11.30am Paul Merton leads the cast in this The Whitehall House Mice year’s high-flying pantomime as Christmas Widow Twankey, joined by Magician Whitehall Historic House, Cheam, Pete Firman who will be on hand SM3 8QD to spread a little magic over SW19 [email protected] and help Aladdin overcome the Find out where the mice have been evil Abanazar. Packed with all the on their adventure and become a traditional pantomime ingredients Whitehall House Mouse. 18 months to audiences expect, Aladdin features 3 years. BE. £2.50. Email to book. laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and Fri 7 Dec, from 5pm and lights switch plenty of boos and hisses. on at 7pm Cheam Christmas Fair. Thu 22 Nov – Sun 6 Jan Whitehall Historic House, Cheam, The Snowman SM3 8QD Peacock Theatre, WC2A 2HT www.whitehallmuseum.wordpress. www.peacocktheatre.com com This enchanting stage show of Father Christmas will be visiting Raymond Briggs’ classic book tells 3.30pm-6.30pm, and our Christmas the story of a boy and his magical Craft Fair opens.BE. snowman’s wintery wonderland adventure. As a friendship is kindled, Fri 7 Dec – 9 Sun Dec the two embark on a journey to the Festive Fayre North Pole where they meet dancing Hampton Court Palace, KT8 9AU penguins, Ice Princess, Father www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace Christmas and escape the clutches of The palace’s historic courtyards are Jack Frost. set to be filled with over 50 stalls featuring mince pies, mulled wine familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders 13 Sun 9 Dec, 10am Mon 10 Dec, 7.30pm puppetry by Sandal Sticks Theatre. Denbies 5K Santa Fun Run The Children’s Trust Christmas Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, RH5 Concert Wed 19 Dec – Mon 24 Dec 6AA Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, Santa’s Sitting Room www.denbies.co.uk London SW1X 9DQ The Leatherhead Institute, Hundreds of red-suited, Santas run, www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/ Leatherhead KT22 8AH jog or walk around a beautiful course christmas-concert www. thelittleboxoffice.com/ against a backdrop of festive tunes The evening will feature glorious santasittingroom and entertainment. classical Christmas music, readings Santa’s Sitting Room is a unique and carols grotto/theatrical experience for Mon 10 Dec, 10.30am start children aged 12 months - 8 years. Bach to Baby Festive Family Thu 13 Dec, 3.30-7pm Concert Christmas shopping evening Thu 20 Dec, 6pm-8pm St. Mildred’s, Bingham Road, CR0 7EB Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming, Experience Whitehall Dressed for Sun 9 Dec, 10am www.bachtobaby.com/croydon-xmas- GU8 4AD Christmas by Night Denbies 5K Santa Fun Run special www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winkworth- Whitehall Historic House, Cheam, Denbies Wine Estate Ltd. Dorking, Grab your friends, harness up your arboretum SM3 8QD RH5 6AA fastest reindeer and meet us at a Join us for a special late-night [email protected] www.denbies.co.uk Bach to Baby concert for the perfect Christmas shopping evening. Enjoy the decorations, Pomander Run, jog or walk around against prelude to the holiday season! Meet Santa Paws and visit Father Making workshop, Christmas a backdrop of festive tunes and Christmas’ grotto in our Boathouse, crackers, bad jokes, Christmas cake or entertainment. The run is untimed and Mon 10 Dec,11.30am – 1pm specially decorated for the occasion. mince pie, tea or coffee, soft drink.BE. at the finish there’ll be refreshments, Celebrate Christmas with silver £4. children free. a mince pie and a fabulous medal The Old Moat Garden Centre, Epsom, Sat 15 & Sun 16 Dec waiting for you. Lots of festive KT19 8PQ The Snow Queen Storytelling 20 Dec, 1.30pm entertainment on site for any non- www.theoldmoatgardencentre.org.uk Horniman Museum and Gardens, Christmas Crafts running members. Entry fee is £25 Let the mellow festive sounds of the Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TD and £15 for children under 15, who Epsom & Ewell Silver Band entertain www.horniman.ac.uk www.gattonpark.com can have a soft drink rather than the you while you shop for your Christmas In this seasonal fairy tale meet Gerda, Christmas craft making session for mulled wine at the finish. Free Santa tree, decorations and presents or sup Kal and the Snow Queen on a wintry younger children. Suit included Entries close: Dec 8th. a warming hot drink in our cafe journey to Lapland. With song and What’s On November & December Outdoors using objects from our Handling Col- lection, from African masks to sharks’ Every Monday 1-3pm and Friday jaws. Free.3+. 10.30am-12.30pm FREE Food Growing Drop-in Sat 1 Dec, 2pm & 3pm Sessions Woodland Storytelling Carshalton Community Allotment, Sutton Ecology Centre, Festival Walk, Colston Avenue, Carshalton, Surrey Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3NY SM5 2PW www.suttonnature.wordpress.com/ No booking needed, Enjoy the out- events doors, meet other people, learn new Come and listen to some terrific tales, skills, get a bit of exercise and take in our special storytelling tent. Ticket free fresh veg home price includes entrance to the Sutton Ecology Centre Winter Wonderland Until Sun 18 Nov Trail. £7 per child. BE. 3yrs+ how to identify the many different Have a chat to Leo the Woodsman Giant LEGO Brick Animal Trail types of fungi growing around the about coppicing and how you can WWT London, Queen Elizabeth’s Sat 8 Dec, 10.30am -12.30pm & garden. BE. £10 adults £5 child. help conserve Walk, Barnes, London, SW13 9WT 1.30pm -3.30pm the Arboretum. NAA www.wwt.org.uk Wildlings Forest School - Woodland Sun 11, 18, 25 Nov WWT London are super-excited to Skills Winter Special Meet a Woodsman Tue 20 Nov, 11am-12.30pm welcome their new brick animals [email protected] Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming, Autumn colour walk which have been a long time in the This winter, come and join us for two GU8 4AD Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher making. Come along to meet the new hours of celebration and creation www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wink- KT10 9JG animals and book a place on one in the woods at Sutton Ecology worth-arboretum www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clare- of our LEGO workshops - you’ll get Centre. We will be making a fire to to build your own miniature version enjoy some hot chocolate and mulled of Sam the short-eared owl to take drinks, as well as learning some new home! woodland skills to make a festive craft. BE. Wiglets Christmas Sat 10 Nov, 9am – 1pm Wallington Farmers Market Sat 8 Dec, 9am – 1pm Old Town Hall and Library Gardens, Wallington Farmers Market Aatd Gvodestonnet Fuarrme SM6 0NB Old Town Hall and Library Gardens, ! www.ecolocalmarkets.org.uk Wallington SM6 0NB W Quality local produce direct from the www.ecolocalmarkets.org.uk NO producer Quality local produce direct from the OK producer BO 10 Nov, 10am – 12noon Build a Bat Box Sat 3–Sun 25 Nov, 10am-3pm Gatton Park, Reigate, RH2 0TD Bark Rubbing Trail www.gattonpark.com Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher Family workshop to build a bat box KT10 9JG www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clare- F and find out more about the creatures ather mont-landscape-garden C that might come to live in it. 6+. £10 hristm BE. Get in touch with nature and learn as about the different types of trees we Sun 11, Sun, 18 & Sun 25 Nov, drop in have at Claremont. NAA, plus £1 per between 11am & 12.30pm trail. Hands on Base Horniman Museum and Gardens, Sun 4 Nov, 10.30am-12.30pm Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ Fungi foray www.horniman.ac.uk Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher 1st - 24th Discover the collections that make KT10 9JG the Horniman special in our Hands www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clare- December 2018 on Base. Each week these fun family mont-landscape-garden sessions will explore a different theme Join us for a seasonal walk and learn www.godstonefarm.co.uk

14 Families London Surrey Borders familiesonline.co.uk mont-landscape-garden Thu 8 Nov,10.30am-11.30am new baby & children’s stuff Sat 24 Nov, 10am – 12noon Join our friendly guide Hilary and Whitehall House Mice Banstead Reigate Mum2Mums discover all of Claremont’s autumn Whitehall Historic House, 1 Malden Sat 1 Dec, 3.30-5:30 pm Nearly New Sale colours. NAA Road, Cheam, Surrey, SM3 8QD Wallingdon Mum2Mums Nearly New Banstead Community Hall, SM7 3AJ [email protected] Sale Buy quality second hand and nearly Sat 8 Dec–Tue 1 Jan, 10am-3pm Messy play exploring colour and The Centre, SM6 9RP new baby & children’s stuff. Woodland Winter Wonders trail texture. 18 months - 3-year olds. £2.50. Buy quality second hand and nearly Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming, BE. new baby & children’s stuff Don’t forget to say GU8 4AD www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wink- Sat 10 Nov, 11am -12.30pm & 1pm - Sat 17 Nov, 2-4pm you saw these event worth-arboretum 2.30pm Epsom Mum2Mums Nearly New advertised in Enjoy the brisk outdoors and have Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club - Sale fun with our children’s trail exploring Terrific Tanks Ruxley Church Hall, KT19 0JG the winter woodland. NAA, plus 50p Bourne Hall Museum, Ewell, KT17 1UF Buy quality second hand and nearly per trail. www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/visitors/ new baby & children’s stuff. whats-on/event London Surrey Sun 9 Dec, 9.30am -11.00am Learn about the tank and as part of Winter Wildlife Walk our special WW1 session Try make Borders WWT London, Barnes, SW13 9WT your own moving tank! £8. BE. www.wwt.org.uk A great time to visit for a walk as Sat 8 Dec, 1pm – 2.30pm our expert warden can point out the Bourne Hall Museum Kids Club - seasonal wildlife on the reserve. 1 ½ Suffragettes hrs. BE. Bourne Hall Museum, Ewell, KT17 1UF www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/visitors/ Wed 26 Dec–Tue 1 Jan, 10am-3pm whats-on Party like its 1819 trail Discover how the determination and Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher bravery of the Suffragettes changed KT10 9JG the way our country is today www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clare- mont-landscape-garden Sat 15 Dec & Sun 16 Dec ,10am- As the countdown begins to 2019, the 5.30pm 200th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s Xingu Village birth, discover what it would have Horniman Museum and Gardens, been like at a New Year’s Eve party Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ Adopt a 200 years ago. NAA, plus £1 per trail. www.horniman.ac.uk Visit an immersive installation about hedgehog Wed 26 Dec, 1-2.30pm the daily life of the Kuikuro people of Boxing Day Walk the Xingu, an indigenous community Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming, of around 400 people from the very Enjoy family GU8 4AD heart of the Brazilian Amazon region. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wink- Free. membership worth-arboretum Bring family and friends fora special Nearly New Sales stroll around the Arboretum with a Join Father Share a love of nature with memberof the gardens team. NAA, Sat 10 Nov, 3pm - 4.30pm children and help protect plus £3. NCT Nearly New Sale Christmas in St Andrew’s Church, Northey Avenue, the Woods! wildlife on your doorstep Tues 26 Dec – 2 Jan, 10am–3pm Cheam, SM2 7HF surreywildlifetrust.org Polesdenopoly Top quality baby and children’s Polsden Lacey, RH5 6BB clothes and equipment at bargain www.nationaltrust.org.uk/poles- prices. Cash only. £1 per adult. den-lacey Get rich quick by being silly in this Sat 17 Nov life-sized version of a classic Christ- Croydon Mum2mum Market Fri 9 Nov – Sun 17 Feb mas board game. £5 per game bag. All Saints Church, Onslow Gardens, Sanderstead CR2 9AB Indoors Award winning baby and children’s new sale returns to Sanderstead Every Fri in Term Time, 11.15am - Croydon for its final sale of 2018. 11.45am French Rhymetime Sat 8 Dec,10-12pm Sutton Central Library, St Nicholas Sutton Mum2Mums Nearly New Way, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 1EA. Sale sutton.gov.uk/librariesheritagearts Thomas Wall Centre, SM1 4DP Songs & rhymes in French. 0-3 years. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk/sutton Free. Buy quality second hand and nearly

Based on the bestselling book by LIVE ON Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler STAGE Room on the Broom © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffl er 2001 Scheffl and Axel © Julia Donaldson on the Broom Room

A play with songs by Toby Hulse 23 NOV – 13 JAN Based on the novel by Kenneth Grahame Ages 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com BOOK TODAY 5+ Polka Theatre, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB roomonthebroomlive.co.uk WEST END familiesonline.co.uk Families London Surrey Borders 15 Unlock your child’s potential with our expertly led singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 -18 year olds.

CROYDON CHEAM & WORCESTER PARK 0845 265 7083 020 8773 4242 stagecoach.co.uk/croydon stagecoach.co.uk/cheamandworcesterpark

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