WHAT’S ON LOCALLY THIS CHRISTMAS
Find out what’s happening locally this Christmas in Kew, Barnes, East Sheen, Putney, East Twickenham and Richmond
London Wetland Centre
From 7 Dec
The Wetland Centre is holding a Festive Family Fun Day on 21 December with gospel choir performances, enchanting storytelling sessions, face painting and workshops. Watch the otters as they play with their unique Christmas gifts. Workshops are held every weekend from Saturday 7 December and every day from 22 December to 5 January (excluding 21, 25, 26 & 27 Dec). Kids can create thank you cards, using seeded paper which grow into wildflowers. Price included in admission – check the website timings.
Adults £16.54, children £10.72, family £46.22. wwt.org.uk
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
22 Nov – 5 Jan
Skating in front of a beautifully lit up Hampton Court Palace is always a wonderful experience, particularly at night. Skating sessions last 45 minutes (or less, depending on your agility!) and the ticket price includes skate hire. The Palace is closed on some Mondays and Tuesdays during winter, check the website for details if visiting alongside skating.
Adults from £18, children from £13, family ticket from £46. hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk
Ham House
30 Nov – 1 Jan
Father Christmas and his trusty elves will be visiting Ham House this December. Children can step inside the enchanting Grotto to meet the man himself and tell him what’s on their wish list. House and Garden entry is tickets £15 for adults, £8.30 for children. Plenty of seasonal activities in store – check the website for latest listings. Closed 24 & 25 Dec. nationaltrust.org.uk
Christmas at Kew
13 Nov – 5 Jan
The illuminated trail through Kew Gardens has become one of the best in the country and is hugely popular, so book soon to get the last slots. Discover glittery tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees festooned in jewel-like colour. A mesmerising light trail through Kew Gardens from dusk, surrounded by thousands of lights and larger-than-life illuminations. Market food on offer throughout the trail. There will also be Christmas activities during the day – check the website for details. Member adult £21.50, non-member £25.50. kew.org
Kew Sparkle
6 Dec
Kew Sparkle really starts the Christmas season for locals. An evening of festive cheer and wonderful stalls wrap round Kew Parade. Lots of craft stalls, family entertainment on stage from local school choirs, small funfair for the little ones and winter treats including mulled wine and roasting chestnuts, plus lots of market food. 5-8pm, Kew Parade.
kewsparkle.org
Beauty and the Beast
7 Dec – 5 Jan
Packed with song, dance and, of course, laughs, the star of this year’s Panto at Richmond Theatre is Maureen Lipman (see interview on pg 6) along with magician Pete Firman. Belle finds herself at a cursed castle, held captive by the terrifying Beast and surrounded by magical characters, all placed under a spell by an evil enchantress. Can Bell see beyond the monster and fall in love? (Spoiler: Oh yes, she can!) Tickets £13-£61.50.
atgtickets.com
Jack and the Beanstalk
7 Dec – 5 Jan
Starring Alexandra Burke and Joe Pasquale. Jack is not popular with his family when he sells his trusty cow for a handful of beans. But then something magical happens and Jack finds himself confronted by an evil giant and with riches beyond his wildest dreams. Tickets £13 – £74.50
atgtickets.com
Find out what else is on locally here.