Morning, London! Happy Thursday! Alright, families, we’ve made it to round 12! The scorecard is looking tight, the crowd’s on their feet, and the pressure is on to finish strong. Meanwhile, I had my own showdown this morning—an epic face-off with… the Elf. Yep, I forgot to move the little mischief-maker overnight. You see lot’s of creative ideas online but for us all we need to do is make sure he is sitting somewhere new every morning before wake up. Cue me scrambling to deliver an Oscar-worthy explanation about why the Elf decided to take an extended coffee break in the exact same spot this morning.

Don’t worry, though. I managed to dodge the crisis like a pro, dribbling past the kids' suspicions with the finesse of Messi’s left foot. Fingers crossed they’ll buy it until school pickup.

Oh, and by the way—Trafalgar Square’s big Christmas tree is getting lit up later today! Don’t miss it!

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• 🎙️ London Snippets: Bits that caught our eye

• 🎁 Giveaway: Winners

• 📅 Readers’ Favourite: Family events this week

• 🎅 Special Edition: Where to meet the Big Guy?

• 🧠 Casual Einstein: Two new playground-worthy facts

But first, the weather:

LONDON SNIPPETS

Bits that caught our eye

🏡 UK’s ‘Happiest Places to Live’ in 2024 Revealed – and Richmond’s No Longer Reigning! For the first time ever, Woodbridge in Suffolk has claimed the crown as the happiest place to live in the UK! The locals gave Woodbridge top marks for its warm community spirit, the friendliness of its residents, and a welcoming vibe that lets people truly be themselves. Add in easy access to essentials like schools and doctors, and it’s no wonder this charming spot has won hearts (and the top spot) this year. Full story

🔥 Giant Elf on the Shelf. We’ve already covered my little oops moment this morning, but if you’re still going strong (4 days in, kudos to you), why not level up the fun? Treat the kids to a magical outing to meet their elf’s giant, distant cousin in Croydon. It’s bound to be an unforgettable experience! Full story

📸 TfL scraps plans for ‘driverless Tubes’ across London’s transport network. The London Underground trains will not be driven by robots any time soon after confirmation from the London Mayor. He explained that, based on input from systems like Paris, conversion would require full upgrades, including new trains, signaling, and platform edge doors. Due to the high costs, the plan won’t be pursued further. Full story

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!

🦊 Winners!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our first giveaway! Congratulations to Aneliya T., Ann P., and Sophie G. for winning one of our well-behaved foxies, and to Charly S. for winning a copy of London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers. We’ll be reaching out via email today to arrange your deliveries. 😊

EVENT SCOOP

What’s on this week?

🎄 Lighting of the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
Date & Loc: Dec 5th, Trafalgar Square
Join at 17:30 for the magical lighting up! Did you know the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has been Norway’s annual gift to Britain since 1947?
Age: Everyone | Price: Free | Info

🎭 Hansel and Gretel @ Shakespeare's Globe
Date & Loc: Dec 5th, Bankside
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Hansel and Gretel, as a new version of The Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage transforms the Globe Theatre with poetry, songs and hope this winter.
Age: 5+ | Price: From £5 | Info

🎎 Yokimono Japanese Christmas Market
Date & Loc: Dec 6th-8th, Hackney
Experience a Japan-themed Christmas Market in East London with live performances, Japanese food, kimonos, arts, crafts, ikebana, and more.
Age: Everyone | Price: Free | Info

⛪ Christmas Day @ Westminster Abbey
Date & Loc: Dec 7th, Westminster
Bring joy to your world this festive season by joining us at Westminster Abbey to sing with our choristers and explore ancient Christmas traditions.
Age: 3+ | Price: Free | Info

⛪ Miracle on Leake Street
Date & Loc: Dec 7th, Waterloo
Join us for another Miracle on Leake Street, the FREE event that sees London’s longest graffiti tunnel transformed into the Capital’s alternative festive celebration!
Age: Everyone | Price: Free | Info

✨ Festive Fun Day @ National Archives
Date & Loc: Dec 7th, Kew
Celebrate ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ at our fun and festive day. Get swept up in an array of activities for all ages – including wintery storytelling, interactive adventures, document workshops, carol singing, crafts, facepainting, messy play and more – accompanied by mince pies and mulled wine for the grownups!
Age: Everyone | Price: £5 (under 3 free) | Info

🎁 Mini Makers @ The Postal Museum
Date & Loc: Dec 7th & 14th, Clerkenwell
Fun arts and crafts activity! Inspired by David Gentleman’s famous “12 Days of Christmas” stamps, you will use lino printing and other craft materials to create your own lino print block.
Age: Family | Price: from £10 (under 3 free) | Info

🎁 Wembley Park Festive Markets
Date & Loc: Dec 7th, Wembley
Wembley Park's enchanting Festive Markets, where the winter magic unfolds throughout December! Stroll through the twinkling stalls brimming with gifts, seasonal treats and unique finds from local artisans.
Age: Family | Price: Free | Info

🎁 Family fun @ House of Words
Date & Loc: Dec 7th, Wembley
Play word games and see how good you are at writing with a quill and ink! Dress up in 18th century costumes and follow the treasure hunt trail throughout house!
Age: 2-13 | Price: Free (booking req) | Info

✨ A very Croydon Christmas
Date & Loc: Dec 6th-8th, Croydon
Everyone is invited for a weekend of winter celebrations guaranteed to get you in the most festive of spirits. Inspired by both our Croydon communities and global cultural traditions join us for a FREE programme of music, craft, outdoor arts, workshops, dance, poetry and performances.
Age: Everyone | Price: Free | Info

🎭 The Wizard of Oz on Ice @ Alexandra Palace
Date & Loc: Dec 6th-9th, North London
Embark on a journey over the rainbow this Christmas and book to see The Wizard of Oz on Ice at Alexandra Palace.
Age: 3+ | Price: from £11 | Info

🎺 Basement Orchestra @ Big Penny Social
Date & Loc: Dec 6th-9th, North London
Get ready for more festive cheer than you ever knew you needed, with classical Yuletide favourites from the Nutcracker Suite and more, the pop Christmas numbers we all love more than Quality Streets, and a vigorous slug of singalong carols - all performed by the 50-piece Basement Orchestra and their choir of angels.
Age: Everyone | Price: £7 | Info

⛸️ Epsom on Ice
Date & Loc: Nov 28th – Jan 1st, Surrey
Ice skating for the whole family with fun guaranteed!
Age: Everyone | Price: From £10 | Info

🎭 Rosie Robins @ Little Angel Studios
Date & Loc: Nov 28th - Jan 26th, Angel
Blending puppetry, physical performance and song, this gentle, magical, heart-warming show tells the story of one tiny Robin determined that no one is forgotten this Christmas.
Age: 2-5y | Price: from £15 | Info

🎭 A Christmas Carol (ish) @ Soho Place
Date & Loc: Nov 28th - Jan 5th, West End
Join double Emmy-award nominee Nick Mohammed as his critically acclaimed alter-ego Mr. Swallow, alongside a star-studded cast for an all-singing, all-dancing comedy retelling of Dickens’ festive classic.
Age: 10+ | Price: from £36 | Info

🎭 The Singing Mermaid @ Little Angel Studios
Date & Loc: Nov 28th - Jan 5th, Angel
Fun, warm-hearted musical adventure this Christmas as this joyful and charming family favourite returns to LAT, following a hugely successful national tour.
Age: 3-8y | Price: from £15 | Info

🎭 Captain Sandy & The Sea Monster @ The Puppet Barge
Date & Loc: Nov 30th-onwards, Little Venice
UK’s only floating puppet theatre. In the little village of Rocky Snore, all the fisherfolk are in a mess, where have all the fish gone? There are no fish to fish! Join Captain Sandy on her adventure to try and find out what happened!
Age: 4-10 | Price: from £10 | Info

🎭 Magic Lantern Christmas @ Charles Dicken Museum
Date & Loc: Nov 30th - Dec 1st, Bloomsbury
Step into a world of wonder and enchantment this Christmas with our Magic Lantern shows, brought to you by internationally acclaimed maestros, Jeremy and Carolyn Brooker.
Age: Everyone | Price: from £10 | Info

🎭 Pan @ Chickenshed Theatre
Date & Loc: Dec 5th - Jan 11th, Southgate (North London)
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey as we present PAN, our 50th Anniversary Christmas Show voted for by a whopping 2287 of you! When storytellers come together, new beginnings are born, and old endings cherished.
Age: 5+ | Price: from £16 | Info

🎭 Christmas Tales @ Chickenshed Theatre
Date & Loc: Dec 7th - Dec 30th, Southgate (North London)
Once upon a time, in a land where Christmas magic shimmered, the Shed became a place of wonder and joy. Step into this enchanting world this holiday season, where classic fairy tales come to life with all your favourite Tales characters and festive music.
Age: 0-7y | Price: from £10.50 | Info

🎭 Alice in Wonderland @ Brixton House
Date & Loc: Nov 21st - Jan 4th, Brixton
After an explosive argument with Mum at Brixton Underground Station, eleven-year-old Alice leaps onto the tube seconds before the doors hiss shut.
Age: 7+ | Price: from £15 | Info

🎭 Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas @ Apollo
Date & Loc: Dec 6th - Jan 4th, Soho
Join beloved children’s TV presenter Maddie Moate as she makes her West End debut with this brand-new live show! Following the success of her hit book ‘A Very Curious Christmas’, Maddie is super excited to bring her festive facts and magical experiments to you, at the Apollo Theatre.
Age: 4+ | Price: from £15 | Info

🎭 Pinocchio @ Stratford East
Date & Loc: Until Jan 4th, Stratford
Join wooden puppet Pinocchio, and his poor toy maker father Geppetto in Stratford this Christmas!
Age: Everyone | Price: from £10 | Info

🍪 Gingerbread decorating @ Garden Museum
Date & Loc: Dec 8th, Lambeth
Join us for our Family Learning Sunday Drop-In Sessions, join the learning studio to decorate a Christmas shaped gingerbread biscuit.
Age: Everyone | Price: Free | Info

🎭 The Smartest Giant in Town @ St Martins Theatre
Date & Loc: Nov 29th - Jan 5th, West End
A Little Angel Theatre and Fierylight co-production Based on the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Age: Everyone | Price: from £10 | Info

🎭 Odd & the Frost Giants @ Unicorn Theatre
Date & Loc: Nov 19th - Dec 31, London Bridge
It's going to take a very special kind of boy to defeat the most dangerous of all the Frost Giants and rescue the mighty Gods. Someone cheerful and infuriating and clever. Someone just like Odd...
Age: 7+ | Price: from £10.5 | Info

🎭 Huddle @ Unicorn Theatre
Date & Loc: Nov 22nd - Dec 31, London Bridge
During the long, cold winter, Mr Penguin carefully guards his egg. Now this new dad needs to look after his newly born chick on his own and he’s not feeling confident. How will father and baby work it out together?
Age: 2-5 | Price: from £14.5 | Info

🎭 The Nutcracker @ Polka Theatre
Date & Loc: Nov 16th - Jan 26th, Wimbledon
When squabbling siblings Clara and Fritz receive a mysterious Nutcracker toy from their flamboyant Aunty Drosselmeyer, Clara is certain that she doesn't want her accident-prone younger brother anywhere near it!
Age: 5-12 years | Price: from £12.5 | Info

🎭 A Christmas Carol @ The Old Vic
Date & Loc: until Jan 4th, Waterloo
A magical retelling of Charles Dickens' classic tale, where the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge embarks on a transformative journey through past, present, and future with the help of three ghosts, rediscovering the true spirit of Christmas.
Age: 8+ | Price: from £10 | Info

🎭 The Lightning Thief @ Other Palace
Date & Loc: Nov 22nd - Mar 2nd, Victoria
Musical! When New York City teenager Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek god, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined.
Age: 8+ | Price: from £26 | Info

🎭 The Snowman @ Peacock Theatre
Date & Loc: Nov 23rd-Jan 4th, Holborn
Join the Boy as his Snowman comes to life and they embark on a magical adventure far across the world. Meet a host of woodland creatures, an assemblage of international Snowmen, and even a dancing Pineapple.
Age: Everyone | Price: from £18 | Info

🎭 The Snow Queen @ the Tabard
Date & Loc: Nov 29th - Jan 4th, Chiswick
From the creative team that brought you the Tabard’s Five Children and It and The Secret Garden comes an unforgettable and thrilling adventure for the whole family Embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime magical quest, Gerda faces the disappearance of her best friend Kai, taken by the enigmatic Snow Queen. Unless Gerda acts swiftly to rescue him, Kai faces eternal entrapment in an icy, endless winter.
Age: 6+ | Price: from £12 | Info

🧞‍♂️ Aladdin @ Lyric Hammersmith
Date & Loc: Nov 16th – Jan 5th, Hammersmith
Buckle up for a whirlwind ride above the streets of Hammersmith as Aladdin and Jasmine embark on a hilarious, high-flying adventure packed with magic, mayhem, and mischief.
Age: 6+ | Price: From £15 | Info

🎭 Father Christmas @ Lyric Hammersmith
Date & Loc: Nov 20th - Dec 28th , Hammersmith
Join Santa as he awakes from a dream of sun, sea and sand only to find it is the busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve.
Age: Under 6 | Price: from £14 | Info

🎭 Room on the Broom @ Lyric Theatre
Date & Loc: Nov 22nd - Jan 5th, Shaftesbury Ave
Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Age: 3+ | Price: from £10 | Info

📚 The Holly King & The Oak King @ Battersea Arts Centre
Date & Loc: Nov 29th-Dec 24th, Battersea
Inspired by the old Celtic folk tale, The Holly King and the Oak King, this brand-new festive adventure invites you on an unforgettable journey across the seasons.
Age: 4+ rec (all welcome) | Price: from £16.5 | Info

🎁 Christmas @ The Tower of London
Date & Loc: Nov 29th - Jan 5th, Tower Hill
This Christmas, explore a royal celebration at the Tower of London with specially created displays that showcase how kings and queens of the past celebrated the festive period.
Age: Family | Price: from £17.40 (under 4 free) | Info

🎁 12 days of Christmas @ Duke of York Square
Date & Loc: Nov 29th - Jan 5th, Chelsea
Celebrate the countdown to Christmas at Duke of York Square, with decorations inspired by the iconic carol, the ‘12 Days of Christmas’, returning with even more enchantment and sparkle.
Age: Family | Price: Free | Info

✨ Ashridge House Illuminated
Date & Loc: Nov 29th – Jan 1st, Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire’s biggest Christmas light trail. Experience an enchanting evening with 20+ magical light displays.
Age: Everyone | Price: From £12 | Info

✨ Churchill in Cartoons @ Imperial War Museum
Date & Loc: Nov 29th – Feb 23rd, Lambeth
This free exhibition at IWM London marks 150 years since Winston Churchill’s birth, uncovering how satirical cartoons influenced public perception during Churchill’s lifetime, and how they shape our understanding of his role in history today.
Age: Everyone | Price: Free | Info

🎭 Cinderella @ King’s Head Theatre
Date & Loc: Nov 30th - Jan 5th, Islington
In drizzly London, it’s hard to find romance these days - everyone is so busy! Cinderella needs help to leave her life of drudgery and explore a world full of adventures.
Age: Family | Price: from £10 | Info

🎭 The Gruffalo’s Child @ Pentland Theatre
Date & Loc: Dec 3rd - Jan 5th, North Finchley
Join the Gruffalo’s Child at artsdepot on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Age: 3+ | Price: from £12 | Info

🎨 Saturday Sessions with The Cocoa Butter Club
Date & Loc: Dec 7th, South Bank Centre
Kick off your weekend in style with a super fun, creative session for families, where you can make new friends, get crafty and try on lots of creative hats.
Age: 5-11yo | Price: Free | Info

🎭 Robin Hood & The Christmas Heist @ Rose Theatre
Date & Loc: Nov 30th - Jan 5th, Kingston
Join Robin Hood and his Merry Band for a spectacular festive heist!
Age: Family | Price: from £15 | Info

🎭 Stick Man @ Bloomsbury Theatre
Date & Loc: Dec 4th - Jan 5th, Bloomsbury
Stick Man is back in town! What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man. Encountering dogs, swans and fire, how will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree?
Age: 3+ | Price: from £17.50 | Info

🍭 The Gingerbread City @ The Gaumont
Date & Loc: Nov 30th - Dec 29th, Chelsea
Visit The Gingerbread City and discover a sweet futuristic city constructed from gingerbread, candy, and frosting alongside real architectural building models, all designed and built by 50+ architects and designers.
Age: Family | Price: from £15 | Info

🐷 Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out @ Haymarket
Date & Loc: Nov 29th - Jan 5th, West End
Join Peppa, along with her family and friends as they go to the zoo and also the beach for a special party- it’s going to be an exciting and fun packed day.
Age: Everyone | Price: from £10 | Info

Ongoing events:

🎄 London Christmas Markets
Date & Loc: ongoing
Many of London's best Christmas markets are now open! Some of our favourites include Kingston, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Southbank Centre, Hyde Park, Christmas by the River (London Bridge), Camden Town, Selfridges, King’s Cross, and more!
Age: Family | Price: Free | Info

🌳 Glow @ RHS Garden Wisley
Date & Loc: ongoing, Wisley
Enjoy an enchanting festive trail at these beautiful RHS gardens. Brand new route; Christmas stalls and festive music.
Age: Everyone | Price: from £11.75 | Info

✨ Fulham Palace Light Display
Date & Loc: Nov 28th – Dec 22nd, Fulham
Enjoy a festive walk through the Palace’s garden in this light trail.
Age: Everyone | Price: From £6.95 | Info

🎄 Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Date & Loc: Nov 21st - Jan 5th, Hyde Park
A festive extravaganza featuring ice skating, thrilling rides, live entertainment, and bustling Christmas markets. Perfect for all ages, it’s a magical destination to celebrate the holiday season in the heart of the city.
Age: Family | Price: Free (off-peak) - £5 | Info

⛸️ Skate @ Somerset House
Date & Loc: ongoing, Temple
Hailed as one of the capital’s favourite winter experiences, Skate at Somerset House signals the start of the festive period with unrivalled skating, contemporary music and tasty food and drink.
Age: Family | Price: From £12 | Info

🎄 Christmas @ Kew Gardens
Date & Loc: ongoing, Kew Gardens
As one of the UK’s leading and most acclaimed illuminated trails, Christmas at Kew is an unmissable opportunity to herald the start of Christmas or welcome in the New Year.
Age: All | Price: From £16 | Info

⛸️ Glide at Battersea Power Station Ice Rink
Date & Loc: ongoing, Battersea
Skate around three interconnecting rinks with Thames views, twinkling lights, and a 30ft Christmas tree.
Age: All | Price: From £10.50 | Info

🎄 Christmas @ Blenheim Palace
Date & Loc: ongoing, Blenheim Palace
The magical Christmas light trail returns, featuring Neverland® in the Palace and The Great Skate.
Age: All | Price: From £40 | Info

🎅 Magical Christmas @ Bocketts Farm
Date & Loc: Nov 21st – Dec 24th, Fetcham
Hop on board the Santa Express to meet Father Christmas in his traditional workshop. Enjoy a Christmas trail, reindeer food, craft corner, and a giant snowglobe!
Age: Everyone | Price: £10-£45 | Info

As always, we appreciate you giving us feedback on this section to keep making it better and more useful:

SANTA’S GROTTOS

Special Edition: Where to meet the Big Guy?

For those who joined us this week, we’ve had a great special edition running for the past few weeks. To keep the email light (thanks, Gmail!), you can check it out here this week.

CASUAL EINSTEIN

2 for 1: Outsmart your 3rd grader & out-fact the other parents

Here are two cool facts to help you sound like the smartest parent on the playground:

Fun Fact: The length of your arms stretched out is about equal to your height. This is known as the "wingspan-to-height ratio," and for most people, it is approximately 1:1.

London fact: The London Underground was the world’s first underground railway system, with its inaugural journey taking place on 9th January 1863 between Paddington and Farringdon Street.