Morning, London! Happy Thursday! 🍂 Midway through November, the sun finally made an appearance! If you’ve been off travelling, here’s what you missed: England clocked a grand total of two hours of sunshine in ten days. But don’t worry, I’m here to brighten your day—your happy, funny, and useful newsletter (thanks, Mum). No doom and gloom, promise.

Now for the fun stuff: snow! Yep, the first snow forecasts for London are in. Apparently, we’ll see flurries on Monday 18th and Saturday 23rd. Will it actually happen? Probably not. But hey, even a broken clock is right twice a day. Anyway, let’s check back next week to see if the weather experts people were onto something... I’ll get my skis ready just in case—what do you reckon, Primrose Hill or Greenwich?

What’s actually happening in London? Loads—and it’s looking very Christmassy, even included a special edition covering 20+ Santa’s Grottos. But trust me, even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, there’s plenty of fun, cosy, and cheerful action happening in this beautiful city of ours.

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• 🧀 London Bites: Short pieces that caught our eye

• 🧠 Casual Einstein: Two new cool facts to sound smart

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

• 📅 Readers’ Favourite: Family events this week

But first the weather, because what else would we chat about with Mia’s parents at pickup?

LONDON BITES

Short pieces that caught our eye

🔥 Heating London. Turns out, the Tube isn’t just for sweaty and noisy commutes! A new £1bn plan aims to heat London landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, and the National Gallery using warmth from the Underground and even the River Thames. The Tube’s sweatbox days are finally paying off!? Full story

🧆 Ikea’s famous meatballs have gone solo! Forget the flatpacks and allen keys—Londoners can now enjoy those iconic Swedish meatballs without the guilt of dodging DIY. The new standalone Ikea restaurant has just opened on King Street in Hammersmith, serving meatballs with zero bookshelf commitments. Revolutionary? Maybe not. Delicious? Some Londoners say so. Full story

🍴 What are Londoners craving? Deliveroo’s top trends for London are in, and it’s a wild mix: 1) Boneless chicken wings, 2/3) Caesar salads, 4) A whole Waitrose cucumber (seriously?), and 5) Pepperoni pizza. London, you never fail to surprise us! Full story

CASUAL EINSTEIN

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

Two cool facts to help you sound like the smartest parent on the playground:

Fun Fact: No number between 1 and 999 contains the letter "A" when written out in English. It’s not until you hit one thousand that the alphabet gate crashes the party.

London fact: The UK government officially employs cats to keep the streets (and offices) mouse-free. Larry the Cat, Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street, has been on the payroll since 2011, making him the most stable figure in British politics.

SANTA’S GROTTOS

Special Edition: Where to meet the Big Guy?

Loads of chances to meet Santa across London. Yes, choice overload is real (trust me, I’ve curated this list after sorting through hundreds), but you can’t go wrong. Most spots charge for kids, with adults sneaking in free or for a token fee (same for babies under 1). Btw, many sell out quickly!

🎅 Santa's Grotto at Fuji House
Date: Nov 15th - Dec 24th, Covent Garden Price: from £30 | Book

🎄 Hammersmith Christmas Market
Date: Nov 16th, Hammersmith Price: Free | Book

🎅 Santa’s Grotto at Ealing Broadway
Date: Nov 16th - Dec 24th, Ealing Broadway Price: £7.50 | Book

🎄 Santaland @ Winter Wonderland
Date: Nov 21st - Jan 5th, Hyde Park Price: Free (with ticket to WW) | Book

🎅 Victorian Santa's grotto at London Museum’s Docklands
Date: Nov 22nd - Dec 23rd (selected dates), Canary Wharf Price: from £14 | Book

🎄 Christmas at London Zoo
Date: Nov 23rd - Dec 24th (selected dates), Regent’s Park Price: from £17.50 | Book

🎅 The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace
Date: Nov 23rd - Dec 24th (selected dates), Greenwich Price: £25 | Book

🎄 Christmas at the London Transport Museum
Date: Nov 23rd - Dec 23rd, Covent Garden Price: £18.50 | Book

🎅 Santa's Grotto @ Brewdog!
Date: Nov 23rd - Dec 23rd, Waterloo Price: £16 | Book

🎄 Dulwich College Christmas Fair
Date: Nov 24th, Dulwich Price: Free | Book

🎅 Breakfast with Santa at Fenwick
Date: Nov 30th - Dec 24th, Kingston Price: £22.50 | Book

🎄 Storytelling with Santa at Chiswick House
Date: Nov 30th onwards, Chiswick Price: £14 | Book

🎅 Father Christmas Storytelling at Chelsea Physic Garden
Date: Nov 30th - Dec 22nd (selected dates), Chelsea Price: £11 | Book

🎄 Santa Grotto at John Lewis
Date: Nov 28th - Dec 24th (selected dates), Oxford Circus Price: £22 | Book

🎅 Father Christmas Storytelling @ National History Museum
Date: Dec 1st - Dec 15th, South Ken Price: from £13.50 | Book

🎄 Father Christmas at Kenwood
Date: Dec 1st - Dec 24th (selected dates), Hampstead Price: from £9.5 | Book

🎅 Father Christmas at Marble Hill House
Date: Dec 1st - Dec 24th (selected dates), Twickenham Price: £9.5 | Book

🎄 Vauxhall City Farm
Date: Dec 1st - Dec 22nd, Vauxhall Price: from £9 | Book

🎅 Santa’s Grotto at Camden Market
Date: Dec 2nd - Dec 23rd, Camden Town Price: £5 | Book

🎄 Breakfast with Santa at Selfridges
Date: Dec 2nd onwards (selected dates), Oxford Street Price: £60 | Book

🎅 Father Christmas at Gunnersbury
Date: December weekends, Ealing Price: from £15 | Book

🎄 Winter Market at Brixton Windmill
Date: Dec 8th, Brixton Price: Free | Book

🎅 Father Christmas in Bishop Sherlock’s room
Date: Dec 14th - Dec 15th, Fulham Palace Price: from £25 | Book

Thinking of turning your Santa visit into a weekend getaway?

🎄 Lapland UK, Ascot More info
🎄 Santa Breaks at Aviemore Resort, Aviemore, Scotland More info
🎄 Father Christmas at the Eden Project, Cornwall More info
🎄 Santa's Zipmas Grotto, North Wales More info
🎄 Santa in the Sky at Brighton i360, Brighton More info

WHAT’S ON?

What else is happening in London?

By the way, if you’d like me to tackle this section differently, feel free to reach out anytime!

🐻 Paddington in Peru
Date & Loc: Everywhere
I’m a big fan of Paddington, so of course, I had to include this! Paddington in Peru hits London cinemas, promising heartwarming adventures for the whole family. Just make sure you’ve seen Paddington 1 and 2 first (both in Netflix UK).
Age: Family | Info

🎄 Kingston Christmas Market
Date & Loc: Nov 14th - Jan 5th, Kingston
Get into the festive spirit at Kingston Christmas Market, one of the most magical Christmas markets in London.
Age: Family | Price: Free | Info

🍺 The Churchill Arms Lights on
Date & Loc: Nov 14th, Notting Hill
I’ve got a soft spot for this pub on the Kensington/Notting Hill border. Its walls and roof are covered in lush plants and hanging baskets year-round, but at Christmas, it transforms into a dazzling forest of trees and lights.
Age: All | Price: Free | 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 | Book

🎄 Holly Jolly @ Brunswick Centre
Date & Loc: Nov 15th & Dec 6th, Bloomsbury
See an incredible array of entertainers including elf stilt walkers, magicians, roaming entertainers including Cinderella and Prince Charming, as well as Elsa and Anna from Frozen. Santa will also be popping along
Age: All | Price: Free | Info (dates in web seem to be off)

🎄 Christmas @ Blenheim Palace
Date & Loc: Nov 15th onwards, Blenheim Palace
The magical Christmas light trail returns, featuring Neverland® in the Palace and The Great Skate.
Age: All | Price: From £40 | Info

🐧 The Penguin Parade @ Fleet Street Quarter
Date & Loc: Ongoing, Fleet Street
A winter sculpture trail of a dozen penguins created in partnership with WWF and Wild in Art.
Age: All | Price: Free | Info

🎄 Winter Market @ South Bank Centre
Date & Loc: ongoing, Southbank
Stroll along the Thames under twinkling lights and sample indulgent drinks and scrumptious street food from our traditional alpine-style chalets.
Age: Family | Price: Free | 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 | Book

🎄 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 | Book

🌹 Friday Froglets @ London Wetland Centre
Date & Loc: Nov 15th (every Friday), Barnes
Play in nature, learn new songs and share stories, make nature crafts and finish with quiet time around a fire! Fun for children and adults alike.
Age: Family | Price: From £5 | Book

🎄 Christmas lights switch-on @ Kings Road
Date & Loc: Nov 16th, Chelsea
Marking the start of the most magical time of year, the Chelsea Christmas Lights Switch-On will take place on Saturday, 16 November 2024 at 5pm with an enchanting celebration for family and friends throughout the day.
Age: All | Price: Free | Info

🧵 Flamenco Puppet making workshop
Date & Loc: Nov 16th, South Norwood
A fun puppet making workshop for the whole family.
Age: 5-8 | Price: Free | Info

🖌️ Happy dirty kids
Date & Loc: Nov 16th, Merton
Multisensory Art Play. Get dirty, smell, experience, experiment, create and, last but not least, develop!
Age: All | Price: from £15 (£20 two) | Info

🍣 Sticks ‘n’ Sushi Kids Masterclass
Date & Loc: Nov 16th, Wimbledon
Kids aged 8-12 learn to make sushi and other fun dishes in this interactive masterclass.
Age: 8-12 | Price: £40 | Book

🎻 Bach to Baby: Family Concert
Date & Loc: Nov 16th-21st, Victoria/West Hampstead/Notting Hill/Dulwich/Putney etc
Classical concert series for families to enjoy live music together.
Age: 0-5yo | Price: £15 | More Information

❄️ Hogwarts in the Snow @ Warner Bros
Date & Loc: Nov 16th-Jan 19th, Hertfordshire
Celebrate a very magical festive season with Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.
Age: Family | Price: from £56 | More Information

🧞‍♂️ 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

🎄 Christmas lights switch-on @ Belgravia
Date & Loc: Nov 17th, Belgravia
Belgravia's Elizabeth Street illuminated with twinkling Christmas lights during its magical switch-on party
Age: All | Price: Free | Info

📖 South Ken Kids Festival
Date & Loc: Nov 18th – Nov 24th, South Kensington
Celebrate children’s literature in all its glory with the 27th edition of the South Ken Kids Festival, a festival bursting with activities for the whole family. Featuring children’s books, young adult novels, comic books, films, and music.
Age: Everyone | Price: From £5 | Info

🎄 Greenwich Lantern Parade and Lights
Date & Loc: Nov 20th, Greenwich
Greenwich Market’s beloved annual Lantern Parade and Light Switch-On
Age: Family | Price: Free | 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 | Book

🎄 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 | Book

🎅 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

🌳 Glow @ RHS Garden Wisley
Date & Loc: Nov 22nd – Jan 5th, Woking
Enjoy an enchanting festive trail at these beautiful RHS gardens. Brand new route; Christmas stalls and festive music.
Age: Everyone | Price: from £11.75 | Book

🎭 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 | Book

🎭 The Lightning Thief Musical @ the Other Palace
Date & Loc: Nov 22nd - Mar 2nd, Victoria
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 | Book

🎬 The Enchanted Cinema @ Horniman
Date & Loc: Nov 22nd – 24th, Dulwich
The Enchanted Cinema is coming to the Horniman! Use instruments, hands, and voices to help create the soundtrack to well-loved animated films, expertly guided by The Enchanted Cinema’s musicians.
Age: Everyone | Price: £6 | Info

🎄 A Christmas Journey @ Old Mac Donald’s
Date & Loc: Nov 22nd – Dec 24th, Brentwood
Enjoy a roaming Santa, singing princesses, Christmas arts & crafts, a Christmas parade, train rides, and more festive activities.
Age: Everyone | Price: From £22 | Info

🎭 The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse @ Aurora
Date & Loc: Nov 23rd, King’s Cross
Join a duck and a mouse on an adventure inside a wolf, as Aurora brings Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen’s much-loved children’s story to musical life.
Age: 4-8 | Price: from £15 | Book

✨ 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

Coming up later this month, open for booking:

🎭 Mars in the Painted Hall @ Naval College
Date & Loc: Nov 23rd - Jan 20th, Greenwich
Luke Jerram’s astonishing installation Mars is coming to the Painted Hall this winter. Measuring seven metres in diameter, this spellbinding artwork features detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface recreated to scale.
Age: Family | Price: from £16.5 | Book

🎭 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 | Book

🎭 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 | Book

🍭 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 | Book