The festive season is well and truly here, so this one is for our London-based nannies: a fun packed schedule of events and attractions starting now and taking you right up to the New Year.
Whether you’re a weekend nanny looking to spread some of the magic of Christmas or if you’re a weekly nanny keen to book in some early evening festive fun, look no further – we’ve got all the capital’s most splendid goings-on right here.
☑ The Lord Mayor’s Show is a firm family favourite: an 800-year-old ceremony that has evolved into a huge procession of marching bands, floats and dancers, followed by a fantastic fireworks display. 11th November.
☑ Take them on a fun-filled hunt to find all five of Paddington’s Pop-Up London book installations, to coincide with the release of the film Paddington 2. 23rd Oct – 3rd Dec.
☑ Go to a Christmas lights switch-on event at your town’s local Christmas tree. From 7th Nov.
☑ Head for the famous Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park: a veritable amusement park filled with festive displays and rides, activities, shows - and lots of lovely food and drink. From 17th Nov.
☑ Explore the world of Harry Potter transformed for the winter with ‘Hogwarts in the Snow’ at the Warner Brothers Studio Tour London. From 18th Nov.
☑ See the twinkling lights and illuminated displays at Kew Gardens with Christmas at Kew. From 22nd Nov.
☑ Pop to Chiswick House and Gardens for the Magical Lantern Festival at dusk. From 24th Nov.
☑ Greenwich Winter Time Festival has an ice rink, craft stalls and food shacks aplenty, and Greenwich House looks spectacular in lights. From1st Dec.
☑ Check out the festive and sparkly storefronts at Selfridges and Liberty, take a wander down Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Bon Street and Regent Street to enjoy their fabulous streetlights, and visit the ice rink outside the Natural History Museum. Now.
☑ Syon Park’s Enchanted Woodland 2017 will see its gardens illuminated by a magical light display, and the Great Conservatory lit majestically in the centre of it all. Lots of interactive lights for little hands to play with.
☑ St James’ Market Christmas lights will be switched on on November 16th to the background of choir song, stars and angels. Regent Street is also having its lights switched on on this evening. The Royal Exchange lights up on November 22nd with Spice Girl Emma Bunton doing the honours.
What are you doing with your charges to usher in the festive spirit this winter? - Do share your top tips and local haunts with us over on the Nannies of St James Facebook page as we’re always keen to hear about other little gems in London!