Discover new worlds and fresh doughnuts
THE SCHOOL holidays are almost here and there are exciting exhibitions, craft workshops and immersive experiences for all ages. Booking is essential or advisable for many of the activities listed below, so check with the venues and reserve tickets early to avoid disappointment. Some attractions may entail a charge and a few may include Christmastime content.
DISCOVER CHILDREN’S STORY CENTRE
The Tiger Who Came to Tea, an immersive exhibition centred on Judith Kerr’s book, will run until January 5 at Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford, east London. Families can join the striped interloper for tea and hear the tale of his surprise visit to Sophie.
You can also take a trip into the world of Mog the Forgetful Cat — crawl through a giant cat flap and find Mog’s family house, look for the hidden eggs for her breakfast and explore her garden (but watch out for the mousedogbird). Pick up your groceries at Mog’s local shops, settle down with a story at the bookshop and help Mog and her friends get better at the V.E.T.
You will also discover even more of Judith Kerr’s creatures as you meet Katinka with the magical tail and find the crocodile under the bed — perhaps he will fly you to a special birthday party with the king of the jungle.
Featuring 14 Judith Kerr books, with myriad worlds to explore, the exhibition incorporates engaging facts about Judith Kerr’s life.
Discover also has permanent Story Worlds and a Story Garden, where children and their imaginations can roam. discover.org.uk
JEWISH MUSEUM LONDON
At the Jewish Museum London this Sunday (December 8), young participants are invited to Children Inspired by Yoga London, from 10.30-11.15am (age up to three) or from 11.30am-12.15pm (age three to five). These award-winning, multi-sensory, yoga-inspired classes involve storytelling, music and movement and aim to help participants become physically and emotionally confident. jewishmuseum.org.uk
CHANUKIAH LIGHTINGS AND PARTIES
Chanukah in the Square returns this year, on Sunday December 22 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, in Trafalgar Square, with the Mayor of London, comedian Rachel Creeger, Marc Levene and the Kedma band, the choir of Mathilda Marks-Kennedy School and Dreidelman. There will be free family-themed stalls, including an olive press demonstration where you will be able to make your own candles from the fresh olive oil you collect, face painting, doughnut icing and t-shirt making. Free doughnuts will be handed out and there will be additional catering by food vendors in the square.
Competitions have been organised in conjunction with the event. To find out how you can have a poem made into a game by Jewish Interactive, or win a 16GB Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet or two return tickets from London to Tel Aviv with El Al, see thejlc.org/CITS19 (terms and conditions apply).
On Sunday December 29 at 4pm, there will be what is billed as the first ever public menorah lighting in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, on Grove Green Road, opposite Leytonstone station, with doughnuts, latkes, hot chocolate and live music from the Travelling Chassidim (further acts to be announced).
At Brent Cross Shopping Centre, chanukiah lighting will take place at 5.15pm each day (apart from December 25, 27 and 28). There will be doughnuts daily — and face painting, music, arts and crafts starting at noon on December 29, organised by JW3.
JW3 will also host its Chanukah Funukah family extravaganza at 2pm on December 22 at its Finchley
Road premises, with Lego dreidels, “Maccabee combat training”, biscuit decorating, parachute games, Funukah dancing, Chanukah singing, double bouncy castles, face painting, giant games and soft play. The afternoon will close with candle lighting and doughnuts.
There will also be familyfriendly chanuciah lighting at JW3, in partnership with
JMI and PJ Library, each afternoon from December 23 to 26, with crafts and doughnuts, starting at 4pm.
On December 26, at 3pm, Mister G, the award-winning musician who performs in English and Spanish, is giving a family Chanukah concert at JW3, in conjunction with PJ Library. jw3.org.uk
BREAD AHEAD
Just opened in Wembley Park, Bread Ahead is a 11,000 sq ft, foodie destination including a 220-cover restaurant, deli, baking school and wholesale bakery. The baking school runs delicious-looking workshops, covering everything from doughnuts to New York bagels and pretzels.
If you would like to hone your doughnut skills this side of the festival, you will need to hurry, as these sessions are selling fast. Workshop vouchers would also make great presents (£90 for a half-day; £180 for a full day). Workshops are also available at other Bread Ahead locations.