Fun things for children

Seasonal Activites

  • FREE! See Southbank centre transformed into a festive wonderland for winter, the art centres annual winter festival along the Thames
  • FREE! See the famous Norwegian Christmas tree sparkle with hundreds of lights in Trafalgar Square, and sing along to carols around the tree
  • it's panto time…. oh no it isn’t, oh yes, it is! Follow the adventures of Aladdin at the world-famous Hackney Empire. Look out for ‘green super savers’ and concessions to reduce ticket prices. From 24 Nov -6 Jan visit www.hackneyempire.co.uk for more information
  • check out Mini Mornings at Vue Cinemas. Both adult and children’s tickets from only £2.49. Every Saturday and Sunday Morning from 10am. Plus every day in the school holidays. Check out for participating on www.myvue.com
  • there will be lots of things to do in your local area from festive markets, winter Fayres and Ice skating rinks.

Or...Why not try and make our Festive Chocolate Ginger Bread Man and Friends


Preparation time

30 to 45 mins
Cooking time
10 to 30 mins
Servings
20

Dietary (Vegetarian)

 350g plain flour plus extra for rolling out
 1 tsp ground cinnamon
 2 tbsp cocoa powder
 2 tsp ground ginger
 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
 125g butter
 175g light soft brown sugar
 1 free range egg
 4 tbsp golden sugar

How to make them in 8 simple steps

Step 1: First sift the flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, ginger and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl and mix gently.

Step 2: Add the butter and mix until the mix looks like breadcrumbs and then stir in the sugar.

Step 3: Lightly beat the egg and golden syrup together, add to the bowl and stir until the mixture clumps together.

Step 4: Tip the dough out, knead briefly until smooth, wrap in cling film and leave to chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Preheat the oven to 160C/180C Fan/Gas 4. Line two baking trays with greaseproof paper.

Step 6: Roll the dough out to a 0.5cm thickness on a lightly floured surface. Using cutters, cut out the gingerbread men shapes and place on the baking tray, leaving a gap between them.

Step 7: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden-brown. Leave on the tray for 20-30 minutes to cool

Step 8: When cooled decorate with the writing icing and cake decorations, and enjoy!