Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

One of London’s most popular festive attractions returns, with even more rides, stalls and entertainment. Take a spin on the giant observation wheel, buy a tasty snack from the Bavarian Village or show off your moves on the UK’s largest ice rink. A new feature for this year’s Winter Wonderland is the Magical Ice Kingdom, a captivating maze of ice sculptures that will spark your imagination. Entry is free, although some attractions require pre-booking. 23 Nov – 6 Jan

Mickey & Oswald’s Epic Tales, Westfield Stratford

The Getty Images Gallery at Westfield Stratford hosts this fun temporary exhibition, which celebrates the launch of the video game Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two. Featuring important artefacts and cartoons, it charts the history of early Disney character Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and his more famous successor Mickey Mouse, both of whom feature in the game. After enjoying the exhibits, some of which date back to the 1920s, visitors can try Disney Epic Mickey 2 for themselves. Entry is free. 23-25 Nov

West End VIP Day, Oxford Street and Regent Street

Regent Street and Oxford Street are pedestrianised for the day, allowing visitors to roam freely around this excellent shopping destination. Not only will you be able to stroll beneath the Christmas lights between Selfridges and Hamleys without seeing a single car, but there will be lots of special promotions, festive performances and surprises. 24 Nov

The Scandinavian Christmas Market, Rotherhithe

Find unique Christmas gifts at this festive market, which contains a range of great Scandinavian products. Better still, after you’ve shopped for everything from jewellery to furniture you can unwind with traditional food and a glass of mulled wine. See the website for opening times. 23-25 Nov

London: Your Universe, at University College London

Now in its seventh year, UCL’s popular astronomy festival is a great way for families to explore the wonders of the universe. All of its fascinating events, exhibitions and activities are free: highlights include special telescopes that let you peer at the stars, a lecture on the Large Hadron Collider and the amazing Magic Planet projection. See the website for full programme details. 23-24 Nov

It’s set to be a frosty weekend, with the weather forecast predicting snow in London. So why not embrace the cold weather by hitting the ice, forget all about it with some retail therapy or make your own winter warmers at the Bust Craftacular.

• Club De Fromage @Somerset House Ice Rink – skate under the stars to cheesy pop from Club De Fromage DJs. 8pm- 11.30pm, Saturday 27 Nov www.ClubdeFromage.com
• Alternatively try one of London’s other winter ice rinks, they’re all open now! All weekend
• Shop yourself silly at West End VIP Day when Oxford and Regent Streets go traffic free for a super shopping Saturday. 27 Nov
• Make your own Xmas goodies at the Bust Craftacular event in Bethnal Green, where you’re invited to shop, craft, dance and make merry. Sunday 28 Nov
• Visit Chelsea Physic Garden’s annual Christmas Fair – a great opportunity to see the gardens and do some all-important present buying. 27-28 Nov 

Did you go to Regent Street last night to see the Christmas lights being switched on? We put on our mittens and went along to hear music from Joe McElderry and the cast of Jersey Boys, and a special appearance by cast members of the new film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. At one point there was a little flurry of snow, but we’re not sure if it was real, fake, or we imagined it!

If you love shopping on Regent Street, don’t forget that it’s West End VIP Day on the 27th November. Check out our round up of London’s best Christmas lights and Christmas trees if you’re looking for some sparkle!