Animal Christmas Crackers, The Workshop

Take a break from the usual family-friendly festivities and spend a day going creature crazy at this alternative, animal-themed Christmas fun day in Lambeth, which is chock-a-block with creative workshops, theatrical performances and real life animals for London's little ones.

Budding young thespians watch students from the Neon Performing Arts School put on a production, where there are teachers on hand to guide those who would like to join in. Creative kids can participate in a puppet workshop, make their own Christmas Wreaths, and design a Christmas Card with Mother Christmas.

Best of all, little ones get to dress up as their favourite animal, get their faces painted, and compare their funny animal outfits with the real thing – as families' enjoy a special visit from the animals of Vauxhall City Farm.

They'll also be screenings of animal animation shorts – sponsored by the Extraordinary Traveling Film Show – and captivating footage of past Christmases in the capital, thanks to contributions from the London Screen Archives.

No need to worry about going hungry: there will be hot food, snacks, cakes and hot drinks for sale to please the whole family.