Christmas holidays at the V&A Museum of Childhood

SMALL STORIES: AT HOME IN A DOLLS' HOUSE Opens Saturday 13 December Our exhibition of dolls' houses opens this weekend! Discover the fascinating stories behind some of the UK's best-loved dolls' houses, on a journey through the history of the home, everyday lives and family relationships. Come and meet the residents of 12 houses from the past 300 years, including a country mansion, a Victorian town house and a high rise apartment. Visit our website for more information including details of exclusive Breakfast Tours, giving you a chance to see our dolls' house treasures before the Museum opens for the day. You can also see our new video, which tells the spooky story of The Screaming Skull of Bettiscombe Manor! Read more

HIDDEN IDENTITIES UNFINISHED Opens Saturday 20 December Hidden Identities Unfinished is a display of photographs by Yvonne de Rosa, which give an insight into the lives of children and families living in adverse conditions in Bosnia and Romania. The 14 photographs are the result of a collaboration with international charity Hope and Homes for Children. Read more CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS Monday 22 December 2014 - Sunday 4 January 2015 Drop in for free festive fun! Story Spinner will be at the Museum putting their unique spin on Allen Ahlburg's book Cops and Robbers, and you can take part in Christmas ArtSmarts every afternoon! Don't forget to check our opening hours before you visit - we're closed 24-26 December and 1 January. Read more HOOKED! CROCHET CIRCLE Wednesdays during term-time (see website for details) Are you ready to get hooked on crochet? Come and join our friendly, informal crochet circle in the Museum cafe, and try your hand at a crocheted creation. Hooked is suitable for all levels of ability from novices to pro's. Don't worry if you've never crocheted before - we will help you learn. Read more WINTERVILLE Until 1 January Winterville is coming and Christmas in the capital will never be the same! This free, alternative festive experience in Victoria Park will feature an ice rink, fairground, roller disco, Wall of Death, horse-drawn carriages, Christmas market, street food and more. Read more THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER STRATFORD CIRCUS Until 22 December This year's family Christmas show at Stratford Circus is a re-telling of the Brothers Grimm classic fairy-tale, featuring stunning puppets, music and surprises aplenty, follow Sam Lacey on an adventure with two little elves who turn his life upside down! Read more BEAUTY AND THE BEAST THEATRE ROYAL STRATFORD EAST Until 17 January 2015 Join Belle on her magical adventures across a strange unfamiliar land. Will our heroine rescue the beast and save the day, or will the evil witch get her wicked way and ruin all our happy ever afters? Read more DANCE CLASSES FOR CHILDREN TRINITY LABAN Trinity Laban offer Creative Dance classes for 2½-14 year olds on Saturday mornings. Teachers draw on your child's natural abilities, encouraging potential, nurturing inventiveness and building physical confidence. Read more

HAUNTED DOLLS' HOUSE TOURS Thursdays 15 January & 12 February 18.30-20.00 Museums can be pretty creepy at night, especially when they're full of old dolls' houses. Do you dare to explore the Museum of Childhood in the dark? Discover the bizarre, miniature world of the Small Stories exhibition with these special torch-lit tours for adults. Book your place now! Read more #CURATINGXMAS COMPETITION How does the V&A inspire you at Christmas? Show us how you get creative at Christmas by sharing photos of your decorations, festive features or even food. You could win some fantastic prizes! Read more GIFTS FOR LITTLE ONES In the V&A shop you'll find a selection of gifts that are perfect for Christmas. With games and gadgets, books, kits, young fashion, eye-catching posters and exclusive prints, there's something special for every age and interest. Read more WE'RE ON INSTAGRAM! You can now keep in touch with us on Instagram! See behind the scenes pictures and share your own photos with us @MuseumChildhood. Read more