As the city sparkles with festive lights, London becomes a magical playground for families. If you’re planning something special for the kids this Christmas, there’s no shortage of enchanting experiences to reserve now.
From ice-skating beneath twinkling fairy lights and exploring winter markets on the Southbank, to stage shows, illuminated trails and all-aboard Santa adventures, the capital has something for every age and interest.
These are the very best things to book now for a memorable, child-friendly Christmas in London.
1. Christmas at Kew
If you’re looking for a truly magical family outing this Christmas, Christmas at Kew at Kew Gardens promises an unforgettable evening of festive fun. The event transforms the gardens into a glittering wonderland, with large‑scale light installations, a family fairground with rides for all ages, and seasonal treats like hot chocolate, churros and mulled cider. Entry begins from around 4:20 pm and is a brilliant choice for families, blending awe‑inspiring lights, thrills, and fun in a safe, timed‑entry environment (14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026)
Dates: 14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Address: Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE
Book tickets here
2. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
A particular highlight for kids every Christmas in London is Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Returning this month, Hyde Park is packed with festive magic, it offers something for every age — younger children can explore the specially-designed Santa Land with rides and a grotto, while families will love the vast ice-rink under twinkling lights, the immersive “Magical Ice Kingdom,” and a host of funfair attractions. With plenty of rides starting for children from age two, and more thrilling options for older kids, it’s a go-to for a memorable winter outing. Just be sure to book ahead, choose a good time to visit, and wrap up warm — tickets to popular attractions sell out fast.
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Dates: 14 November 2025 – 1 January, 2026
Address: Hyde Park, London
Book tickets here
3. Neverland at Kenwood House
Take a trip to Neverland with Kenwood House’s Peter Pan-themed light show. The outdoor trail begins in a twinkling London before onwards to the Lost Boys secret tree trunk, Skull Rock, Crocodile Creek and Captain Hook’s infamous pirate ship. Expected to be one of North London’s most magical festive events, this is a Christmas adventure like no other. If you get lost, remember, it’s second to the right, and straight on till morning. – Ella Alexander.
Dates: 21 November 2025 – 3 January 2026
Address: Hampstead Lane, London NW3 7JR
Book tickets here
4. Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station transforms into a winter wonderland – complete with sparkling lights, giant Christmas trees and supersize decorations in its iconic Art-Deco Turbine Halls. The fun begins with the capital’s only riverside ice rink, “Glide at Battersea Power Station”, which features a 200-metre skate trail against the Thames and chimneys backdrop this year — perfect for older kids and teens. Younger children (and the young at heart) will enjoy festive workshops, seasonal games, face-painting, storytelling sessions and even “Santa’s School For Elves”, where they can meet Santa and take part in playful elf-training classes. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy a browse through 150+ shops, pick up their Christmas shopping at the Christmas markets, and feast in plenty of restaurants serving special festive menus. Just remember to book the skating and workshops ahead to secure a spot.
More information here
5. Christmas Shows
The festive season in London offers a brilliant lineup of children and family-friendly theatre. At the top of the list is The Snowman — a magical stage-adaptation of the Raymond Briggs classic, running at the Peacock Theatre from 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. For the youngest children, the beloved Peppa Pig returns for her live appearance in Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show! at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 5 December to 4 January, great for preschoolers and up. The Nutcracker takes to the West End at St Martin’s Theatre after theatre and musical ensemble Little Bulb first staged their child-friendly take on it at Wimbledon’s Polka Theatre, becoming the best-selling Christmas show in the venue’s history. Expect lots of silliness, magic and live music. Families with curious and slightly older kids (ages 4+) might love Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas at the Garrick Theatre — it’s a fun, interactive STEM-focused show full of festive experiments and surprises, running 12 December to 4 January. One of my favourites is the Unicorn Theatre with How Does Santa Go Down The Chimney? from 15 November 2025 to 3 January 2026. And for kids who enjoy pantomime, there are plenty of classic, laugh-along options with Cinderella at the Hackney Empire, Jack and the Beanstalk at the Lyric Hammersmith and Sleeping Beauty at London Palladium
Address: Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5PW
Book here
6. Santa’s Grottos
Santa Land in Winter Wonderland is a top choice if you’re after full festive immersion. It features a whole “Santa Land” area with rides, attractions, and the grotto itself (14 November to 1 January 2026). Hamleys is a festive feast in itself, and the Grotto in such a special setting makes it particularly memorable for younger children (15 November to 24 December 2025.) FUJIFILM House of Photography Grotto is great if you want something a bit more unique and photo-worthy. It’s described as a 3,000 square feet “winter wonderland” grotto with games, crafts, a photo studio and meeting Santa (15 November to 24 December 2025.) A bit further north and perhaps slightly calmer than the busiest central locations, the grotto at Alexandra Palace (28 November to 23 December 2025.) London Zoo offers basic sessions including festive crafts, a visit to Santa’s grotto and a special gift to take home, or upgraded option including an immersive Christmas quest in the new “ZooTown” play-area, hot drink + sweet treat, plus the grotto gift or the VIP Breakfast session so families can arrive before the Zoo opens (8am), enjoy a hot breakfast with elves, early-morning tour, then a meeting with Santa. Finally, step into a truly enchanting festive experience at The Queen’s House in Greenwich with the “Santa’s Grotto at the Queen’s House” (selected dates from 22 November to 24 December 2025.) The grotto is inspired by the story of The Nutcracker and the Four Realms so children are greeted by a Tin Soldier, Clara and the Nutcracker, then journey through a “Land of Sweets” and a “Land of Ice and Snow”, and then have a one‑to‑one moment with Santa himself. With live theatre, storytelling and the Santa visit, it a lavish Christmas experience.
7. Winter Gardens at Beckenham Place Park
A new festive world arrives in South London this year in the form of Winter Gardens at Beckenham Place Park. Complete with an indoor ice rink, Santa’s Grotto, live music, fairground rides and a Christmas market, this new event is free although the ice rink is ticketed. Find sustenance in the numerous food and drink vendors including a replica of a traditional Sweet Shop and an atmospheric Winter Lodge serving seasonal drinks. South London never looked so festive. – Ella Alexander.
Dates: 15th November 2025 – 4th January 2026
Address: Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham, BR3 1SY
Book tickets here
8. The Polar Express Train Ride
The Polar Express Train Ride is a fun-filled holiday‑themed journey where families board a decorated vintage train, don cosy pyjamas, and travel toward the “North Pole” amid singing, storytelling and live performers. Along the way each guest enjoys a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie, and at the journey’s end meets Santa Claus who presents a special silver sleigh‑bell as the First Gift of Christmas. It’s a one‑hour (plus pre‑ and post‑show) immersive experience that captures the whimsy and wonder of the beloved story.
Dates: 5 December – 23 December 2025.
Address: Euston Road, London, NW1 2RT
Book tickets here
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