As the Christmas countdown has begun and the children’s holidays draw near, it’s the perfect time to think ahead and sketch out a “what-to-do” plan for the rest of the festive season (and beyond) — mixing a bit of magic, thoughtful gifting and future family adventures.
This plan isn’t about a rigid schedule, but about embracing the holiday spirit: building excitement with festive traditions and a Santa’s grotto visit, giving yourself space to browse meaningful gifts rather than last-minute panic, and dreaming up a family getaway you’ll all treasure once the holidays are over. So embrace the last few days before Christmas and find plenty of ways to fill the time as you embrace the end of the year. Cosy, snug, warm and perhaps a little snowy.
WATCH THIS Disney On Ice
Disney On Ice returns with a brand-new magical adventure for families. In “Find Your Hero”, Mickey, Minnie and a host of beloved Disney characters bring timeless tales to life on the ice, inviting audiences to discover that being a hero means courage, kindness and staying true to yourself. From sweeping sea-voyages with Moana and Maui, to journeys with Elsa and Anna, Mirabel, Ariel, Rapunzel and Belle, the show blends iconic songs with breathtaking skating, striking costumes and spectacular sets. The production travels across the UK — Birmingham, Nottingham, Newcastle, Aberdeen, Belfast, Manchester, Sheffield and London — offering a truly unforgettable Christmas family experience.
MEET SANTA HERE FUJIFILM House of Photography, Covent Garden
If you can’t get into a grotto, then this is a great one to try. Step into the festive fun of the Fujifilm House of Photography Santa’s Grotto in Covent Garden — think twinkly lights, snow-globe vibes and plenty of photo-ops. Until Christmas Eve, this 3,000 square feet winter wonderland transforms into a merry playground: meet Santa (and his cheeky elves), craft holiday cards, play silly games, and snap pro-looking family portraits at immersive AR and photo zones. In 30 minute timed slot, there’s enough time to soak in the magic and leave with memories (and maybe a festive selfie or two). Plus, Covent Garden’s famous snowfall has returned. Falling on the hour every hour from midday to 9pm, each lasting two minutes, step outside from meeting Santa and time it right and Christmas will have well and truly arrived.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF HERE Cloud Twelve Wellness, Spa and Kid's Club
Kids clubs have become quite a thing in London, making sure little ones are occupied with plenty of fun, to burn off steam and run around with friends. But Cloud Twelve has thought of mothers too – all under one roof. While the Kids Club features a magical forest-themed play zone (think tunnels, tree houses, sensory zones and imaginative role-play), plus classes in art, music, movement and more, upstairs you’ll find a peaceful sanctuary. A full spa and wellness centre with massages, facials, thermal-suite, sauna/steam or salt-room sessions, plus holistic wellness and salon services. But its the nutrition and lifestyle support that stands out for long-term self-care, something mums too often neglect. Covering naturopathic nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, infrared therapy, physiotherapy, trichology (scalp & hair-health care), and even private GP services. There’s also a newer “Longevity Lounge / bio-hacking lab” aimed at more holistic and long-term health. Founder of the club, Jenya Di Pierro, a qualified herbalist and naturopath, has a particular passion for natural medicine and takes women’s health incredibly seriously, ensuring that women are healthily living up to their full potential. So when you combine that with the fact your children can be happily looked after in the club’s play-zone or crèche — learning, playing, relaxing or doing classes — you get a rare chance to recharge properly, not just for a couple of hours, but permanently.
GIFT FROM HERE Sorens House
If you’re on the hunt for thoughtful, beautifully designed Christmas gifts for kids — and want to avoid the same old plastic toys — Soren’s House is a brilliant place to start. Their online shop brings together a curated mix of sustainable, Scandi-inspired toys, clothes and nursery gear for children from newborns to around age 12. Browsing their “A Few of our Favourite Things” or age-specific gift collections often sparks great ideas — from cosy knitwear and decorative night-lights to wooden toys, scooters or art sets that feel a bit more special than the usual fare. With fast delivery and a reputation for quality and style, it’s a handy stop whether you’re seeking a single thoughtful gift or putting together a whole Christmas haul.
BOOK THIS FOR 2026 Tracks for Tomorrow, Cottar's Safaris, Kenya
If you’re already looking ahead to 2026 travel — especially around your children’s school holidays — here’s something worth pencilling into the diary: Cottar’s Safaris, Africa’s oldest family-run safari company, has just unveiled Tracks for Tomorrow, a brand-new, teen-focused conservation and wildlife-education programme. Based at their picturesque, vintage-style Cottar’s 1920s Camp in the private Olderkesi Conservancy on the edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the immersive five-day experience blends real-world conservation work, biodiversity studies, cultural exchanges with the local Maasai community, night safaris, stargazing, reforestation efforts and hands-on ecosystem workshops — all guided by expert staff including gold-level safari guides and conservation specialists. At the end, each young participant receives a certificate of completion — a meaningful milestone on their path as a young conservationist. In addition to this exciting new programme, Cottar’s has recently expanded its family-friendly offering with four new family tents and a fully refurbished private luxury option, Cottar’s Bush Villa, reaffirming its commitment to combining adventure, comfort and conservation for families.
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