Looking for fun things to do at Christmas in London with kids? In this guide, you’ll find a list of festive events and activities for kids in London, the best Christmas lights and decorations in London, and where you can meet Father Christmas.
Save money and book your tickets in advance for London pantomimes! Tickets now available for Cinderella at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Jack and the Beanstalk at Hackney Empire, Jack and the Beanstalk at Greenwich Theatre, Jack and the Beanstalk at Richmond Theatre,
Booking are now open for Santa’s Grottos in London at Fulham Palace, Hamley’s, ZSL London Zoo, Natural History Museum, Chelsea Physic Garden and more.
Read on for more fun things to do at Christmas in London with kids, from festive light trails, Santa’s Grotto experiences and London pantomime shows.
Table of Contents
Christmas in London with Kids Map
I am also pinning London Christmas events for kids, Santa’s Grotto experiences, Christmas Markets and more in the “Christmas in London with Kids” Google Map Guide. For a direct link to the map to bookmark, click here. To explore the map, click on the door sign with an arrow just before the map title.
Christmas Events for Kids in London
This list is currently being updated for the 2026 London Christmas season. I will continue to add to the list as more family events and activities are announced ahead of the festive season.
Christmas at Kew
13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Kew Gardens has one of the most magical Christmas lights trails in London to visit with kids. The panoramic Palm House light display was one of our favourite parts of the Christmas at Kew trail.
Related: Best Places to See Christmas Lights in London
The Kew Gardens Christmas lights trail features larger-than-life light installations, sparkling colour tunnels, immersive soundscapes and the chance to see Father Christmas!
Independent street food vendors offer tasty festive delights, from hot food and sweet treats to spiced winter warmers and indulgent hot chocolate.
Tickets: Trails start between 4.20pm and 8pm and the Gardens close at 10pm (9pm on 24 December). Standard adult tickets are Off peak £25/ Peak £36. Child (ages 4 – 15) tickets start from £19. Child under 4 enter free.
Book your tickets for Christmas at Kew
WB Studio Tour: Hogwarts in the Snow
14 November 2026 – 17 January 2027
One of our favourite places to visit during the festive season is Warner Bros. Studio Tour, just outside London in Leavesden, for the annual Hogwarts in the Snow feature. In addition to seeing the Great Hall dressed up for Christmas with amazing details, the Forbidden Forest will also undergo a wintery transformation.
It is an amazing and unique experience seeing the areas of the Harry Potter set, and the Hogwarts castle model, decorated as it was during the winter and Christmas scenes in the movies.
Read more about this annual Christmas feature in my Harry Potter Studio Tour review: Hogwarts in the Snow London
Tickets: Adult tickets from £58.50. Child (ages 5+) tickets from £47. Children aged 4 and under enter free. Tickets now on sale for Hogwarts in the Snow 2026.
Book your tickets at WB Studio Tour London: Making of Harry Potter
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
19 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Located in the heart of London, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of the top places to visit for Christmas in London with kids, offering a wide variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food and drinks.
There’s an ice skating rink, Magical Ice Kingdom, Zippos Christmas Circus and over 100 fairground rides for all ages over six weeks.
Book tickets for Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Chelsea Winter Village & Illuminations at Royal Hospital Chelsea
25 November – 28 December 2026
This winter, the iconic Royal Hospital Chelsea becomes home to an immersive festive experience.
Take a journey through the Chelsea Winter Illuminations, an extended 1.5km light trail filled with large-scale art, interactive installations and imaginative soundscapes.
Continue to the festivities at Chelsea Winter Village, a free-to-enter hub with a Christmas market, mulled wine and festive bars, workshops, bandstand with live performances and traditional fairground rides.
Book tickets for Chelsea Winter Illuminations at Royal Hospital Chelsea
Victorian Christmas Traditions at the Tower of London
27 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Follow a trail of festive traditions around the Tower of London and discover how the Victorians helped shape the Christmas we know and love today.
As you explore the Tower, discover festive scenes filled with trees, twinkling lights and gifts, and unwrap the stories behind some of our favourite Christmas traditions.
Book tickets for the Tower of London
The Gingerbread City
2026 dates TBA
The Gingerbread City is an annual exhibition by the Museum of Architecture where 50+ architects and designers create a whole city entirely from gingerbread, candy and frosting.
You can also book a Gingerbread City Gingerbread House-Making workshop to build your own gingerbread creation to bring home.
The dates and location for this festive season’s Gingerbread City Exhibition have not been announced yet. Stay tuned for more information once it is made available.
Check updates on the Gingerbread City Exhibition
Christmas Pantomimes in London
Cinderella at Lyric Hammersmith
14 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Cinderella’s down on her luck. But can a chance encounter, a little fairy magic and some incredibly chic glass slippers help her find her true love and save the kingdom before the clock strikes midnight?
Running time: 120 minutes. Recommended for ages 6+. Tickets from £10 – £48. Family tickets for £80, for two adults and two children or one adult and three children, are available.
Book tickets for Cinderella at Lyric Hammersmith
Jack and the Beanstalk at Hackney Empire
21 November – 31 December 2026
Join happy-go-lucky Jack on an epic adventure after he sells his family’s beloved cow for a handful of magic beans, setting off a chain of events that leads high into the clouds.
As Jack climbs up the beanstalk, he discovers an enchanted land, a powerful giant and a host of surprises, but can he outsmart the giant and save the day?
Tickets from £10 – £48. All ages welcome. Children 3 years and under may sit on the lap of an adult; children 4+ require their own ticket.
Book tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk at Hackney Empire
Jack and the Beanstalk at Greenwich Theatre
27 November 2026 – 10 January 2027
Greenwich Theatre presents the panto you’ve BEAN waiting for, Jack and the Beanstalk! Jack and his mother, Dame Dotty Trott, has fallen on hard times and have been forced to sell their beloved cow Pat.
With a sprinkle of magic and a little unexpected help from an unconventional fairy, Jack climbs a beanstalk to Cloudland in an attempt to gain his fortune, however, there is one giant problem that stands in his way!
Running time: 2 hours 20 minutes. Tickets from £46 for adults and £23.75 for children (under 16). Recommended for all ages.
Book tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk at Greenwich Theatre
Jack and the Beanstalk at Richmond Theatre
5 December 2026 – 3 January 2027
After selling his trusty cow for a few measly beans, Jack sets off on an adventure to outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams. Promising laughter, music, magical effects and bundles of audience participation, this is the pantomime Richmond has BEAN waiting for!
Running time: TBC. Tickets from £15.
Book tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk at Richmond Theatre
Christmas Shows in London
The Wind in the Willows at Rose Theatre
25 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Get cosy, gather round the tree and listen to Mole’s tale – of how four friends saved not only the Wild Wood, but Christmas itself.
Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole live a life of laughter and camaraderie, swept up in the joys of life by the river. But as the seasons pass, their friendships are put to the test by the scheming Chief Weasel and his villianous plans. Will Toad’s reckless behaviour catch up with him? Can shy Mole summon the courage to save Toad Hall in time for Christmas?
Running time: TBC. Tickets from £26.50 for adults and £16.50 for child.
Book tickets for The Wind in the Willows at Rose Theatre
A Christmas Carol at New Wimbledon Theatre
2 – 6 December 2026
Two of Dicken’s closest theatrical companions find themselves trapped in the footlights’ glare. With the rest of the cast stuck on the train, actress Frances Ternan and Dickens’ faithful tour manager George Dolby take on the daunting challenge of portraying over 30 characters. But who will play Scrooge?
Dickens Theatre Company are back this festive season at New Wimbledon Theatre with their joyously authentic staging of this Victoria classic.
Running time: 1 hour 15 minutes with no interval. Tickets from £26.
Book tickets for A Christmas Carol at New Wimbledon Theatre
The Nutcracker at London Coliseum
17 December 2026 – 10 January 2027
This festive season, join Clara on a fantastical adventure as English National Ballet’s Nutcracker bursts to life with over 100 dancers and musicians.
Running time: 2 hours including one interval. Tickets from £15. Recommended for ages 5+.
Book tickets for The Nutcracker at London Coliseum
Carols at Royal Albert Hall
19 – 24 December 2026
Join the Royal Albert Hall for 15 magical performances over six days, featuring a mix of traditional and modern festive favourites.
With an orchestra, choir, presenter, soloist and plenty of sing-along moments, it’s the ultimate way to celebrate the festive season.
Tickets from £20.
Book tickets for Carols at the Royal Albert Hall
Christmas in London Activities
The following family events, activities and Santa’s Grottos are typically on every Christmas in London. Dates and pricing details are currently being updated for the 2026 festive season.
Ice Skating Rinks in London
Glide at Battersea Power Station
6 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Enjoy unrivalled views of the Thames as you spin around three interconnecting rinks at Battersea Power Station, surrounded by twinkling lights and a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree.
Tickets: Adult tickets start from £19.38. Child (ages 12 and under) tickets start from £11.98. Family tickets from £14.82 per person available for bookings of either 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children. All ticket prices including fees.
Skate Aids: Skate aids for children are available.
Book tickets for Glide at Battersea Power Station
Skate at Somerset House
11 November 2026 – 10 January 2027
One of London’s favourite winter experiences, Somerset House’s neoclassical courtyard is transformed over the festive period with a lively ice rink, contemporary music and tasty food and drink.
Tickets: Adult skate ticket prices range from from £13 – £28.50; Child (12 years or under) prices start from £11 – £15.
Skate Aids: Skate aids are available for children aged age 8 or under. There are a limited number of skate aids that will be available on a first-come-first-served basis and cannot be pre-booked. Please ask one of the Skate at Somerset House ice marshal staff when starting your session if you would like a skate aid.
Book tickets for Skate at Somerset House
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
19 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Skate at the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink in the heart of London’s Hyde Park at Winter Wonderland this Christmas season. Set under a canopy of twinkly lights and built around the iconic Victorian bandstand, you can hit the ice from 10am to 9pm daily. Open to all ages and abilities – wheelchairs too.
Tickets: Adult ice rink tickets from £12.65 (off peak) to £19.25 (peak). Children (12 and under) ice rinks tickets range from £9.35 (off peak) to £13.75 (peak). Advance bookings are required for Winter Wonderland. Ice rink tickets are in addition to the Winter Wonderland general admission costs.
Skate Aids: Winter Wonderland have a limited supply of penguin skate aids which cost £5 and are available on a first-come first served basis from the skate hire counter. They also have children’s bob skates (twin bladed skates that fit over a child’s shoes) available free of charge. Please speak to any member of Ice Rink staff if you wish to hire a skate aid or require bob skates.
See latest updates at Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
20 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
The beautiful, open-air Hampton Court Palace ice rink offers you the chance to glide across the ice under a star-covered sky while surrounded by spectacular views of the historic Tudor palace.
Tickets: Prices vary depending on day: Adults (13+) from £21; Child aged 3 – 12 years from £16, including online booking fees. Family tickets available for £65.48 (including booking fees) which allow entry for four people: 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children.
Skate Aids: The children’s skate aids at the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink cost £5. Limited skate aids are available per session and must be booked in advance when purchasing the ice rink tickets online. The skate aids measure at approximately 78 cm high and are exclusively for children aged 10 and under.
Book tickets for Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
London Christmas Markets
Southbank Centre Winter Market
2 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 | Southbank Centre Winter Market
Stroll along the Thames under twinkling lights and sample indulgent drinks, scrumptious street food and seasonal goodies from the traditional alpine-style chalets along the Queen’s Walk on London’s South Bank.
The Southbank Centre Winter Market is open from 11am to 9pm for craft traders and 11am to 10pm for food traders, Monday to Sunday. Closed on 25 December, 31 December and 1 January.
Kingston Christmas Market
12 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 | Kingston Christmas Market
Christmas Market set in the traditional market town of Kingston-upon-Thames, featuring over 40 festive market vendors in traditional wooden cabins, an Alpine Village with a fire pit and a vintage carousel.
Feast on a hog roast roll, warm up with a mug of mulled wine and enjoy live entertainment under twinkling fairy lights.
Festive Fayre at Hampton Court Palace
4 – 6 and 11 – 13 December 2026
Hampton Court Palace courtyards will be transformed into a food-lover’s Christmas wonderland, full of delicious artisan food and drink, as well as perfect gifts to pick up for loved ones. Eat, drink, shop and be merry, all whilst soaking up the atmosphere and spirit of the season, with festive entertainment from the East Front bandstand.
Entry to the Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre is included in your Hampton Court Palace admission ticket.
Book tickets for Hampton Court Palace
London Bridge City Winter by the River
2026 dates TBA | London Bridge City Events
With stunning views of Tower Bridge, The Tower of London and the iconic City skyline, Winter by the River is London’s most scenic Christmas market.
Discover an array of boutique vendors, themed karaoke rooms and delicious pop-up food and drink stalls at London Bridge City.
Christmas Lights in London
One of our top fun things to do at Christmas in London with kids is to take a walk in central London to see the festive lights and decorations. Best places to see Christmas lights in London include Regent Street, Carnaby, Bond Street, Oxford Street, Covent Garden, King’s Road Chelsea and South Molton Street.
For more photos and up-to-date information on London festive lights, have a look at our post: Best Places to See Christmas Lights in London
Carnaby Christmas Lights
from 4 November 2026 | Carnaby Christmas
Carnaby is one of London’s most iconic places to see Christmas lights and decorations. This festive season, Carnaby Street will be unveiling a new display and celebrations inspired by the feel-good nostalgia of the 90s.
Regent Street “The Spirits of Christmas”
from early November 2026 | Regent Street
Regent Street’s famous “Spirits of Christmas” display, 45 spirit angels covered in thousands of LED lights, are switched on for the festive season from early November.
The stunning spirit light displays will be on from 2pm to midnight everyday for a more sustainable display.
Look out for Christmas lights and decorations along the nearby streets and arcades, such as Piccadilly, Jermyn Street, St James’s Market, Glasshouse Street, Swallow Street and Quadrant Arcade.
Covent Garden Christmas
from 12 November 2026 | Christmas in Covent Garden
Covent Garden’s world-famous Christmas lights will feature over 300,000 sparkling lights throughout the neighbourhood and the iconic 55ft British-grown Christmas tree. The much-loved gold bells will return to the Market Building.
Visit Christmas in Covent Garden for latest information on upcoming events for the 2026 festive season.
Mayfair Christmas Lights
from early November 2026 | Mayfair Christmas Lights
Mayfair always has the best Christmas lights and decorations in London, with over 60,000 sparking lights, extravagant Christmas trees and fantastic window displays to see around the neighbourhood.
See Mayfair being transformed into a magical wonderland from mid-November when its Christmas lights are switched on.
The top spots in Mayfair to enjoy the festive atmosphere and decorations are along New Bond Street, South Molton Street and Mount Street.
Chelsea at Christmas
from mid- November 2026 | Chelsea Christmas
The Chelsea Christmas Light Switch-On typically offers an afternoon of festive fun for all the family. In previous years, King’s Road was part-pedestrianised from Sloane Square to Walpole Street, featuring a Christmas market, roaming entertainment and a full programme of entertainment.
More details to come about this year’s Christmas decorations in Chelsea.
Santa’s Grottos in London
Looking for the best Santa’s Grottos in London? In this part of the Christmas in London with kids guide, you will find where to book tickets to meet Father Christmas in London this festive season.
Booking are now open for Santa’s Grotto London at Hobbledown Heath, Queen’s House, Museum of London Docklands, London Zoo, Hamley’s, Chelsea Physic Garden and Marble Hill.
Read on for more details and how to book tickets to meet Father Christmas in London in 2026.
Santa’s Grotto at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
19 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Santa Land at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland features various kids’ rides and the largest free Santa’s Grotto experience in London.
This year, Mrs. Claus will be joining the festivities. Children will receive a present from Santa himself at the grotto.
Book tickets for Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Santa’s Grotto at Hamleys
14 November – 24 December 2026
This Christmas, the magic returns to Hamleys Regent Street as Santa once again opens the doors to his world-famous grotto.
Meet the enchanted Santa’s elves, who will guide you through a world of wonder before introducing you to Santa himself. Santa will share festive stories and give you a special keepsake.
Book tickets for Santa’s Grotto at Hamleys
Victorian Santa’s Grotto at the Museum of London Docklands
20 November – 23 December 2026
Santa is waiting for you in his Sailortown Grotto at the Museum of London Docklands with a festive gift. Afterwards, experience the museum’s Sailortown gallery, transformed with festive decorations and the sound of Victorian carols being sung in the distance.
Personal photography is now permitted at the Santa’s Grotto. Tickets start from £15.
Book tickets for Santa’s Grotto at Museum of London Docklands
Meet Santa at ZSL London Zoo
21 November – 24 December 2026
Plan a festive family day out this November and December as Santa returns to his magical grotto at London Zoo! Little ones can take part in Christmas crafts and will receive a very special Christmas gift to take home.
Related: Days Out at London Zoo
Choose from Meet Santa, Meet Santa Deluxe and Meet Santa VIP Breakfast sessions. Prices range from £19.50 per child for Meet Santa sessions to £40 per child and £20 per adult for the Meet Santa Penguin Feed sessions.
Book tickets to Meet Santa at London Zoo
Santa’s Grotto at the Queen’s House
14 November – 24 December 2026, selected dates
Step into a world of snow and Christmas wonder at the Queen’s House this festive season. The formal royal residence will be transformed into the icy land of the Snow Queen, inspired by Hans Christmas Andersen’s enchanting fairy tale.
Follow an actor-led story adventure that finishes in Santa’s Grotto, where little ones can meet Father Christmas himself and take home a special gift. There must be at least one child within each party.
Tickets cost from £30 per person, free for under 1s.
Book tickets for Santa’s Grotto at the Queen’s House
Santa’s Winter Garden at Fulham Palace
20 November – 23 December 2026
Embark on an immersive, outdoor Christmas experience set within the historic walled gardens of Fulham Palace in West London. Guided by the Guardians of the Winter Garden, families will follow along a snow-dusted trail of twinkling lights and storytelling before a private visit with Santa himself.
The experience promises to bring a true cinematic white Christmas to life, using the same professional special effects seen across television and film. Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours from arrival to your visit with Santa and the end of your journey.
Ticket prices start from £38 per child and £20 per adult for super off-peak times and from £48 per child and £28 per adult for off-peak times. Standard tickets are £67 per child and £38 per adult.
Book tickets for Santa’s Winter Garden at Fulham Palace
Santa’s Grotto at Hobbledown Heath
28 November – 24 December 2026
Discover a fully immersive festive experience this Christmas at Hobbledown Heath. Embark on a spellbinding journey through Santa’s Secret Village, with magical locations such as Santa’s Post Office and the Toy Distribution Centre, before making your way into Santa’s Grotto.
The Santa’s Grotto experience lasts about an hour and includes a special gift, festive photo points and a hot chocolate for the adults. Ttickets start from £30 for children on weekdays and from £42 on weekends and peak dates. Tickets also includes full admission to stay and play at Hobbledown Heath.
Toddler Santa Experience is an option designed especially for toddlers up to 5 years. Meet the Hobbledown elves and listen to an enchanting festive tale. Tickets start from £40 for 1 adult and 1 toddler.
Book tickets for Santa’s Grotto at Hobbledown Heath
Storytelling with Santa at the Natural History Museum
1 – 22 December 2026
Visit Santa in his wintery wonderland this festive season at the Natural History Museum. Santa will be telling a special Christmas story, and there will be the opportunity to have a photo taken with him afterwards.
Each child’s ticket includes a gift from Santa, a special T-rex tree decoration! Make sure to also stop by the dinosaur gallery to see the animatronic T-Rex decked out in its Christmas jumper and Santa hat, throughout November and December.
Tickets cost £20 per child (£18 for NHM members) and includes up to two adults.
Book tickets for Storytelling with Santa at Natural History Museum
Father Christmas Storytelling at Chelsea Physic Garden
4 – 20 December 2026, on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays
Enjoy a special storytelling experience with Father Christmas at Chelsea Physic Garden’s greenhouse-themed grotto.
Each child will receive a special gift from Father Christmas and have the opportunity to capture this magical moment with a photo.
Book your storytelling session between 10am to 3:50pm. Tickets are £14.50 per child (includes gift) and £12.50 for accompanying adults. Tickets include entry to the Garden on that day.
Book tickets for Father Christmas Storytelling at Chelsea Physic Garden
Father Christmas at Marble Hill
5 – 20 December 2026, weekends only
Join Father Christmas at Marble Hill for a magical way to start the festive season. Father Christmas will be telling some of his favourite seasonal stories around the Christmas tree in a group storytelling session.
Afterwards, you and your children will meet the man himself, with the chance to take photographs. Father Christmas will also give every child a traditional present.
Tickets cost £15 per child (£12 for English Heritage members) and must be booked in advance.
Book tickets for Father Christmas at Marble Hill
Santa’s Tea Party at John Lewis White City
10 – 11 December 2026, selected dates
Join Santa and his elves for story time, including cocoa and a snack for kids and a hot drink and slide of cake for adults, too.
Tickets cost £25 per child and £8 per adult (plus additional booking fees) and includes a special gift. Professional photos will be available to purchase separately.
Book tickets for Santa’s Grotto at John Lewis White City
Meet Santa at the London Transport Museum
2026 dates TBA
Meet Santa and join in the festive activities at the London Transport Museum. Explore the London Transport Museum galleries with a fun festive trail and meet costumed characters.
Discover how London’s transport network have played a part in people’s Christmas celebrations. All festive family activities are free with your Museum tickets and kids go free!
Tickets: Adult tickets are £25 and valid for one year. Children and young people under 17 enter free. All visitors, including children, are required to have a timed entry slot booked in advance.
Book tickets for London Transport Museum
Things to Do at Christmas in London for Kids
I hope you found this guide to fun things to do at Christmas in London with kids helpful! Find more ideas for Christmas days out in London and surrounding areas with our round-up posts and reviews;
Best Santa’s Grottos in London
Where to See Christmas Lights in London
Hogwarts in the Snow at WB Studio Tour London
Pin for Later – Fun Things to Do at Christmas in London with Kids
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thanks for your support in this way. This Fun Things to Do at Christmas in London with kids post was updated on 9 October 2026 with upcoming Christmas events for kids in London and more festive things to do in London for kids.
