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 Jack and the Beanstalk at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Peter Pan at Greenwich Theatre, Cinderella at Hackney Empire, Cinderella at Richmond Theatre, Cinderella at Rose Theatre.
Booking are now open for Santa’s Grottos in London at Chiswick House, Hobbledown Heath, Queen’s House, Museum of London Docklands, London Zoo, Hamleys, Chelsea Physic Garden, London Museum of Water and Steam and Marble Hill.
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 2025 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
14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Kew Gardens has one of the most magical winter trail lights to visit at Christmas in London 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
There are also sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections, flickering flames in the Fire Garden, 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 hot chocolate.
Tickets: Trails start between 4.20pm and 8.20pm and the Gardens close at 10pm. Standard adult tickets are Off peak £27.50/ Peak £34. Child (ages 4 – 15) tickets start from £18. Child under 4 enter free.
Book your tickets for Christmas at Kew
WB Studio Tour: Hogwarts in the Snow
15 November 2025 – 18 January 2026
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 £56. Child (ages 5+) tickets from £45. Childred aged 4 and under enter free. Tickets now on sale for Hogwarts in the Snow 2025.
Book your tickets at WB Studio Tour London: Making of Harry Potter
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
14 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
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
The Twelfth Night of Christmas at Chiswick House
21 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Step into a world of Georgian yuletide opulence at a new festive experience. For the first time, Chiswick House opens its doors at Christmas, inviting you on a fantastical journey inspired by the Twelve Days of Christmas carol.
On a self-guided journey suitable for the whole family, explore a series of opulent themed rooms, installations and tableaux, all culminating in a grand banquet scene. Expect dramatic installations, bespoke sculptures, fabulous costumes and floristry.
Book tickets for The Twelfth Night of Christmas at Chiswick House
Chelsea Winter Village & Illuminations at Royal Hospital Chelsea
26 November – 28 December 2025
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
A Storybook Christmas at the Tower of London
28 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
This Christmas, the Tower of London is transformed into a magical storybook world, bringing history to life with sparkling decorations, enchanting installations and festive celebrations.
Discover the fascinating legends of the Tower of London’s royal beasts, experience scenes of royal celebration and encounter legends of kings and queens. Each display connects centuries of history with the timeless wonder of storytelling.
Perfect for families, friends and history lovers alike, experience Christmas at the Tower, storybook style. Included in general admission.
Book tickets for the Tower of London
The Gingerbread City
29 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
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.
This Christmas season, the Gingerbread City Exhibition will be located at Unit 5, Coal Drops Yard, Stable Street, N1C 4DQ.
General admission tickets cost £13.50 for adults and children ages 12+. Tickets cost £8.50 for children between 3 and 12 years old and free for under 3s.
You can also book a Gingerbread City Gingerbread House-Making workshop to build your own gingerbread creation to bring home. There are about several 1 hour workshops per day available to book from 29 November to 28 December (excluding Christmas Day).
Gingerbread House-making Workshop Only tickets cost £79 (plus a £1.80 booking fee) and are suitable for 2 – 4 people to share and make 1 gingerbread house kit. There must be at least one adult in the group.
Book tickets for the Gingerbread City Exhibition
Christmas Pantomimes in London
Jack and the Beanstalk at Lyric Hammersmith
15 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Join Jack and his trust cow on an adventure of gigantic proportions, a festive treat for the whole family in Lyric’s 2025 panto!
Running time: 120 minutes. Recommended for ages 6+. Tickets from £10.
Panto Early Bird Offer: Book early and save 30% on tickets, available until 31 May.
Book tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk at Lyric Hammersmith
Cinderella at Hackney Empire
22 November – 31 December 2025
Cinderella dreams of a life full of love and adventure, and free from the clutches of her wicked Ugly Stepsisters and evil Stepmother. When an invitation to the party of the year arrives, it might be just the ticket she needs.
The magic of Cinderella comes to Hackney Empire this festive season, featuring all your favourite pantomime ingredients!
Running time: TBC. Tickets from £10 – £46. 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 Cinderella at Hackney Empire
Cinderella at Rose Theatre
28 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
When 16-year-old Ella finds herself spending Christmas at dad’s house, she wishes she could be anywhere else. She’s expected to help out and forced to spend family time with her new stepmum. Worse still, her bedroom has been turned into a nursery for the noisiest, smelliest twin stepsisters you’ve ever seen.
Wishes are answered and Ella is whisked away to a magical world of castles, balls, and handsome princes. Yet it soon becomes clear that all is not quite as it seems. And, perhaps this isn’t the happily-ever-after ending Ella thought it would be?
Running time: approximately 2 hours, including interval. Tickets from £26.50 for adults and £16.50 for child. Recommended for ages 5+.
Book tickets for Cinderella at Rose Theatre
Peter Pan at Greenwich Theatre
28 November 2025 – 11 January 2026
More details to come. Tickets are available to purchase for this festive season’s Peter Pan pantomime at Greenwich Theatre London.
Recommended for all ages. Tickets from £36 for adults and £18.50 for children (under 16).
Book tickets for Peter Pan at Greenwich Theatre
Cinderella at Richmond Theatre
6 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Join Cinderella as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her Prince Charming.
Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients Richmond audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.
Running time: TBC. Tickets from £15.
Book tickets for Cinderella at Richmond Theatre
Christmas Shows in London
Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith
19 November – 27 December 2025
Join Santa as he awakes from a dream of sun, sea and sand only to find it is the busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve. Watch as he prepares for his Christmas deliveries, feeds his reindeer and finally takes flight into the snowy night.
Running time: 50 minutes. Recommended for ages under 6. Tickets from £14.
Book tickets Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith
The Snowflake at Polka Theatre
29 November 2025 – 25 January 2026
Based on the timeless Christmas story by Benji Davies, The Snowflake tells the tale of a snowflake, a little girl and her Pappie, who are all longing for their own special place in the world.
Unwrap the magic at Polka this festive season and find out how everyone can find their way to shine like a star!
Running time: 40 minutes. Recommended for ages 3 – 6. Tickets from £16.
Book tickets for The Snowflake at Polka Theatre
A Christmas Carol at New Wimbledon Theatre
1 – 6 December 2025
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 £22.
Book tickets for A Christmas Carol at New Wimbledon Theatre
Carols at Royal Albert Hall
14 – 24 December 2025
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
The Nutcracker at Royal Albert Hall
29 – 31 December 2025
Created exclusively for the Royal Albert Hall, with gorgeous period costumes and dazzling projections, this Christmas classic is brought to life by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s world-class ballet dancers and orchestra, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.
Experience the true magic of Christmas, as Clara’s toys come to life at the stroke of midnight. Journey through a fantastical winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes to the kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Tickets from £15. Recommended for ages 5+.
Book tickets for The Nutcracker at 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 2025 festive season.
Ice Skating Rinks in London
Ice Rink at Canary Wharf
25 October 2025 – 22 February 2026
London’s longest running seasonal ice rink returns to Canada Square Park this October, offering skaters a magical experience in the heart of Canary Wharf.
Tickets: Adult and child (ages 4 – 12) tickets start from £13.95. Each session lasts 45 minutes, with a 15-minute interval between sessions to resurface the ice. Skaters must be between 4 and 12 years old.
Skate Aids: Skating aids are available for hire, 30 minutes prior to your booked session, from the customer services desk at the venue on a first-come, first-served basis, at a cost of £5.95 per aid per single session. Only children with a maximum height of 1.5m (in skates) are eligible to use a skating aid.
Book tickets for Canary Wharf Ice Rink
Glide at Battersea Power Station
7 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
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 £18.70. Child (ages 12 and under) tickets start from £11.54. Family tickets from £13.75 per person available for bookings of either 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children.
Skate Aids: Skate aids for children are available.
Book tickets for Glide at Battersea Power Station
Skate at Somerset House
12 November 2025 – 11 January 2026
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 £11 – £26.50; 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
14 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
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 10:00am to 10:00pm daily. Open to all ages and abilities – wheelchairs too.
Tickets: Adult ice rink tickets from £11.50 (off peak) to £16.50 (peak). Children (12 and under) ice rinks tickets range from £8.50 (off peak) to £11.50 (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
21 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
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/teens from £19.50; Child aged 3 – 12 years from £14.50, including online booking fees.
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
Ice Rink at Westfield London
2025 dates TBA
Get into the festive spirit with a spot of ice skating at the new open-air Ice Rink at Westfield London. Skate around Europe’s tallest Christmas tree, towering nearly 65 ft, at the centre of the ice rink.
Tickets: Adult tickets start from £15 (off peak) to £18 (peak). Child tickets (ages 3 – 12) start from £11 (off peak) to £13 (peak). Family ticket options available.
Skate Aids: Skate aids, which are allocated on a first come, first served basis, cost £5 each to hire and can be purchased as an add-on when booking your ticket online. There are a limited number of skate aids at each rink, and skaters must be under 120cm (127cm max including skates) to use them.
See latest updates at Westfield London
London Christmas Markets
Southbank Centre Winter Market
3 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 | 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
13 November – 28 December 2025 | 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
5 – 7 and 12 – 14 December 2025
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
2025 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 6 November 2025 | Carnaby Christmas
Carnaby is one of London’s most iconic places to see Christmas lights and decorations. This year, Carnaby Street will be unveiling a new and colourful “All is Bright” display, marking the next chapter of their sustainable, state-of-the-art scheme.
Regent Street “The Spirits of Christmas”
from 6 November 2025 | 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 2025 | 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.
For November, Covent Garden will have a LEGO Chalet of Play featuring a Christmas market with fairground challenges at the Tinsel Toss, gaming-inspired missions in the LEGO Minecraft Zone and the chance to make your own LEGO Heart in the Build to Give area.
Visit Christmas in Covent Garden for latest information on upcoming events for the 2025 festive season.
Mayfair Christmas Lights
from early November 2025 | 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 15 November 2025 | Chelsea Christmas
The Chelsea Christmas Lights switch-on will be on 15 November. Expect an afternoon of festive fun for all the family.
King’s Road will be part-pedestrianised from Sloane Square to Walpole Street, featuring a Christmas market, roaming entertainment and a full programme of entertainment.
Last year, Duke of York Square featured stunning ’12 Days of Christmas” decorations with a trail to follow and read more about their magic beside each creation.
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 Natural History Museum, Hobbledown Heath, Queen’s House, Chiswick House, Museum of London Docklands, London Zoo, Hamleys, Chelsea Physic Garden, London Museum of Water and Steam and Marble Hill.
Read on for more details and how to book tickets to meet Father Christmas in London in 2025.
Santa’s Grotto at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
14 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
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
15 November – 24 December 2025
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
21 November – 23 December 2025
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 go on sale 26 September.
Book tickets for Santa’s Grotto at Museum of London Docklands
Meet Santa at ZSL London Zoo
22 November – 24 December 2025
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 £18.50 per child for Meet Santa sessions to £44.50 per child and £22.50 per adult for the Meet Santa VIP Breakfast sessions.
Book tickets to Meet Santa at London Zoo
Santa’s Grotto at the Queens House
22 November – 24 December 2025, selected dates
Step inside the Queen’s House Greenwich and journey into an enchanting world, inspired by the Christmas story of The Nutcracker. Along the way, meet Clara and the Nutcracker, hear their spellbinding tales, and enjoy performances from tin soldiers.
Your 45-minute adventure 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 £27 per person, free for under 1s.
Book tickets for Santa’s Grotto at the Queen’s House
Santa’s Enchanted Grotto at John Lewis Oxford Street
27 November – 24 December 2025, selected dates
John Lewis and LEGO present Santa’s Enchanted Grotto. Take to the skies on an unbelievable adventure to reach Santa’s Post Room, based on their exclusive LEGO set, before meeting the jolly man himself.
Tickets cost £27.50 per child and £5.50 per adult (both prices including booking fees) and includes a special LEGO set gift. Professional photos will be available to purchase separately.
Book tickets for Santa’s Grotto at John Lewis Oxford Street
Meet Santa at the London Transport Museum
27 November – 23 December 2025
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
Santa’s Christmas Candy Grotto at Woolwich Works
29 November – 22 December 2025, weekends only
Visit Santa in his magical Christmas Candy Grotto at London’s boldest, most playful and colourful grotto experience at Woolwich Works.
Expect a sugar-coated grotto, with a candy-cane fence and an edible garden. This enchanting experience is open to all ages and will take place on weekends leading up to Christmas.
Tickets cost £12, plus a £1.50 booking fee that goes towards Woolwich Works’ charitable aims. If you would like your dog to come and meet Santa, tickets for dogs are also £12 and includes a Christmas doggie treat from the North Pole.
Book tickets for Santa’s Christmas Candy Grotto at Woolwich Works
Father Christmas at Marble Hill
29 November – 21 December 2025, selected dates
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 £12.50 per child.
Book tickets for Father Christmas at Marble Hill
Santa’s Grotto at Hobbledown Heath
29 November – 24 December 2025
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. Tickets start from £31.50 for children on weekdays and from £45 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 £27 for 1 adult, 1 child. An additional toddler can be added to your booking from £13.50 and additional adults may attend by purchasing a general admission ticket.
Book tickets for Santa’s Grotto at Hobbledown Heath
Father Christmas’s Grotto at Chiswick House
29 November – 24 December 2025
Meet Father Christmas in a setting unlike any other – a beautifully dressed 18th-century Georgian sitting room, tucked inside the historic Chiswick House.
Younger visitors can step into this magical grotto where Father Christmas himself will be waiting. Children will enjoy a heart-warming Christmas story, receive a small gift and have the opportunity to capture the magic with a family photo.
Prices start from £5.
Book tickets for Father Christmas’s Grotto at Chiswick House
Afternoon Tea with Santa at Fenwick Kingston
29 November – 21 December 2025, Saturdays and Sundays only
Complete your Christmas calendar with a delicious Afternoon Tea with Santa at Fenwick Kingston. Santa’s elves will be waiting to greet you at Restaurant on 3, and little ones will receive an elf hat to wear.
Once the children’s plates are cleared, they’ll be invited up by Santa’s elves for a picture moment and an early Christmas gift to take home. Visit the Fenwick Kingston website for the full afternoon tea menu.
Tickets are £32.50 per person and will be available to purchase from 10 October.
Check for updates to book Afternoon Tea with Santa at Fenwick Kingston
Storytelling with Santa at the Natural History Museum
1 – 21 December 2025
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 £18 per child and includes up to two adults.
Book tickets for Storytelling with Santa at Natural History Museum
Father Christmas Storytelling at Chelsea Physic Garden
6 – 21 December 2025, mainly weekends
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. Tickets are £13 per child (includes gift) and £11 for accompanying adults. Tickets include entry to the Garden on that day.
Book tickets for Father Christmas Storytelling at Chelsea Physic Garden
Meet Santa at John Lewis Westfield White City
11 – 14 December 2025
Enjoy a classic Santa experience at Westfield White City. Share your Christmas dreams and wishes, before receiving a special LEGO set to bring home.
Tickets cost £13.20 per child and £3.30 per adult, including booking fees.
Santa Paws Experience is also available to book at John Lewis White City, with limited timeslots. The Santa Paws experience costs £27.50 per dog (includes a gift), £13.20 per child (includes a gift) and free for adults. Professional photos will be available to purchase separately.
Book tickets for Meet Santa at John Lewis Westfield White City
Santa’s Grotto Experience at London Museum of Water & Steam
13 – 14, 20 – 21 December 2025
Santa is taking a break from his busy schedule to visit the London Museum of Water & Steam! Meeting the Museum’s shop, visitors will follow Mrs. Claus to find Santa in the musuem.
During your time with Santa, you’ll sing a song or two, take some photos and receive a special present! Tickets cost £12.50 per child and £10 per adult.
Book tickets for the Santa’s Grotto Experience at London Museum of Water & Steam
Santa’s Meet and Greet at Peter Jones Sloane Square
19 – 24 December 2025
Enjoy a classic Santa experience at Westfield White City. Share your Christmas dreams and wishes, before receiving a special LEGO set to bring home.
Tickets cost £13.20 per child and £3.30 per adult, including booking fees.
Book tickets for Santa’s Meet & Greet at Peter Jones Sloane Square
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 11 November 2025 with upcoming Christmas events for kids in London and more festive things to do in London for kids.
