Christmas in London 2015: 30 COOLEST Things to Do with Kids!

 

 
Winter is coming here (wasn’t that sudden?) and we’re anticipating a white Christmas. If the chill in the air and the frenzy round the shops hasn’t got you in the mood yet, why not scope out our guide to Christmas in London 2015?

I’ve handpicked my 30 COOLEST Things to do with Kids in London this festive season. Happy holidays!

 

 

Sights and Scenes

 
1. Hamley’s Christmas Toy Parade, Regent St, W1 (Oxford Circus/Piccadilly Circus tube)
London’s biggest toy parade ever launches on Saturday as favourite characters including Barbie and her pink Limo, Elmo & Phoebe, The Gruffalo, the Snowman, Thunderbirds, Snoopy and Charlie Brown, Sonic the Hedgehog and the Fat Controller take to Regent St. There will be Meet & Greet stations from 12-5pm, special appearances from Father Christmas, Hamley’s elves and Hamley & Hattie Bear, live stage outside Hamley’s store and a chance to win tickets to the UK Gala screening of Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie! From 10.30am, FREE (Nov 28)

2. Backyard Cinema Winter Night Garden, Victoria Park (entrance near Crown Gate), E3 5TB (Mile End/Bethnal Green tube)
Journey through a secret tunnel of trees at Winterville in Victoria Park until you discover the Winter Night Garden, a magical enclave where glowworms flicker and creatures roam in the shadows. Snuggle up with your loved ones to indulge in seasonal screenings from family films (e.g. Home Alone, Frozen, Monsters Inc) to cult classics (Bad Santa, Die Hard, Pitch Perfect). The immersive theatrical cinema pop-up also features quality nosh and an enchanted bar (from 5pm). All ages. Screenings from 8pm (Mon-Fri); day time family screenings 11.30am (Sat & Sun). Adult £12.50/child £8 (Mon-Wed), adult £16.50/child £8 (Thu-Sun). £12.50 weekend tickets before 5pm. *Note that you can only select child, and local resident tickets once you get to Stage 6 of the ticket booking process. All tickets will appear as adult tickets until this stage (Nov 26-Dec 23)

3. Covent Garden Christmas, Covent Garden Piazza and Market Building, WC2E 8RF (Covent Garden tube)
Christmas lights, giant silver reindeer and Christmas tree overlooking the piazza are just the tip of the festive iceberg. Head into the market building to see more than 42 giant mistletoe chandeliers in the Market Building. Also check out Harrods Christmas Pop Up and the Oliver Jeffers dipped painting exhibition at 38 Henrietta St (runs until Nov 27). All day, FREE (until Jan 2016)

4. Christmas Past and Farewell to Christmas at Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Rd, E2 8EA (Hoxton overground)
400 years of English seasonal homes are on display showcasing parlour games, feasting and mistletoe. Explore the exhibition over the holidays, don’t miss this year’s Crafty Fox Night Market (Dec 17); then say Farewell to Christmas (Jan 6) with traditional burning of holly and ivy, mulled wine, carols and 12th Night cake. 10am-5pm; Farewell to Christmas 3.30pm-5pm (Jan 6), both events FREE (until Jan 6)

5. Southbank Centre Winter Festival, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
Festive fun at Southbank Centre includes BUMP Roller Disco, Rekordelig Cider Lodge, Winter Market on the riverside parade, dedicated family area, the incredible Slava’s Snowshow, The Choir with No Name, and brilliant sounding We are the Monsters for younger kids. All ages. Varying times and dates for performances. Christmas Market open daily 10am-9pm (Sun-Thu) and 10am-10pm (Fri-Sat); FREE entry (from Nov 20-Jan 17)

We also like
Magical scenes at The Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park (until Dec 6); Christmas under the Canopy at King’s Cross, West Handyside Canopy, Granary Square N1C (Dec 3-13); the always spectacular Christmas at Kew (until Jan 2); Christmas lights at Oxford St, Regent’s Street and Sloane Square; Christmas window displays at Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges, John Lewis and Harrods

 

 

Ice Skating and Roller Disco

 
6. BUMP Rollerdisco at Southbank Centre, under Hungerford Bridge, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Embankment/Waterloo tube)
When it’s just too cold for the ice rinks, head inside for this pop-up rollerdisco where skates are available from child size 9 to adult size Expect flashy lights, disco balls, pumping tunes and lots of spandex. 11am-11pm daily (closed from 6pm Thu Dec 24 and all day Dec 25 & Dec 31); adult £10/child £7/Fri & Sat club nights £12-£16 (until Jan 17)

7. Skate at Somerset House at the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
It’s officially the ‘hottest’ ice rink in London offering plenty of space to skate, stunning backdrop and top DJs on rotation. Newbies can join the Skate School for beginners and there’s also a Polar Cub Club for under 8s. Hour-long sessions between 10am-11.30pm; tickets from £7.50 (Nov 18-Jan 10)

8. Eyeskate at London Eye, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1 7PB (Waterloo tube)
Go skating under the gaze of the London Eye, stabilising seals available for younger gliders (ages 4+). For a limited time KIDS GO FREE on Early Bird Family Tickets, available until Dec 11 (excludes Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 3pm to close). 10am-9pm daily; adult from £9.45/child from £6.75/under 4s FREE (until Jan 3)

9. Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush, W12 7SL (Shepherd’s Bush tube/overground)
Drop those shopping bags and enjoy some icy fun with the little ones. Special shows for kids this year include The Snowman Live on Ice (Nov 26 & Nov 28). Varying times from 10am-9pm (Mon-Sat) and 12-6pm (Sun); adult from £10 off peak, £12 peak/child £8 off peak, £10 peak + £5 stabilising seals and penguins (until Jan 3)

10. Natural History Museum Ice Rink Cromwell Rd, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)
Show off your spins on a 950 square metre ice rink, with sessions for wheelchair users and Bob skates for toddlers (two blades on a shoe). For non-skaters, enjoy the cafe and a carousel. Hourly from 10am-9pm (Mon-Wed), 10am-10pm (Thu-Fri), 9am-10pm (Sat), & 9am-9pm (Sun); late openings Christmas to New Year (closed Dec 25); adult £12.65 off peak-£14.65 peak/child £8.80 off peak-£9.80 peak/family from £36.90 (until Jan 3)

We also like
Don’t miss ice skating at Winterville in Victoria Park and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (see Christmas Attractions below); the super sized Canary Wharf Ice Rink (from 10am, until Feb 27); turn up and skate at Broadgate Circle Ice Rink (10am-10pm, until Feb 25); head further afield for Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink (10am-10pm, until Jan 3); and of course, there’s year round skating at Alexandra Palace

 

 

Christmas Attractions

 
11. Winterville, Victoria Park (entrance near Crown Gate), E3 5TB (Mile End/Bethnal Green tube)
East London’s very own wonderland is back bigger than ever with funfair attractions, live acts in the Spiegeltent, Snow White panto, brand new Circus arena, Crazy Golf and special Kids Shack with Pop Tots Salon and Workshops, Santa’s Grotto, Ice Rink, Backyard Cinema Winter Night Garden (see Sights and Scenes below), food stalls and much more! Until Dec 21: 3pm-10.15pm (Mon-Thu), 3pm-10.30pm (Fri), 11am-10.30pm (Sat), 11am-10pm (Sun). After Dec 21: 11am-10pm daily; FREE entry, additional fees for selected events, attractions/rides and panto – booking ahead recommended (Nov 26-Dec 23)

12. Children’s Christmas Spectacular at Berkeley Hotel, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge SW1X 7RL (Knightsbridge tube)
Go on a unique journey to a Lapland like space, with polar bear and real reindeer, Santa’s photo grotto, interactive performances, sweet treats for the kids, champagne and canapés for adults and a few surprises! 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm; adult + child £150/additional child £100, additional adult £50 (Nov 28)

13. Enchanted Christmas House, at London Art House, 2-18 Britannia Row, N1 8PA (Angel tube)
A truly enchanting world where kids can explore in the Garden of Winter Wonder, decorate Gingerbread Men in the Gingerbread Kitchen, help Santa’s elves in the Busy Elves’ Workshop, feast on a winter picnic and watch a festive show. Plus Santa’s in his grotto to welcome all (personalised visit)! 10.30am & 2.30pm for three hour sessions (from 9.30am & 1.30pm on Dec 24); ticket range £129 (family of 2) up to £340 (family of 7) (until Dec 24)

14. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, W2 (Hyde Park Corner tube)
Wrap up warm and skedaddle over to Hyde Park for Zippo’s Circus, ice skating, Giant Observation Wheel, Magical Ice Kingdom, German chalets and funfair rides. All ages. Opens 5pm-9pm (Fri Nov 21), then 10am-10pm daily; park entry is FREE, ride tokens cost £1 and rides start at £2 for kids rides, £3 for adults; book for special attractions and skating in advance at http://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/tickets (until Jan 3)

15. Hogwarts in the Snow, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
The magic of Harry Potter comes alive every Christmas as the Hogwarts castle model is draped in snow. See the Great Hall kitted out for the season, the Weasleys’ festive jumpers on display, and Harry’s top gifts like the Invisibility Cloak! 9am-10am first tours, last tour 4-6.30pm (closing time 3 hours after last tour); adult from £33/child from £25.50/family from £101/under 4s FREE but require tickets. Pre-booking essential. (until Jan 31)

We also like
HURRY tickets sell out fast for Framed Family Film Club Christmas Party at Barbican Centre (Dec 12); magical make believe with Christmas at Kidzania (Nov 20-30); and don’t forget Tintin: Herge’s Masterpiece at Somerset House (until Jan 31)

 

 

Santa and Friends

 
16. Meet Santa and his Huskies, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Hammersmith tube, then bus 283/Barnes rail)
A truly enchanting experience at the popular nature reserve, where not only can you say hi to Santa but you can take a sleigh ride with his huskies! There’s also donkey riding in the meadow, loads of space to explore and wild animals to meet, and Christmas crafting with the Elves in their workshop. All ages (husky and donkey rides for ages 8 and under). Daily from 10am; tickets to see Santa £6 per child + regular admission fees (Dec 5-6)

17. Meet Santa and his Reindeer at London Zoo, Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 (Regent’s Park tube)
Such a lovely experience at the zoo, catching up with Father Christmas and his Reindeer pals (weekends from Dec 5, then daily from Dec 19-24). Make friends with elves in Elfville and help create festive treats for furry friends. All ages. 10.15am-3.45pm; adult FREE entry to grotto (+ regular zoo admission)/child £10 (+ regular admission)/under 3s £10 (for Santa, zoo entry FREE) (Dec 5-24)

18. Santa’s Special Train on the Epping-Ongar Railway, North Weald, CM16 6BT and Ongar, CM5 9AB (vintage bus ride via Epping tube to North Weald station)
Toot toot for Santa’s Special Train, where Mr Claus will meet you on the way to the ‘North Pole’ and back to Ongar for an hour-long experience on a steam or diesel train. Kids get a gift, drink and chocolate and there’s mince pie and mulled wines for parents who’ve been good too. Trains leave North Weald 09:45*, 11:25, 13:05, 14:45** & 16:25** (*excluding 5 & 6 December, **excluding 24 December), buses leave from Epping Underground and locations in Ongar approximately 50 minutes earlier to conveniently connect with trains. Fares for Santa’s Special train include the present/glass of festive drink and mince pie, train journey and connecting bus. Adult/senior from £16 (higher fares on busy days), child £13/babies under 18 months FREE. (Dec 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 22, 23 and 24)

19. Meet Santa on his Floating Grotto with Hidden Depths Canal Cruises, Granary Way, N1C 4AA (King’s Cross/St Pancras rail)
Float along Regent’s Canal in the company of Father Christmas and one of his elves, aboard the Lapwing riding through Islington tunnel and back. Pick up and drop off on the steps outside the Kings Cross Granary Building, going through Santa’s grotto on the Regents Canal. 45 minute round trip with complimentary mince pies and carol singing (not compulsory)! All ages. Hourly 12pm-5pm. Tel: Barbara (0745 608 4584) or email (lapwing@hiddendepthscanalcruises.co.uk) to guarantee a seat or just turn up on the day. Adult £10/child or senior £8/babes-in-arms FREE. (Dec 20-21)

20. Adventure to Santa’s Grotto at Westfield Stratford, Chestnut Plaza (beside Cafe Football and Omega), E20 (Stratford tube/overground) (also available at Westfield Shepherd’s Bush).
Be whisked away with Shrek and Donkey for an exciting 4D adventure into Santa’s grotto, plus a gift and photo for every child! 10am-8pm (Mon-Fri), 9am-8pm (Sat) & 10am-6pm (Sun) – special opening hours for Christmas Eve; peak single £10, off peak £8/family of 4 peak £35, off peak £28 (until Dec 24)

We also like
Tickets for the Harrods Christmas Grotto are gone about a year in advance. But you can also find Santa at Battersea Park Zoo (Dec 5-24, £5.50 + entrance fee); check out Santa’s Grotto at Duke of York Square, FREE but pre-booking recommended (until Dec 23); and for an unforgettable experience further afield head to Lapland UK in Ascot (until Dec 24)

 

 

Christmas Shows

 
21. Elf the Musical at Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7AQ (Tottenham Court Rd tube)
Just 40 days (gasp!) to go until we pull the crackers, and I’m more than a little ding dong over the opening of Elf the Musical last week. The Will Ferrell comedy is one of my favourite Christmas movies, and now it’s been adapted for the stage, in what we expect to be a big-hearted, toe-tapping experience. Find out what happens when a boy who (wrongly) believes he’s an elf comes face to face with reality. Recommended for ages 4+, children under 2 not allowed. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) and 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); £30-£83.90 (Nov 5-Jan 2, 2016)

22. Raymond Brigg’s Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith, W6 (Hammersmith tube)
Nothing says Christmas like good old Mr Claus and Raymond Brigg’s sweet (and a little bit £*&! mouthed) version of Father Christmas is a veritable cracker. Lyric Hammersmith brings this well loved tale back to the stage in an enchanting adaptation to warm the cockles for young and old (recommended ages 0-6). Shows from 9.30am (times and dates vary, check the website for your day); £10/babies under 18 months FREE on parent/carer’s lap (Nov 20-Dec 24)

23. Jack and the Beanstalk at Hackney Empire, 291 Mare St, E8 (Hackney Central overground)
London’s number one pantomime is back with larger than life characters, soaring vocalists, crazy costumes and slap-your-thigh humour. Olivier Award-winning Clive Rowe takes the helm in this riotous adaptation of the popular fairytale! All ages. 1pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 5.30pm, 7pm (times vary daily, check site); £10-£34.50 (Nov 21-Jan 3)

24. A Christmas Carol at Rose Theatre Kingston, 24-26 High Street, KT1 1HL (Kingston/Surbiton rail)
Follow the tale of the most famous anti-Christmas geezer, Ebenezer, as he’s propelled on a supernatural ride through Christmases past, present and future to rediscover the true spirit of the season. Brand new adaptation of Dickens’ classic, directed by Ciaran McConville. Early booking recommended! Shows at 11am, 1.30pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm (Tue-Sun, times vary daily, check website); £10-£29.50/family tickets from £18.50 per person (Dec 1-Jan 3)

25. Disney on Ice: Worlds of Enchantment at O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX (North Greenwich tube)
Every year, Disney on Ice thrills fans of all ages with spectacular skating, familiar soundtracks and favourite heroes (and baddies) from Mickey and co to the stars of Toy Story, Frozen, The Little Mermaid, Cars and more. All ages. 11am, 3pm, 7pm (varying dates); £24-£48 (Dec 22-Jan 3)

We also like
Soar to exceptional heights with The Snowman at Peacock Theatre, Holborn (until Jan 3); hear from fairytale’s anti-heroes in Baddies the Musical at Unicorn Theatre (until Dec 24); see the National Theatre’s charming adaptation of I Want My Hat Back (until Jan 2); an inventive take on Dr Seuss’s The Lorax hits the Old Vic (Dec 2-Jan 16)

See the full list in our upcoming Top Christmas Family Theatre 2015 guide (out next week)

 

 

Shopping and Eating

 
26. Little Feast at Shepherd’s Bush Yard, Goldhawk Road, London, W12 8HA (Shepherd’s Bush tube/overground)
One of London’s leading foodie events returns this winter with Little Feast, showcasing tasty treats from the likes of HIX, Patty & Bun, Pizza Pilgrims, Ramsay, Hawksmoor, St John’s and Moro to name a few, with more traders added weekly. Spaces to eat include a heated pergola, and on banqueting tables in the Yard or Cabin. All ages. NB: no kids after 5pm due to licensing laws. 6pm–11pm (Wed-Fri), 12pm–11pm (Sat), 12pm–8pm (Sun), closed Mon/Tue; entry FREE, food prices range from £4-£9(until Dec 23)

27. King’s Cross Real Food Christmas Market, Kings Cross Square, Euston Road, London N1 9AP (King’s Cross/St Pancras tube)
The Real Food Market at King’s Cross lets shoppers get more bang for their bucks with a special Christmas edition running for 9 days. Hunt for seasonal festival products and munch on some of the most flavoursome street food in town. From 12pm-7pm (Wed-Fri), 12pm-6pm (Sat); FREE entry (Dec 17-23)

28. Southbank Centre Christmas Market, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo tube)
One of the staple treats of the Winter Festival (and Christmas in London) is the annual Christmas Market where dozens of chalets line the riverside, selling festive gifts, food and drink. 10am-9pm (Mon-Thu & Sun), 10am-10pm (Fri-Sat); FREE entry (until Jan 3)

29. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Christmas Market, W2 2ET (Hyde Park Corner tube)
There’s no charge for taking a wander through this gorgeous Bavarian style market, with 200 fairy lit chalets flogging gourmet goods, handmade gifts, delicious treats and bric-a-brac at London’s largest Christmas market. Daily 10am-10pm, FREE (until Jan 3)

30. Somerset House Christmas Arcade at the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
Something extra special this year as The Christmas Arcade is transformed into a pop-up version of Fortnum & Mason. See handsome design, beautiful displays and gifts to treasure. Get your hands on Fortnum’s limited edition Skate at Somerset House collection. 10am-7pm (Mon & Wed), 10am-9pm (Tue), 10am-8pm (Thu-Sat), 10am-5.30pm (Sun) – NB seasonal variations apply to entry times; FREE entry (until Jan 3)

We also like
Search for gifts and edible goodies at Greenwich Christmas Market (Dec 24); Illustrator’s Christmas Fair by House of Illustration, Granary Square, N1C (Dec 12); Winterville (see Christmas Attractions above); the Designer Jeweller’s Group at Barbican Centre (until Dec 23) and More London at the Scoop Christmas Market (Dec 21)