Our annual Christmas in London guide features the best winter wonderlands, Christmas markets, Christmas theatre, festive food and drink to enjoy with your whole family. Have a super sparkly Christmas and look out for our London Christmas Theatre guide too!
WINTER WONDERLANDS
Christmas at London Zoo, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY (Camden Town/Regent’s Park tube)
This Christmas in London, visit London Zoo after dark and enter the light vortex! Walk through a one-mile illuminated path around the zoo’s sleeping creatures. Experience singing trees, glowing fountains and magic mountains springing to life in colourful projections. Ride the vintage carousel, enjoy hot treats and pick up a gift. 4.30pm-10pm (last entry 8.30pm, admissions roughly every half hour); from adult £16.50-£19.50/child £10.50-£13/under 3s FREE (Nov 22-Jan 1)
Winter at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
The Southbank Centre Winter Festival is open again, for another cockle-warming season of family theatre, Winter Market, and fun and games by the riverside. Shop for eats and treats, catch fairytale Rumpelstiltskin with a rock twist, be dazzled by the animal puppetry in Circus 1903, or dance the day away with your babes at the Snow Ball. Multiple dates, times and prices for events; many activities and Winter Market are FREE entry (from Nov 9-Jan 6)
Winterville on Clapham Common, Windmill Dr, SW4 9DE (Clapham Common/Clapham South tube, Clapham Junction rail/overground)
Explore a breathtaking mix of family attractions, including the Spiegeltent with Lucha Britannia Mexican Wrestling, circus, live music and more. Plonk Crazy Golf, Big Fish Little Fish Family Raves, and Backyard Cinema with their Christmas maze. Try yummy food at Street Feast, fairground rides, Roller Disco, family learning with OKIDO, Mrs H and the Singalong Band, or hang out in Little Bird’s Kids’ Quarter. All ages (some restrictions apply). Varying times and prices for activities, Winterville is open 3pm-10pm (Tue-Thu), 3pm-10.30pm (Fri), 10am-10.30pm (Sat), 10am-10pm (Sun); site entry for adults Tue: free, Wed: £2, Thu: £2, Fri: £2 after 12noon & £5 after 6pm, Sat: £2 after 12pm & £5 after 6pm, Sun: £2; entry is FREE at all times for kids ages 16 and under. NB: Separate charges apply for special events e.g. Spiegeltent shows, Big Fish Little Fish, Backyard Cinema. (Nov 15-Dec 23)
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, W2 (Hyde Park Corner tube)
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of London’s most popular seasonal events. This year for families there’s Teletubbies Christmas Kingdom, Peter Pan on Ice, Backyard Cinema with The Snowman Experience, Zippos Christmas Show. Not to mention The Magical Ice Kingdom, ice skating under the stars, the Giant Observation Wheel, Magical Ice Kingdom, 100 fairground rides and 200 chalets in the Christmas Market. Also head from a new family entrance straight to Santa Land and Santa’s Grotto! 10am-10pm daily; general park entry is FREE (special attractions/events priced separately), ride tokens cost £1 and rides start at £2 for kids rides, £3 for adults; book for special attractions and skating in advance (Nov 22-Jan 6)
Christmas at King’s Cross, multiple locations around Granary Square, N1C (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Christmas at King’s Cross presents the festive edition of their weekend market, the Christmas Canopy Market (Nov 16-Dec 30) with a chance to pick up handcrafted gifts and treats. Plus lights blazing and music soaring in Christmas at Kings Place (Dec 3-31), and a Christmas Choir Festival (Dec 7, 6.30pm) with parent and baby choirs, fire pits, food and dancing at Skip Garden. Varying dates, times and prices (until Dec 31)
CHRISTMAS ATTRACTIONS
The Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park, Syon House, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 8JF (Waterloo to Kew Bridge/Brentford or Syon Lane rail)
Brighten up your weekend along the Enchanted Woodland trail, the sell-out annual Christmas illumination spectacle. Gaze at the the 600-year-old gardens looking seriously splendid and catch the Great Conservatory all lit up to stunning effect. All ages. 5pm-9pm, adult £10-£12/child £5/under 2s FREE (Nov 9-25)
Christmas at Kew, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
The beautiful Kew Gardens is transformed into a dazzling light trail, with tree canopies drenched in Christmas colour. Look out for Santa and elves, enter the moonlit woods and Laser Garden (new this year), ride the fairgrounds, and treat yourself to hot choc, toasted marshmallows and roast chestnuts. All ages. Hurry – last few tickets left! Daily from 10am; regular admission adult £16.50- £19.50/child 4-16 £10-£12/under 4s FREE (Nov 22-Jan 5)
Also see: After Dark, illuminated trails at Chiswick House and Gardens (Nov 15-Dec 30)
Christmas in Leicester Square, Leicester Square centre, WC2 (Leicester Square tube)
Leicester Square hosts another cracker for Christmas in London, with Christmas market, family fun, cabaret and more. Visit Santa’s Grotto (from £11.50); catch Brat Kids Carnival (11am, Nov 10-Dec 30, from £10.25), Showstoppers Christmas Kids Show (11am, Dec 2-30, from £14.50) and Monski Mouse’s Christmas Baby Disco Dance Hall (10pm, Dec 17-18, from £8.50). All ages (parental discretion for some activities). Varying times/dates/prices between 12pm-10pm (Mon-Fri), 10am-10pm (Sat-Sun); general entry is free (Nov 9-Jan 6)
Hogwarts in the Snow, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
Hogwarts castle, the Great Hall and the Gryffindor common room get all fancied up for the festive season, with snow, special effects fire, props and a Yule Ball sculpture on display. All ages. 9am-10am first tours, last tour 4pm-6.30pm (closing time 3 hours after last tour); adult from £43/child from £35/family from £140/ages 0-4 FREE but require tickets. Pre-booking essential. (Nov 17-Jan 27)
Museum of Architecture: Gingerbread City, V&A Museum (Creative Studio, Level 4, adjacent to Glass, Room 131), Cromwell Rd, SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube station)
Every year, a host of makers, designers and architects create an entire city out of gingerbread, as a fundraiser for the Museum of Architecture. This year’s event, themed ‘Imagining the Future City’ is at V&A’s Creative Studio space. All ages. 10am-5.45pm daily, 10am-10pm (Fri); adult £6, V&A members and kids under 12 go FREE (Dec 8-Jan 6)
ICE SKATING AND ROLLER DISCO
Rooftop Ice Rink at Skylight Bar, Tobacco Dock, Pennington Street Entrance, Pennington St. Car Park entrance, Wapping, E1W 2SF (Tower Hill tube, Shadwell DLR/overground, Wapping overground)
Just roll up and skate at Europe’s only rooftop ice rink. You’ll see the city from new heights, and you can book for slapshot ice hockey, or to hang in one of the igloos (priced separately). Kids welcome before 6pm. 5pm-11pm (Thu/Fri), 11am-11pm (Sat-Sun); child friendly skating 12pm-6pm, entry to Skylight bar is FREE, ice skating £12 for 45 minutes, first come, first served (until Dec 31)
Tower of London Ice Rink, EC3N 4AB (Tower Gateway DLR/Tower Hill tube)
Skate in the famous moat at one of London’s most awe-inspiring locations. Younger ones can skate in mornings or early afternoon sessions with £5 skate aid penguins. Weekend DJs, Yeoman tours, Ice Rink cafe and bar add to the fun. From 9am & 10am (best for kids and novices, Sat & Sun only, daily from Dec 18). Regular sessions 11am-7pm daily (all skills levels), 8pm & 9pm evening sessions, closed Christmas Day; adult £14.50/child 3-12 12.50/family £42-£46 (Nov 23-Jan 6)
Skate at Somerset House at the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
The capital’s coolest rink reopens for Christmas in London. Skate with stunning Somerset House as your backdrop, and pop into the Fortnum’s Lodge for hot drinks and treats, hear live DJs at Skate Lates nights, try pop-up activities inspired by the Good Grief, Charlie Brown exhibition, or browse the Christmas Arcade. Little ones can do Skate School for newbies or the Polar Cub Club for under 8s. Skate sessions last an hour between 8.45am (select dates) to 11.30pm; tickets from £7.50 (until Jan 13)
Natural History Museum Ice Rink, Cromwell Rd, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)
Glide across a 950 square metre ice rink, open to all, from wheelchair skaters to toddlers on Bob skates (two blades on a shoe). Hop on the carousel, watch with a hot chocolate or pop in to see the exhibitions before or after you skate. Hourly from 10am-9pm (times vary, check website); 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 20)
Canary Wharf Ice Rink, Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, E14 5AB (Canary Wharf tube/DLR)
Bigger and better than ever, the ice rink reopens for 15 magical weeks. Skate under a canopy of trees, chill out at the rink-side bar, or explore nearby restaurants and shops. 12.15pm-9.45pm (Mon-Thu), 10.45am-10.45pm (Fri), 9am-10.30pm (Sat-Sun); holiday hours 9am-10.30pm (Dec 11-Jan 2), early closing 9.15pm Christmas Eve & Boxing Day, closed Christmas Day (Nov 2-Feb 16)
Do you prefer roller blades to ice skates? Check out the Twisted Wheels Roller Disco at Winterville on Clapham Common!
SANTA AND FRIENDS
Father Christmas at Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP (South Kensington/High St Kensington tube)
Don’t miss out on your chance to meet Father Christmas at Royal Albert Hall and sit in his actual sleigh! The hour-long experience features toy soldiers, elves, fairies and other characters from the North Pole. All ages, best for ages 3-8. Hourly slots between 9am-2.45pm; £36.70 (Nov 22-Dec 22)
Santa’s Snowflake Grotto at Westfield Stratford, Chestnut Plaza (beside Cafe Football and Omega), E20 (Stratford tube/overground) & at Westfield Shepherd’s Bush, Westfield London, Ariel Way, W12 7GA (Shepherd’s Bush tube/overground)
Visit the Snow Factory in the North Pole where you can create your own personalised snowflake, find out what Santa’s elves are up to, feel magical snowfall and meet Santa in his snow cave for a gift and a snap. All ages welcome. 11am-6pm (open from 10am at weekends), £7.50 (Nov 22-Dec 24)
Santa’s Special Steam Train on the Epping-Ongar Railway, North Weald, CM16 6BT and Ongar, CM5 9AB (vintage bus ride via Epping tube to North Weald station)
See Santa on a vintage steam or diesel train this Christmas in London. Nice kids and parents get chocolate, mince pies and mulled wine (naughty ones not allowed on board!). Trains leave North Weald 09:45, 11:25, 13:05, 14:45 & 16:25 (confirm times on day you book), buses from Epping Underground and Ongar approx 50 minutes earlier. Fares include the gift/refreshments, train and bus ride. Adult/child from £17.50-£20, babies under 18 months FREE. (Dec 1/2, 8/9, 15/16, 20/21, 22/23 & 24)
City Cruises: Sail with Santa, from Tower Pier, Lower Thames River, EC3N 4DT (Tower Hill tube)
Cruise the high seas (or rather the River Thames) with the big guy, with cookies and soft drinks plus a present for kids who join the ride. Grownups can enjoy mulled wine and mince pies, or champagne at the cafe/bar. All ages. 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm & 4pm; adult £28/child under 18 £16/under 3s FREE (Dec 1/2, 8/9, 15/16 then daily Dec 19-23)
Christmas Weekend at London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Hammersmith tube, then bus 283/Barnes rail)
Tickets to see Father Christmas are SOLD OUT… but you can still visit the WWT for a host of Christmas fun. Hop on a sleigh ride pulled by real huskies (for ages 2-8) or ride a Christmas donkey (weight restrictions apply). Take part in a Winter Wildlife workshop or help the Elves make Christmas gifts. All ages welcome. Daily from 10am; regular admission adult from £14/child from £8.50/family from £38.25/under 4s FREE (Dec 8-9)
CHRISTMAS SHOWS
War Horse at National Theatre, Lyttelton Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX (Embankment/Waterloo tube)
Eleven years after its premiere, marking the centenary of Armistice Day, the National Theatre groundbreaking production of Michael Morpurgo’s award-winning tale is back on stage. Follow the at times heart-rending journey of Albert and his daring mission to rescue his horse Joey from foreign battle. Astonishing life-sized more puppets and powerful storytelling for ages 10+. 2.15pm & 7.30pm, from £68/child half-price – Hurry, very few tickets left! (Nov 24-Jan 5)
Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith, W6 (Hammersmith tube)
Mr & Mrs Claus return in this loveable adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ popular picture book. A rather foul-mouthed Father Christmas enchants the kids, before he flies off for the season. Puppets, songs and live music, for ages 0-6. Shows from 9.30am (times and dates vary, check the website for your day); £10-£20/babies under 18 months FREE on parent/carer’s lap (Nov 21-Dec 30)
The Snowman, Portugal Street,Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
One for your Christmas in London bucket list, if you haven’t seen it yet then please, go, go go! An absolutely enchanting production about a boy and his Snowman friend, based on the beloved book and animated film. See reindeers, penguins, Jack Frost and other North Pole characters, and watch the joy in your child’s eyes as the heroes take to the skies! All ages. 11am, 2.30pm & 7pm (select performances from Nov 23); £15-£36/family of 4 £115 (Nov 22-Jan 6)
Hackney Empire Pantomime: Aladdin, 291 Mare St, E8 (Hackney Central overground)
Rub, rub, rub, are you feeling lucky? The magical lantern brings a riot of fun and spectacle to the theatre as Aladdin flies into east London. The city’s number one pantomime features dizzy dames, larger than life baddies, and tons of slap-your-neighbour humour. Go for the costumes, the sets, the giggles, and the highly anticipated return of Clive Rowe and Tameka Empson. All ages. 1pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 7pm & 7.30pm (times vary daily, check site); £10-£38 (Nov 24-Jan 6)
Nutcracker at London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES (Charing Cross Rd tube)
What’s Christmas in London without a magical ballet performance of this classic tale. Brought to the stage by the English National Ballet, see Clara and her enchanted doll, as told by 100+ dancers and musicians to Tchaikovsky’s famous score. For ages 5+, 10 matinee performances are All Ages Welcome shows for under 5s. 7.30pm & 2.30pm (special matinees); adult £14-£80/child £7-£40 (Dec 13-30)
FESTIVE GIGS & PARTIES
How Does It Feel to Be Loved Kids Disco at The Phoenix, 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP (Oxford Circus tube)
London’s popular indie disco presents their family affair, as featured at End of the Road Festival. Hit the dance floor for classic soul and vintage pop (anything from The Smiths to the Supremes). All ages welcome. 12pm-4pm. £6 adults (15 plus), £2 children (14 and under) (Nov 25)
Big Fish Little Fish Family Raves at Winterville, on Clapham Common, Windmill Drive, SW4 9DE (Clapham Common/Clapham South tube, Clapham Junction rail/overground)
The multiple award-winning BFLF crew bring the party for former ravers and their mini misbehavers. Upcoming DJs Chris Liberator, Aphrodite, 2 Bad Mice tear up the decks, plus baby chill-out, glitter cannons, parachute finale, crafting, licensed bar, mini stalls and more. All ages welcome, best for ages 0 to 8 and carers. 2pm-4.30pm; adult £10/child £7/pre-walking infant FREE (Nov 25/Dec 1/Dec 8/Dec 16)
Disco Loco Afrobeat & New Year’s Day Parties, at Hackney Showroom, Hackney Downs Studios, Amhurst Terrace, E8 2BT (Dalston Kingsland/Dalston Junction overground/Rectory Rd rail)
The East London family rave collective are throwing down Afrobeat style (Dec 2), with a live band in Big Space and a West African drumming workshop. Then on New Year’s Day (Jan 1), families are invited with onesies and pillows for a chilled-out afternoon of Bloody Marys and back to back cartoons for kids. All ages welcome, from babies ages 6 months and up. 2pm-5pm, £4 per person adv/door, non-walkers FREE (Dec 2 & Jan 1)
Fun DMC Christmas and New Year’s Eve Parties, at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, Hoxton Square, N1 6NU (Old St tube) and Juju’s Bar, Ely’s Yard, 15 Hanbury St, E1 6QR (Aldgate East tube, Liverpool St tube/rail, Shoreditch High St overground)
Big tunes and mini movers take over Hoxton Square Bar for the daytime block party created by Charlie Dark (Attica Blues/Run Dem Crew) and Spin Doctor (The Doctor’s Orders). Next Men and Rodney P (Dec 2) and Jazzie B (Dec 16) play (cuss-free) hip hop, funk, and party classics. Hip hop Santa, fancy dress, dance offs, soft play, fun and games included. On New Year’s Eve, it’s over to Juju’s Bar (Dec 31, 10.30am-1.30pm) for a family groove with countdown to midday with glitter cannons and balloon drop! Ages 0-10 and families. 12.30pm-3.30pm; adult £8.80, walking kid £5.50 (£6.60 for New Year’s Eve), family £24.20, non-walking babies FREE (Dec 2, 16 & 31)
Baby Loves Disco Mini Roadshow: Festive Boogie at Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, EC1V 9LT (Old St tube)
Feel-good floor-fillers are spun by radio-friendly DJs at these popular daytime clubbing events for babies, kids and grownups. Their party this Christmas in London features fun and games, play tents and inflatables, bubbles and balloons, and healthy snacks. For ages 0-6, older siblings welcome. 10am; £4 per walking human; non-walkers FREE (Dec 22)
SHOPPING AND EATING
Christmas at Sutton House and Breaker’s Yard, 2 and 4 Homerton High Street, Hackney, London, E9 6JQ (Hackney Central overground, Hackney Downs rail)
London’s National Trust Tudor manor throws its doors open for another family celebration at Christmas in London. Enjoy local street food and drink at weekends (until Dec 17) including Hungry Piglets and Waffle Doodle Doo. You can also meet Father Christmas in his oak-panelled Tudor grotto by a cosy fire. All ages. 12pm-5pm (Sat-Sun); adult £9/child £5.50 (includes Santa visit)(Nov 24-Dec 23)
Sanderson’s Chocolate Factory at The Sanderson, 50 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 3NG (Oxford Circus Tube
Sanderson Hotel gets a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory takeover at this special Christmas pop-up. Enjoy bespoke cocktails (sip on a Wonka’s martini) and treats, surrounded by rainbow towers, giant lollipops and candy canes. Pick up a Golden Ticket hotel package for extra offers and prizes. Open to all (hotel guests and visitors). Daily, cocktails priced at £14 (Nov 27-Jan 4)
Christmas by the River at More London at the Scoop, More London Riverside, SE1 2DB (London Bridge tube/rail)
Explore a magical riverside retreat as the picturesque Christmas market returns. Wander through artisan stalls, food and drink stands, and pick up a gift or treat, or just appreciate the views of Tower Bridge, Tower of London and the London skyline. 11am-10pm, FREE entry (Nov 29-Jan 2)
Babyccino Kids – The ShopUp: Holiday Pop-Up at Chelsea Old Town Hall, King’s Road (opposite Sydney St), London, SW3 5EE (Sloane Square tube)
All the cool mums and dads go to Chelsea’s Old Town Hall for this annual event, featuring funky family boutiques, kids arts and crafts, plus a Santa meet and greet. You’ll shop to the sounds of live music, and there’s snacks by Deliciously Ella to sample too. 11am-6pm (Sun), 10am-5pm (Mon), FREE entry (Dec 2-3)
House of illustration Winter Fair at House of Illustration, 2 Granary Square, King’s Cross London N1C 4BH (Kings Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Visit the annual illustrator’s grotto where 100+ handpicked stalls show off prints, ceramics, posters and other festive wares. Impress the kids with some children’s illustrations, and then hang out for hot chocolates at nearby Ruby Violet, plus look at the dazzling King’s Cross Christmas tree. 11am-5pm, FREE (Dec 8)
CHRISTMAS MOVIES
Winter Warmers Week at Union Chapel, Compton Terrace, Islington, N1 2UN (Highbury & Islington tube/overground)
Celebrate Christmas in London at glorious Union Chapel with a special week of festive events, raising money for the chapel. See family films such as Muppet Christmas Carol (Mon Dec 3), White Christmas (Tue Dec 4), The Nightmare before Christmas (Wed Dec 5), Hugo (Thu Dec 6), Home Alone (Fri Dec 7), The Snowman with live score (Sun Dec 9, doors 2pm & 4pm, FREE) and It’s a Wonderful Life with free mince pie (Sun Dec 9, doors open 6pm, £12.50/under 16 £8). There’s also a Christmas market (Sun Dec 9). All ages welcome (age guidance for films). Doors and prices for films (except where stated) at 10am; adult £5/child 3-16 £3/under 2s FREE (Dec 3-9)
St Katharine Dock’s Floating Film Festival, St Katharine Marina, 50 St Katharine’s Way, St Katharine’s & Wapping, London E1W 1LA (Tower Gateway DLR, Tower Hill tube)
St. Katharine Docks Floating Film Festival returns with a short season of Christmas faves. Cosy up on bean bags with blankets and heaters to watch Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually, Miracle on 31st St and other classics. Treats include hot chocolate and mulled wine. Ages 3+. Screenings start 7pm (weekdays) or 2pm & 7pm (Sat-Sun); £15.92-£31.26 (Dec 3-9)
The Luna Cinema: Winter Cinema at Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX (High St Kensington tube); EartH (Evolutionary Arts Hackney), 11-17 Stoke Newington Road, N16 8BH (Dalston Kingsland overground); Victorian Theatre, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY (Wood Green tube)
The summer touring cinema goes on the road again for Christmas in London, with screenings at Kensington Palace, Hackney and Ally Pally. Films on the roster include Die Hard, The Greatest Showman, Elf, Home Alone and Love Actually (check age ratings for movies). Drinks including mulled wine and snacks available from onsite bar. Varying times and screenings from 3.45pm; tickets from adult £18.50/child £13.50 (Dec 10-23)
Pop Up Screens Christmas, Hackney Showroom, Hackney Downs Studios, Amhurst Terrace, E8 2BT (Dalston Kingsland/Dalston Junction overground/Rectory Rd rail)
Walk in through a winter wardrobe, and snuggle down for Christmas corkers like Elf, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Muppets Christmas Carol. No hot food, but snacks and drinks available from the bar. Best for ages 4+ (check film ratings). Doors 7.30pm, film 8.30pm (some screenings at 12pm & 4pm); adult £20/under 10s £10 – babies and kids under 4 don’t require a ticket (Dec 13-23)
Backyard Cinema Christmas Labyrinth, at Winterville Festival, Clapham Common, Windmill Dr, SW4 9DE (Clapham Common/Clapham South tube, Clapham Junction rail/overground)
Explore the secret enchanted tunnels, through the Christmas labyrinth and discover a beautiful indoor cinema, inside a magical woodland. Settle on bean bags to watch seasonal classics, with gourmet popcorn and winter cocktails. All ages welcome (check age ratings for films). Various screenings/doors open from 11.30am & 3.40pm; tickets from £18.98 (until Dec 23)
Little Bat for Brunch & Cocktails (Eat London with Kids)
