Looking for the best things to do over Christmas in London with kids? Look no further. My Christmas guide is stacked this year with tons happening all over town. Last year, we went into lockdown so fingers crossed everything stays open. London is truly magical at Christmas and the Christmas in London with Kids 2021 guide features top attractions, winter wonderlands, ice skating in London, Santa’s grottos, festive family raving, museums, movies and Christmas markets.
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**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue before making a trip!**
The BEST Things to do at Christmas in London with Kids
TOP LONDON CHRISTMAS ATTRACTIONS
Christmas at Kew, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
See Kew bedazzled with a spectacular light trail. The tree canopies come alive with Christmas colours and tones. Meet Santa and his elves, warm up by the Fire Garden and enjoy hot foods and wintery drinks. All ages. Pre-booking essential. Daily from 4pm-10pm; adult off-peak £21.50/peak £26.50; family discounts available/under 4s FREE (Nov 17-Jan 9)
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, W2 (Hyde Park Corner tube)
IT’S BACK. One of the most popular things to do at Christmas in London with kids, Hyde Park Wonderland features 200 chalets, ice skating, Santaland with Father Christmas grotto, 100 fairground rides, The Fire Pit live entertainment, Zippos Christmas Circus and Cirque Beserk, Magical Ice Kingdom, ice sculpting workshops, Giant Observation Wheel, Street Food village, Family Chill Space and much more. NB: ALL ENTRY TICKETS MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE FOR 2021. 10am-10pm daily; pre-booking essential for general park entry from £0 (off peak), £5 (standard) or £7.50 (peak); special attractions/Grotto and circus shows priced separately — see price list HERE. Ride tokens cost £1 and rides start at £2 for kids rides, £3 for adults (Nov 19-Jan 3)
Lightopia at Crystal Palace, Crystal Palace Park, Canada Gate, Anerley Hill, SE19 2BA (Crystal Palace rail/overground)
Enter the ‘Palace of Light’, an illuminated scene with interactive light designs built around natural elements. Food and refreshments on offer. 5pm-10pm (last entry 8.30pm). Opening dates are Fri-Sun (Nov 19-21), Thu-Sun (Nov 25-Dec 5), Thu-Fri (Dec 9-24) & Sun (Dec 26 & Jan 2); adult £19.50 off-peak, £22 peak/child 3-15 £13 off-peak, £15 peak/under 3s FREE but require a ticket. Advance booking advised — some door tickets at extra £2 per ticket. (Nov 19-Jan 9)
The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY (Camden Town/Regent’s Park tube)
Can you help Santa and Mrs Claus out by asking some of the zoo’s 20,000 animals what they’d like for Christmas? Gather info around the zoo and report back in the polar post room. The Meet the Santa activity is SOLD OUT but there’s plenty of festive fun including a brand new Sensory Sweet Shop. Tuck into a forest of candy canes, clouds of candy floss and a marshmallow meadow! Zoo entry 10am-4pm; adult £26-£35/child £16.90-£22.75/under 3s FREE (cheaper tickets available on specific dates) (Nov 27-Jan 3)
The Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park, Syon House, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 8JF (Waterloo to Kew Bridge/Brentford or Syon Lane rail)
The annual sell-out event is back after lockdown. See the 600-year-old gardens all lit up. This year, there are special quieter sessions for people with disabilities and their families (Fri 19 & 26, 4.40pm & 5pm). There’s also a pop-up food village selling everything from hot dogs and churros to mulled wine. All ages welcome. General entry times Fri-Sun only at 5pm-7.40pm (pre-booking essential), adult £10 (Fri), £15 (Sat) or £12.50 (Sun)/child £7.50/under 3s FREE (until Nov 28)
Illuminature at WWT London Wetlands Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Hammersmith tube)
Pop down to the London Wetlands Centre to see large-scale illuminations of the wildlife. Dance alongside fireflies, skip through rainfall lights, jump on responsive lily pads, ‘splash’ in the blue waters of a light tunnel and don’t forget to take plenty of snaps along the way. All ages welcome. 4pm-9pm; adult £17.50/child £12.50/under 4s FREE (until Jan 9, 2022)
Hogwarts in the Snow at WB Studio Tour, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
Visit the real Hogwarts (aka Harry Potter Studio Tour) to see the film’s castle model, the Great Hall and the Gryffindor common room dressed for Christmas. The Forbidden Forest gets a makeover too. View props, special effects fire and snow! All ages welcome. 9am-10am first tours, last tour 4-6.30pm (closing time 3 hours after last tour); adult from £47 (2022 from £49.95)/child from £38 (2022 from £40.95)/family tickets available/under 4s FREE but require tickets. Pre-booking essential. (until Jan 16)
We also like
There’s a new light show at Kenwood House in Hampstead (Nov 26-Jan 9); if you’re in the Brent Cross area, check out their Winter Festival (Nov 27-Jan 3); Fulham Palace is hosting another Christmas Fair Weekend (Nov 27-28); Hampton Court Palace is also getting in on the action with the Palace of Stardust light trail (Dec 8-Jan 3)
FAMILY FUN AND CHRISTMAS PARTIES
Peppa Pig Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, departing from Somerset House, the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
Oink! This Christmas in London with kids, ride the Peppa Pig bus and munch on afternoon tea specials like Grandpa Pig’s Christmas Turkey & Tomato burger bun, Suzy Sheep’s Snowy Snowball and Mummy Pig’s Naughty but Nice Macaron. You’ll see London landmarks and each table gets a built in tablet with Peppa Pig animation and sing-a-long songs. Little piggies receive a Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour Activity Book. For ages 2+. Older kids ages 5+ and adults are welcome on the Christmas Lights Afternoon Tea Bus Tour to see London at its sparkliest. Peppa Pig tour 12.15pm & 2.45pm (Thu-Sun); from adult £45/child £35 (Nov 15-Jan 9)
Secret Christmas at KidZania London, Westfield London, Ariel Way, W12 7GQ (Shepherd’s Bush/Wood Lane tube)
The indoor city for kids is hosting a special Christmas activity with 6 additional areas and featuring Cinderella, a pre-recorded pantomime. Each ticket holder gets a hot drink and sweet Xmas treat. Ages 4-14 + families 10am-7pm (select dates only), child ticket from £45/adult from £31 (NB no kids under 4 are currently admitted to KidZania London, please check the website for Covid terms and conditions). Book ahead and book early for discounts. (Dec 4-31)
Baby Loves Disco at Christmas in Leicester Square (Spiegeltent), Leicester Square WC2H 7NA (Leicester Square tube)
Boogie down with your bubba to feel-good tunes. The Baby Loves Disco Christmas party is an end-of-the-year affair for babies, toddlers, big kids and grown ups. There’s fun and games, play tents and inflatables, bubbles and balloons, and healthy snacks along with music from DJ Dub. For ages 0-7, older siblings welcome. 2pm; from £11.50 walking human; non-walkers FREE (Dec 4 & Dec 31)
Big Fish Little Fish Festive Family Raves, multiple London locations
Christmas isn’t the same without a big old party. BFLF events include the Snow Ball Family Rave with DJ Joe Muggs (Dec 5), DJs Baker & Beale (Dec 12), and DJ Alex Paterson of The Orb (Dec 19) all at Between the Bridges on the South Bank (Dec 5/12/19). Also coming up are 2 early New Year’s Eve family raves in Crystal Palace (Dec 30) and a New Year’s Eve party in New Cross with DJ Aphrodite (Dec 31). Expect club and rave classics spun by top DJs with chill out rooms, bubbles, confetti, balloons, foam, parachute dance, licensed bar and food offers. Ages 0-8 and families. Various times (check individual events); average price adult £10/child £7/pre-walkers FREE (multiple dates from Dec 5-31)
Club Curling, Coal Drops Yard, N1C 4DQ (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Sign up for a 45 minute session of sliding stones across a synthetic ice rink (up to 4 players per rink). The games are open 7 days a week and there’s Club Curling bar for drinks and nibbles before or after. You can turn up and play but pre-booking is advised. All ages, best for 5+. 12pm-8pm; £5/under 12s FREE (until Dec 30)
Fun DMC New Year’s Eve Party, at Juju’s Bar, Ely’s Yard, 15 Hanbury St, E1 6QR (Aldgate East tube, Liverpool St tube/rail, Shoreditch High St overground)
Midday is the new midnight with the daytime family block party. Count down to midday at Juju’s Bar with a balloon drop and glitter cannons. Enjoy hip hop and club tunes played by a live DJ plus graffiti train, snow machine, party poppers and licensed bar. Ages 6 weeks to 60+ welcome. 10.30am-1.30pm; adult £12.50, walking kid £5, family of 4 £40, non-walking babies FREE (Dec 31)
ICE SKATING IN LONDON
Skate at Somerset House at the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
London’s coolest rink is back in action. Skate against the gorgeous backdrop of Somerset House, with Fortnum’s Lodge open for refreshments, live DJs at Skate Lates nights, Hotel Chocolat pop-up shop, Chocolate Workshops for kids, and a chance to check out the ongoing Beano exhibition (before or after skating, priced separately). Smaller skaters can try Skate School for newbies or Polar Cub Club for under 8s. Ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult, smallest skaters approx ages 3-4. Wheelchair skaters get their own dates but can skate in any session. Skate sessions last 45 minutes between 10am to 10.45pm (select dates); adult tickets from £11 — pre-booking advised (Nov 17-Jan 16)
The Queens House Ice Rink, Romney Rd, SE10 9NF (Greenwich rail/Cutty Sark DLR)
Let your Frozen flag fly at Christmas in London with kids for a magical open-air skate. There’s lots on in Greenwich this Christmas and taking a trip there via the Emirates Cable Car will raise the cool factor for kids! 11am-9pm daily, closed Christmas Day (last entry 8pm); adult from £13-£15/child from £8.50-£10.50 (Nov 18-Jan 9)
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, East Molesley KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
Make a day trip to the former stomping grounds of Henry VIII. Hit the ice with fellow revellers to spectacular scenes and lighting. Just try not to lose your head. Skate aids available for £5. 10am-8.45pm daily (closed Christmas Day); adult/teen from £16-£19/child ages 3-12 from £11.50-£14/family from £46-£52 (until Jan 9)
Natural History Museum Ice Rink, Cromwell Rd, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)
Christmas 2021 is set to be the final year of the Ice Rink at the NHM so get your skates on. Slip and slide with friends and family against the backdrop of the museum, with special skates available for toddlers and wheelchair skating included too. 11am-10pm daily; adult from £12.65/child from £8.80 (until Jan 16)
Canary Wharf Ice Rink, Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, E14 5AB (Canary Wharf tube/DLR)
Tickets are only available online for the Canary Wharf Ice Rink, back bigger and better for another winter. Glide under twinkling stars and a canopy of trees, hang out at the rink-side bar, or pop into nearby restaurants and shops. Various times between 10am-9.25pm, check for holiday hours/closed on Christmas Day; adult £17.95/child £11.95/family £49.50 (until Feb 26)
We also like
There’s more ice skating at Skylight at Tobacco Docks (kids welcome before 6pm); try your hand at curling (new!) as well as ice skating at Queens Skate Dine & Bowl Ice Rink in Queensway, west London; spin around on the Ice Rink at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland; and of course there’s year round ice skating at Ally Pally Ice Rink.
WHERE TO SEE FATHER CHRISTMAS IN LONDON
Father Christmas Grotto with Sharky & George at St Pancras, Euston Road, N1C 4QL (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Sharky & George are bringing Santa to St. Pancras. Meet the elves who will take you to see the man in red. He’s hidden your gift around the station so you can go on a treasure hunt to find it. For ages 2-11 and 1 accompanying grown-up. Grotto open Fri-Sun until Dec 16, then daily until Dec 23. Various times from 9.15am – 10 sessions daily; from £29.50 per child/1 adult per paying child goes FREE (Nov 26-Dec 23)
Story Time with Father Christmas at Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP (South Kensington/High St Kensington tube)
Settle in for Story Time with Santa at Royal Albert Hall in this delightful Christmas in London with kids event. The beautiful porch is transformed into a winter grotto. Meet Santa and his head elf Crumpet and receive a gift. All ages, best for ages 3-8. Various times from 1.30pm-4.30pm (check ahead, pre-booking essential); babies over 1 require a ticket from £17.50/accompanying adult FREE (Dec 2-21)
Thames Rockets Jingle Bell Blast + Meet Santa, Boarding Gate One, The London Eye Pier, SE1 7PB (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Hold on to your Christmas hats! The Jingle Bell Blast is a super fast tour of London along the Thames and (on select Saturdays) you and your wild things can ride with Father Christmas. The speedboat adventure blasts a mix of Christmas tunes and kids can take a pic with Santa and receive a gift. All ages welcome. 1 hr rides from 12.15pm-3.15pm (Dec 4), 1.15pm-3.15pm (Dec 11) & 10.15am-12.15pm (Dec 18); adult from £44.95, child from £39.95 (Dec 4, 11 & 18)
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)
Ride with Santa on a vintage steam or diesel train in a family compartment for up to 6 people. Fares include a gift for each child/refreshments, steam train and bus ride. Trains leave North Weald 9:20am, 11am, 12.40pm, 2.20pm & 4pm (confirm times on day you book), heritage buses from Epping Underground and Ongar approx 50 minutes earlier. Family compartment for up to 6 people £160 — hurry, limited tickets left! Pre-booking essential (Dec 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
Meet Santa at Westfield Stratford, Chestnut Plaza (beside Cafe Football and Omega), E20 (Stratford tube/overground) & at Westfield London (Shepherd’s Bush), Ariel Way, W12 7GQ (Shepherd’s Bush/Wood Lane tube)
Tickets have been snapped up fast to Meet Santa at Westfield but keep an eye on the website for daily cancellations. Head to the big guy’s lodge where you can see the Northern Lights, meet forest elves and say hi to Santa. Friends and family at home can join in via a private livestream. All ages welcome. 10am-8pm daily, £10 (Dec 9-24)
Noir Kringle: The Black Santa’s Grotto Experience, Crooked Billet Yard, Shoreditch E2 8AF (Shoreditch High St overground)
As a child in Nigeria, Father Christmas was always a Black man. Things changed when I came to Europe but I quickly adapted. For families seeking a one-of-a-kind experience with a Black Santa in London, head to Noir Kringle. Explore his vintage workshop, hear stories, make magic reindeer food and get a photo and gift from Father Christmas. Hurry as the first drop of tickets were a sellout! Follow @NoirKringle on social media for updates. Time slots at 10am-6pm (Sat-Sun), 9am-6pm (Mon); child £25/accompanying adult £10 (Dec 18-21)
We also like
Santa’s Grotto at Ally Pally is currently SOLD OUT but keep an eye out for more dates; you can hang with Santa at London Transport Museum for their festive event Christmas at the Museum (from Dec 4); or head to Museum of London for the annual Victorian Santa’s Grotto (Dec 3-23)
CHRISTMAS MARKETS, MUSEUMS AND MOVIES
Christmas Past at Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Road (Geffrey St), E2 8EA (Hoxton overground)
See how people have celebrated the festive period over 400 years in the Rooms Through Time exhibit. Learn why it’s called Boxing Day and why the Christmas tree first appeared in our homes. Family workshops and events take place alongside the exhibition. 10am-5pm (The-Sun); FREE entry (Nov 9-Jan 9)
Brixton Village Christmas Gifts Market, Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8PS (Brixton tube)
Shop for Christmas gifts and foodie treats at the bustling Brixton market. Select weekends will see some of the finest makers in South London tout their wares, with live music jamming and mulled wine on offer. 11am-4pm; FREE entry (Nov 28, Dec 5 & 12)
The Gingerbread City, 6-7 Motcomb Street, Belgravia, SW1X 8JU (Hyde Park Corner tube)
Marvel at how designers, architects and makers create an entire city out of gingerbread. The theme this year is ‘nature in the city’ and there are family friendly workshops every day. The edible city is an annual fundraiser for the Museum of Architecture. All ages. 10am-5.45pm daily, 10am-10pm (Fri); full price adult from £14/ages 3-12 £8.50/under 3s go FREE (Dec 4-Jan 9)
The Luna Cinema at Kensington Palace, W8 4PX (High St Kensington/Queensway tube) and Battersea Arts Centre, SW11 5TN (Clapham Junction rail/overground)
Enter a wonderland with giant Christmas trees, snowfall and festive trimmings at Kensington Palace’s Orangery Lawn or Battersea Arts Centre. Cosy up to watch Christmas films like It’s A Wonderful Life, The Holiday and Elf and screenings for tiny viewers e.g. The Gruffalo, Zog and The Snowman. Refreshments include mulled wine, cocoa or a limited-edition Festive Box with candy canes, chocolate coins, mince pies and popcorn. Various show times; from £15.50 (Dec 12-23)
Southbank Centre Winter Market, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Dozens of food stalls invite you to stuff yourself like a Christmas turkey (vegan options available too!). Book a snow globe for a private dining experience or chill out in Jimmy’s Winter Lodge. Listen to live entertainment from Between the Bridges and Clapham Grand or play golf on the Christmas themed course.
We also like
Backyard Cinema has three venues showing Christmas films (ongoing); the London Bridge Christmas By the River market is perfect for browsing and people watching (Nov 16-Dec 31); Selfridges’ Christmas Market on the Mews is back with street food and stalls (Nov 5-Dec 23); the Canopy Christmas Market at King’s Cross is bursting with seasonal cheer (Nov 26-Dec 23)
TOP FAMILY CHRISTMAS SHOWS
Hackney Empire Pantomime: Jack & the Beanstalk, 291 Mare St, E8 (Hackney Central overground)
Hackney Empire are full of beans to welcome back the legend Clive Rowe for their fast, funny and frolicking adaptation of the fairytale. All ages. Matinee shows at 1.30pm or 2.30pm, evening performances 5.30pm, 6pm or 7pm 1pm (check website for times); £10-£42 (Nov 20-Jan 2)
The Snowman, Portugal Street,Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
Watch a boy and his Snowman pal take to the skies, with special appearances from penguins, reindeer, Jack Frost and the man in red. Enchanting adaptation of the hit picture book and animation. All ages.11am, 2.30pm & 7pm; from £18pp (Nov 20-Jan 2)
Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith, W6 (Hammersmith tube)
Watch Father Christmas awake from a dream of sun, sea and sand to find it’s his busiest day of the year. Can he get everything done in time? Raymond Briggs’ picture book is brought to the stage with songs, live music and puppetry. 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 24-Dec 24)
Hex at the National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX (Embankment/Waterloo tube)
A vivid retelling of the Sleeping Beauty myth, Hex takes us deep into the forest where a lonely fairy is asked to help a princess fall asleep. But her blessing becomes a curse and she’s plunged into a 100-year quest to make things right. Rosalie Craig stars in a big-hearted musical set to do for the bad fairy what Wicked did for the witch. For ages 8+. 2pm, 7pm & 7.15pm; £20-£89 (Dec 4-Jan 22)
Circus 1903 at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Look out for life-sized elephants (created by the War Horse puppeteers), high-wire acts, trapeze artists, acrobats, contortionists and more. Vintage style circus to thrill everyone ages 3+ (no admission for babes-in-arms). From 11am; £25-£115/kids under 16 and concs. 25% discount – limited availability (Dec 16-Jan 2)
Nutcracker at London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES (Charing Cross Rd tube)
More than 100 dancers and musicians play out the tale of Clara and her enchanted doll, set to music by Tchaikovsky. A Christmas classic. For ages 5+ (some content may be unsuitable for young kids). 7.30pm & 2.30pm matinees; adult from £15-£95/child £7.50-£47.50 (Dec 16-Jan 8)
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