Christmas Holidays in London with Kids: Babes About Town Family Guide

Spending Christmas holidays in London with kids this year? Look no further. My annual guide to a family friendly Christmas holidays in London is stacked with sparkling lights, wintry wonderlands, festive children’s theatre, ice skating and Christmas parties where you can bring your baby along for a boogie.

Some popular events are already SOLD OUT, like Noir Kringle: the Black Santa’s Grotto (sign up for their mailing list to get on 2024’s waiting list) and Christmas at Kew (hurry, you might get one of the last slots). But don’t worry, there’s more than enough Christmas cheer to spread around town. Counting down until the big day…

Christmas Holidays in London with Kids: 40+ Family Friendly Ideas

BABES CHOICE

My Neighbour Totoro Live at Barbican Centre, Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
You’d better act fast if you want tickets to the box-office breaking, award-winning show from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Adapted from the Studio Ghibli animation, this production features music from composer Joe Hisaishi with live orchestra and puppets by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. For ages 6+. 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 2pm (Thu & Sat); from £25 (Nov 21-Mar 23, 2024)

It’s A Wonderful Ally Pally Christmas at Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY (Wood Green tube/Alexandra Palace rail)
O come all ye faithful for another fun-filled Christmas at Aly Pally. Watch Keith Allen in Mark Gatiss’ acclaimed spin on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (Nov 24-Jan 7). Take a disco spin on the ice rink, all dolled up for the festivities, and little ones can visit Santa’s Grotto (Dec 1-23) for a gift and photos. Fly away to Neverland for Peter Pan On Ice (Dec 8-11), the beloved annual Ally Pally panto performed by homegrown talent and Disney on Ice pros. All ages (some restrictions for events, check with booking). Various times and prices (Nov 24-Jan 7)

Christmas at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ (Charing Cross tube/rail, Leicester Square tube)
Festive family carols, kids sing-alongs, winter bar, gingerbread… it’s all happening at St Martin-in-the-Fields this holiday season. Christmas at St Martin’s presents opportunities to sing with your family, watch Carols for Kids concerts and the popular Carols by Candlelight concerts, and this year there are 100 Christmas Gingerbread Decorating Workshops (Nov 25-Dec 23, £20) for kids aged 4+ to make treats with elves from Santa’s workshop. Various times and prices (church open 9am-5pm), some activities are FREE entry (Nov 25-Dec 23)

The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks at Lightroom, 12 Lewis Cubitt Square, N1C 4DY (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Something different for the season. Discover the moon in a new light with Tom Hanks narrating this epic experience at Lightroom. Through powerful projection and audio technology, Hanks leads audiences on an immersive trip to our closest neighbour in the sky. Original NASA footage and breath-taking images from Andy Saunders’ Apollo Remastered help retrace the Apollo missions at spectacular scale. Timed slots between 10am-7pm (Sun-Wed) & 10am-8pm (Thu-Sat); adults from £25/child 3-17 £15/under 3s FREE (Dec 6-Apr 21)

Winter Festival at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
You won’t find more Christmassy places in London other than at the Southbank Centre during its annual Winter Festival. Stroll by the river with twinkling lights, delicious aromas wafting from the street food stalls, follow a luminous outdoor trail, and pick up presents at the Winter Market. Try out The Curling Club, see the Hiroshi Sugimoto photo exhibition, or listen to free and pop-up performances from choirs to street theatre. Kids will love shows like Bluey’s Big Play and The House with Chicken Legs and for all ages there’s a Nutcracker act and Christmas Actually, a new variety show from Richard Curtis. Various times, dates and prices, many activities are FREE (until Jan 7)

Christmas and New Year at King’s Cross, Granary Square, Coal Drop’s Yard and surrounding areas, N1C (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Once again, King’s Cross is the destination for Christmas fun with a fabulous mix of activities for the whole family. Have a go at Club Curling; visit Christmas markets like the Christmas Under the Canopy, Crafty Fox, Crafty Cub and Lower Stable Street market; walk through a wintry Fleeting Forest; catch pop-up performances around Granary Square or family shows at King’s Place. Watch festive films at Everyman Cinema, browse the Illustrator’s Fair, hear candle-lit carols at the Canal Museum, go on a mince pie boat trip, gawp at the 50ft Christmas tree and much more. And don’t miss your chance to check out the giant Christmas Book Tree at St Pancras station. Various times and prices (until Feb 25)

SEASONAL ATTRACTIONS

Phantom Peak: Christmas at the Peak, Canada St, Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7PJ (Canada Water tube/overground)
It’s time for Christmas in this steampunk town that draws you into an immersive adventure of 100+ activities, stories and games. Take part in mystery quests, meet curious characters and enjoy the restaurants, waterfall, lake and more. Fancy dress is optional but encouraged. All ages welcome, under 16s must be accompanied. 6pm (Thu-Sat) & 12pm (Sat-Sun); adult from £43.99/under 25s £24.99/under 16s £18.99 (until Dec 30)

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, W2 (Hyde Park Corner tube)
Visit the central London wonderland with 200 chalets and stalls,Magical Ice Kingdom, Real Ice Slide, Giant Wheel, fairground attractions, ice sculpting workshops, Santa’s grotto, and live shows like Cirque Beserk and Zippos Christmas Circus. New this year are Le Chalet Fondue and CBeebies’ superstar Justin Fletcher in Justin’s Christmas Singalong (select dates only). All ages welcome. NB: ALL ENTRY TICKETS MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE. 10am-10pm daily; pre-booking essential for general park entry from £0 (off peak), £5 (standard) or £7.50 (peak)/under 2s FREE; special attractions/Grotto and live shows priced separately — see price list HERE. Ride tokens cost £1 and rides start at £2 for kids rides, £3 for adults (until Jan 2)

The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY (Camden Town/Regent’s Park tube)
Take your wild ones along to London Zoo for a Christmas treat filled with crafting, marshmallow toasting, and a roaming Santa feeding the animals. Hurry and there might still be sessions available to meet Santa in his grotto (from £15.50). Kids can also pop a letter in the Polar Post Room and hope Father Christmas receives it in time. All ages welcome. Zoo entry 10am-4pm; adult £26.50-£33/child £17.25-£21.45/under 3s FREE (cheaper tickets available on specific dates) (until Jan 3)

Wishmas, The Old Bauble Factory, Waterloo, Launcelot Street, SE1 7AD (Waterloo rail/tube)
From the creative minds behind Secret Cinema comes a brand new immersive adventure. Wishes is a 60-minute walkthrough experience where you’ll encounter the Wishkeepers, Robins and even Father Christmas himself. Explore different rooms, crafts and activities, tuck into festive treats, and play your part to make sure no wish is ever forgotten. Various time slots: 12pm-4pm (first week Tue-Thu), 12pm-7.20pm (Tue-Thu), 10am-8pm (Fri-Sun); standard entry from £29/Meet & Greet from £49/under 2s FREE (until Jan 4)

Hogwarts in the Snow at WB Studio Tour, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
Visit the wondrous world of Harry Potter and see the Great Hall , the Forbidden Forest and the Hogwarts Castle model receive a festive makeover. Tour the studio for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the minds, props and special effects that made the movies so magical. All ages welcome. 9am-10am first tours, last tour 4-6.30pm (closing time 3 hours after last tour); adult from £53.50/child from £40/family £160/under 4s FREE but require tickets. Pre-booking essential. (until Jan 14)

MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS 

Meet Father Christmas at Fulham Palace, Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, SW6 6EA (Putney Bridge tube)
Father Christmas is making an early stop at Fulham Palace which is filled with Christmas merriment. Against a backdrop of festive decor, crackling fires and mince pies in the cafe, families can pop in to meet Father Christmas this weekend. Take a picture, share a Christmas wish list and take home a little gift. Elves will be on hand to teach you how to create a Christmas craft. Send an email to isabel.ricketts@fulhampalace.org if your child would like to send a letter or list ahead of their visit. 11am-9pm; £25 (Nov 24-26)

Christmas at the Museum: Meet Santa and His Elf, at London Transport Museum, 39 Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB (Covent Garden tube)
Jump aboard the Routemaster-inspired sleigh, ring the bell and sent the Christmas cheer-o-meter. It’s time to catch up with Santa at the museum and take a jolly selfie. Also take part in festive story screenings, crafts, treats, poster parade and exploring the museum. 11am-3pm (weekdays Nov 24-Dec 15), 11am-5pm (weekends and school holidays until Dec 23); FREE with museum annual pass – adult £22 off peak-£24 standard/free for kids (Nov 24-Dec 23)

Santa’s Special Steam Train on the Epping-Ongar Railway, North Weald, CM16 6BT and Ongar, CM5 9AB (vintage bus via Epping tube to North Weald station)
Santa’s baaaack and you can ride with him on a historic diesel or steam train. Bring your whole crew along for this special journey through Epping Forest and back. Trains depart from North Weald at 9am, 10.40am, 12.20pm, 2pm & 3.40pm (confirm times on booking), heritage buses from Epping Underground and Ongar approx 50 minutes earlier. Fares include a gift for each child/refreshments, steam train and bus ride. Family coach space for up to 4 people from £110 (early bird), prices go up to £270 (premium) for private compartments for 8 guests. Pre-booking essential (Nov 25-26, Dec 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 20-21 & 22-24)

Santa’s Grotto at Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN (Clapham Junction rail)
Make a stop to see the big man at Battersea Arts Centre. Little ones will adore the mini North Pole, a delightful experience where they can get up close with old Saint Nick for a photo and also receive a small gift. Visits last 1 hour from 10.30am, 11.45am, 1.45pm & 3pm; £11 per child (Dec 2-24)

Mission: Meet Santa, 300 Oxford St, W1C 1DX (Bond St tube/Oxford Circus tube)
Weave your way through an interactive grotto with some assistance from Santa’s helpers. Crack the code to complete our mission and you’ll get to meet Father Christmas and get a gift and photo for your efforts. 10am-5pm (Mon-Fri), 10am-4pm (Sat), 11am-4pm (Sun): adult £2.20/child £22 (includes £10 value plush toy), professional photos available to buy separately (until Dec 24)

ICE SKATING AND ROLLER RINKS

The Queens House Ice Rink, Romney Rd, SE10 9NF (Greenwich rail/Cutty Sark DLR)
Get your skates on for a session on the ice in the glam grounds of Royal Museums Greenwich. Refresh with snacks from Benugo cafe and don’t miss out on all the fun in Greenwich at Christmas. Little ones will love the trip there and back if you go by Cable Car and/or boat and DLR train too. 11am-9pm daily (last entry 8pm), closed Christmas Day; adult from £17/child from £10 (Nov 23-Jan 7)

Glide ice rink at Circus Rd W, Nine Elms SW8 5BN (Battersea Power Station tube, Battersea Park rail/overground)
Visit the revamped Battersea Power Station and have a go on London’s only riverside ice skating rink. There are three interconnecting rinks with views over the Thames. Also come for funfair rides, mulled wine, street food and live entertainment. 10am-10pm (Mon-Fri, site open for skaters 9.20am), 9am-11pm (Sat-Sun, site open to skaters 8.20am); adult from £12.50/child from £8.50/private igloo from £12.50/family from £38/adult and toddler from £11.50 (until Jan 7)

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, East Molesley KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
Go ice skating with Henry VIII’s historic home as your glorious backdrop. This one tends to get packed with Londoners and visitors so try not to lose your head with the hordes. Skate aids for £5. 10am-8.45pm daily, last skate 8pm (closed Christmas Day); adult/teen from £19-£21/child ages 3-12 from £14-£15.50/family from £53-£58 (until Jan 7)

Skate at Somerset House, the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
London’s coolest ice rink beckons with a beautiful setting that includes a huge Christmas tree, arcade, Jimmy Garcia’s Chalet Suisse, Skate Late nights with rotating DJs and more. Under 8s can join the Polar Cub Club. All under 12s must be accompanied by an adult, ice skating is for ages 3-4 and up. Wheelchair skaters have special slots but can join any session. Skate sessions last 45 minutes between 11am-9.45pm (9am to 10.45pm  select dates, times vary on Christmas Week & NY Eve); adult tickets from £10-£25/child from £8-£13 — pre-booking advised (until Jan 14)

 Ice Rink at Canary Wharf, Canary Wharf Tower, E14 5EW (Canary Wharf tube/DLR & Elizabeth Line)
Get your ice skates on for a frosty but fun run around the Canary Wharf ice rink. Join pros and newbies to glide under a canopy of 1,000 sparkling fairy lights. 9am-10pm daily (skate sessions 45 mins); adult from £17.95/child from £13.50/family from £53.95 (until Feb 25)

Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace at Exhibition London, Ariel Way, W12 7SL (Shepherd’s Bush overground/tube, White City/Wood Lane tube)
Dubbed ‘Studio 54 on wheels’, the legendary LA skater rink launched its west London venue last year. Roll up and boogie with your family and friends, with skates available to rent for £5 (or come with your own). There’s live DJs, special sessions, packages + classes, and Hot Dogs and Caviar for hungry skaters. Ages 5+ (under 4s not admitted). Open Skate 3pm-10.30pm (Thu-Sun); Late Skate 10.30am-1pm (Fri & Sat); adult from £15.50/teen age 13-17 from £13.50/child age 12 and under from £11.50 (ongoing)

FESTIVE FAMILY THEATRE

Cinderella at Brixton House, 385 Coldharbour Lane SW9 8GL (Brixton tube/rail)
Sindi-Ella, daughter of Brixton’s best loved greengrocer, is desperate to keep her family business open. She spends time with her ‘Delphy’ plant, feeling no love from her bougie step-mum and her hater stepsister. One day she meets Charms, Brixton’s biggest influencer, and her life is about to change… After the huge success of Alice in Wonderland, this retelling of Cinderella as a Brixton story is set to dazzle audiences from all over. Ages 7+. 7.30pm (Tue-Fri), 1.30pm & 6pm (Sat-Sun), 1.30pm select weekly matinees; from £15-£44 (Nov 23-Dec 31)

The Snowman, Peacock Theatre,Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube) 
One of London’s most enchanting Christmas shows is back at Sadler’s Wells’ Peacock Theatre. Watch Raymond Briggs’ picture book and animation come to life in this charming and comic tale, filled with characters and balletic scenes. A boy makes friends with a Snowman and embarks on an all-night adventure. All ages welcome. Various shows 11am, 2.30pm & 7pm; from £18pp (until Dec 31)

Hackney Empire Panto: Aladdin, 291 Mare St, E8 (Hackney Central overground)
Clive Rowe returns as Widow Twangy for London’s most popular panto. Aladdin rubs a lamp, out pops a genie (Kat B) and the fun is about to begin… There’s lots of audience interaction in this bedazzled tale filled with wise-cracks, pop culture references and catchy songs. All ages – under 3s can sit on parents’ lap, ages 4+ require own ticket. Shows at 1pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 7pm & 7.30pm (Tue-Sun/times and dates vary, check website); £10-£45 (until Dec 31)

The Bolds at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
Meet The Bolds, a family of hyenas who are pulling off an extraordinary act. People think they’re just like them but clearly they can’t hide (haha) their beastly secret forever… so how long can Mr and Mrs Bold and twins Betty and Bobby keep up the charade? Back at Unicorn Theatre after a roaring success in 2021, this funny and song-filled adaptation is by Julian Clary from his bestselling book. Ages 6+. Various shows from 11am; adult from £12.50-£31.50/child from £10.50-£22.50 (until Dec 31)

A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic, The Cut, SE1 8NB (Waterloo rail/tube)
Jack Thorne’s cheery take on Charles Dickens’ novel has become a seasonal staple. This year, the Old Vic welcomes Christopher Eccleston in the starring role as Ebenezer Scrooge. Reunite with the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future in the classic Christmas story. Ages 8+. Various shows at 2.30pm & 7.30pm or 2pm & 7pm (closed Suns); £10-£90 (until Jan 6)

MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITIONS

The Gingerbread City, Westfield London, Ariel Way, W12 7GF (White City tube, Shepherds’ Bush tube/overground)
An entire city made out of gingerbread? Say no more! The wildly popular exhibition returns for another year. See edible scenes and buildings created by architects, makers and designers, raising funds for the Museum of Architecture. The eco-friendly event also hosts family friendly workshops every day. All ages. 10am-9pm (Mon-Sat), 12pm-6pm (Sun); full price adult from £18.50/ages 3-12 from £12.50/under 3s go FREE (Dec 2-Jan 7)

Bah! Humbug! and Christmas Eve at the Charles Dickens Museum, 48-49 Doughty Street, WC1N 2LX (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail, Chancery Lane tube)
Step into a Victorian Christmas at the home of Charles Dickens, where you can go on a Bah! Humbug! family tour (Dec 3) with Mrs Cratchit herself. Explore the beautifully decorated space, handle objects and be immersed in Dickens’ world. On Dec 24, you can visit for Christmas Eve at the Charles Dickens Museum where guests will receive mince pies and mulled wine or soft drinks for free. There will be adaptations of A Christmas Carol playing including The Muppet Christmas Carol and advance ticket holders will be entered into a prize draw, with the prize drawn on Christmas Eve and presented to the winner on arrival. Bah! Humbug! tours are for ages 5+ and run on Dec 3 at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm & 2pm; £10pp. Christmas Eve at the museum is from 10am-6pm (last entry 5pm); adult £20/concs £15/child £10 (Dec 3 & 24)

The Red Shoes: Beyond The Mirror at Blue Room, BFI Southbank, SE1 8XT (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Enter an immersive exhibition inspired by Powell and Pressburger’s classic film The Red Shoes, based loosely on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale. This exhibition features 100 previously unseen costume and production designs, scripts, photographs and posters, and the iconic red ballet shoes featured in the film. You’ll also find personal items owned by Moira Shearer and costumes from Matthew Bourne’s ballet adaptation. On opening weekend, there are live performances too. All ages welcome. Timed slots from 11am (last entry 7.30pm) – closed Dec 24-26 and 31; FREE (until Jan 7)

Disney 100, ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL (Custom House DLR)
Delve into Disney’s treasure trove and explore more than 250 artefacts, costumes, props and artworks. Walk through 10 themed galleries and be mesmerised by mementos from the likes of Snow White, Frozen, Encanto and more recent Disney fam faves e.g. Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel. All ages. 10am-6pm (Mon-Fri), 9am-7pm (Sat-Sun); adult from £24/child 5-15 £16.50/family £18.25/under 5s FREE (until Jan 22, 2024)

Christmas Past at Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Road (Geffrey St), E2 8EA (Hoxton overground)
Museum of the Home’s Winter Festival makes its annual return, with lots of activities celebrating multicultural and interfaith themes. Come for an after-hours Winter Gathering (Dec 7) to see the period rooms dressed for the season or join in Christmas wreath making (Dec 2, priced separately). 10am-5pm (Tue-Sun); FREE entry (through Feb 2024)

CHRISTMAS PARTIES & SPECIAL EVENTS

Big Fish Little Fish Festive Family Raves, multiple London locations
These tickets sell quick, so get moving if you want to get grooving. Upcoming London Christmas parties are taking place in Peckham (Nov 26), Hackney (Dec 9) and Vauxhall (Dec 17). Also book ahead for their Early New Year’s Eve family raves in Brixton (Dec 29) and Crystal Palace (Dec 30). What you can expect: club and rave tunes spun by top DJs with chill out rooms, bubbles, confetti, balloons, foam, parachute dance, licensed bar and food. Ages 0-8 and families. Various times (check individual events); average price adult £10-£12/child £7/pre-walkers FREE (Nov 26-Dec 30)

Silent Disco Walking Tour: Christmas Party Edition, meet at The Marquis Of Granby Pub, Fitzrovia 2 Rathbone St, Greater, W1T 1NR
Want to see London’s Christmas lights, disco style? Pop on your headsets and get grooving to a specially selected playlist, as you dance through the streets. After its sellout success last year, the Silent Disco Christmas Party Tour returns with a mix of smash hits, Christmas tunes and hilarious commentary. Ages 6+. Tour approx 1hr 45 mins (2.5km). 6.30pm (Wed-Sun); adult £25/child 6-17 £19/concs £15-£22 (Dec 2-23)

FUN DMC Christmas and New Year’s Eve Parties, multiple London locations
Don a Christmas jumper and Santa hat (or whatever you fancy) and step out with your crew for a festive family block party. These daytime throwdowns offer fun for all ages (0-99) with hip hop and club tunes, DJs, graffiti train, snow machine, party poppers and licensed bar. Upcoming events take place at Royal Albert Hall (Dec 2, 1pm-3pm), Boxpark Croydon (Dec 3, 11am-1pm), Boxpark Wembley (Dec 17, 11am-1pm) and a New Year’s Eve party at Juju’s Bar (11am-1.30pm) with countdown to midday, balloon drop and glitter cannons. Various times; Royal Albert Hall parties adult £13.50/child £9; Boxpark events adult £4/child £2, early tickets FREE; New Year’s Eve adult £15/child £12/family £50 (Dec 2-31)

Mix & Move x Museum of Colour: Afrobeat Dance, The Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Come along for a special edition of the free monthly social dance, in collaboration with the Museum of Colour. Choreographer Old Alatise (AfroQueens) will lead a free and fun dance workshop based on moves she’s created for some of the top Afrobeat and hip hop artists. These events are aimed at parents with young kids and older adults but they’re welcome to all. So bring your entire fam to shake off some of those winter blues. Also at Southbank Centre this season, there’s the monthly reggae family dance session Simmer Down (Dec 15) and the New Year’s Eve Kids’ Countdown with Len Blanco (Dec 31). Mix & Move is for All Ages. 12pm; FREE (Dec 8)

Family Film Club: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas + Festive Quiz, at Barbican Cinema 2, Barbican Centre, Beech Street EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Watch Tim Burton’s fantastical fairy tale filled with gothic humour and memorable characters. Find out why Jack Skellington aka The Pumpkin King winds up in Christmas Town attempting to take over Santa’s role. Fun for all ages (rated PG), there’s a festive film quiz to put you in a merry mood before the screening. No adults admitted with accompanying kids. 11am; adult £3.50/child £2.50 (Dec 9)

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS & SCENES

Ever After Garden, Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, W1K 6LD (Bond St/Marble Arch tube)
Lighting up for another year, the Ever After Garden is a specially commissioned space for people to remember beloved friends and family who have passed on. Created in 2019 by designer Anya Hindmarch CBE and fashion writer Camilla Morton after the death of their friend, the late production designer Michael Howells, the garden features 25,000+ illuminated white roses. You can dedicate your own rose which will be reused every year (suggested minimum donation £10) with funds going in support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. 3-9pm daily; FREE (until Dec 19)

Solstice at Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN (Clapham Junction rail)
Check out the brand new immersive trail at BAC. Move under the light of the moon into a winter wonderland where animals and people are tucked away for the season. Wander through the maze of BAC’s corridors through the beginnings of spring, the colourful explosion of summer and the bounty of autumn. Solstice is the first collaboration between BAC and Wild Rumpus, the team behind Just So Festival. Stay longer and meet Santa, get a photo and a gift (priced separately). Pay What You Can on Dec 1/4/5/11 (recommended £15); standard entry Dec 2/3/6-10/12-24 – adult £16.50/child £14.50/disabled person £8 (Dec 1-24)

Christmas at Kenwood, Kenwood House, NW3 7JR (Archway/Golders Green tube then 210 bus, Hampstead Heath overground then C11 and 210 bus)
There’s hot chocolate and marshmallows calling your name at this sparkling light trail. New this year, you’ll find interactive Light Launchers, the colourful Retro Rubix, a shower of light created by the stunning new installation Reflections, and the sensational Son et Lumière. Walk around Hampstead Heath and get your whole family in a festive mood. All ages. 4.30pm-9pm (last entry 7.30pm); adult from £22/child £17.50/family £71/under 3s FREE (Dec 1-Jan 1)

The Luna Cinema at Kensington Palace, W8 4PX (High St Kensington/Queensway tube) and Battersea Arts Centre, SW11 5TN (Clapham Junction rail/overground)
Settle in for a cosy Christmas cinema event in a winter wonderland designed by Luna Cinema. There are two London venues where you can watch Christmas crackers like Home Alone, It’s A Wonderful Life, Elf, The Muppet Christmas Carol and Miracle on 34th St. Visit Kensington Palace’s Orangery Lawn (Dec 11-15) or Battersea Art Centre (Dec 18-23) for movies, mince pies, mulled wine and other treats.  Various show times; from adult £17/child £12.50 (Dec 11-23)

Christmas in Covent Garden, in and around the Market Building and Piazza (Covent Garden tube)
Feast your eyes on a festive extravaganza at Covent Garden this Christmas. For the first time in nearly a decade, there’s a new Christmas installation in the Market Building with 40+ gigantic bells with bows, 12 giant baubles and 8 spinning mirror balls. You can also take photos in a jazzy sleigh, tuck into unlimited mulled wine in the Winter Warmers Festival, hear the London Gospel Choir sing carols (Thursday), watch street theatre and shop until late. Daily, FREE (until Jan 7)

We also like
Winter By The River at London Bridge City brings market stalls, karaoke rooms, choirs and pop-up bars (until Jan 1); wander through the Luminaze arts and lights installations at Wembley Park (Dec 2-Jan 2); explore Quentin Blake themed family activities in Drawn to Water: Winter at London Wetlands Centre; shop for gifts, Black fashion, food, books and hair products at Brixton Village Christmas Gifts Market; for grownups, indulge in incredible food and live shows with The Great Christmas Feast from Lost Estate (until Jan 14); book a spot on one of the popular Bring Your Baby Guided London Walks and Pub Quizzes, various London locations (through Dec and ongoing)

My bumper guide to Family Theatre to See in London at Christmas is out soon. Sign up for the newsletter so you don’t miss out!

**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue (or the latest government guidelines) before making a trip!**