It’s here! The Babes About Town London Christmas Holidays 2024 Guide is packed with seasonal activities to put you in a merry mood. From where to meet Father Christmas to dazzling winter light displays, ice skating rinks, family theatre and panto, baby friendly dancing and a gingerbread city, this guide is good enough to eat. Tuck in.
London Christmas Holidays 2024: 30+ Cool Things To Do with Kids
BABES CHOICE
It’s A Wonderful Ally Pally Christmas at Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY (Wood Green tube/Alexandra Palace rail)
North London welcomes another festive family series of activities. Watch Horrible Histories the Christmas edition in the Victorian Theatre; catch the Ally Pally panto, the Wizard of Oz on Ice; don’t miss out on ice skating, carol singing, a pop-up Waterstones bookshop, and a Santa’s grotto! All ages welcome (some restrictions for events, check with booking). Various times and prices (Nov 27-Jan 5)
The Holly King and the Oak King at Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN (Clapham Junction rail)
Wild Rumpus, the creative crew behind Just So Festival, are taking over the BAC with this brand-new Celtic folk adventure. You’ll join performers on a mad dash through the building, helping the Holly King restore winter after 100 years of summer. Immersive, theatrical fun with puppets and plenty of surprises. Ages 4+ but all ages welcome. Various time slots between 10am-5pm (Tue-Sun); adult £14.50-£19.50/child £12.50-£16.50/disabled concs £7.25-£9.75 (Nov 29-Dec 24)
The Gingerbread City, The Gaumont Chelsea, 196-222 King’s Road, SW3 5XP (Sloane Square tube)
Fancy walking through an eco-friendly city that looks good enough to eat? The Gingerbread City exhibition is back with more edible sights and delicious structures, created by 50+ designers and architects entirely from gingerbread! It’s all for a good cause too, raising money for the Museum of Architecture Charity Fund. There are also family friendly workshops every day. All ages. 10am-6pm daily (closed Dec 25); adult £13/child 3-12 £8/concs £11/under 3s FREE (Nov 30-Dec 29)
Oliver! at Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Ave, W1D 6AR (Leicester Square/Piccadilly Circus tube)
Consider yourself at home at the revival of a musical that’s crammed with nostalgic tunes (I’d Do Anything, Food Glorious Food etc). Dickens’ classic tale of an orphan boy who asked for more is brought back to theatres in a production by Cameron Mckintosh that’s directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne. Ages 7+ (under 3s will not be admitted). Various dates and times at 7pm, 7.30pm, 1pm & 2.30pm; from £30 (Dec 14-Sep 28)
Slava’s Snow Show at Harold Pinter Theatre, Panton St, London SW1Y 4DN, UK (Piccadilly Circus tube)
One of my favourite family theatre memories was watching Slava’s Snow Show with Ezra way back and both of us laughing hysterically and being swept away with joy. It’s such a fantastic show that has wowed audiences worldwide and I’m thrilled it’s returned to London. Clowns, snowfall, clouds and more. Expect magic. Ages 8+. 7pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat), 2pm & 6pm (Sun); from £24.50 (Dec 18-Jan 12)
CHRISTMAS ATTRACTIONS AND SCENES
Fulham Palace Lights, Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, SW6 6EA (Putney Bridge tube)
Take a stroll through Fulham Palace’s glamorous gardens, all lit up for the festive season. There will be cosy fire pits (toast marshmallows!), live performances including magic from Britain’s Got Talent Star, Markele, along with circus acts and music. Plus stalls, food and mulled wine. Book ahead and you might get to meet Father Christmas in his grotto too! All ages welcome. 4.30pm-9pm last entry; adult £14.95/child 3-15 £6.95/under 3s FREE/Father Christmas ticket £5 (Nov 28-Dec 22)
Winter at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Here we go. The annual festival sprinkles Christmas magic across the Southbank Centre with delicious food stalls, Winter Market, outdoor Winter Light exhibition trail, Curling Club and more. Highlights this year include: Carlos Acosta’s Havana Nutcracker, Winter Reimagined Family Morning, Circa’s Duck Pond, 1927: Please Right Back, Tom Fletcher’s The Creakers, Just Vibez Kids Countdown (see Parties below), Haegue Yang: Leap Year exhibition and much more. Various times, dates and prices, many activities are FREE (until Jan 5)
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, W2 (Hyde Park Corner tube)
Hyde Park becomes home again to a Winter Wonderland with 200 chalets and fairground rides, Magical Ice Kingdom, Giant Wheel, Santa’s grotto, plus live shows e.g. Cirque Beserk and Zippos Christmas Circus. 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 5)
Christmas at Kew, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
You’ll be lucky to get tickets to this highly booked event that takes over Kew Gardens every year. See dazzling waterfalls, twinkling lights, and a spectacular finale set to Christmas tunes, along with food stalls and Father Christmas! All ages. 4.20pm-10pm (last entry times vary depending on entrance gate); adult from £25.50 off peak/£32 peak; family tickets available (until Jan 5)
Covent Garden Christmas, in and around Covent Garden, WC2 (Covent Garden tube)
Ding dong, the Covent Garden bells are back with a dazzling display in the Market Building. You can also find Santa’s sleigh on the West Piazza, a Covent Garden chalet pop-up, a Wonder Wood to explore on James Street, mulled wine stations in Central Avenue, canopies of sparkling lights on Seven Dials, Skate at Somerset House (see Ice Skating), gift shops, food, street entertainment and more. All ages. Various entry times and prices for some activities (until Jan 12)
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)
Christmas cheer takes over King’s Cross again with a ton of family friendly events. See brand new winter installation Fluorescence and gawp at the 50ft Christmas Tree. try your hands at Club Curling; explore a variety of Christmas markets e.g. Crafty Fox, Christmas under the Canopy, and the Illustrator’s Fair; see pop-up shows and Christmas movies at Everyman Cinema; hear carol singers and more, embark on a mince pie boat trip and much more. And pop by St Pancras station to see their spectacular Wicked themed Christmas tree. Various times and prices (until Mar 2)
CHRISTMAS FAMILY THEATRE
Hackney Empire Panto: Dick Whittington and His Cat, 291 Mare St, E8 (Hackney Central overground)
It’s not Christmas without a pantomime and the Hackney Empire Panto is the best in town, now celebrating its 25th season. See Clive Rowe as Sarah the Cook in this chirpy London fairytale bursting with characters, songs and humour. 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 (Nov 23-Jan 5)
Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book at Trafalgar Studios, 14 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DY (Charing Cross/Embankment tube/rail)
From Little Angel Theatre to the West End, this lively adaptation of the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler picture book is set to delight new audiences. The show uses puppets and live music to enact a tale that inspires young readers (at a time when they truly need inspiration) to engage with the magic of books. Adaptors Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane (The Smartest Giant in Town). Aimed at ages 3-8, all ages welcome. 11am (Sat), 11am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm (Tue, select Weds, Fri & Sun) – NB: dates vary, check with box office; £15-£29.50 (Dec 5-Jan 5)
Christmas Comes to Moominvalley at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Moomins fans, rejoice. This enchanting new show celebrates the 80th anniversary of the beloved Tove Jansson characters, along with Jacksons Lane’s 50th birthday. See Moomintroll along with Moominmamma and Moominpappa and all their friends in a delightful tale blending circus, music and storytelling. For ages 3-103. Various shows 10am, 11am, 1.30pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3.30pm, 5pm & 7.30pm (Tue-Sun); £10-£25 (Dec 6-Jan 5)
The Fir Tree at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Go deep into the forest to meet the little Fir Tree who longed to be BIG like all the other trees. This playful retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s Christmas story features live music and songs, puppetry and a message about friendship, mindfulness and the legacy of stories. Ages 6+ (all ages welcome). Various dates and times at 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm & 7pm (Mon-Sun); from £12 (Dec 12-31)
Circa’s Duck Pond at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
It’s Swan Lake like you’ve never experienced it before, with feathers flying, sequins dazzling, and a flipper-wearing army of ducks. Duck Pond brings together the classic ballet with a world-class circus act for an unforgettable theatre show. All ages. For ages 5+. ; from £20/limited concs & kids tickets 25% discount (Dec 19-30)
ICE SKATING AND ROLLER RINKS
Glide ice rink at Circus Rd W, Nine Elms SW8 5BN (Battersea Power Station tube, Battersea Park rail/overground)
Glide along the ice with the iconic building as your backdrop. London’s only riverside rink offers 3 interconnecting skate zones with views over the Thames. Also enjoy The Glass House bar, with fairground rides and food offers around Battersea Power Station. Skate sessions last 45 minutes from 10am daily (check timings ahead of visit); adult 13+ from £16/child 0-12 from £10.50/private igloo from £17.50/family from £48 (until Jan 5)
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, East Molesley KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
Off with your heads, or hopefully not, as you whizz around the ice rink at Henry VIII’s palace. It does get crowded at the best of times so perhaps aim for off peak sessions. Skate aids for £5, wheelchair users £12. 10am-8.45pm daily (Quiet Skates at 10am daily for people with sensory or light sensitivities), last skate 8pm (closed Christmas Day); adult/teen from £18/child ages 3-12 from £13/family from £46 (until Jan 5)
Skate at Somerset House, the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
London’s snazziest rinks with sessions perfect for tiny skaters and newbies, along with Skate Late nights and live DJs. Also come for the giant Xmas tree, shopping arcade, Chalet Suisse by Jimmy Garcia. Skaters aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult, the rink is suitable for around ages 3-4 upwards. Wheelchair skaters have special slots but can join any session. Skate sessions last 45 minutes between 11am-9.45pm (times may vary e.g. Christmas Week & NY Eve); adult tickets from £12-£25.50/child £15 — pre-booking advised (until Jan 12)
Ice Rink at Canary Wharf, Canary Wharf Tower, E14 5EW (Canary Wharf tube/DLR & Elizabeth Line)
Skate beneath a thousand sparkling fairy lights at this popular rink. While you’re there, have a drink at the rink-side bar, or explore local shops and restaurants. Skate sessions from around 10am daily-late (timings vary, skate sessions 45 mins); adult, teen or child from £13.95/family from £53.95 (until Feb 23)
Roller Nation
Ice rinks not your thing? You can still get your skates on for this legendary London rollerskating rink, formerly based in Vauxhall. There are club nights and family skate sessions (Sat & Sun) and skate classes available too. Don’t miss the end of year party School’s Out (Dec 30, 1-5pm), the last family skate of the year! Ages 5+ (under 4s not admitted). Various times from 12pm, last admission 9.30pm (Thu), 11.30pm (Fri & Sat), 10.30pm (Sun); ; tickets from £12.50pp (ongoing)
FATHER CHRISTMAS AND FRIENDS
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)
Get on board with Santa on a historic diesel or steam train. The whole family’s invited for a Christmas themed ride Epping Forest and back. Choose from timings at 9.15am, 10.55pm, 12.45pm & 2.35pm. Journey starts from Epping Underground and Ongar with train journey from North Weald. Fares include a gift for each child/refreshments, steam train and bus ride. Family coach space for up to 2 people from £55, or 4 people from £110 (early bird), prices go up to £270 (premium) for private compartments for 8 guests. Pre-booking essential (Nov 23-24 & 30, Dec 1, 7-8, 14-15, 19-20 & 21-24)
Storytelling with Father Christmas at Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)
Visit the museum of natural history and meet Father Christmas to hear a magical Christmas story and take a photo with him. The event welcomes all ages and there’s a special SEN session for neurodivergent guests. Slots at 10.15–11.00 (SEN suitable), 11.30am–12.15pm, 12.45pm–3.30pm, 2pm–2.45pm, 3.15pm-4pm and 4.30pm-5.15pm; child £17/member £13.60/accompanying adult FREE (Dec 1-15)
Santa’s Grotto, John Lewis, 300 Oxford St, W1C 1DX (Bond St tube/Oxford Circus tube)
There are multiple opportunities to see the man in red at John Lewis locations this Christmas. At Oxford Street, kids can enjoy a story session and crafting with elves, plus a gift and a photo. They even have a session for pets (Santa’s Paws). Various time slots from 10.15am, last slot 7pm (Mon-Sun, check available times at booking): adult £3.30/child £22 (includes gift), professional photos available to buy separately (Dec 6-24)
Father Christmas at Fulham Palace, Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, SW6 6EA (Putney Bridge tube)
Father Christmas returns to Fulham Palace for his seasonal visit where you can find him in Bishop Sherlock’s Room (9am-5pm) or in the historic library (11am-5pm). Also enjoy mince pies in the cafe, snap a photo with the big guy, and share your Christmas wish list. Elves will help little ones create a Christmas craft and every visitor takes home a small gift. Send an email to raphaela.ashford@fulhampalace.org if your child would like to send a letter or list ahead of their visit. 9am-5pm & 11am-5pm; £25 (Dec 14 & 15)
Noir Kringle: The Black Santa’s Grotto Experience, 347 Old Street, Shoreditch, EC1V 9LP (Old St tube)
This is exciting. Every Christmas, the Noir Kringle experience has been sold out by the time I do my guide, but this year they’re back bigger and ever and you can still nab tickets (at the time of writing this blog. Meet Mrs Kringle and friendly helpers, make reindeer food, try a mini Elf School workshop, and then enjoy a group meet and greet with the Black Santa himself. This fabulous sounding event is designed to foster positive Black representation and welcomes believes of all ages. SEN sessions available too. Various slots from 9am-6.45pm; baby (age 0-12 months) + adult £30/child (age 1-15) + adult £35/additional adult (age 16+) £15 (Dec 18-19, other dates already sold out)
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S EVE FAMILY PARTIES
Silent Disco Walking Tour: Christmas Party Edition, meet at The Marquis Of Granby Pub, Fitzrovia 2 Rathbone St, Greater, W1T 1NR (Oxford Circus tube)
Take a disco-friendly tour of London’s Christmas lights at this wildly popular event. Put on your headsets and party through the streets to a curated playlist of pop music, Christmas hits, and laugh out loud commentary. Ages 6+. Tour approx 1hr 45 mins (2.5km). 4.30pm & 6.30pm (daily except Dec 2-4 & 7); adult £25/child 6-17 £19/concs £15-£22 (Nov 29-Dec 30)
Big Fish Little Fish Festive Family Raves, multiple London locations
Get your good shoes on and bag your tickets early for these sell-out family raves, taking you all the way through Christmas to the New Year. Upcoming Christmas parties include Jingle Bell Ball family raves in Wood Green (Dec 8) and Vauxhall (Dec 15); a Hackney Xmas family rave with DJs Baker and Beale (Dec 14); Early New Year’s Eve family raves in Brixton (Dec 29) and Crystal Palace (Dec 30. And finally, a New Year’s Eve family rave in New Cross (Dec 31). BFLF raves are world famous for club music 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 (Dec 8-31)
Christmas Family Parties at Big Penny Social at 1 Priestley Way, E17 6AL (Blackhorse Rd overground)
Head to Walthamstow for some bootee-shaking fun this Christmas with a variety of family friendly parties on the roster. Enjoy Cockney tunes and festive medleys for ages 0-11 at a Baby Knees Up Christmas with Tom Carradine (Dec 12, £14, 11am-11.45am); or wave your hands (and your babies) in the air at another Hotsy Totsy Family Rave (Dec 15, £7, 10am-12.30pm); or why not see the year out on the dance floor with the legendary Ray and Cici at the Family Disco: NYE Special (Dec 31, £7, 12.30pm-4pm). Various times and prices (Dec 12-31)
How Does It Feel to be Loved Children’s Disco at The Phoenix, 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP (Oxford Circus tube)
Do you love classic pop, soul and indie music and dancing with your children? Then hotfoot it along to the last party of the year for this beloved family disco. Groove the year away to the sounds of a live DJ with a friendly crowd. All ages welcome, from babies upwards (no admission without at least 1 child in your party). 12pm-4pm; adult £6 (15 plus), child £2 (14 and under) (Dec 29)
Kids’ Countdown with Just Vibez at The Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo
Embankment tube/rail)
Celebrate New Year’s Eve early in the Clore Ballroom with artist and musician collective Just Vibez. Known for their Carnival parties, this event is for the whole family, with music, games and a festive atmosphere. You’ll party and countdown to 12 midday, giving you plenty of time to get home and tuck the kids in bed if you plan to stay up (or head out) later. All ages. 10.30am-12pm; FREE but come early to as limited capacity (Dec 31)
MORE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN
- Christmas at the Postal Museum, WC2 (Nov 5-Jan 5)
- Winter by the River at London Bridge City (Nov 12-Jan 5)
- Hogwarts in the Snow at WB Studio Tour, Hertfordshire (Nov 16-Jan 19)
- Museum of the Home Winter Festival, Hoxton (Nov 19-Jan 12)
- Winter Wonderland at Phantom Peak, SE16 (Nov 21-Jan 19)
- Christmas at the Museum: Meet Santa and His Elf, at London Transport Museum (Nov 23-Dec 23)
- The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo (Nov 23-Jan 5)
- Santa’s Grotto at Battersea Arts Centre (Nov 29-Dec 24)
- Vauxhall City Farm’s Winter Light trail (Nov 30-Dec 22)
- Thames Rockets Jingle Bell Blast + Meet Santa, via London Eye Pier, SE1 (Dec 1-22)
- Father Christmas at Kenwood House, Hampstead (Dec 1-23)
- Victoria’s Childhood Christmas at Kensington Palace, W8 (Dec 4-Jan 5)
- Home Alone in Concert at Royal Albert Hall (Dec 7)
- Festive Family Carols at St Martin-in-the-Fields (Dec 7-23)
- My Christmas Orchestral Adventure at Royal Albert Hall (Dec 8)
- The Muppet Christmas Carol screening at BFI Southbank (Dec 8 & 22)
- Versailles: Science and Splendour at Science Museum (Dec 12-Apr 21)
- Christmas Eve at the Charles Dickens Museum, WC1 (Dec 24)
My bumper guide to Family Friendly Theatre to Watch 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!**
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