Ho ho ho. The Babes About Town Christmas 2025 London Family Fun Guide is simply STACKED with amazing activities for all ages. From Santa’s grottos to Christmas wonderlands, festive family theatre, ice skating, edible experiences, light trails, museum merriment and New Year’s Eve discos, it’s all happening. Stay jingling, babes.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and look out for my epic London Christmas Theatre guide coming soon.
BABES CHOICE
Astronights Family Sleepover at Science Museum, Exhibition Road, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
Wait, hold up. These family sleepover events are almost never available but at the time of writing this post, you can still book for a night at the museum. To celebrate the brand new Space gallery, these sleepovers now have a spacey twist including a UV torch workshop, a stellar interactive show, and a space navigation trail. Explore the museum after dark, tuck in and wake up to a delicious breakfast. Ages 7-11 and grownup (max 6 kids per adult aged 18+). 6.45pm; £80 standard/£120 VIP (Dec 6 + Jan 16, Mar 6 & 13 and more dates tbc)
The Big Bash at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Come and party at Polka for their annual family fundraiser. It’s set to be a festive afternoon with a chance to see one of their shows, The Firework-Maker’s Daughter or The Snowflake (currently sold out, sign up for the waiting list). The pre-show party has face painting, crafts, stories with Rosie Tells Tales, glitter tattoos, a buffet with free drinks, a goody bag for every child and more surprises. All ages welcome. 2pm; from £45pp – pay it forward options available (Dec 7)
Noir Kringle: The Black Santa’s Grotto Experience, 347 Old Street, Shoreditch, EC1V 9LP (Old St tube)
Hurry hurry! London’s only Black Father Christmas experience sells out annually and they’re already on their 3rd and final release of tickets. Bring the kids to meet a Santa that reflects and represents them (or their friends). They can make reindeer food with Mrs Kringle, join a mini Elf School workshop, and leave with a photo and gift. SEN sessions available. 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 17-22)
Ally Pally Christmas at Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY (Wood Green tube/Alexandra Palace rail)
Make more family memories at Ally Pally with Mark Gatiss’ spine-tingling version of A Christmas Carol, featuring Neil Morrissey and Matthew Cottle. You can also enjoy the panto Sleeping Beauty on Ice, go ice skating yourself, visit Waterstones’ pop-up bookshop, and take the kids to Santa’s Grotto. All ages welcome (some restrictions for events, check with booking). Various times and prices (until Jan 4)
Winter at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Head to the riverside for all the festive feels as the Winter programme takes over Southbank Centre. Shop the Winter Market and the Southbank food market, see Winter Light installations, and catch some cracking events. Highlights this year: Bluey’s Big Play, Operation Ouch, Tomorrow’s Warriors showcase, Top Hat musical, Gilbert & George, and the New Year’s Day Ceilidh. Various times, dates and prices, many activities are FREE (until Jan 18)
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)
There’s so much happening at King’s Cross this Christmas. Have a go at Club Curling; listen to carols by candlelight at London Canal Museum; go on a mince pie boat trip along Regent’s Canal; catch Christmas movies at Everyman Cinema; see the 60ft Christmas tree; watch giant dinosaurs on screens or Tom Hanks narrating The Moonwalkers at Lightroom; pick up gifts at the floating bookshop or at a Christmas market e.g. Christmas under the Canopy, the Illustrator’s Fair, Crafty Fox; try out restaurants, live music and more. Since you’re in the neighbourhood, stop by St Pancras station to view their Music Box Christmas Tree. Various times, dates and prices (until Mar 1)
CHRISTMAS ATTRACTIONS
The Gingerbread City, (across from Cos on Upper Viaduct Level) at Coal Drop’s Yard, N1C 4DQ (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Explore a city made of gingerbread, frosting and treats. The popular Christmas event returns, this time The Gingerbread City is in King’s Cross. Edible constructs by 50+ designers and architects help raise money for the Museum of Architecture Charity Fund. There are also family friendly workshops every day including exclusive baking with GBBO star Pui Man. All ages. 10am-6pm weekdays, 9am-6.15pm (Fri-Sun and Christmas week/closed Dec 25); adult £13.50/child 3-12 £8.50/concs £11.50/under 3s FREE (Nov 26-Jan 4)
Winter Funland at Olympia, Hammersmith Rd, W14 8UX (Kensington Olympia rail/overground, Baron’s Court tube)
See Olympia’s grand halls transformed into a festive extravaganza with music, funfair rides, food stalls, circus show, and a sparkling ice rink. Experience the magic of the season under one roof at this all-inclusive family activity. 11am-6.30pm (2 sessions per day); adult £37 + booking fees/child under 16 £37 + booking fees/family of 4 £145 + booking fees/under 3s FREE but require a ticket (Dec 13-Jan 4)
Wundrful World of Christmas at Wundr, Units 219–221, Borough Yards, Clink Street, SE1 (London Bridge tube/rail)
Journey with elves through an immersive Christmas wonderland, led by animated and real-life characters. Wander the enchanted forest, pop in Santa’s workshop, taste some goodies, and cuddle up for a Christmas story and a photo with Father Christmas! This mixed reality walk through experience is open to all ages but ideal for ages 3-8. Off peak 9.40am-2pm (Mon-Fri); peak 9.40am-6pm (Sat) & 9.40am-4pm (Sun); adult off peak £22.50, peak £27.50/child off peak £17.50, peak £22.50/family (max 2 adults) off peak £17.50 each, peak £22.50 each/under 2s FREE – might require proof of age (until Dec 24)
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, W2 (Hyde Park Corner tube)
Wrap up warm to visit the annual wonderland with 200 stalls, fairground attractions, Magical Ice Kingdom, Giant Wheel, Father Christmas grotto + 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 1)
The Twelfth Night of Christmas & Father Christmas’s Grotto at Chiswick House, Burlington Lane, Chiswick, W4 2RP (Chiswick rail/Turnham Green tube)
For the first time in its history, Chiswick House throws open its doors at Christmas, in a collaboration with live entertainment company Underbelly. Audiences can visit a sequence of opulent themed rooms, winding up in a Christmas banquet installation. Younger ones will find Father Christmas (Nov 29-Dec 24 only) waiting with a story and a gift in his 18th century grotto. 12th Night of Christmas 11am-7pm; from £14. Father Christmas Grotto 11am-6.30pm; from £5 (until Jan 4)
Christmas at The Paddington Bear Experience at Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB (Waterloo/Charing Cross tube/rail, Westminster tube)
This popular family attraction gets all dressed up for Christmas with decorations, a 5.5m Christmas tree, and a festive menu including ham hock and pea pie, chicken and leek pie, veggie options, and Paddington’s favourite Peruvian hot chocolate! Best for ages 4+ and families. Entry times 9.45am-4.30pm (daily); adult from £39/child from £29 /under 2s FREE (until Jan 5)
FATHER CHRISTMAS AND FRIENDS
The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY (Camden Town/Regent’s Park tube)
Christmas fun at the zoo includes arts and crafts, elf storytelling, treats, and a pop up Santa feeding the animals. You can also book for time with Santa in his grotto (from £15.50). Kids can pop a letter in the Polar Post Room and fingers crossed Father Christmas gets it in time. All ages welcome. Zoo entry 10am-4pm; adult £30.50-£38/child £21.35-£25.90/under 3s FREE (cheaper tickets available on specific dates) (Nov 22-Jan 4)
Santa’s Enchanted Grotto, John Lewis, 300 Oxford St, W1C 1DX (Bond St tube/Oxford Circus tube)
Head to John Lewis to meet Santa in a special collaboration with The LEGO Group. Take to the skies, pop into Santa’s post office, and leave with a LEGO set. Various time slots from 10.15am, last slot 7pm (Mon-Sun, check available times at booking): adult £5/child £25 (includes gift), professional photos available to buy separately (Nov 27-Dec 24)
Christmas Candy Grotto at Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No. 1 Street, SE18 6HD (Woolwich tube, Woolwich Arsenal rail/DLR)
Experience the city’s most colourful and playful grotto, full of candy canes, sweet treats and up to 2.5 minutes of one to one time with Father Christmas. All ages are welcome and dogs are invited too! 10am-6pm (Sat-Sun) & 4pm-7.30pm (Fri Dec 12 & 19); £13.50 (Nov 29-Dec 22)
Father Christmas in Greenwich, Admiral’s House, Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NN (Cutty Sark DLR, Greenwich rail)
Gather around by the fireplace for a story with Santa at Old Royal Naval College where he’ll be joined by his granddaughter. For an extra fun experience, you can watch The Elves and the Magic Bear (Dec 6-23) performance where Santa’s helpers are on a mission to save Christmas with help from the audience. Father Christmas visits offer Relaxed Sessions and Baby & Toddler sessions too. Various times from 10.15am; child £3-15/adult FREE (Nov 29-Dec 22)
Santa’s Puppet Workshop at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Angel tube, Highbury & Islington tube/rail)
Enter Santa’s Puppet Workshop to help one of his busy elves with their crafting. Afterwards, you can enjoy a special screening of The Night Before Christmas, then hop on Santa’s sleigh to get a photo and a surprise gift from the big man himself. All ages, kids must be accompanied by an adult. No more than 5 kids per adult. Various entry times from 10am-7pm (Tue-Sun); adult £20/child 1-17 £30 (Nov 29-Dec 24)
Storytelling with Santa at Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)We love the sound of settling down with Santa at the museum to hear a Christmas story. Capture the moment with a photo and every child gets a T.rex tree decoration as a roaring memento. Say hi to the museum’s animatronic T.rex after, dressed in a dino-sized Christmas jumper. 10.15am-4.30pm; £16.50-£18 – each child ticket includes up to 2 adults (Dec 1-21)
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND SCENES
Neverland at Kenwood, Hampstead Lane, Hampstead, NW3 7JR (Archway tube/Hampstead Heath overground)
Follow Tinkerbell on a journey to Neverland in the heart of a reimagined London. From a glowing Big Ben to the skies above Kensington Gardens, this magical trail is a storybook brought to life through lights, storytelling and soundscape. All ages. 4.30pm-9pm; adult off peak £20-peak £32/child under 16 off peak £12-peak £22/infant ages 0-2 £1 (Nov 21-Jan 3)
Winter Light Trail at Vauxhall City Farm, 165 Tyers Street, SE11 5HS (Vauxhall rail/tube)
Come to see a special guest Light Up The Farm (Sat Nov 29; FREE entry) and switch on the Winter Light Trail. There’ll be live music, farm animals up late, and bar open with hot chocolate, mulled wine and hot food. The farm is also hosting a Santa’s Grotto (weekends Nov 30-Dec 21), a Christmas market (Dec 6-7), crafting workshops and more. All ages. The Winter Light trail is open from 3pm on select dates; £5pp/under 10s FREE (Nov 29-Dec 21)
Christmas at Kew, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
The wildly popular illuminations present a botanical spectacle of music and lights with a dazzling finale + food stalls and a visit from Father Christmas! All ages. 4.20pm-10pm (last entry times 7.20pm or 8pm depending on entrance gate); adult from £27.50 off peak/£34 peak; family tickets available (until Jan 4)
Epping-Ongar Light Express, Ongar Station, Station Approach, Ongar, Essex, CM5 9BN (Ongar rail)
All aboard the magical steam train to and from Ongar Station. The engine will be decorated with thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands. Ride with a DJ mix, LED wristbands for passengers, and the Voiceover Man (Britain’s Got Talent, The X Factor) hosting the journey. All ages. 4.45pm, 6.15pm & 7.45pm (Fri-Sat) – also 6.30pm & 8pm on select dates; adult £25/child £20 (until Jan 4)
Hogwarts in the Snow at WB Studio Tour, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
Marvel at Hogwarts castle, the Forbidden Forest and the Great Hall adorned for the season. Go behind the scenes of the movies to see the sets, props and special effects. All ages welcome. Open daily: first bus 9.20am, first tour 9.30am/last tour begins 4pm, last bus/studio closes 8pm; adult from £56/child from £45/family £180/under 4s or carers FREE but require tickets. Pre-booking essential. (until Jan 18)
ICE SKATING, CURLING AND ROLLER RINKS
Glide ice rink at Circus Rd W, Nine Elms SW8 5BN (Battersea Power Station tube, Battersea Park rail/overground)
Skate with views over the Thames and the iconic Battersea Power Station as your backdrop. London’s only riverside rink has 3 interconnecting skate zones and a brand new Skate Trail! Explore The Glass House bar + fairground rides and food around Battersea Power Station. Ages 3+. Skate sessions last 45 minutes from 10am daily (check timings ahead of visit); adult 13+ from £19.80/child 3-12 from £12.65/private igloo from £17.50/family from £13.75 each (until Jan 4)
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, East Molesley KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
Skate across the ice at Henry VIII’s former palace. This ice rink gets super busy so look out for the 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 off peak £19-peak £21/child ages 3-12 from off peak £14-peak £15.50/family from off peak £56-peak £61/under 3s FREE (until Jan 4)
Skate at Somerset House, the Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube)
London’s buzziest ice rink has sessions for newcomers, kids and late night skaters (with live DJs). There’s also a giant Christmas tree, shopping arcade, and the popular Chalet Suisse by Jimmy Garcia. Skaters aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult, skating is open for 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 £14-£28.50/child £10 + booking fee £2.95 — pre-booking advised (until Jan 11)
Ice Rink at Canary Wharf, Canary Wharf Tower, E14 5EW (Canary Wharf tube/DLR & Elizabeth Line)
One of London’s most popular skating rinks is open! Join your family and friends on the ring for ice skating beneath a canopy of fairy lights. Enjoy refreshments at the rink-side bar or nearby shops and restaurants. Ages 4+. Skate sessions from around 10am daily-late (timings vary, skate sessions 45 mins, closed Christmas day); adult, teen or child from £13.95/family from £53.95 (until Feb 23)
Club Curling at Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross N1C 4DQ (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Curlers of all ages and abilities are invited to have a game with up to 6 family or friends. All ages welcome. 12pm-9pm daily (last slot 8pm); £9 per person/under 12s FREE (when accompanied by an adult) (Nov 7-Mar 1)
Roller Nation, 117 Bruce Grove, N17 6UR (Seven Sisters tube)
Ice skating not your jam? Go rolling at this legendary London rollerskating rink, formerly 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 22, 1-5pm), the last family skate of the year! Ages 5+ (under 4s not admitted), under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Various times from 12pm, last admission 9.30pm (Thu), 11.30pm (Fri & Sat), 10.30pm (Sun); tickets from £12.50pp (ongoing)
MERRIMENT AT THE MUSEUM
The Polar Express at Discover, Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street, Stratford E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/rail/overground/DLR)
This storytelling session celebrates 40 years of the Christmas classic that inspired the Tom Hanks movie. Ride the Polar Express to the North Pole and follow one child’s journey to hear Santa’s sleigh-bell ring. This intimate experience is for kids ages 1-6 and their grownups and includes a gift to take home (for each child aged over 1). 11.35am-12pm; adult £5 with entry ticket/child £10 with entry ticket/under 1s £5 with entry ticket (Nov 24-Jan 4)
Next Stop, Christmas at London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB (Covent Garden tube)
Kids are welcome to romp around the iconic museum’s galleries with a festive trail this winter. Meet costumed characters, learn the stories behind London’s transport network, hear musical performances and storytelling, and you can even meet Father Christmas and his elves (Nov 27-Dec 23, 11am-3pm weekdays/11am-6pm weekends & holidays)! All ages welcome. 10am-6pm (last entry 5.15pm) every weekend from Nov 29-Dec 19 then daily until Jan 4; FREE with museum admission – adult unlimited annual pass £25/child FREE but requires a timed entry ticket (Nov 27-Jan 4)
Festive Rhymes with Michael Rosen at Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ (Russell Square tube)
Visit the Foundling Museum for a special family celebration with beloved poet, storyteller and former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen. You’ll hear classics like Christmas Tree Lights, Chocolate Cake and the hilarious Hot Food, brilliant for kids and grown-ups alike! Michael will be signing books after the event. 11am-1pm; adult £17.80/child (under 21) £13.51 (Dec 13)
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 the Victorian home of Charles Dickens where mulled wine fills the air, holly garlands adorn the staircase, and the ghosts of Christmas past create a sense of nostalgia. Guests can enjoy a free drink and mince pie and see adaptations of A Christmas Carol in ‘the Smallest Theatre in the World’. All advance tickets are entered into a festive prize draw too! All ages. 10am-6pm (last entry 5pm); adult £20/concs £15/child £10 (Dec 24)
Wes Anderson at Design Museum, 224–238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube)
Now is your chance to see the highly touted exhibition that recently arrived at Design Museum. Get a glimpse into the mind and world of filmmaker Wes Anderson (Fantastic Mr Fox, Moonrise Kingdom, The Royal Tenenbaums). See original storyboards, polaroids, sketches, paintings, notebooks, puppets, miniatures, costumes, and more. All ages. 10am-5pm (6pm Fri/Sat); adult from £19.69-£26/child from £9.84-£13/under 6s FREE (until May 4, 2026)
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S PARTIES
How Does It Feel to be Loved Children’s Disco at The Phoenix, 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP (Oxford Circus tube)
Dance the year away with your favourites at this beloved family disco for lovers of classic soul, pop and indie music. There’s a live DJ and a friendly crowd to keep you in a mellow mood. All ages welcome, from babies upwards (no admission without at least 1 child in your party). 12pm-4pm; adult £7 (ages 15 plus), child £3 (14 and under) (Nov 30 & Dec 28)
Big Fish Little Fish Festive Family Raves, multiple London locations
You know we love the BFLF and their festive family raves are some of the best ways to celebrate the past 12 months and the year to come with your little ones. Upcoming London parties: Fulham Pier Jingle Bell Ball with DJs Baker & Beale (Dec 6, 2-4pm); Crystal Palace NYE Family Rave with DJ Food (Dec 30, 12-2pm & 3-5pm); New Cross NYE Family Rave with DJ Aphrodite (Dec 31, 1-3pm); and Fulham Pier Big Fish Little Fish Goes Disco NYE Family Rave with DJ Chad Jackson (Dec 31, 1-3pm). Big Fish Little Fish family 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 £13/child £10/pre-walkers FREE (Dec 6-31)
Fly-Kid Christmas and New Year’s Eve Family Raves at Pop Brixton, 49 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PQ (Brixton tube)
Join BBC1xtra’s Emily Rawson (Supa Dupa Fly) and her mates for these popular family parties where you can throw some shapes to throwback and chart-topping soul, pop, hip hop and R&B classics. Their Christmas party brings a giant Elf on the Shelf into the mix (Dec 14, 11am-3pm) and for New Year’s Eve there’s a countdown every hour (Dec 31, 11am-3pm) as well as a giant mascot, dance contests, face painting, dress up, props and games. Food and drink on offer. Tables available for groups of 10+ (book ahead: email flykid@supadupaflylove.com). Open to families with kids and babies of all ages. 11am-3pm; adult from £11 or £12 (NYE)/child from £6 or £8 (NYE)/family from £29 or £34 (NYE)/babies under 1 FREE (Dec 14 & 31)
Kids’ Countdown with Just Vibez at The Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Just Vibez bring some Caribbean heat to the Clore Ballroom for another New Year’s Eve. Best known for their Carnival parties, this event is for the whole family, with music, games, disco, soca, R&B and Latin grooves. The party lasts until 12 midday so you have ample time to get the kids in bed if you plan to stay up (or go out) later. All ages. 10.30am-12pm; FREE but come early as limited capacity (Dec 31)
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 at the daytime block party’s sell-out New Year’s Eve affair. Party with your crew to old school hip hop and dance floor hits (radio friendly). Plus graffiti train, snow machine, party poppers, licensed bar, countdown to midday, balloon drop and glitter cannons. 11am-1.30pm; adult £15/child £11/family £44 (including booking fees) (Dec 31)
New Year’s Eve Ceilidh, Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 (Camden Town/Chalk Farm tube)
Fling yourself (and your partner) into 2026 at this romping, stomping party. Popular caller Sheena Masson is joined by The Party Band to guide people of all levels of experience through the moves. Enjoy a display from fast paced sword dancers Thrales Rapper! All genders and dress codes welcome. Bar and refreshments on offer. Best for ages 10+ (not suitable for young children). 8.30pm-12.30am; adult £55/under 30s £45 (Dec 31)
CHRISTMAS FAMILY THEATRE
Hackney Empire Panto: Cinderella, 291 Mare St, E8 (Hackney Central overground)
Glass slippers, a fairy godmother, and the party of the season are calling Cinderella, who wants to escape her Wicked Stepmother and Ugly Sisters for one good night. The Hackney Empire Panto is a London Christmas staple and this rags to riches tale is directed by Clive Rowe with Jade Johnson, Siobhan James and Kat B among the cast. Make sure you book before the clock strikes twelve! 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-£46 (Nov 26-Dec 31)
A Merry Misrule at Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN (Clapham Junction rail)
Wild Rumpus are back at Battersea Arts Centre for this brand new immersive, theatrical trail. Families can wander through the venue, meeting mischievous folklore characters, learning about Yuletide traditions across Europe, and helping to restore peace and joy to the season. Stick around BAC to meet Santa in his grotto. Ages 3+ . Various entry times 9.45am-4.45pm (Fri-Sun); adult from £15-£18.50/child £15-£16.50/babes-in-arms and under 18 months FREE (Nov 29-Dec 24)
Christmas Comes to Moominvalley at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
The Moomins are back! Watch Tove Jansson’s beloved characters including Moomintroll, Moominmamma and Moominpappa in a lively performance of music, circus and storytelling. For ages 3-103. Various shows 10.30am, 11am, 1.30pm, 2pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7.30pm (Tue-Sun); £12-£26 (Dec 5-Jan 6)
Fireside Tales with Punchdrunk Enrichment at Wembley Park, Unit 22 Watkin Road, HA9 0NL (Wembley Park tube)
As the nights grow colder and darker, families are invited for a new immersive experience where tales flicker like flames. But in a world where this tradition is fading, a new story needs your help to be heard. This interactive adventure encourages you to draw, write and share your own stories. Ages 7-11 and their grownups. Various times from 11am-4pm; from £15-£27 (Dec 6-Jan 4)
The Night Before Christmas at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
It’s Christmas Eve, and 6 year old Amber’s grandpa is super grumpy. When her favourite snow globe gets broken, Amber’s world turns upside down with a surprise visitor and an unexpected adventure. This festive show is inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem and features puppets and original music. Ages 3-7. 10am & 1pm daily; from £13.75 (Dec 8-31)
The SnowmanatPeacock Theatre,Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
An absolutely enchanting Christmas adventure that’s perfect for younger audiences. The Snowman transforms Raymond Briggs’ beloved picture book into a spectacle of wordless storytelling, dance, snow, costumes and flight! All ages welcome. Various shows 11am, 2.30pm & 7pm (Wed-Sun); from £18pp (until Jan 4)
MORE CHRISTMAS 2025 LONDON FAMILY FUN
- Chelsea Winter Village & Illuminations, SW3 (Nov 26-Dec 28)
- A Festive Evening with Axel Scheffler at Discover Children’s Story Centre (Nov 27)
- Zootropolis 2 (out Nov 28)
- Victorian Santa’s Grotto at London Museum (Nov 28-Dec 23)
- Christmas at the Tower of London (Nov 28-Jan 4)
- Family Film Club: Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse (Nov 29)
- Young V&A Winter Market, Bethnal Green E2 (Nov 29-30)
- Father Christmas at Eltham Palace (Nov 29-Dec 21)
- Santa’s Special Steam Train at Epping-Ongar Railway (Nov 29-Dec 24)
- Ho Ho Home Late Christmas Party at Museum of the Home, E2 (Dec 4)
- Father Christmas at Fulham Palace (Dec 6-7)
- Black Culture Market Xmas Market at Department Store, Brixton (Dec 6-7)
- Skating Santa at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink (Dec 6-7 & Dec 13-14)
- Santa’s Grotto at Battersea Arts Centre (Dec 6-14 & 19-24)
- Thames Rockets Jingle Bell Blast + Meet Santa, via London Eye Pier, SE1 (Dec 6-21)
- Festive Family Carols at St Martin-in-the-Fields (Dec 6-23)
- Meet Santa at Westfield London (Dec 6-24)
- Family Film Club: The Nightmare Before Christmas + Quiz at Barbican Centre (Dec 13)
- Christmas Family Parties at Big Penny Social, Walthamstow (Dec 14, 18, 19 & 31)
- Ever After Garden at Duke of York Square, Chelsea (until Dec 16)
- London Designer Outlet Winter Trail at Wembley Park (until Dec 24)
- Christmas at the Postal Museum, WC2 (until Dec 31)
- Winter by the River at London Bridge City (until Jan 4)
- Connection and Identity at Old Royal Naval College (until Jan 25)
My guide to Fabulous Family Christmas Theatre for 2025 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!**
Spontaneous Trip Ideas for You and the Family 
