The best festive events for families in London this December…
1. Hamleys Santa’s Grotto
15 November – 24 December 2025 | Hamleys Regent Street
Little ones can meet Father Christmas in Hamleys’ magical grotto, complete with elves, games and a special gift to take home. It is peak childhood Christmas and tickets sell out quickly, so this is one to book as early as you can.
2. Skate at Somerset House
12 November 2025 – 11 January 2026 | Somerset House
Somerset House’s neoclassical courtyard turns into one of London’s dreamiest ice rinks, with Skate School, Kids Skate Club, relaxed sessions and festive food on site. It is a brilliant option for confident skaters and slightly older children, with plenty of atmosphere even if you stick to hot chocolate rink-side.
3. Christmas at Kew
Selected dates, 14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 | Kew Gardens
Kew’s famous light trail is back, with towering illuminations, tunnel of lights, fairground touches and festive food cabins along the route. Timed evening slots, buggy-friendly paths and a chance to spot Father Christmas make it a magical night out for the whole family.
4. The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo
22 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 | ZSL London Zoo
London Zoo transforms into a festive animal kingdom, with hidden elves to find, seasonal talks and surprise visits from Santa himself. Little ones can explore the zoo, enjoy crafty moments with Mrs Claus and soak up plenty of Christmas sparkle in between animal encounters.
5. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Zippos Christmas Circus
14 November 2025 – 1 January 2026 | Hyde Park
From rides and an ice rink to Santa Land and street-food galore, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is the big one for families who love maximum festive energy. Look out for Zippos Christmas Circus for a shorter, sit-down show full of acrobatics, laughs and big top magic that works brilliantly with younger children.
6. Glide at Battersea Power Station
7 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 | Battersea Power Station
Set against one of London’s most iconic backdrops, Glide offers three interconnecting ice rinks, twinkling lights and a 30-foot Christmas tree right beside the Thames. It feels like a mini festive village, with places to eat, shop and warm up once little legs are done with skating.
glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk
7. Southbank Centre Winter Festival
November 2025 – early January 2026 | Southbank Centre
The Southbank becomes a riverside winter playground, with a cosy market, light installations and plenty of family-friendly performances and activities. It is ideal if you want a flexible day out where you can dip in and out of shows, grab street food and stroll along the Thames with a buggy.
8. Noir Kringle: The Black Santa’s Grotto Experience
Selected dates Christmas 2025 | Old Shoreditch Railway Ticket Hall, Shoreditch
This beautifully designed grotto experience celebrates Black British culture, with Mrs Kringle’s kitchen, reindeer-food making, Elf School and a group meet-and-greet with Mr Kringle himself. It is immersive, warm and very inclusive, perfect for families who want their children to see themselves reflected in the magic of Christmas.
9. Festive Family Fun Days at WWT London Wetland Centre
Selected weekends, 6 – 21 December 2025 | WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes
For a calmer, nature-based Christmas outing, head to the wetlands for marshmallow toasting, gingerbread decorating, storytelling, face painting and crafty festive keepsakes. It is outdoorsy, cosy and brilliant for kids who need space to roam as well as something hands-on to do.
10. Winter Funland at Olympia London
12 December 2025 – 4 January 2026 | Olympia London
Europe’s largest indoor Christmas attraction is coming to Olympia, bringing more than 20 unlimited fairground rides, an ice rink and an elf-themed circus show under one roof. It is an all-in, weather-proof option that works particularly well if you have children of different ages to entertain in one go.
11. Baby Broadway Christmas Family Concerts
Throughout December 2025 | Various London locations
These joyful, baby-friendly concerts let the whole family sing and clap along to festive showtunes and songs from Christmas films, all performed by West End singers. They are designed for little ones from newborn upwards, with relaxed vibes, short runtimes and daytime slots that work around naps.
12. The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre
22 November 2025 – 3 January 2026 | Peacock Theatre, Holborn
A proper London Christmas tradition, this stage version of Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman combines live music, dance and beautiful visuals in a story that is gentle enough for very young children. It is a lovely “first theatre trip” and ideal if you prefer a seated, indoor festive treat.
13. Elf The Musical
Autumn 2025 – 3 January 2026 | Aldwych Theatre
Based on the beloved film, Elf brings Buddy the Elf to life on stage in a big, sparkly, laugh-out-loud musical that is packed with songs and silliness. It is a great choice for slightly older children and a fun way to introduce them to the West End at Christmas.
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