Christmas in London with kids 2026: best things to do and activities

New for 2026, the Winter Palace is a whimsical family adventure at the historic Hampton Court Palace.

Be transported to an everlasting Christmas, where magical creatures await at the Christmas Beast Ball. Kids can enjoy immersive storytelling and live performances as the palace's historic rooms are transformed into a wondrous winter realm.

Best for: Families with children aged 4+, imaginative storytelling and magical festive adventures.
Good to know: Tickets include entry to the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink. Pick up an adventure guide on arrival to help you navigate the experience. 

Experience the magic of Christmas at Chelsea Winter Village, a festive wonderland complete with a dazzling light trail, enchanting installations, creative workshops, pop-up choirs and plenty of seasonal treats.

We especially love the fire pits, where you can toast marshmallows over the open flames - there's something wonderfully nostalgic about enjoying warm, gooey treats together after exploring the illuminations. 

Best for: Families looking for a relaxed festive evening, Christmas lights and seasonal entertainment.
Good to know: Some workshops and activities may require advance booking. Wrap up warm and take waterproofs on wetter evenings as the space is mostly outdoors with limited sheltered spaces.

The beautiful walled gardens at Fulham Palace are transformed into Santa's Winter Garden, a magical festive experience where families can enjoy a snowy adventure through the gardens.

Snowfall, sparkling lights and festive surprises await around every corner. Wander along the Candy Cane Walk, tackle the Snow Maze and pull little ones along vintage sleds on the Toboggan Trail.

Best for: Toddlers, younger children and families looking for a gentle festive experience.
Good to know: Dress warmly and wear suitable footwear, as much of the experience takes place outdoors. This experience is aimed at families and all adults must attend with children.

This festive season, enjoy a joyful encounter with Santa as part of a magical mixed-reality experience at Wundrful World of Christmas. Combining animated characters, live actors, immersive theatre and hands-on activities, get ready for an unforgettable journey to the North Pole.

From the elves’ workshop to festive cooking with Mrs Claus, it’s the perfect immersive Christmas experience for kids in London.

Once you've reached Santa's grotto, snap a photo with the man himself, then step through a magical light-filled passage and finish your North Pole adventure with gentle fairground rides and plenty of delicious festive treats!

Best for: Young Santa-believing children aged between three and eight years old.
Good to know: The experience lasts approximately 50 minutes and meeting Santa takes place at the end. However, it's recommended to allow at least 90 minutes to enjoy all the festive activities on offer.

Combine delicious Christmas treats with London sightseeing on the Snowman Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. Surrounded by charming festive decor, you'll tuck into a traditional afternoon tea with a seasonal twist.

As you dine, the classic double-decker bus passes some of London's most famous landmarks. Children will love the themed cakes and sweet treats, festive music and spotting iconic sights dressed up for Christmas.

Best for: Families with school-age children, Christmas sightseeing and special celebrations.
Good to know: Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. Dietary requirements and allergies can usually be accommodated but should be requested when booking. 

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London becomes even more magical during Hogwarts in the Snow, as memorable festive scenes from the Harry Potter films transform the studio.

For 2026, families can discover a brand-new Great Hall chess scene inspired by Harry and Ron's wizard chess match, see how Hagrid was brought to life using animatronics, watch demonstrations showing how the enormous Christmas puddings were created and even learn the elegant Yule Ball waltz.

Best for: Harry Potter fans of all ages, older children and unforgettable festive family days out.
Good to know: This is one of the most popular Christmas attractions near London, so tickets often sell out months in advance. Booking as early as possible is highly recommended. Choose from affordable travel packages or pick a private hire trip to the studios.

The beloved rags-to-riches tale of Cinderella comes to London this Christmas in a spectacular pantomime that's sure to delight the whole family.

Packed with dazzling costumes, colourful sets, plenty of audience participation and laugh-out-loud comedy, Cinderella is a festive favourite for good reason. Whether it's your little one's first panto or a yearly family tradition, it's a brilliant way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Best for: Families, younger children and anyone looking for a classic Christmas pantomime.
Good to know: Expect plenty of audience participation, including cheering, booing and singing along. Popular performances during the school holidays often sell out well in advance. 

Experience the magical stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs' beloved Christmas tale, The Snowman, at the Peacock Theatre this festive season.

Perfect for the whole family, this spellbinding production follows a young boy whose snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, whisking him away on an enchanting adventure filled with festive cheer, unforgettable characters and heartwarming moments.

Best for: Young families and fans of Raymond Briggs' beloved book.
Good to know: Performance times vary throughout the season, so be sure to check before booking. Suitable for all ages, but children aged two and over must have their own ticket.

Step into Wonderland like never before with Cirque Alice, a spectacular family-friendly production that reimagines Lewis Carroll's classic story through extraordinary circus performances.

Expect gravity-defying aerial acts, breathtaking acrobatics and stunning visuals, all accompanied by a contemporary soundtrack inspired by classical music. It's a magical blend of storytelling and world-class circus that's guaranteed to captivate audiences of all ages.

Best for: Older children, tweens, teenagers and families looking for something different from a traditional panto.
Good to know: Recommended for ages five and above. Haze is used during the performance, and under-12s must be accompanied by an adult. Book ringside seats for the best views of the performers.

Another much-loved Christmas story gets an exciting twist in Scrooge! A Circus Extravaganza. From the producers behind Elf the Musical, this festive production combines musical theatre, pantomime comedy and breathtaking circus performances into one unforgettable show.

Watch Charles Dickens' classic tale come to life through thrilling aerial stunts, tightrope walking, fire performers and plenty of festive laughs, making it an entertaining choice for the whole family.

Best for: Families with older children, festive theatre fans and anyone looking for a high-energy Christmas show.
Good to know: Each night the Lucky Seat Draw gives audience members the chance to win £1,000 in cash during the performance - book those seats!

Stick Man has become one of London's most-loved Christmas shows for younger audiences, delighting families over the festive season year after year.

Follow Stick Man on his heartwarming journey back to the family tree as he encounters a host of colourful characters along the way. Filled with music, puppetry and plenty of laughs, it's a charming introduction to theatre for little ones.

Best for: Families with toddlers and fans of the animated short.
Good to know: With a running time of around an hour and no interval, it's an ideal first theatre trip for younger children with shorter attention spans. It's recommended for kids ages three and above, but all are welcome.

It's time to perfect your very best 'it's behind you!' as you head to a classic panto experience with Jack and the Beanstalk at Hackney Empire. 

Kids will love following happy-go-lucky Jack on his adventures. After selling the family's beloved cow in exchange for a handful of beans, a towering beanstalk brings GIANT problems. Can Jack outsmart the fearsome beast at the top of the beanstalk amd save the day?

Directed by and starring Olivier Award-wining "panto royalty" Clive Rowe (Guys and Dolls, Hadestown), alongside an exciting cast of colourful characters, this is a fun-filled family evening the kids won't forget in a hurry.

Best for: Classic panto fun for kids of all ages.
Good to know: Children under three may sit on an adults lap, while all chidren aged four and above must have their own ticket. Accessible performances are available on select dates in December.

Have an evening of festive fun and laugh-out-loud moments with the kids at Father Christmas Needs a Wee! 

As Santa makes his rounds on Christmas Eve, tucking into all the all the tasty treats left out for him, its not long before he's in need of a wee! Featuring merry jokes and plenty of Christmas jingles, follow along as Father Christmas finds himself caught short at Number 10 and watch the festive chaos unfold.

Best for: Younger kids and families who love a bit of toilet humour.
Good to know: All children 18 months and older require a ticket for admission. Babes in arms (under 18 months) can attend without a ticket.

Hop aboard a Christmas Lights Bus Tour to see the city's sparkling festive displays in all their glory.

As you travel through central London, you'll get a front-row seat to some of the capital's most spectacular Christmas lights. Admire Regent Street's famous angel displays, discover the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus and the incredible giant Christmas tree sparkling in the iconic Trafalgar Square. It's a relaxing way to experience London's festive atmosphere without battling the crowds.

Best for: Families wanting to see London's Christmas lights with minimal walking.
Good to know: Evening departures offer the best views once the lights are fully illuminated. Wrap up warm if you're travelling on an open-top bus.

London knows how to put on a fantastic Christmas market, with festive stalls appearing across the capital throughout the winter season.

Across our team, we love that every market has its own character. Browse handmade gifts at the riverside stalls along the South Bank, soak up the festive atmosphere at Leicester Square or enjoy seasonal food, mulled drinks and family entertainment at larger events such as Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. They're a brilliant way to combine Christmas shopping with a festive family day out.

Best for: Festive shopping, seasonal food and relaxed family outings.
Good to know: Weekday visits are generally quieter than weekends, and many markets are free to enter, although individual attractions and rides may require tickets. 

Glide across some of London's most picturesque ice rinks for a festive family activity that's become a much-loved Christmas tradition. From grand courtyards to the riverside rinks, many of London's seasonal ice rinks offer far more than skating.

Expect festive food and drink, Christmas music and family entertainment, with Battersea Power Station also hosting fairground rides and seasonal attractions. Somerset House remains one of our favourites thanks to its stunning historic setting and creative brand collaborations that add something different each year.

Best for: Families, festive traditions and Christmas days out.
Good to know: Peak sessions during weekends and school holidays sell out quickly, so booking in advance is highly recommended. Ice skates are provided but feel free to take your own along on the day. 

A staple of London's festive calendar, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland transforms a huge corner of the Royal Park into one of the UK's biggest Christmas events.

There's something for children of all ages, from exciting fairground rides and family-friendly attractions to spectacular circus performances and festive entertainment. We also recommend visiting the Magical Ice Kingdom, where intricate ice sculptures make for memorable family photos, before taking a spin on the Giant Observation Wheel for sparkling views across London's festive skyline.

Best for: Families looking for a full day of festive entertainment.
Good to know: Entry is free during selected off-peak times, but rides, attractions and some performances require separate tickets. Booking ahead is recommended for peak dates. 

Journey through the world-famous botanical gardens during Christmas at Kew, where an illuminated trail transforms the landscape with spectacular light installations, colourful projections and festive displays.

Follow glowing pathways through the gardens, discover dazzling light tunnels and watch the iconic Palm House come alive with synchronised Christmas music and colourful projections. Along the route you'll also find festive food stalls, warming drinks and plenty of magical moments for the whole family.

Best for: Families, festive evenings and unforgettable Christmas light displays.
Good to know: Tickets for Christmas at Kew do not include entry to Kew Gardens during the daytime. The trail is around 3km and can take over two hours to walk around so be sure to wear comfy shoes and appropriate clothing. Prams and pushchairs are allowed on the Christmas at Kew trail. 

All aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride! Returning for 2026, this magical experience brings the much-loved Christmas story to life as families become part of the adventure.

The fully immersive theatrical production features live performances, singing, dancing and plenty of audience participation. Little ones are encouraged to wear their pyjamas before climbing aboard, where they'll meet the cheerful conductor, talented chefs and many of their favourite characters from the story while enjoying festive treats along the journey.

Best for: Younger children, families and fans of the classic Christmas story.
Good to know: Carriages have seating arranged in groups of four around a table or in pairs. Baby on Lap tickets can be added to orders. As the event takes place in winter and is partly outdoors, take a warm coat and a brolly, and to wear sensible, sturdy shoes. Pushchairs and buggies are not allowed on board.

Help Paddington Bear save the Marmalade Day Festival at this immersive experience on London's South Bank. From the jungles of Peru to Windsor Gardens and the Browns' famous home, little ones will meet many of their favourite characters as they journey through the interactive experience.

During the festive season, the attraction gets a Christmas makeover, bringing even more festive fun to Paddington's world. We love that it's within easy walking distance of some of London's biggest Christmas attractions, making it simple to combine with a family day out.

Best for: Toddlers, preschoolers and young Paddington fans.
Good to know: Suitable for younger children, with buggy parking available on site. It's also just a short walk from the South Bank Christmas Market and the London Eye. 

Spark your little one's imagination at Discover Children's Story Centre, where books come to life through immersive storytelling spaces, interactive exhibitions and creative play.

This winter, Discover presents Tiger, It’s Snowing!, a magical interactive storytelling experience for children aged seven and under, inspired by Daishu Ma’s picture book, where Tiger and Mei embark on a snowy adventure filled with first-time winter fun before racing home for tea.

Running from 14 November 2026 to 24 January 2027, tickets cost £5 for adults and £11 for children (plus a Discover entry ticket), which also includes access to Discover’s immersive Story Worlds, Story Garden, and brand-new Baby and Toddler Sensory Story Space.

Best for: Toddlers and imaginative play.
Good to know: Most activities are designed for children under eight. Booking ahead is recommended during the Christmas holidays, particularly for special festive events. 

Toddlers will love seeing their favourite family of pigs come to life on stage at Peppa Pig's Big Family Show.

Join Peppa, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig as they prepare to welcome a brand-new baby to the family. Featuring colourful sets, catchy original songs, life-sized puppets and plenty of audience interaction, it's a brilliant introduction to live theatre for younger children.

Best for: Toddlers, preschoolers and first-time theatre-goers.
Good to know: The running time is designed with younger audiences in mind, and booster seats are usually available at the theatre. All performances are earlier in the day, meaning no disruption to bedtimes. 

Meet Father Christmas in a magical festive wonderland inside the historic Queen's House in Greenwich.

Step inside the former royal residence and be transported into a world inspired by The Nutcracker. Journey through the colourful Land of Sweets and the enchanting Land of Ice and Snow, meeting Clara, the Nutcracker and the Tin Soldiers as the story unfolds around you.

The adventure ends in Santa's cosy grotto, where little ones can meet Father Christmas himself before taking home a special festive gift.

Best for: Younger children who love immersive storytelling and magical Christmas experiences.
Good to know: Tickets are timed and often sell out quickly. Arrive a little early to enjoy the festive decorations around the Royal Museums Greenwich site before your visit. 

Hop aboard Santa's Magical Express, where Father Christmas and his mischievous elf will take you on a festive journey through London. 

Spot the capital's famous landmarks and admire its iconic Christmas lights and decorations as you enjoy live entertainment and heartwarming storytelling. There are also fun games, quizzes and favourite festive holiday songs to sing along to. Plus, each child will receive a gift from Santa to take home.

Best for: Christmas-themed sightseeing for young families
Good to know: The tour route may change due to traffic, road closures, public events, and the journey duration is dependent on traffic conditions. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Gift contents may vary throughout the season. 

Make Santa’s visit a little more personal at Grotto in the Garden, a new Christmas experience in Covent Garden where every child gets a special encounter with Father Christmas. Little ones can chat to Santa, ask questions and share their Christmas wishes before receiving a wrapped gift and a festive trail to continue the Christmas adventure around Covent Garden.

The experience goes beyond the grotto, with the trail taking families past Covent Garden’s famous Christmas tree, festive lights and seasonal shopfronts. You can also add a £5 Golden Polaroid taken by one of Santa’s elves, while Santa Paws sessions mean even the family dog can get involved.

Best for: Families looking for a more personal Santa experience.
Good to know: Adults go free with a child’s ticket, and the experience is fully accessible. You can also book Meet Ms. Claus: Santa’s Daughter for an additional interactive storytelling experience.

London Zoo is one of our favourite places to visit during the festive season, with plenty of Christmas activities taking place alongside the chance to see hundreds of amazing animals.

During The Magic of Christmas, mischievous elves take over the zoo with festive storytelling, seasonal animal talks and family-friendly entertainment. The highlight for many little visitors is meeting Father Christmas in his cosy grotto, beautifully decorated with twinkling lights, before receiving a festive gift.

Best for: Families who want to combine a visit to the zoo with festive entertainment.
Good to know: Santa experiences usually require a separate ticket in addition to zoo admission.  

This Christmas, head to the Natural History Museum for Storytelling with Santa, a magical festive experience set inside one of London's most iconic museums.

Gather around as Father Christmas shares a heartwarming festive story filled with seasonal surprises, before posing for a souvenir photograph. Every child also receives a festive tree decoration to take home as a keepsake from their visit.

Best for: Toddlers, younger children and families looking for a quieter Santa experience.
Good to know: Tickets are priced per child and include entry for up to two accompanying adults. You can easily combine your visit with the museum's galleries or nearby Christmas attractions in South Kensington. 

Head to the magnificent Blenheim Palace this Christmas, where the historic estate is transformed into a magical festive destination.

For 2026, the palace brings the story of Cinderella to life through spectacular festive decorations inside the State Rooms, while outside an illuminated light trail winds through the gardens. Families can also enjoy ice skating, festive shopping and plenty of seasonal food and drink throughout the estate.

Best for: Families looking for a full festive day out beyond London.
Good to know: The illuminated trail and Palace experience usually require timed tickets. Wrap up warmly, as much of the visit takes place outdoors. 

See mesmerising light displays and tuck into delicious festive food at RHS Glow at Wisley. Located in Surrey, this festive event sees the Royal Horticultural Society's Wisley garden transformed into a magical trail of colour, light and music.

Fun for the whole family, don't miss the Glasshouse, an indoor oasis filled with rare tropical plants and exotic blooms, all dramatically lit to reveal their intricate beauty after dark.

Best for: Families looking to explore magical light trails with young children or teens.
Good to know: It takes roughly one hour to walk the trail. If you'd like to enjoy the artisan market stalls, foodie treats and picture opportunities, allow two hours for the full experience.

Step into an enchanting world of twinkling lights, snowy woodlands and magical guests at Chessington World of Adventures' Christmas Village. Jingle away to a festive Silent Disco, then follow an elf along a snowy trail to Santa's Grotto where you can meet Father Christmas himself!

Plus, soak up the festive spirit across the resort with seasonal shows and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, including a Christmas panto and Christmas carols under a giant Christmas tree.

Best for: Active families looking for a full day of fun rides, animal spotting, seasonal entertainment and plenty of Christmas cheer.
Good to know: Don't forget to visit the elves' toy workshop, where littles ones might receive an early Christmas gift!

Make Christmas Day truly unforgettable on this full-day coach tour, visiting three of England's most beautiful destinations while enjoying a traditional Christmas lunch.

Explore the historic university city of Oxford before travelling through the honey-coloured villages of the Cotswolds. The day finishes in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace, where you'll enjoy a festive Christmas lunch before returning to London.

Best for: Families visiting London over Christmas who want to experience the English countryside.
Good to know: As many attractions are closed on Christmas Day, this tour focuses on sightseeing, beautiful scenery and a traditional festive meal. Advance booking is essential as places are limited.