Christmas At Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is an amazing place to visit all year round, but if you're looking for an extra special experience where the kids can get involved, then Christmas is the perfect time! After dark, the gardens turn into a magical winter trail with bright twinkling lights and fantastic projections. It's an ideal day or evening out with friends and family, and the gorgeous displays are suitable for all ages, so no one will miss out! Now in its 10th year, you can expect a grand celebration this festive season. With light, music and water displays by the Palm House, selfie opportunities at the Christmas Cathedral and a chance to see Father Christmas along the way, you'll never be bored here. You can even book ahead to enjoy a tasty Christmas dinner on the day!
Christmas Lights Bus Tour
A great way to keep your kids entertained (and warm) this festive season is with a Christmas Lights Bus Tour! The streets of London are particularly busy around this time of year, and it can be quite cold, so beat the chilly temperatures and high street madness with a bus tour. If you don't want to miss a single Christmas decoration in London, then this is the way to do it! The tour takes around 90 minutes in total depending on traffic conditions in the area. As you're on the tour, be on the lookout for Christmas themed shop windows, sparkling fairy lights and iconic landmarks. You'll be driven along some of London's most famous areas including Regent Street, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, London Eye, Tower Bridge and the Tower Of London. It's also the perfect opportunity to snap some photos or just sit back and enjoy the journey!
Visiting Santa
What child doesn't want to meet Santa? He is a busy man and it can be hard to track him down, but luckily for you we know exactly where he'll be in London this festive season! Head to Hamleys toy shop where you can see Santa in his grotto, and you'll be in the ideal location to show him exactly what you want for Christmas. If you're looking for a different kind of experience, then you can visit London Zoo to meet Santa! There's a festive trail around the zoo with all sorts of magic, and even the option to have a special breakfast with Mrs Claus. For a full day out, head over to Winter Wonderland and drop by Santa Land to meet the main man himself! The event is free, but is first come first served, so make sure you get there early to avoid disappointment.
Museums & Galleries in London
Many museums and galleries in London have festive events and exhibitions for children to enjoy, and most of them are free entry too! Father Christmas is returning to the National Gallery for this year's festive season. Children will get to meet Santa in his grotto and have their photos taken with him. They can also earn honorary Elf badges by helping to make magical snowflakes for an ice wall! Each child will also receive a token that they can exchange for a gift at the Elven sorting office. Or enjoy a day out at the London Transport Museum where they will need to complete an exciting trail in order to win prizes, and there will be a surprise or two along the way! Or for a real treat, they can take part in a virtual festive Christmas sleepover with the British Museum.
Pantomimes & Theatre Shows
Pantomimes and theatre shows are perfect entertainment for the whole family, and great fun for kids! Children are encouraged to engage with the actors on stage, and the whole atmosphere puts everyone in a festive mood. From 14th November 2022 to 7th January 2023, you can enjoy an adaptation of the much loved classic Elf film on stage at the Dominion Theatre! Help Buddy find his real family and sing along to the film's best songs, including 'Nobody Cares About Santa'. After all, we know the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear! If your little ones enjoy dancing and ballet, then they won't want to miss the performance of the Nutcracker on the London Coliseum stage. Over 100 ballet dancers and musicians bring this incredible performance to life. Catch this show from 15th December 2022 to 7th January 2023. Or if pantomime is more your thing, you can catch Jack & The Beanstalk at the London Palladium from 10th December 2022 to 15th January 2023. Your children will follow along Jack's story from planting magic beans to joining a world of giants!
Christmas Markets
Christmas markets can be a wonderful experience for children, and there's usually plenty to keep them occupied there! With a wide range of Christmas markets in London, you'll be spoilt for choice. Pay a visit to Selfridges' Christmas market for enchanting stalls, delicious chocolate and a helter skelter for the kids to play on! Or head over to the Christmas markets Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square where there's a whole range of stalls you can browse as a family, tasty treats to keep you satisfied and there's usually some stalls that do lucky dip presents for children. For a full festive day out, take a trip to Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland where your little ones will be kept entertained with a whole host of rides, attractions and games, plus there's a lot for the parents to get involved with here too!
Ice Skating
Whether they're new to the ice or they skate all the time, it's a fantastic festive activity that can be done as a family! Don't worry if they're not a confident skater, and need a penguin buddy to hold onto as all are welcome at these rinks. Make a day out at Hampton Court Palace ice rink! Explore the old home of Henry VIII, and go for a skate in the evening. Watch as the area transforms and lights up with bright colours after darkness. Get your skates on and head over to the biggest outdoor ice skating rink in the UK at Winter Wonderland! Glide around the rink and listen to the live band and admire the twinkling fairy lights above. Plus, whilst you're there, you might as well take a look at the other rides, Christmas markets and tuck into some tasty seasonal food! Finally, one of the most pretty locations to skate is Somerset House. Enjoy a daytime session and admire the huge Christmas tree or enjoy an evening DJ session! You and your little ones will be kept warm with hot chocolates from Hotel Chocolat, sounds perfect to us.