by Just like Santa, London always delivers this time of year. When it comes to offering magical days out for families, the capital has a lot to offer.
From steam train rides with Santa to festive afternoon teas and panto laughs, here’s our guide to the best family events and activities.
Escape to an indoor holiday paradise at Kingdom of Winter
Take the family to Excel London, recently transformed into a huge winter-themed wonderland. Kingdom of Winter promises indoor fun for kids of all ages, including an ice rink, fairground rides and a Victorian carousel. You’ll need to bundle up for the Ice Adventure Trail (pictured) and don’t miss the festive circus created by the famous Circus Cortex. There are two food and drink villages to refuel, a chalet-style bar for adults and an Alpine-inspired Christmas market to stock up on gifts. On-site parking ensures a stress-free experience for those with younger children as well.
From December 8 to January 7, ExCel London, E16 1XL, winterkingdom.com
All aboard the Santa Steam Express
Is there a better way to get into the spirit of the season than a nostalgic ride on a classic steam train through the capital? Fans of Harry Potter or the classic Christmas movie The Polar Express will love riding the Santa Steam Express, where travelers take a ninety-minute ride on a classic 1940s locomotive. Kids can enjoy the views and get to work on themed activity sheets and a Christmas snack box, while the adults can enjoy mince pies and mulled wine. Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the elves will also appear with gifts in hand. This cheerful train departs London Victoria on December 15, 18 and 21 at multiple intervals throughout the day, with three ticket classes to choose from.
December 15, 18 and 21, London Victoria, SW1V 1JU, santa-express.steamdreams.co.uk
Delight in a classic tale with a modern twist at Chickenshed
Head to North London’s iconic Chickenshed Theater to see The Toymaker’s Child, a modern adaptation of Pinocchio. Expect a perfect blend of laughter and drama as a talented cast of over 200 perform this two-hour show. The story follows a toy maker worried about his only son, who often plays alone and rarely brings friends home from school. Using a magical 3D printer, the toymaker creates an AI companion, with the serial number PIN:0Cch10. The plot takes an unexpected turn when the toymaker’s world is thrown into chaos. Suitable for ages five and up.
December 7 to January 13, Gallinero, N14 4PE, Chickenshed.org.uk
Immerse yourself in a festive world at Wishmas
This theatrical experience, complete with festive entertainment, extravagant sets and beloved characters, invites guests to explore the heartwarming story of how wishes come to Santa. Created by the people behind Secret Cinema and located beneath Waterloo Station, the 75-minute performance has a similar setup to Shrek’s Adventure and Lapland UK, where you walk through themed interactive rooms and play your part in the story. The little ones board the Christmas train and meet elves, robins and Santa Claus along the way.
Until January 7, the Old Ornaments Factory, SE1 7AD, Wishmas.com
Savor holiday-themed delights
There’s nothing like family bonding over a festive afternoon tea. Inspired by Frances Hodgston Burnett’s classic children’s story, The Secret Garden, this afternoon tea features beautifully designed cakes and savory creations made by chefs Mayank and Dharma, who recently appeared on Channel 4’s Bake Off: The Professionals. Indulge in Christmas tree brownies and cinnamon buns at the five-star Taj 51 Buckingham Gate (until January 2).
Those with younger children (aged 11 and under) may prefer The Langham London’s Kids’ Afternoon Tea. Located in the stunning Palm Court, kids can tuck into puzzle sandwiches, gingerbread men and Valrhona hot chocolate, while the new festive afternoon tea in partnership with Liberty London, including spectacular delights such as jeweled egg toppers stuffed with turkey and cranberries. , is ideal for seniors (until December 31).
51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF, taj51buckinghamgate.co.ukand Sheraton Grand, W1J 7BX, The Langham, W1B 1JA, marriott.com, palm-court.co.uk
Spend a fun afternoon at Bluey’s Big Play
Little fans of CBeebies’ animated hit Bluey will enjoy its UK premiere. Puppies Bluey and Bingo unleash a flurry of mischief to wake dad from his afternoon nap. Get ready for laughs, wiggles and lots of fun during this 50-minute performance. This adaptation, playing at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, comes from Windmill Theater Co. with new music by Bluey composer Joff Bush and an original story by creator Joe Brumm.
December 20 – January 7, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX, southbankcenter.co.uk
Get creative with Christmas crafts at Shepherds Bush Market
Get the kids into the Christmas spirit by booking one of the free craft sessions at Shepherds Bush Market, held every Saturday throughout December. Choose from Christmas pottery workshops guided by experienced potters, create your own wreath, decorate your own ornaments and design ready-to-fill personalized Santa bags. Don’t miss the glorious West End Gospel Choir who will be spreading festive cheer with their performance of some seasonal songs including pop classics.
Until December 24 W12 8DF, shepherdsbushmarket.org
See Elf in an epic setting
Christmas doesn’t feel the same without watching Will Ferrell’s crazy comedy. However, Elf superfans now have the chance to take their traditional encore to another level, as Buddy’s heartwarming story gets the Films in Concert treatment at the Royal Albert Hall. Watch the modern classic on the big screen as the talented Philharmonic Orchestra, led by conductor Benjamin Pope, performs John Debney’s wonderful score live.
December 9, Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP, www.royalalberthall.com
Laugh at a Christmas panto
You can always rely on a panto to make the Christmas holidays even happier. Journey to Neverland with national treasures Julian Clary and Jennifer Saunders, who headline JM Barrie’s beloved Peter Pan story at the London Palladium (December 9 to January 14). Expect special effects, extravagant costumes, songs and lots of silliness for audiences of all ages. Meanwhile, Lyric Hammersmith presents their cheeky version of Cinderella, reinventing herself as a stall owner at Shepherds Bush market. She meets the famous royal prince Henry, who is trying to escape the paparazzi. It is ideal for ages six and up (until January 6).
Throughout December, paladiopantomime.com
Put on your skates for Disney on Ice
Grab your mouse ears and take a trip down memory lane with Mickey, Minnie and many other favorite Disney characters as they relive some treasured tales. Expect singing, world-class skating and spectacular acrobatics at Disney on Ice Presents 100 Years of Wonder, a two-hour show at the O2 Arena.
21-31 December, London O2, SE10 0DX, disneyonice.com
Learn about caring and sharing with ‘Elfmas’ at KidZania
Teach children the importance of giving back with a charity event. KidZania is the indoor mini-city where children ages four to 14 can get their first taste of independence through immersive role-playing games. This Christmas, families are invited to embrace the spirit of the season with Elfmas, a creative experience focused on caring and sharing.
December 2 – January 7, Kidzania, W12 7GA, kidzania.es
Swing and skate at Battersea Power Station
Grinchy teens looking for something a little less shiny should head to Birdies for a round of crazy golf. Located beneath the arches of Battersea Power Station, this nine-hole obstacle course tests your putting speed and accuracy across several Instagrammable holes including pressure pads, vivid lighting and various ramps, turns and tunnels. Food and drink includes Christmas turkey burgers, pigs in blankets, plus mulled wine and gingerbread espresso martinis for adults. Continue the fun at Glide, where you can skate around the spectacular 30-foot Christmas tree with views of the towering arches.
Until January 7, Battersea, SW11 8BJ, playbirdies.com, glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk
