Keep up to date with all things festive on our Christmas 2026 in London page.
Looking for family-friendly things to do in London in the Christmas holidays? Here's our guide to festive fun in the capital, including child-friendly theatre shows and events, and London's winter ice rinks, ideal for family days out. Note: Venue opening hours tend to vary over Christmas, as does public transport, so check before you travel.
ICE SKATING: London's festive ice rinks are back for Christmas 2026. Take to the ice at impressive settings including Somerset House, Queen's House Greenwich and Hampton Court Palace. Some of the rinks have skate aids to help kids get their balance, or offer classes for budding Torvills/Deans, and most have cafes where you can warm up with hot chocolate (or mulled wine for the grown-ups) after your sesh. October 2026- January 2027
SANTA'S GROTTOS: There are ample chances to meet Santa Claus/Father Christmas/however he's known in your household around London this year. Our pick of grottos spans department stores and museums, but many sell out waaay in advance, particularly for dates closest to Christmas, so see what's still available and get booking. November-December 2026
PANTOMIMES: Panto season is back (oh no it isn't, etc, etc...), and London's full of the classics including Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella and Dick Whittington. Here's our guide on where to see pantomime in London this Christmas - choose carefully though, as some of them are strictly adults-only.
CHRISTMAS THEATRE SHOWS: The Snowman and Pinocchio are among the recognisable characters treading the boards this Christmas. Our pick of family-friendly festive theatre shows in London also includes traditional fairytales, circus and, our own perennial favourite, Disney On Ice. If you've got older kids or teenagers, these fantastically festive theatre and dance shows, including A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker, make for a great Christmas day out.
FESTIVE FILMS: Elf, Home Alone and The Muppet Christmas Carol are among the family-friendly films being shown at these festive film screenings across the capital. Kick back with the family with hot chocolate and popcorn and, in some cases, sing along. Check with individual venues for age restrictions, beyond those denoted by the film.
LIGHT FESTIVALS: Some of London's winter light festivals run through Christmas and into the new year. Christmas at Kew is a favourite of ours, with enchanting lights choreographed to music, and a laser show finale, and we're huge fans of the Epping-Ongar Lights Express too. Here's the full list of light festivals this winter.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Sometimes it's the smaller (parents, read: less expensive) things which makes the biggest impression, and many adults talk of their memories of seeing the London Christmas lights as a child. If that sounds like something your family would enjoy, here's our guide to when, where and how to see London's Christmas light displays this year.
WUNDRFUL WORLD OF CHRISTMAS: After its inaugural event last year, Wundrful World of Christmas returns to London, in a new home at Excel. Meet Santa and his elves via a mixed reality experience, including riding a special lift to the North Pole and visiting the North Pole Post Office. New for 2026: the glowing Elves' Playground, and a series of funfair rides. 13 November-24 December 2026
BEANO ART TRAIL: In recent years, Snoopy, penguins and The Snowman have been the subject of a festive art trail around the Fleet Street area. This year it's Dennis & Gnasher, as Beano celebrates 75 years. 12 sculptures of the chaotic duo, each designed by a different artist, appear in the local area, to be tracked down during a festive exploration. FREE, 18 November 2026-15 Janaury 2027
WINTER WONDERLAND 2026: The huge festive funfair takes over Hyde Park once again, with fairground rides, circus shows, an ice kingdom, skating rink, Christmas market and Santa Land. If that all sounds a bit overwhelming, our handy guide to visiting Winter Wonderland 2026 breaks everything down. The most important thing to know is that you must book an entry ticket in advance again this year, even if you're just browsing. 19 November 2026-3 January 2027
SANTA'S WINTER GARDEN: New for Christmas 2026, the walled garden at Fulham Palace transforms into Santa's Winter Garden, a themed attraction culminating in a visit to the man in red himself. You're guaranteed snowfall as you wander through twinkling lights on a charming route encompassing Candy Cane Walk, Lamplight Lane, and Toboggan Trail. Find your way through the Snow Maze before ending up at North Pole Lodge where you can enjoy hot chocolate, stories and songs before meeting Santa. 20 November-23 December 2026
VICTORIAN TRADITIONS: Head to the Tower of London this Christmas to learn how the Victorians helped shape the Christmas we know and love today. A series of festive scenes dotted around the historic landmark unwrap the stories behind festive traditions including cards, and decorated trees. 27 November 2026-3 January 2027
WINTER PALACE: Things get mystical at Hampton Court Palace, as the Christmas Beast Ball takes over the historic building. Wander past frosted Christmas trees and glittering garlands, puppets and costumed performers as you explore Henry VIII's former home, culminating in The Christmas Beast Ball in the Cartoon Gallery. 28 November 2026-3 January 2027
FESTIVE SOFT PLAY: The soft play area at Battersea Arts Centre gets a festive makeover for the month of December. 0-5 year olds can climb, crawl, slide and explore — and parents don't need to worry about the weather! 1-24 December 2026
THE POLAR EXPRESS: All aboard the Polar Express! For an enchanting-sounding family day out, head to Euston (don't worry, that's not the enchanting bit) and board the Polar Express for an immersive theatrical event based on the much-loved Christmas film. Characters including the chefs, Conductor, and possibly even the ghost come to life, singing songs from the film. 5-23 December 2026
