Families heading to London this Christmas will find the capital packed with festive days out, from ice rinks in landmark settings to crowd-pleasing West End shows.
With so many family-friendly events happening across the city, it’s an ideal time to jump on the train and enjoy a seasonal day trip with the kids. Here’s some of our top picks…
Take a trip to the West End to see Elf the Musical this Christmas. Picture: Matt Crockett
ALDWYCH THEATRE, Covent Garden
The stage adaptation of festive favourite Elf is only on for a limited run, so you’ll need to be quick if you want to bag tickets before the end of the year. The musical, starring husband and wife couple Carrie Hope Fletcher and Joel Montague, follows Buddy the Elf as he leaves the North Pole and heads to New York City to find his family. Book online here.
BATTERSEA POWER STATION
The pop-up ice rink is back at Battersea Power Station, but with a new twist – a 200m skate trail. You can glide along the icy trail and take in sights of the River Thames and the spectacular 30ft Christmas tree as you go. There’s also festive food and drink, family workshops, and shopping stalls. Book online here.
Get your skates on for a day at Hampton Court Palace. Picture: Hampton Court Palace
HAMPTON COURT PALACE, Richmond
This ice rink, set up just outside the Grade I-listed palace, is inspired by the Orangery structure and royal decoration of the building, which was once the home of King Henry VIII. The rink is surrounded by beautiful scenery, fairy lights and food lights. Book online here.
HYDE PARK, Westminster
The country’s biggest Christmas fair, Winter Wonderland, is set to attract millions of visitors again this year. The fairground has some of the tallest portable rides in the world, including Oktoberfest’s Munich Looping rollercoaster, and hundreds of food, drink and gift stalls. There’s also a Bavarian hall, inspired by German markets, with live entertainment. Book online here.
The wintry gardens at Kew turn into a glittering light trail after dark. Picture: RBG Kew
KEW GARDENS, Richmond
Experience the world-renowned botanical gardens at Christmas with a twinkling light trail. The trail takes you through the stunning gardens with colourful new art installations and spectacular projections, and there’s a chance to see Father Christmas along the way. Book online here.
LONDON EYE, Embankment
The London Eye is one of the capital’s most spectacular landmarks, situated right on the South Bank, with panoramic views of the skyline. The 135m wheel is a great spot to see the city’s twinkling Christmas lights and iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and St Paul’s Cathedral. Book online here.
London Zoo is a great day out with the kids at any time of year
LONDON ZOO, Regent’s Park
There’s more to see at London Zoo than just the animals. At this time of year, you can follow the Hiding Elves trail, join in with crafts and storytime in the Elf HQ tipis, and spot Santa as he helps the rangers feed the animals. Book online here.
MONOPOLY LIFESIZED, Tottenham Court Road
Is it really Christmas without a game of Monopoly? In this life-sized version, players can take on challenges and solve puzzles to sweep up properties and come out on top against other teams. The game has also had a festive makeover with sparkling lights, decorated trees and a visit from Santa. Book online here.
Carol singers will be performing in the Old Royal Naval College chapel on select dates
OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE, Greenwich
Spend a magical day with the family at the Old Royal Naval College, where you’ll find Father Christmas, playful elves and classic carols in the chapel. You can tour the spectacular building, boasting six centuries of remarkable history, and step onto the site of blockbuster films such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Cruella before getting stuck into Christmas activities. Book online here.
THE OLD VIC, Waterloo
If you’re going to see any version of A Christmas Carol this year, then the five-star production at the Old Vic is definitely worth putting on your wishlist. It stars Paul Hilton and is adapted by Harry Potter and the Cursed Child writer Jack Thorne. Book online here.
Admire views of the city’s landmarks and decorations from a Thames sailing. Picture: Go City
RIVER THAMES
Soak up the festive sights as you travel into London aboard the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. The December sailings, from Gravesend and Tilbury, take passengers past The O2, Canary Wharf, and under Tower Bridge, so it’s a great way to see all of the city’s Christmas lights. Book online here.
THE SHARD, London Bridge
The illuminated building looks spectacular at Christmas and, inside, you can soar up to levels 68 and 72 to take in the View from the Shard. The observation deck takes visitors 800ft above the ground to capture panoramic views of London, including Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament. Book online here.
Everyone’s favourite grumpy ogre, Shrek, is getting into the festive spirit
SHREK’S ADVENTURE, Embankment
This interactive walkthrough experience takes visitors Far, Far Away with all your favourite characters. Explore 9 fairytale-themed live shows, hop on the magical 4D flying bus and collect the special ingredients you need with the help of Princess Fiona and Donkey. Don’t forget to say hello to Shrek, who will be dressed in his finest Santa outfit. Book online here.
SOMERSET HOUSE, Covent Garden
Keen skaters have another ice rink to choose from here, as the pop-up rink will be at Somerset House until January. It’s celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, so visitors can expect even more dazzling decorations, upbeat music and tasty street food. Book online here.
The wooden huts return to London’s South Bank this Christmas. Picture: Joshua Atkins
SOUTHBANK CENTRE, Embankment
Charming alpine-style chalets are once again lining the river just outside the Southbank Centre, drawing in visitors with festive food and delicious drinks. The winter market has all the favourites, including Yorkshire pudding wraps, Dutch pancakes and hot chocolate. Free entry.
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