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.<\/p>\n
With so many family-friendly events happening across the city, it\u2019s an ideal time to jump on the train and enjoy a seasonal day trip with the kids. Here\u2019s some of our top picks\u2026<\/p>\n
Take a trip to the West End to see Elf the Musical this Christmas. Picture: Matt Crockett<\/p>\n
ALDWYCH THEATRE, Covent Garden<\/strong><\/p>\n The stage adaptation of festive favourite Elf is only on for a limited run, so you\u2019ll 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<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n BATTERSEA POWER STATION<\/strong><\/p>\n The pop-up ice rink is back at Battersea Power Station, but with a new twist \u2013 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\u2019s also festive food and drink, family workshops, and shopping stalls. Book online here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n HAMPTON COURT PALACE, Richmond<\/strong><\/p>\n 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<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n HYDE PARK, Westminster<\/strong><\/p>\n The country\u2019s 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\u2019s Munich Looping rollercoaster, and hundreds of food, drink and gift stalls. There\u2019s also a Bavarian hall, inspired by German markets, with live entertainment. Book online here<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n KEW GARDENS, Richmond<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019s a chance to see Father Christmas along the way. Book online here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n LONDON EYE, Embankment<\/strong><\/p>\n The London Eye is one of the capital\u2019s 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\u2019s twinkling Christmas lights and iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and St Paul\u2019s Cathedral. Book online here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n LONDON ZOO, Regent\u2019s Park<\/strong><\/p>\n There\u2019s 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<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n MONOPOLY LIFESIZED, Tottenham Court Road<\/strong><\/p>\n 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<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE, Greenwich<\/strong><\/p>\n Spend a magical day with the family at the Old Royal Naval College, where you\u2019ll 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<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n THE OLD VIC, Waterloo<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re 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<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n RIVER THAMES<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019s a great way to see all of the city\u2019s Christmas lights. Book online here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n THE SHARD, London Bridge<\/strong><\/p>\n 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<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n SHREK\u2019S ADVENTURE, Embankment<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019t forget to say hello to Shrek, who will be dressed in his finest Santa outfit. Book online here<\/a>.<\/p>\n SOMERSET HOUSE, Covent Garden<\/strong><\/p>\nGet your skates on for a day at Hampton Court Palace. Picture: Hampton Court Palace<\/p>\n
The wintry gardens at Kew turn into a glittering light trail after dark. Picture: RBG Kew<\/p>\n
London Zoo is a great day out with the kids at any time of year<\/p>\n
Carol singers will be performing in the Old Royal Naval College chapel on select dates<\/p>\n
Admire views of the city\u2019s landmarks and decorations from a Thames sailing. Picture: Go City<\/p>\n
Everyone\u2019s favourite grumpy ogre, Shrek, is getting into the festive spirit<\/p>\n