The countdown to Christmas is on and if you’re looking for family-friendly ways to enjoy the festive season, the capital has you covered. We’ve rounded up the best experiences for kids and adults to enjoy together.
Meet Santa on the London Eye
The London Eye has gone all out with festive fun this year. Families are welcomed by a cast of Christmas characters, including the Gingerbread Baker, the Toy Maker’s Apprentice, and the Nutcracker, all of whom promise to keep little ones entertained with games, stories and sweet treats. Kids can post letters to Santa before boarding a festive pod to soak up dazzling views of the capital before meeting Santa himself for a special gift.
Until December 24, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB, londoneye.com
See Ebony Scrooge at Sadlers Wells
Hip hop meets Dickens for ZooNation’s electrifying family show at Sadler’s Wells East. The plot follows Ebony, a high-flying fashion mogul who cancels Christmas — until three magical visitors whisk her on a journey through her Caribbean roots and forgotten joys. Choreographed by London-born Dannielle “Rhimes” Lecointe and with original music by Michael “Mikey J” Asante, the two-hour show mixes hip hop, comedy and physical theatre and will have the whole family bopping in their seats. Suitable for all ages.
Pamela Raith Photography
Explore Neverland at Kenwood House
There’s something magical about an illuminated trail at Christmas and Neverland at Kenwood House delivers it in style. Set in the grounds of the historic Hampstead Estate, the experience takes families from a glowing London skyline into Peter Pan’s world of adventure. Expect twinkling landmarks, the Darling family home and then the real fun — exploring the Lost Boys’ hideout, Skull Rock and Crocodile Creek before spotting Captain Hook’s pirate ship. It’s a festive trail that turns a winter evening into an adventure, with hot chocolate and street food waiting at the finish.
Enjoy A Nutcracker Christmas at Hotel Café Royal
Hotel Café Royal is sprinkling Nutcracker magic across the season with experiences designed for all ages. Start with a festive afternoon tea — think savoury seasonal treats, scones and decadent sweet options — while ballerinas pirouette through the lobby. If you fancy a full festive immersion, book the royal Christmas experience (December 24-26 or 25-27) which includes a two-night stay, with creative workshops, treasure hunts, storytelling sessions, a children’s choir performance and a visit from Santa himself. There’s even the option of a horse-drawn carriage ride to Buckingham Palace. Live lobby ballet performances on December 13 and 20, 2.30-3pm.
Take a glittering journey on an open top bus
Dodge the crowds and see London at its Christmas best from the comfort of a top deck bus. Over the course of an hour, you’ll glide past Regent Street, Trafalgar Square and other landmarks decked out in sparkling lights. An expert guide brings the sights to life with fun facts and stories along the way, while the open-top views are perfect for snapping seasonal selfies.
Find a storybook Christmas at Tower of London
The Tower of London might be famous for ravens, Beefeaters and the Crown Jewels, but the historic fortress has been given a festive makeover this winter, turning its fabled grounds into a storybook world. Families can wander through glittering trees, dazzling installations and displays inspired by royal tales. Kids will love spotting mythical beasts, posing on a regal throne and uncovering secrets of the royal menagerie. It’s an immersive way to explore history with a dash of Christmas magic — and it’s included in general admission.
Until January 4, St Katharine’s & Wapping, EC3N 4AB, hrp.org.uk
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Climb aboard the Santa Steam Express
Fancy a nostalgic journey with a festive feel? Hop aboard the Santa Steam Express for a truly memorable train trip. On December 20 and 22, vintage carriages depart London Victoria for a 90-minute steam train ride packed with festive cheer — think carols, interactive theatre and a visit from Santa and his merry elves. Kids get a retro gift, snack and drink, while adults can enjoy tea, coffee and mince pies.
Savour festive elegance at The Langham
The Langham is going all out for Christmas with sparkling trees, nostalgic décor and plenty of family fun. The Hamleys Grotto pop-up returns from December 15 to 24, giving kids aged two to 10 the chance to join the elf workshop for games and crafts before meeting Santa and taking home a gift. While the little ones play, grown-ups can sip mulled wine and nibble mince pies at the sleigh stop or book the hotel’s famous festive afternoon tea in The Palm Court.
Take in a timeless tale with a night at the theatre
Shakespeare’s Globe puts a festive spin on a classic with a brand-new musical retelling of Pinocchio ideal for ages five and over. Follow the puppet-turned-boy and Geppetto on an adventure packed with colourful characters, lessons in love and plenty of magic. And over at the National Theatre, Ballet Shoes brings Noel Streatfeild’s beloved story to life. Suitable for ages seven and over, the two-hour show follows three adopted sisters chasing big dreams in a world that wasn’t built for them. Warm, witty and full of music and dance, these productions are perfect for story-loving youngsters.
Get awestruck by the Seven Wonders of the World
Fancy something totally different? Step into a completely immersive experience at Shoreditch’s new offering that celebrates the Seven Wonders of the World. Spread across three floors, this hour-long interactive journey brings ancient marvels like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Lighthouse of Alexandria to life through 360° projections, VR and dramatic soundscapes. Wander through themed rooms, snap photos with Zeus’ legendary chair or a three-metre lighthouse and get creative by building your own pyramid. It’s a playful way to explore history and myth while keeping kids entertained.
PA
Enjoy fairy tales and big laughs at the Palladium
Christmas at the Palladium is pure theatre magic and this year’s Sleeping Beauty is bigger, bolder and cheekier than ever. Celebrating a decade of dazzling pantos, expect glittering costumes, jaw-dropping sets, musical numbers and all the classic gags that keep families coming back every year. The star-studded cast this year includes Catherine Tate who takes on the role of Carabosse the wicked fairy, panto veteran Julian Clary who brings his trademark sass, and beloved West End performers Emily Lane and Amonik Melaco.
Craft your own bonbons with a master chocolatier
Step behind the scenes in Melt’s Notting Hill kitchen and get hands on with chocolate making. Create personalised bonbons, learn how to make silky ganache, temper chocolate and coat and decorate your creations like a professional chocolatier. Suitable for ages 12 and over, the group class kicks off with a tasting of single-origin chocolates from around the world, giving a delicious crash course in chocolate’s flavours and origins.
See the Nutcracker at St Martin’s Theatre
The award-winning theatre company Little Bulb brings a burst of fun to St Martin’s Theatre with this musical reimagining of the Nutcracker. When squabbling siblings Clara and Fritz receive a mysterious nutcracker from their aunt, they’re swept into the chaotic mousey realm where the evil mouse king is plotting to ruin Christmas. Perfect for younger theatre-goers (aged five and up), the hour-long, adventure-filled show features creative costumes, larger-than-life characters, mischievous singing mice and toe-tapping festive bangers.