by Like Santa, London always delivers at this time of year. When it comes to magical days out for families, the capital has plenty to offer.
From steam train rides with Santa to festive afternoon teas to panto giggles, here’s our guide to the best family-friendly events and activities.
Escape to a fantastic festival venue at the Winter Kingdom
Take the family over to Excel London, which has been transformed anew into a winter-themed wonderland. The Winter Kingdom promises indoor fun for children of all ages, including an ice rink, fairground rides and a Victorian carousel. Wrap up warm for the ice adventure track (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 8 December – 7 January, ExCel London, E16 1XL, winter kingdom.com
All aboard the Santa Steam Express
What better way to get into the spirit of the season than a nostalgic trip on a classic steam train around the capital? Fans of Harry Potter or the classic Christmas movie The Polar Express will love hopping on the Santa Steam Express, which takes voyagers on a ninety-minute ride on a classic 1940s locomotive. Children can take in sights and work on themed activity sheets and a Christmas snack box, while adults can enjoy mince pies and mulled wine. Santa Claus, Mrs Claus and the elves will also make an appearance with presents in hand. This train departs from London Victoria on 15, 18 and 21 December at multiple intervals throughout the day, with three classes of tickets to choose from.
15 December, 18 and 21, London Victoria, SW1V 1JU, santa-express.steamdreams.co.uk
Enjoy a classic story with a modern twist at Chickenshed
Head to the iconic Chickenshed theater in north London to see The Toymaker’s Child, a modern adaptation of Pinocchio. Expect a perfect mix of laughter and drama as a talented cast of over 200 perform in this two hour show. The story follows a toy who is worried about his only child, who often plays alone and is rarely brought home from school by his friends. Using a magical 3D printer, the toymaker creates an AI companion, which has the serial number PIN: 0Cch10. The plot takes an unexpected turn when the toy maker’s world is thrown into turmoil. Suitable for ages five and over.
7 December to 13 January, Chickenshed, N14 4PE, chickenshed.org.uk
Immerse yourself in a world of festivities at Wishmas
This theatrical experience, complete with festive entertainment, lovable sets and characters, invites guests to explore the heartwarming story of how wishes get to Santa Claus. Created by the people behind Secret Cinema and located under Waterloo Station, the 75-minute performance is set up to Shrek’s Adventure and Lapland UK, where you walk through themed rooms, interactive and your part in the story. The little people board the Christmas train and meet elves, robins and Santa Claus along the way.
Until January 7, the Old Bauble Factory, SE1 7AD, wishmas.co.uk
Tasting refreshments on the theme of the festival
There’s nothing like family bonding over a festive afternoon tea. Inspired by Frances Hodgston Burnett’s classic children’s story The Secret Garden, chefs Mayank and Dharma, who recently appeared on Channel 4’s Bake Off: The Professionals, will feature beautifully designed pastries and delicious creations. Enjoy Christmas tree-shaped brownies and cinnamon scones 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 Children’s Afternoon Tea. Set in the stunning Palm Court, kids can enjoy gingerbread sandwiches, gingerbread men and Valrhona hot chocolate, while the new festive afternoon tea will be in partnership with Liberty London, featuring treats such as turkey and raspberry-filled jewel eggs. , great for adults (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
Have a fun evening at Bluey’s Big Play
Little fans of the CBeebies animated hit Bluey will enjoy its UK stage premiere. Puppies Bluey and Bingo unleash a flurry of antics to rouse dad from his afternoon nap. Get ready for giggles, wiggles and lots of fun during this 50 minute performance. Presented at the Royal Festival Hall in the Southbank Centre, this adaptation comes from the Windmill Theater Co. with new music by composer Bluey Joff Bush and an original story by creator Joe Brumm.
20 December – 7 January, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX, southbankcentre.co.uk
Get creative with Christmas crafts at Shepherds Bush Market
Immerse children in the Christmas spirit by booking in to one of the free craft sessions at Shepherds Bush Market, which will take place every Saturday throughout December. Pick from Christmas pottery workshops led by experienced potters, create your own wreath, decorate your own baubles and design personalized Santa sacks ready to be filled. Don’t miss the glorious West End Gospel Choir, who will be spreading the festive cheer as they renditions of some seasonal hits, including pop classics.
Until 24 December, W12 8DF, shepherdsbushmarket.org
See an Elf in an epic environment
Christmas just doesn’t feel the same without watching Will Ferrell’s comedy. However, ELF fans now have the chance to take their traditional rewatch to another level, with Buddy’s heartwarming story getting the Films in Concert treatment at the Royal Albert Hall. Watch the modern classic on the big screen as John Debney’s brilliant score is played live on film by the talented Philharmonic Orchestra, led by conductor Benjamin Pope.
9 December, Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP, royalalberthall.com
Have a giggle at the Christmas panto
You can always count on panto to make the holiday season even brighter. Travel to Neverland with national treasures Julian Clary and Jennifer Saunders, who lead JM Barrie’s Peter Pan love story at the London Palladium (from 9 December to 14 January). Expect special effects, outrageous costumes, dialects and plenty of silliness for audiences of all ages. The Lyric Hammersmith, meanwhile, presents its comic take on Cinderella, reimagined as a market stall owner in Shepherds Bush. She meets the famous royal prince Henry who is trying to escape from the paparazzi. It is suitable for ages six and over (until January 6).
During Christmas, palladiumpantomime.com
Get your skates on for disney on the ice
Get your mouse ears and take a trip down memory lane with Mickey, Minnie and many other Disney favorites as they relive some old stories. Expect singing, world-class skating and amazing stunts at Disney on Ice Presents 100 Years of Wonder, a two-hour extravaganza at the O2 Arena.
21-31 December, London O2, SE10 0DX, disneyonice.com
Learn about caring and sharing with ‘Elfmas’ at KidZania
Teach your children the importance of giving back with a charity event. KidZania is the mini indoor city where children between the ages of four and 14 can get their first taste of independence through immersive role-playing. This Christmas, families are invited to embrace the spirit of the season with Elfmas, a creative experience focused on caring and sharing.
2 December – 7 January, Kidzania, W12 7GA, kidzania.co.uk
Swing and skate at Battersea Power Station
Grinchy teenagers looking for something less sparkling should make their way to Birdies for a crazy round of golf. Located under the arches of Battersea Power Station, this nine-hole obstacle course tests your speed and accuracy through a variety of sticky holes including pressure pads, vivid lighting and various ramps, turns and tunnels. Food and drinks include Christmas turkey burgers, pigs in brats as well as mulled wine and gingerbread espresso martinis for adults. Continue the fun at Glide where you can skate around the stunning 30ft Christmas tree with views of the towering arches.
Until 7 January, Battersea, SW11 8BJ, playbirdies.com, glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk
