Top Things to Do With Your Kids This Christmas in London 2026

London does Christmas properly, and there is plenty to fill the school holidays without spending every day in a queue. Here are our favourite things to do with kids this Christmas, with dates and prices taken from each venue's own page. Prices change by date, so check before you go, and book the popular ones early.

Lights, markets and skating

Christmas at Kew

The light trail at Kew Gardens returns from 13 November 2026. Kew says December tickets are selling fast and November has the best availability. Prices listed include adult peak £37, child (4 to 16) £24 peak or £20 off-peak, and a family ticket for two adults and two children (4 to 16) at £108 peak or £89 off-peak. Dress warmly, as it is outdoors and after dark. Official details.

Skate at Somerset House

11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027, in the Strand courtyard, with tickets from £11 to £28.50. Entry to the site is free, so non-skaters can enjoy the tree and the atmosphere, and tickets are only needed for skating. On weekend mornings Kids' Club offers a dedicated space for ages 6 to 10, and there are relaxed sessions too. Official page.

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, in the grounds of Henry VIII's palace, with an Orangery-inspired cafe and skate exchange. The organisers say they are running with fewer skaters for a more intimate session. Official site.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, closed on Christmas Day. It is big, busy and loud, and it is easy to spend a lot once you are inside, so decide on a budget for rides before you arrive. Opening times vary by day, so check the booking calendar. Official information.

Southbank Centre Winter Market

2 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with stalls open 11am to 10pm. It is a relaxed stop with food and drink by the river. The Southbank Centre is cash-free, so bring a card. Official page.

Meet Santa

Santa's Grotto at the Queen's House, Greenwich

Saturday 14 November to Thursday 24 December 2026. This year's grotto is Snow Queen themed, based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, and the adventure ends with a visit to Father Christmas. Tickets are £30 per person (£27 for Family Members), under 1s are free, and there is a £3 booking fee. Official page.

Theatre for little ones

The Snowman, Peacock Theatre

21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. A new stage production of Raymond Briggs's story, suitable for all ages. Children aged 2 and over need a ticket. Tickets from £18 plus a £4 transaction fee, and relaxed performances are available. Official page.

Cinderella at the Lyric Hammersmith

14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Tickets £10 to £48, and £80 family tickets for two adults and two children in selected bands. Children under 18 months do not need a ticket. Official page.

Jack and the Beanstalk at the Hackney Empire

21 November to 31 December. All ages are welcome, children 3 and under may sit on a lap, and tickets are £10 to £48 plus £1.50 online. Official page.

Nutcracker, English National Ballet

London Coliseum, 17 December 2026 to 10 January 2027. Tickets from £27.25, and under 16s get 25% off (up to two per full price adult ticket, not on top price seats). Official page.

Planning your Christmas days out

• Pick one big day and one small day. A light trail or ice rink in the evening works best after a quiet morning.
• Book timed tickets early for Kew, skating and the grotto, as popular dates fill up.
• Wrap up. Almost everything here is outdoors, and London evenings in December are cold.

Tips for going with little ones

• Check ages. Matilda (not suitable for under 6s) and Paddington (6 and up) are good choices for school-age children, but are not for toddlers.

Some venues make it easy for the youngest members of the family. Children under 18 months do not need a ticket for Cinderella at the Lyric, and under 1s go free at the Queen's House grotto. Somerset House has relaxed skating sessions, and The Snowman has relaxed performances for children who need a calmer setting. The Southbank Centre Winter Market is free to enter, which makes it a good low-cost stop. If the weather is wet, the Queen's House grotto and the theatre shows are indoors, while Kew, Hyde Park and the ice rinks are outside, so plan a back-up.

Dates at a glance

• Christmas at Kew: from 13 November.
• Southbank Centre Winter Market: 2 November to 3 January.
• Queen's House Santa's Grotto: 14 November to 24 December.
• Skate at Somerset House: 11 November to 10 January.
• Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: 19 November to 3 January.
• Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink: 20 November to 3 January.

Looking for more? Browse the family events on mummy.london for what is on near you.