15 magical Christmas children's events in London and nearby

Following a successful run in Australia, the Wundrful World of Christmas is making its magical debut in the UK this winter – specifically, Borough Yards near London Bridge. The 50-minute walk-through experience will see visitors journey to the North Pole and meet a cast of animated characters and actors along the way. 

Children will be able to wander through the Enchanted Forest, train as one of Santa's elves in his workshop, and hear festive tales from Mrs Claus, before reaching the North Pole Post Office for a special family photo with the Big Man himself.

Address: Wundr, Units 219–221, Borough Yards, Clink Street, London, SE1

Open from 8 November to 24 December.

To book tickets, click here.

Recommended by Ainhoa Barcelona, Content Managing Editor

Now this is a really show-stopping, one-of-a-kind experience: meeting Father Christmas in the sky! The London Eye's festive offering allows little ones to embark on a truly incredible adventure. 

You'll start with a VIP welcome in the dedicated Christmas space, where Santa's special friends (his Head Elf, The Gingerbread Maker and the like) will entertain the kids with games and activities and present them with a complimentary sweet treat. Children can write their letters to Santa and post them in the Christmas post box before heading to the special London Eye pod where Santa will be waiting.

During the 30-minute ride in the sky, children can meet the big man himself, hear enchanting stories, and receive a gift, while adults can take in the 360-degree views of the city.

This is perhaps one of London's more pricey Santa-meeting experiences, at £79 for an adult and child ticket combined, but it really is a unique one!

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB. 

Open from 1 to 24 December.

To book tickets, click here.

Recommended by Ainhoa Barcelona, Content Managing Editor

The Paddington Bear Experience on South Bank has been given a total Christmas makeover. The impressive space – which features a trail of Paddington's most famous haunts from Paddington Station, 32 Windsor Gardens, Mrs Bird's Kitchen and more – is perfect for the little furry friend-fan in your life. Every little detail has been thought of, and the walk-through visit includes live entertainment for all the family to enjoy. 

This festive season, expect stunning decorations including a 5.5 metre centrepiece Christmas tree, while the on-site café will be serving special treats including gingerbread paws, mince pies and orange hot chocolate.

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB. 

Open from 11 November to 5 January.

To book tickets, click here.

Recommended by Ainhoa Barcelona, Content Managing Editor

Christmas at Kew is a magical family tradition that never disappoints, and it officially kick starts my family's Christmas countdown. The lights along the trail are stunning, and even my kids forget they're walking as they run and marvel at every display. The Palm House finale with its lights and water jets is breathtaking, but every part of the trail is equally enchanting and fun. 

I also love spending time in the gift shop; there are so many cute treats and the festive smells linger long after you leave!  

Address: Christmas at Kew is accessible via Brentford Gate (TW9 3AF), Elizabeth Gate (TW9 3AE) or Victoria Gate (TW9 3JR). 

Open from 14 November to 4 January.

To book tickets, click here.

Recommended by Andrea Caamano, Digital Content Director

It goes without saying that you rediscover Christmas magic when you have children, and watching something as enchanting as The Snowman with your kids, live on stage, makes the whole family feel completely warm inside. If your child has never been to the theatre before, and you want to give them a taste of the big stage on a smaller scale, you need to check out the stage adaptation of the iconic book by Raymond Briggs, which is showing at the Peacock Theatre in central London. 

The beloved show tells the story of the snowman that came to life over Christmas, travelling to the North Pole. Directed by Dianne Jackson, it features music and lyrics by Howard Blake, including the song Walking in the Air, which is played by a live orchestra. I grew up on the 1982 film, and so will many parents, so it's a true treat for all ages. 

The beautiful snowy set will captivate little ones, and the costumes are incredibly constructed. Watch the Snowman realistically 'fly' and listen to the heartwarming accompanying music. A winter wonderland that has all the festive feels. It's just under two hours long, which includes a 20-minute interval.

Address: Peacock Theatre, Portugal St, London WC2A 2HT.

Show running from 22 November to 4 January.

To book The Snowman, click here.

Recommended by Laura Sutcliffe, Fashion & Beauty News Editor

Calling all Harry Potter fans, young and old! Even if you've visited the magical Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter before, it's worth heading back to Hogwarts to see it decked out in snow. The Great Hall, Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest and more have been transformed into a winter wonderland. Think Yule Ball vibes!

As for the food and drink offering, festive treats include Mini Brownie Cookies with Gingerbread French Buttercream, and Mini Chocolate and Peppermint Cupcakes. And of course, the iconic Butterbeer.

The special Dinner in the Great Hall events are also returning this year on 8, 9 and 10 December. It involves a special family dinner in the Great Hall, suitable for all ages, followed by dessert served on Platform 9 ¾ . 

General entry tickets are selling fast, but there are still selected dates in January to see Hogwarts in its wintry charm - the perfect post-Christmas pick-me-up!

Address: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR 

Hogwarts in the Snow will run from 15 November to 18 January 2026.

To book, click here.

Recommended by Andrea Caamano, Digital Content Director

If you looking for a travel-back-in-time experience, then The Twelfth Night of Christmas at Chiswick House is sure to intrigue. For the first time this festive period, the beautiful west London attraction is throwing open its doors to visitors young and old. Explore the different rooms that have been transformed into an imagined Georgian world of yuletide opulence and fantasy. Think dramatic floristry, fabulous costumes, and on selected dates, a charming 18th century grotto where little ones can visit Father Christmas for storytime and a gift.

Address: Burlington Ln, Chiswick, London W4 2RP 

Open from 21 November to 4 January.

To book tickets, click here. 

Recommended by Ainhoa Barcelona, Content Managing Editor.

The popular Phantom Peak attraction in south-east London has been transformed for Christmas, promising even more chaos, cheer, and conspiracy than ever before. For those unfamiliar with the concept, it's an immersive experience where "tourists" are invited to explore the town at their own pace by following a series of trails. You'll be tasked with helping the townsfolk by finding clues on noticeboards, watching videos, interacting with technology and speaking to characters to progress through each trail. There's food and drink aplenty throughout the four hour-long experience. 

Children aged three and under visit for free with an accompanying paid adult, but this one sounds like it's more suitable for older children to visit during daytime slots.

Address: Surrey Quays Road, London, SE16 7PJ.

Open from 6 November to 18 January.

To book tickets, click here. 

Recommended by Ainhoa Barcelona, Content Managing Editor

London's largest Christmas festival is returning to Hyde Park - say HELLO! to Winter Wonderland. I would recommend visiting on a weekday if possible, as weekends can be packed to the brim. There's a wide variety of entertainment for all ages (over 150 rides and attractions to be exact!), so if you don't mind crowds, then it's worth a visit. 

Just some of the child-friendly activities on offer include the circus, singalong shows, rollercoasters, fairground rides, the UK's largest open-air ice rink, meeting the Big Man himself at the grotto, and new for this year, the Luminarie Lane light installation. For adults, there are Alpine bars aplenty and plenty of food stands. 

You must pre-book your ticket for entry online. One parenting hack: if you book off-peak, it's free to enter. There are also various packages you can pre-book.

Address: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH.

Open from 14 November to 1 January, but closed on some selected dates including Christmas Day.

Recommended by Ainhoa Barcelona, Content Managing Editor

Twist Museum is the home of optical illusions and fun photo opportunities, and while I visited with my baby and three-year-old, who both had the best time being mesmerised by the bright and interactive installations (as pictured!), this really is an experience for all ages - adults and older children alike.

Never mind if you've been before, the museum has been given a festive makeover, starting from the entrance where visitors are greeted by a Santa hologram in a red telephone box. There's also a temporary illusion tunnel where you can step inside and feel like you're walking in a snowflake-filled winter wonderland, and another room that allows you to pose in Santa's huge red boots.

Wandering around the experience takes about an hour to 90 minutes, depending on how many photo stops you have, and the museum is located right on Oxford Street so is perfect to pair with some Christmas shopping, if you can face the crowds! Be warned, the central London area is heaving over Christmastime but if you don't mind the hustle and bustle and you're looking to escape the cold weather or rain, the museum is perfectly located.

Address: 248 Oxford St, London W1C 1DH.

Open now until 6 January for the festive makeover, although the museum will be open as normal thereafter.

To book tickets, click here.

Recommended by Ainhoa Barcelona, Content Managing Editor

If you need your festive Christmas hit this year, I highly recommend taking the short journey out of London to Windsor, where Windsor Great Park is lit up each year with a dazzling light display along a walking trail.

Highlights include the Snowman Tunnel and Enchanted Forest, as well as a music festival where animals take to the stage. The lights and music are truly spectacular, and the woodland and lake are transformed into a glittering, festive wonderland. There are also some delicious food and drinks options available, making it a perfect evening out.

The event is dog-friendly, and this year there are special Low Sensory Sessions for any who might find the usual trail overwhelming. The walk isn't long, so it's suitable for all ages and there are plenty of rest stops along the way where little ones can recharge with food and drink. It runs until 3 January 2026, so there's plenty of time to get a ticket.

Address: The correct postcode is TW20 0UJ, however if you are arriving by car, follow the yellow Windsor Great Park Illuminated road signs as you start to see them.

Open from 14 November to 3 January.

To book tickets, click here.

Recommended by Millie Jackson, Podcast Producer

Just a 35-minute direct train ride away from London Waterloo, Chessington World of Adventures Resort is Britain's biggest wildlife theme park, boasting a theme park, zoo, SEA LIFE aquarium and two themed hotels. 

If you've never been, Christmas is the perfect time to visit as the attraction plays host to its "Winter's Tail" experience. Inside the Christmas village, kids can follow a twinkling woodland trail lined with snow-dusted trees to find Santa's grotto and meet the big man himself, as well as write and post their letters at the brand-new "Letter to Father Christmas" experience. 

Other seasonal offerings include a festive silent disco, indulging in a sweet treat in the Cookie Corner, watching the panto, and listening to traditional carollers. All alongside the usual attractions that are open all year round. 

If you want an extra special experience, you can also sleepover in the range of fun themed rooms, from the newly opened PAW Patrol rooms to storybook favourites such as The Gruffalo and Room On The Broom.

Chessington World of Adventures 'Winter's Tail' is open from 22 November to 31 December.

Address: Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE.

To book, click here 

Recommended by Ainhoa Barcelona, Content Managing Editor

Ice skating at Christmas - is there truly anything more festive? From 20 November, Beaverbrook's annual winter ice rink is back with a bang, and it's even more glorious than before. Release your inner Torvill and Dean and dance (or stylishly 'tumble') across an impressive rink, all with the picturesque view of the stunning Surrey hotel in your wake. Alongside the fabulous activities is a fully equipped refreshments cabin, serving freshly-made waffle sticks, hot chocolate, and mulled wine.

This wonderful Yule Tide treat is open for Beaverbrook hotel guests to enjoy at their leisure, and non-residents can come for a day visit with the hotel's signature 'Skate & Dine' package. This includes a 45-minute skate, a festive rink-side treat, and a seasonal set menu in one of Beaverbrook’s restaurants - Mrs. Beeton’s, which specialises in comforting British classics, The Garden House, which serves Anglo-Italian dishes, The Dining Room, which is known for Japanese cuisine, and, of course, The Pizzeria, where wood-fired pizzas are their specialty.

Skate & Dine package: From £45 per adult/£35 per child, including a 45-minute skate, festive rink-side treat, and set menu in one of Beaverbrook’s restaurants.

Open from 20 November to 1 February.

Address: Beaverbrook, Reigate Rd, Leatherhead KT22 8QX. 

To book, click here.

Recommended by Laura Sutcliffe, Fashion & Beauty News Editor

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Brickmas at Legoland thanks to an array of seasonal entertainment guaranteed to ratchet up your little ones’ festive excitement to levels that not even a fusion of Scrooge and the Grinch (or the sort of heavy rain that punctuated our own visit) could dampen.

The pièce de résistance is the park’s Christmas Kingdom which sees you taken through a misty portal by one of Santa’s helpful elves (ours was the delightfully named Sprout). Once transported from Legoland to Lapland, you find yourself in a maze of snow-topped Christmas trees as you are led a merry dance to Santa’s grotto. Inside you are greeted by the big man himself, in a suitably jolly and mellifluous timbre, and your children are invited to take a seat to have a chat about all things Christmas. Rounding off the gathering, Father Christmas dishes out some early presents – in my children’s case some Lego (shock) and a cuddly green dragon – before your elf collects you and leads you back through the arboreal maze, out of the portal and into Legoland once more. Santa meet-and-greets are not exactly rarities but Legoland’s take stands out both for the imaginativeness of the concept and the amount of time the children get to spend with St Nic. 

Having been escorted by an elf par excellence like Sprout, it makes absolute sense that the children would also want to learn how to be elves, so next take them to Miniland to participate in the Elf Training Academy where they are put through their paces in an array of elven activities like singing, marching and building toys with Lego. 

If this weren’t enough, there is also the Festival of Flurries to enjoy (a big sing and dance-along with Snowman), a giant Duplo Christmas tree, and of course the park’s many classic rides and attractions. 

As a canine bonus, those that can’t bear to leave their pooches behind this Christmas can even bring them along on select Paws in the Park days. See the Legoland website for more details on this and how to book a festive trip or break which guarantees ‘block and awe’ for all the family.

Address: Winkfield Rd, Windsor SL4 4AY

Open from 22 November to 3 Jan

To book tickets click here

Recommended by Tim Kiek, Head of Engagement and Communities