Things to do in London in December with the kids
Looking for things to do in London with the family this Christmas? From the best winter wonderlands to the most beautiful ice rinks, get ready for festive cheer
Go skating at one of London's amazing ice rinks
When you have children, you don't go ice skating once. You go ice skating every year - and often multiple times in the festive period, with godparents, grandparents and friends. Luckily, there's an ice rink no matter where you're located - or where you're headed. And even the really little ones can get in on the action thanks to polar bear and penguin skating aids.
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Enjoy a fab winter wonderland in London...
Hyde Park transforms into a winter paradise as its beautiful Victorian bandstand glitters with 100,000 twinkly Christmas lights and plays host to an ice rink, Zippos Circus, a Bavarian village of Christmas markets and a Santa's grotto for London's lucky children.
Or try a winter wonderland off the beaten track
Wakehurst's magical illuminations
We all know London lights up at Christmas, but there are magical illuminations in stately homes and palaces further afield - that are worth the day trip. Waddesdon Manor, Blenheim Palace, Hever Castle and more all have wonderful light trails and displays, as well as Christmassy games, fairs, activities and Santa's grottos.
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Don't miss out on seeing Father Christmas
A rather unconventional Santa's Grotto, this delightful chance to meet Father Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall comes hand-in-hand with the chance to explore the historic concert hall led by special Christmas characters.
See gingerbread become a building material at Museum of Architecture's Gingerbread City
The wicked witch in Hansel and Gretel isn't the only one using gingerbread to transform the urban landscape - London's top designers, engineers and architectural firms take part in this annual exhibition of the sweetest cityscapes imaginable. There are gingerbread-making workshops you can also sign up for. Sampling encouraged (we think).
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Explore snowy Hogwarts
Harry Potter enthusiasts, young and old, are invited to experience the magic of the Warner Bros studio tour, delightfully transformed to celebrate Christmas. Don't miss the newest space - Gringotts bank. Goblins included.
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Get your first taste of The Nutcracker
Lucky Londoners have not one, but two Nutcrackers to book into: Birmingham Royal Ballet and English National Ballet's versions. If you've done The Land of Sweets with the kiddos already, why not try Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes, or The Little Prince at The Place?
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Look behind you - it's panto season!
From Dick Whittington at the Hackney Empire with Clive Rowe to Goldilocks and the Three Bears, starring Paul O'Grady, 'tis the season to laugh, scream and embrace panto in all its silliness. See you there.
