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
London is a winter wonderland for kids. Photo: Jamie Davies
Christmas is coming and once again London is spoilt for choice: ice skating, twinkling Christmas lights, outdoor Bavarian markets - there are plenty of Christmas activities for all the family. Bamboozled by the different options? Here's where to take your family this Christmas.
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.
find out more
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.
find out more
Or try a winter wonderland off the beaten track
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.
find out more
See gingerbread become a building material at Museum of Architecture's Gingerbread City
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.
find out more
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?
find out more
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.
find out more
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.
find out more
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.
find out more
Or try a winter wonderland off the beaten track
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.
find out more
See gingerbread become a building material at Museum of Architecture's Gingerbread City
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.
find out more
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?
find out more
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.
find out more
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