The very best things to do at Christmas in London with kids

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Christmas is one of my favourite times of year in London. At this time of year, the city is filled with Christmas trees, lights and markets and there are so many fun things to do for Christmas in London with kids.

If you are visiting London for Christmas 2025 then you’ll be pleased to know that the city is filled with Christmas cheer with festive light trails and jolly pantomimes as well as dozens of Christmas activities. To help you choose the best things to do, take a look at my pick of the best of Christmas in London with kids. Updated for 2025 

Christmas in London with kids
Pavilion of Kew Gardens in Christmas time, London, UK

What’s open in London at Christmas? 

London doesn’t stop for long over the Christmas period but it’s worth knowing what is open and when. Here’s what you need to know.

The majority of sights, attractions and museums are closed on 25 December, Christmas Day. Some restaurants and pubs are open on Christmas Day and these are open to guests with reservations. Churches are open for services only. London’s Royal Parks are open – perfect for walking off your Christmas lunch! 

  • Public transport does not operate in London on Christmas Day and there’s a reduced timetable in operation on Boxing Day. TFL services will be running through the night on New Year’s Eve.
  • The Historic Royal Palaces including the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace, are closed from 24 – 26 December. 
  • Museums including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Imperial War Museum, V&A Museum, Churchill War Rooms, and the British Museum are closed 24 – 26 December. 
  • Borough Market is closed 25 – 27 December and 1 – 2 January 2025. The market will be closing earlier on Christmas Eve at 4pm. 
  • Tower Bridge is closed 24 – 26 December. 
  • Merlin Attractions including the London Dungeon, Sea Life London Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventures London, and Madame Tussauds are open on 24 and 26 December on reduced hours. Closed Christmas Day. 
  • The London Eye is closed Christmas Day and closes at 3pm on New Year’s Eve. Opening on New Year’s Day is dependent on firework clear up. Be aware that The London Eye closes every year for maintenance. In 2026 the eye will be closed from 8th January to 4th February.
  • Windsor Castle will be closed 24 – 26 December. 
  • Kew Gardens is closed 24 December (open for Christmas at Kew only) and 25 December 2024.
  • Westminster Abbey will be open for sightseeing on the 24th of December from 9.00 am to 3.30 pm. On Christmas Day, the Choir of Westminster Abbey is joined by the Academy of Ancient Music to perform Handel’s Messiah, tickets are available to book now. Tickets for their Lessons & Carols services at the Abbey on 23th and 24th December will be made available at 9.30am and 2.00pm on 17th and 19th November.
  • St Pauls is open for carols on 23 and 24 December, it’s free to attend but you will need to enter the ballot in order to secure a ticket. 
  • Some tour buses run on Christmas Day but ticket prices are more expensive than other days. 
  • Winter Wonderland is open daily over the Christmas period except for Christmas Day. 
  • Shops tend to shut earlier on the 24th. December 26th marks the start of the Boxing Day sales
Christmas in London with kids
Christmas lights in London

The best things to do at Christmas in London with kids 2025

London is a magical place to spend Christmas. The capital is a lively city at the best of times but come Christmas and the city really springs to life. Thousands of Christmas lights decorate central London, the shop windows go all out with their festive displays and there are more Christmassy events taking place than you could possibly squeeze into your diary.

Christmas is a popular time to visit London so do make sure to book accommodation well in advance if you plan to be here over the holiday period. 

This post may contain affiliate links. I have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy for more details.

Christmas in London
Christmas Markets in London

See the Christmas Lights

Nowhere does Christmas lights quite like London. The light displays are turned on during November, bringing some welcome light and festive fun during the dark winter months.

This year, the ever-popular angels are back along Regent Street as are the shooting stars along Oxford Street and giant bells and baubles in Covent Garden. The giant illuminated Christmas crackers hanging above Carnaby Street are not as good as previous years but are still festively fun.

Many of the department stores enjoy a merry makeover during the Christmas season too. the most famous is Fortnum & Mason, which transforms into a huge advent calendar. Selfridges and Liberty are two other department stores known for the creative Christmas displays.

One of the best ways to enjoy both the Christmas lights and the shop window displays (and maybe even do some Christmas shopping) is on a self-guided London Christmas lights walking tour.

best Christmas lights walking route in London
Christmas lights along Carnaby Street

This tour starts near Oxford Street before taking you past some of the city’s best Christmas lights displays. You don’t have to walk the entire distance either, instead you can pick and choose which parts of the city you want to see. 

If you have younger kids in tow then it might be worth hopping on a bus tour instead. Tootbus has a 60-minute Christmas lights tour, which starts from November 15 and runs until January 5, 2026 (closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve). Or you can combine the Christmas lights with afternoon tea on board Brigit’s Bakery Christmas Lights Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Another fun way to see the lights is on a Christmas Silent Disco Walking Tour. The 2.5km-route starts near Marble Arch and Hyde Park and features plenty of Christmas tunes as well as live commentary as you wander around some of the best light displays including those at Covent Garden and Regent Street. The tour lasts 1 hour 45 minutes and is for children aged 6+. 

Christmas in London with kids
Pavilion of Kew Gardens in Christmas time, London, UK

Festive Light Trails 

My favourite festive light trail is undoubtedly Christmas at Kew Gardens, when the gardens are lit up with incredible light displays as well as Father Christmas and a traditional fairground. My favourite display is the spectacular Temperate House light show. 

There are some new installations for 2025 including on Palm House Pond and the Great Pagoda, which will be lit for the first time this season. Other new highlights include an interactive installation of dancing floors and Christmas Orchestra, a new piece by Culture Creative, featuring an array of festive music co-ordinated with a collection of lights,

The trail is approximately 3 km long and can take up to 2 hours or more to walk around, depending on how many times you stop for hot chocolate! 

One of the newest light trails to open in London this Christmas is Neverland at Kenwood, which opens on November 21. 

Returning for another season is the Chelsea Winter Illuminations, a 1.5km light trail filled with large-scale art, interactive installations and soundscapes.

There’s also the Chelsea Winter Village with street food, an acres bar serving spiced cocktails and mulled wine, marshmallow fire pits and a stage hosting choirs and acoustic sets. 

Some of the original light trails including at Eltham Palace and Syon Park are not running in 2025 unfortunately. Hampton Court Palace has also decided not to bring their festive light trail back.

If, however, you feel like making a short journey out of London then Tewinbury Farm in Hertfordshire has an enormous light trail that is four times longer this year than previously. Windsor Great Park Illuminated is another great option with the royal woodland awash with sparkling fireflies, beacons and fairies. 

The free light displays at Canary Wharf and Battersea Power Station typically open in the new year, bringing some much needed colour to January and February. 

London Christmas lights walking route Deposit Photos
Fortnum & Mason at Christmas

Visit Santa’s Grotto

It’s still not too late to convince Santa that you deserve a place on the nice list and fortunately he’s making an appearance at a handful of grottos around London. 

Hamley’s is one of the most famous places to see Father Christmas but if you miss out on tickets (they sell quickly!) then there are other options.

At the London Transport Museum Santa appears in a Routemaster bus inspired by a sleigh and at a Kenwood, he tells festive tales around the Christmas tree, with a present for every child. 

Santa will also be making an appearance at London Zoo and there are various ways you can meet him. One option is to enjoy a crafts session prior to meeting him in his magical grotto, another is to enjoy a VIP breakfast, which takes place before the Zoo official opens.

Shrek’s Adventure is also welcoming Santa this year, even if he does look a bit different to normal. Swap the North Pole for the Swamp and meet the jolly green ogre between November 30 and December 24. 

New for 2025 is the Wundrful World of Christmas, a 50-minute immersive Christmas experience that takes you to the North Pole, via an elf-powered lift. Wander through the Enchanted Forest to the elves’ workshop and learn how they mange to make quite so many presents in such a short period of time. Move on to the toy-sorting station, enjoy a sweet treat in Mrs Claus’s kitchen and then meet the Big Man himself. 

Other places where Santa will be popping up including the Fujifilm House of Photography in Covent Garden, at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, at the Victorian grotto at the Museum of London Docklands, at Fulham Palace and at Chiswick House.

best Christmas markets in London
Leicester Square Christmas Market

Christmas Markets

Ever year there seems to be a new Christmas market in London filled with stalls selling traditional gifts, tasty food and piping hot mugs of apple spiced cider and mulled wine. 

One of my favourites is the Southbank Centre Winter Market with pop-up food stalls (everything from truffle burgers to Cajun fries), stalls selling creative gifts, illuminations along Queen’s Walk and even a traditional carousel. This Christmas Market opens 1 November and runs until 4 January 2026.

If you keep walking along the river side then you will find Winter by the River (previously known as Christmas by the River). Located near London Bridge, this market is a bit smaller but no less festive with stalls selling artisan gifts, delicious food and plenty of mulled wine. Winter by the River opens on 13 November and runs until 4 January. 

In central London you will find small but busy market in Trafalgar Square with some two dozen stalls selling Christmas gifts alongside food and drink. Bigger and brighter is the traditional Bavarian-style Christmas market in Leicester Square

The biggest Christmas market of them all can be found in Hyde Park Winter Wonderland that comes complete with rides for all ages, Santa’s grotto in Santa’s Land, an outdoor ice rink, a giant ferris wheel and dozens of stalls selling food, gifts, drinks and more. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2025 opens on Friday November 14 and runs until Thursday January 1, 2026. 

Don’t miss London’s small markets either; the Winter Market at Vauxhall City Farm is lovely, filled with local market stalls selling handmade gifts as well as carol singers, hot chocolate and a winter light trail. You can also buy your Christmas tree here. The market is open December 6 and 7. 

Take a look here for more ideas on where to find the best Christmas Markets in London

Christmas in London with kids Deposit Photos
Christmas in Covent Garden

Carol Concerts

Warm up your vocal chords because carol season is nearly upon us. You may well hear carol singers while you are wandering around London at Christmas but for guaranteed Christmas songs you should check in to an organised event. 

The Royal Albert Hall always hosts carol concerts including one dedicated for families. My Christmas Orchestral Adventure takes place on 7 December at 12.30pm and 4.30pm and features all the family favourites performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra. 

Trafalgar Square hosts carol groups throughout December who sing by the towering Christmas tree, an annual gift from Norway since 1947.  The carol groups fundraiser for different charities. 

St Martin in the Fields hosts a number of carol services during December (make sure to book well in advance) as does St Paul’s Cathedral; these are free so make sure to get there early / book in advance. 

Carols by the River takes place at Gabriel’s Wharf on the South Bank on December 6, with live music from 12.30-5.30pm and an art activity for kids. This is a free event. 

Ice skating in London 

There are plenty of places to get your skates on this Christmas in London from the fantastic pop-up at Somerset House to the ice rink around the Victorian bandstand at Winter Wonderland

The ice rink at Canary Wharf is always the first to open for the season, this year welcoming skaters from 25 Ocotober 2025 until 22 February 2026. Also returning this year is Glide, at Battersea Power Station.

Hampton Court Palace ice rink is always a favourite and a great way to combine a twirl around the rink with a visit to Henry VIII’s palace. 

Back for Christmas 2025 is the Queen’s House Ice Rink in Greenwich. Set in front of Queen’s House and with views of Canary Wharf, this is one of the prettiest ice rinks in London

New for this year is the ice rink at Leicester Square, which circles the Shakespeare state at the heart of the square. The rink will stay open until 4 January, 2026. 

See our full list of the best places to go ice skating in London at Christmas here. 

London Christmas lights walking route Deposit Photos
Christmas lights along Regent Street

Christmas Pantomimes 

It’s not Christmas without a pantomime (oh yes it is!) and, as always, London has got some wonderful laugh-out-loud options to usher in the festive season. 

London Palladium – Sleeping Beauty

To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Palladium panto, the London theatre is stating its version of Sleeping Beauty starting Julian Clary and Catherine Tate, who will be playing Carabosse the Wicked Fairy.

Dates: Saturday 6 December – Sunday 11 January 2026. Book tickets here

Hackney Empire – Cinderella 

This is always our favourite pantomime venue and this year the Hackney Empire is staging everyone’s favourite rags to riches story. Hackney pants stalwart Kat B will be playing one of the Ugly Sisters alongside cabaret legend George Heyworth. 

Enjoy the rags to riches tail of Dick Whittington and his Cat this Christmas at the Hackney Empire, who just happens to be celebrating their 25th pantomime season. With a great cast, extravagant costumes and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this promises to be a fantastic Christmas Day out. 

Dates: 22 November – 31 December 

Stratford East – Mamma Goose

This year it’s the classic tale of The Golden Goose that gets the East London spin when local gal Mamma Goose and her magical golden-egg-laying goose hit the stage at Stratford East. Joining Mamma Goose on stage is the BFF (The Bougie Fierce Fairy), WTF (The Wholesome Thoughtful Fairy) and, erm, the Tax Man. 

Dates: 21 November – 3 January 2026 

Lyric Hammersmith – Jack and the Beanstalk

Can loveable hero Jack save the people of Hammersmith from the giant? Follow local boy Jack as he starts his first day at Fleshcreep Academy, the strictest school in Hammersmith, to see if he can bring joy back to London. 

Dates: 15 November – 4 January 2026. Book tickets here

Greenwich Theatre – Peter Pan

Fly away to Neverland this Christmas at Greenwich Theatre and see Peter Pan, Windy and Thinker Bell soar into action to outwit Hook and his dastardly pirate crew. 

Dates: 28 November – 11 January, 2026 

Wilton’s Music Hall – Potted Panto

Why see just one pantomime when you can see seven all at once?! The Oliver Award nominated Potted Panto combines seven pantomime favourites in 80 minutes, promising a madcap adventure through some family favourites. 

See Aladdin’s lamp being rubbed, watch Dick Whittington roam London’s streets, and discover if Cinderella really does make it to the ball. It’s fun, funny and one of our favourite pantomimes in London. 

Dates: 3 December – 3 January 2025. Book tickets here

King’s Head Theatre – Jack and the Beanstalk 

This tiny theatre in Islington is one of our favourites in London and is this year staging both a family-friendly version and adults’ only showing of Jack and the Beanstalk (make sure you book the right tickets!). 

In the family-friendly re-telling of this popular tale, Jack and a greedy old giant are brought to life with songs, slapstick and plenty of puns.

Dates: 23 November – 4 January 2026. Book tickets here

Best Christmas markets in London
The Southbank at Christmas

Christmas Theatre 

London is a great place for theatre throughout the year but it really ups its game during the Christmas period. Here are the best Christmas theatre options for the whole family to enjoy. 

A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic 

The Old Vic’s annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol classic returns this season starring Paul Hilton as Ebenezer Scrooge. Expect mince pies, music and plenty of Christmas cheer. 

Dates: 12 November  – 10 January 2026. Book tickets here

Ballet Shoes at The National Theatre

This adaptation of the 1936 children’s novel Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild is the perfect Christmas treat. 

Dates: 17 November – 21 February 2026. Book tickets here.

Cinderella at the Rose Theatre Kingston 

​There are always pantomime versions of this favourite rags to riches story every Christmas but for something a little bit more traditional, head to the Rose Theatre Kingston who are staging a version of Cinderella from top playwright Chris Bush, co-written with Roni Neale. 

Dates: 26 November – 4 January 2026. Book tickets here.

A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story 

This darker telling of the Dickens classic has been staged at Alexandra Palace Theatre in north London three times now. For 2025, Neil Morrissey takes over the part of Jacob Marley. This retelling of A Christmas Carol is for children aged 12+. 

Dates: 21 November – 4 January 2026. Book tickets here.

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong at the Apollo Theatre

We’re big fans of the Play That Goes Wrong in our household so we’re excited to see this version, based on Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. 

Dates: 6 December – 25 January 2025. Book tickets here.

Slava’s SnowShow at the Harold Pinter Theatre

Returning to London in December is this multi award-winning theatre show that combines theatrical magic, humours antics, whimsical music, surrealists performances and a snowstorm like no other. 

Dates: 18 December – 12 January 2025. Book tickets here

Christmas in London with kids
The Snowman will be performed at the Peacock Theatre. Image credit Tristram Kenton

The Snowman – Peacock Theatre

Returning to the Peacock Theatre is everyone’s favourite flying snowman. Based on the much-loved picture book by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson, this tale of the young Boy and his Snowman who comes to life is filled with Christmas spirit. 

Dates: 22 November – 4 January 2026. Book tickets here

The Nutcracker at The London Coliseum 

This favourite family tradition is this year being performed at the London Coliseum. This new re-telling of The Nutcracker is choreographed by English National Ballet’s Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin and Olivier Award-winner Arielle Smith and promises to deliver plenty of Christmas cheer. 

Dates: 11 December – 11 January 2026. Book tickets here

Elf the Musical at Aldwych Theatre

What better to get you into the festive spirit than this all-singing adaptation of the Will Ferrel film, Elf. This year, this high octane musical is being staged at Aldwych Theatre. 

Dates: 28 October – 3 January 2026. Book tickets here.

Paddington the Musical 

Join Paddington on stage this Christmas with this new musical adaptation that opened in West End this month. The big splashy musical promises to trace Paddington’s origin story from arriving at London’s famous train station to being taken in by the kind-hearted Brown family. 

Aimed at ages six plus, Paddington the Musical plays at the Savoy Theatre

Pinocchio at The Globe 

This full scale, full length musical adaptation of Carlo Collodi’s fairytale of the wooden puppet who longs to be a boy will run outdoors this winter and we can’t wait to see it. Aimed at 5+. 

Dates: 29 November – 4 January 2026. Book tickets here.

Father Christmas Needs a Wee! at The Arts Theatre

When you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go – and that applies to Santa too! Aimed at children aged 3+, this comical tale of Father Christmas has been brilliantly adapted for stage ands is the perfect Christmas show for younger children. Father Christmas Needs a Wee! takes place at the Arts Theatre.

Dates: 6 – 24 December 2024. Book tickets here

Christmas in London with kids
Carols are sung regularly in Trafalgar Square

Hogwarts in the Snow

Wands at the ready, it’s time to visit Hogwarts at Christmas. The annual Hogwarts in the Snow at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour opens its doors to Harry Potter fans on 15 November 2025 and welcomes wizards until 18 January 2026. 

During this time the Great Hall is transformed into scenes from the Yule Ball from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and the Gryffindor common room, Forbidden Forest and Dragon Alley are all dressed for Christmas.

One of our favourite parts of Hogwarts at Christmas is the Hogwarts Castle Model, which is coated in snow using the same technique used in the Harry Potter films. 

For more Harry Potter magic, take a look at this walking tour through central London.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 

London’s home for festive fun, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers shows, rides, an ice rink, a magical ice kingdom, Santa Land and more. 

As with previous years you’ll need to book your tickets in advance choosing what date and time you want to visit. Winter Wonderland does get very busy (although hopefully the ticketed entrance will keep numbers down) so you will want to take this into account when booking your tickets.

Dates: 14 November to 1 January 2026.

Jingles Bells Blast Thames Rockets

For festive cheer with a difference book a ride on Thames Rockets and zip along the Thames river for a super-sleigh ride adventure! These boat tours along London’s most famous river are fun at the best of time but add in some Christmas carols and it’s the perfect way to enjoy the holiday period. Book tickets here.

Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre

Tuck into festive treats within the magnificent courtyards of Hampton Court Palace this Christmas during the Festive Fayre. Held over two weekends in early December, this popular food festival is the best way to kick off the festive season – by eating lots of yummy food!

Dates: 5 – 7 December and 12 – 14 December 2025.

Christmas at the Tower of London

Enjoy a very Royal Christmas with a trip to the Tower of London that’s beautifully decorated for the holidays. Encounter legends of kings and queens, meat the beasts from the Tower’s historic menagerie, experience scenes of royal celebration and more. 

Dates: 28 November – 4 January 2026.

Christmas in London
Christmas in Covent Garden

Christmas in Covent Garden

Christmas has come early to Covent Garden and the gigantic bells, oversized baubles and spinning mirror balls are back at the iconic Market Building. 

Other festive treats to enjoy include the beautifully decorated traditional Santa sleigh that’s perfect for a Christmas photo shoot, the Winter Warmer Festival and The Chalet of Play presented by LEGO. Sadly only open until 30 November, this LEGO pop-up is free to enter with fairground challenges at Tinsel Toss, gaming-inspire emissions in the LEGO Minecraft Zone and the chance to build your own LEGO Heart in the Build to Give area. 

As always, street performers will be entertaining visitors throughout the day only this time they have a glorious 55ft Christmas tree as a backdrop.

Studio Ghibli Pop Up 

The perfect Christmas treat anime lovers is opening in time for the holidays.

Setting up shop in the heart of Knightsbridge is this official Studio Ghibli shop filled with plush dolls, mini-figures, models, homewares, stationery and more. Everything is officially licensed and has been imported directly from Japan.

So, if you’re looking for a Christmas stocking treat for a special gift for a Studio Ghibli fan then this is the place to come. 

​The pop-up opens on 15 November and will remain until 11 January 2026.  You’ll find the pop-up at 237 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW3 2EP. 

Christmas at the Postal Museum

Head to the Postal Museum this Christmas and take a ride on the Mail Rail, decorated for Christmas. The subterranean ride takes visitors back in time to the heyday of the postal railway.

Also on display are letters to Santa, which includes official cards from Father Christmas sent to children between 1963 and 2010 (including some of his replies). The first commercial Christmas card will also be on display in the museum’s permanent exhibitions space.

Other festive treats include an interactive storytelling session with author and artist Ella Phillips when she brings her new children’s book ‘My Grandma’s Magic Recipes: Winter Warmth’ to life. Children are invited afterwards to create their own special recipe book. 

Dates: 4 November – 31 December. Activities are included in admission tickets (the Mail Rail needs to be booked separately). Book tickets here

The magic of Christmas at ZSL London Zoo 

Celebrate a very merry Christmas at London Zoo this year with eco-friendly festivities and magical experiences from 22 November to 4 January. This year, ZSL London Zoo are focusing on creating a greener Christmas with a host of fun-filled activities. 

Included in your admission are Christmas crafts for kids that include making toilet roll stars and designing your own festive wrapping paper using recycled brown paper, stamps and ink pads. 

Find the hiding elves trail, head over to Elf HQ for some fun Christmas crafts and story time magic with the elves, take your festive photo under the zoo’s giant Christmas tree, and enter your name into the daily Animal Adentu Calendar prize draw for the chance to win a prize! 

Santa will be popping up to so keep an eye out for him as you enjoy a festive day out. 

Dates: 22 November – 4 January 2026.

Next stop, Christmas at the London Transport Museum 

Join in the festive fun at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden this Christmas. Explore the museum galleries with a fun festive trail, meet costumed characters and find out how London’s transport network have played a part in people’s Christmas celebrations. 

Santa will be popping up around the museum every day from 27 November until 23 December. The festive family activities take place on weekends from 29 November until 19 December and daily from 20 December until 4 January 2026. 

Christmas in London with kids

Christmas at Battersea Power Station 

Enjoy giant Christmas trees, festive lights, an enormous outdoor ice rink, Christmas Markets and more festive events this holiday season at London’s iconic Battersea Power Station

You can even enjoy your very own ride up the chimney with a trip in Lift 109, a glass elevator that ascends 109 metres to the top of the power station’s north-west chimney for beautiful views of the London skyline. 

Christmas at the Charles Dickens Museum 

There are lots of Christmassy activities taking place in the home that once belonged to the celebrated author Charles Dickens.  

Watch a Gothicly Grand Magic Lantern Christmas, with live performances of A Christmas Carol, told by actor James Swanton, and enjoy free drama fun with Scrooge (ages 9 – 12). You can even visit on Christmas Eve and see what the holidays were like for Charles Dickens and his family. 

Christmas events take place on selected dates, check the website for details.

Join Snowy’s Conservation Crew at the SeaLife Aquarium

Snowy the snowman is on a mission to try and help the North Pole animals have a happy Christmas and a safe future. Join Snowy this Christmas the SeaLife London Aquarium and learn all about the amazing arctic animals and what you can do to help keep them safe. Take on challenges, find the answers, learn all about the oceans and more.

Activities are included in standard entry. 

Dates: 7 – 24 December.

Snoopy Sculpture Trail 

Last year a colony of penguins appeared in the city’s Fleet Street Quarter but this year it’s Snoopy that will be coming to town. A dozen sculptures of everyone’s favourite beagle will be on display from 19 November to 16 January, 2026, each one designed by a different artist. The free sculpture trail is being held to mark the 75th anniversary of the Peanuts comic strip. 

Dates: From 19 November. Download the map here

Festive Family Fun Day at the WWT London Wetland Centre 

There’s plenty to celebrate at the London Wetland Centre this Christmas. Enjoy gospel choir performances, magical storytelling sessions and the chance to toast gooey marshmallows around the fire.  

Other activities include decorating gingerbread creations and festive face painting. 

The festive family fun day takes place on weekends between 6 – 21 December. 

The Gingerbread City at the Museum of Architecture

Forget your traditional gingerbread house and opt for a gingerbread city instead.

The Gingerbread City is an annual exhibition where architects, designers and engineers create an entire city made of gingerbread. The fun – and hugely intricate display – aims to connect the public with architecture through a creative display created for the Christmas holidays. 

Gingerbread House-Making workshops are also available (an additional ticket is required). 

The exhibition raises money to support the Museum of Architecture as a charity and helps to create programming, exhibitions and events.

Dates: 29 November – 4 January, 2026.

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