London's best children's Christmas activities for 2026
When is it acceptable to start doing Christmas activities? It's a divisive topic. Most Brits frown upon putting up the Xmas decorations before December. (1)
As for us, we spend so much time looking for family events that Christmas is usually on our minds much earlier.
Which is just as well, because London's best children's Christmas activities tend to book up fast. One example that springs to mind is the London Symphony Orchestra's Family Concert. In our experience, it tends to sell out by mid-autumn.
And when it comes to hugely popular Christmas events for kids, it's not alone.
What are London's most popular children's Christmas events?
The Snowman in Concert at Cadogan Hall was the most popular kids Christmas event with our newsletter readers last year (you can sign up to it here and get a heads-up on events like it, plus free pop-ups and more).
As for meeting Santa, Hamleys on Regent Street has perhaps London's best-known grotto.
Kew Gardens' Christmas light trail is said to be the first of its kind in the UK. (2)
There are plenty of Christmas markets for families, from Hyde Park Winter Wonderland to the Southbank Centre's riverside chalets.
But our readers' favourite last year was a lesser-known spot: the Victorian Christmas Village at St Katharine Docks.
As for this year's best Christmas events for kids in London, you'll find plenty more hidden gems below.
Looking for a particular age group or area of London? Filter your search here to find children's Xmas events, parties and family activities near you.
Kids Christmas events you can book right now:
Christmas Family Concert, Victoria & Pimlico
Grab your family, harness up your fastest reindeer and meet us at a Bach to Baby concert for the perfect prelude to the holiday season! Sleigh bells ring, the stage is set - a jolly concert you won't forget. So don your glitter, grab your crew - Bach to Baby's got a treat for you! Our Christmas concerts are a festive feast of music and sing-along carols - featuring seasonal favourites, jazzy twists and surprises. Whether rocking a baby, shepherding tots, or gathering the whole family tree, eveyone's welcome. About Bach to Baby Bach to Baby is the critically acclaimed concert series for babies, toddlers and their carers. Tots dance, roam about and revel in the wonder of live music, while you take a moment out of your busy day to hear top notch performances by outstanding musicians, with your young babes in tow. Outstanding Musicians, Exhilarating Performances, Inspiring Locations across the UK. As seen at Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace. Featured in The Times (London) and the New York Times.
Sat 28 Nov - Sat 28 Nov
11:00 - 11:45
Music • 0m-5 years • £18.00
SW1V, St Gabriel's Church
Santa in the Sky
This Christmas, soar above London and meet Santa in our festively decorated pod, a Christmas experience for all ages. Step into a World of Festive Magic Embark on a magical festive adventure for the whole family. Your experience begins with a VIP welcome before you’re greeted by one of Santa’s special friends in a dedicated Christmas space. Whether you meet the Gingerbread Baker, Toy Maker’s Apprentice, Santa’s Head Elf or the Nutcracker, they’ll entertain your little ones with festive games, activities and a complimentary sweet treat. Children can write their letters to Santa at the craft table and post them in the Christmas post box before the journey begins. Once the excitement builds, your Christmas host will escort you to your beautifully decorated London Eye pod, where Santa is waiting. With your children’s wish lists and special details secretly shared in advance, Santa will amaze them with personalised stories and surprises as you soar above London’s sparkling skyline, before gifting them a special present to take home. Experience the Magic in motion Santa in the Sky offers a magical Christmas experience high above the city. Here’s what awaits you during your visit: • VIP check-in and warm welcome from one of Santa’s festive friends • A dedicated pre-flight Christmas space filled with decorations, activities and festive fun • A complimentary sweet treat for little ones • A festive escort to your London Eye pod • A 30-minute London Eye rotation where you'll meet Santa, hear enchanting stories and enjoy 360-degree views of London sparkling below • A special gift for every child to take home This ticket price include 1 Adult & 1 Child
Sat 21 Nov - Thu 24 Dec
11:30 - 12:30
Kids Activities • 0m-12 years • £39.00
SE1, The London Eye
Shrek the Halls! A Shrektacular Experience
An ogre-the-top Christmas at the Swamp Shrek the Halls is back at Shrek’s Adventure! London this festive season for an ogre-the-top festive experience. Guests will meet Shrek Santa in a specially decorated swamp, creating memorable seasonal moments and photo opportunities for the whole family! This Christmas adventure runs from 5 December to 3 January and is included with your Shrek’s Adventure! London ticket. Pre-book online to guarantee entry Meet Shrek santa today and post for a photo to mark the special occasion! Guests will also be gifted with a Christmas card – included in the standard ticket price! Meet Shrek santa Hop aboard the magical flying 4D bus to Far Far Away and step into a Christmas adventure like no other. Journey through nine laugh-out-loud live shows, packed with festive sparkle, captivating storytelling, special effects, and Donkey’s trademark cheekiness! The Shrek Santa Meet & Greet is included with every entry ticket – no extra cost to join the fun! You’ll also spot familiar faces like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and the Muffin Man. Even Far Far Away gets a touch of Christmas magic!
Sat 5 Dec - Sun 3 Jan
10:00 - 11:00
Christmas Activities • 2-12 years • £24.00
SE1, Shrek's Adventure
PAW Patrol Christmas Lights Bus Tour
Brigit’s Bakery invites you to join Ryder and the pups on the PAW Patrol Christmas Lights Bus Tour to help find Mayor Goodway before Christmas. Solve clues, see the city’s dazzling lights, and enjoy games, treats, and family fun along the way. Highlights 🚌 Climb aboard a festive Routemaster for a magical London Christmas lights tour 🐾 Help solve Ryder’s puzzles and clues to find Mayor Goodway 🎤 Enjoy sing-alongs, games, and high-energy onboard entertainment 🧁 Indulge in a festive afternoon tea and take home a PAW Patrol Christmas souvenir cup About PAW Patrol Christmas Lights Bus Tour Climb aboard a festive red Routemaster for a magical PAW Patrol Christmas Lights Bus Tour through London. Join Ryder and the pups on a rescue mission to find Mayor Goodway, solving clues on interactive screens while passing the city’s sparkling Christmas lights. Enjoy sing-alongs, games, a PAW Patrol activity book, and a delicious Christmas afternoon tea—a tail-wagging festive adventure for the whole family. Get your tickets for the PAW Patrol Christmas Lights Bus Tour in London!
Wed 11 Nov - Tue 5 Jan
12:30 - 14:00
Kids Activities • 2-8 years • £37.00
WC2N, Corinthia Hotels
West End Musical Christmas
The West End’s number one concert series WEST END MUSICAL CHRISTMAS returns to the Lyric Theatre for its biggest and most magical festive celebration yet. This Christmas, a surprise cast of the West End’s biggest stars will take to the stage for an unforgettable evening of music and festive cheer, to get audiences well and truly into the Christmas spirit. The set list remains a closely guarded secret, but expect a feast of heart-warming festive favourites, musical theatre classics and Yuletide surprises, building to an unforgettable Christmas party. Whether it’s your annual Christmas tradition or your first West End Musical concert, this is the festive night out that will leave you smiling long after the final encore. We wish you a musical Christmas! What is West End Musical Christmas about? This is a West End Musical concert ‘where the audience becomes the cast’, so warm up those vocal cords, get ready to sing your heart out, dance in the aisles and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together
Mon 14 Dec - Mon 14 Dec
19:30 - 21:30
Theatre Show • 8 years+ • £24.00
W1D, Lyric Theatre
Santa's Grotto in Covent Garden
Brand new Grotto in the Garden launches as part of Christmas in the Garden, bringing one-to-one Santa visits to the heart of London. Increasingly rare in London's Christmas grottos, each child experiences five magical minutes of one-to-one time with Father Christmas; their own special moment and chance to share their Christmas wishes. Every child also receives a special gift from Santa, and a printed festive family trail that takes families out into Covent Garden and Seven Dials to discover London's Christmas lights and decorations. This is more than just a meeting with Santa, it's an experience for the whole family! Capture the moment: One of Santa's elves will take a Golden Polaroid photo of your visit for you to cherish forever! Just remember, this is a nostalgic photo - not a 4K digital shot, so each image will develop to its own colour and quality. Just like the old days! Simply add this to your booking.
Sat 21 Nov - Wed 23 Dec
10:00 - 10:30
Christmas Activities • 0m-12 years • £29.00
WC2E, St Paul's Church
Ms. Claus Storytime
Meet Ms. Claus - the daughter of Father Christmas - and discover the secrets of growing up in the north pole with Father Christmas as her dad! Ms. Claus grew up with one of the most famous fathers in the world, surrounded by reindeer, elves and the traditions of the North Pole. Her interactive storytelling experience will give children a glimpse into what it was really like growing up as Santa's daughter, including stories about the family's Christmas traditions and some of the little secrets of the reindeer and elves. But this isn't simply a story for children to sit and listen to. Ms. Claus will also ask children about their own Christmas traditions, making the experience a two-way conversation and celebrating the unique ways families make Christmas magical. The experience also includes a festive activity designed to give children something to enjoy and remember beyond their visit. The wider Christmas in the Garden event has a Christmas market, and food and drink available so there is not rush to leave. You can plan your Grotto visit accordingly. Please note: The Ms. Claus session does not include entry to the grotto, this is a separate activity. If you would like to book to see both Santa and Ms. Claus, please check the event agenda below and book tickets to both activities around those times.
Sat 21 Nov - Wed 23 Dec
11:00 - 12:00
Christmas Activities • 0m-12 years • £9.00
WC2E, St Paul's Church
Cinderella
You shall go to the most magical ball in the land this Christmas as the world-famous London Palladium invites you to the dazzling rags-to-riches fairytale Cinderella. Comedy legends Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders reunite on the West End stage for the first time in 17 years as the wickedly hilarious Ugly Sisters, with incomparable panto sensation Julian Clary, wand in hand, as the glittering Fairy Godfather. Palladium panto favourites Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Rob Madge are back by popular demand, joined by acclaimed TV and theatre star Dex Lee as Prince Charming, with musical theatre’s Hope Dawe stepping into the glass slippers as Cinderella. Expect the most spectacular costumes in Pantoland, dazzling special effects, riotous laughter and all the magic that has made The London Palladium the true home of pantomime for the past decade.
Sat 5 Dec - Sun 10 Jan
14:30 - 17:30
Theatre Show • 4 years+ • £69.50
W1F, London Palladium
Peppa Pig Christmas Tea Bus Tour
Don’t miss a festive Peppa Pig Christmas Bus Tour through London, from Brigit’s Bakery, filled with holiday cheer, themed afternoon tea and family sing-along fun. Enjoy sparkling Christmas lights, iconic landmarks and a magical journey as little fans follow Peppa’s animated guided adventure onboard. Highlights 🎄 Enjoy a Peppa Pig Christmas afternoon tea with fun themed treats and festive decorations 🚌 Discover London landmarks like Big Ben and Tower Bridge from a festive sightseeing bus 🎶 Sing along to cheerful Peppa Pig songs with onboard animated guidance 📘 Take home a Peppa Pig activity book packed with fun for little fans About Peppa Pig Christmas Tea Bus Tour Hop aboard a festive Peppa Pig Christmas Bus Tour through London, where twinkling decorations, themed afternoon tea treats and cheerful sing-along songs create a magical family experience. Little fans enjoy Peppa-guided animations on table tablets while passing iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Tower Bridge, making sightseeing deliciously fun for both kids and grown-ups. Get your tickets today for the Peppa Pig Christmas Bus Tour in London!
Wed 11 Nov - Tue 5 Jan
12:15 - 13:45
Christmas Activities • 2-8 years • £37.00
WC2R, Temple Embankment Bus Stop N
Pinocchio
Dreaming of a life beyond his traditional town, restless maverick Geppetto makes a magical wooden puppet called PINOCCHIO. Together they set out to find family and discover the wonder of being human. Playing at the THE GLOBE theatre Bring everyone together for ‘one of the best family shows around’ ★★★★ (The Telegraph) – or treat yourself to ‘a great night out’ ★★★★ (The Reviews Hub). Full of fabulous live music and packed with ‘blissful silliness… and boisterous humour’ ★★★★ (The Guardian), this is ‘a wonderful festive treat’ ★★★★ (Independent) for everybody age 5 and up Do not miss this ★★★★★ ‘beautiful new musical’ (WhatsOnStage), written by Charlie Josephine (I, Joan, Globe; Cowbois, Royal Court) and Jim Fortune (Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear, National), directed by Globe Associate Artistic Director Sean Holmes.
Sat 28 Nov - Sat 2 Jan
18:30 - 20:40
Theatre Show • 5 years+ • £6.00
SE1, Globe Theatre
Wundrful World of Christmas: Immersive Event
A magical, mixed-reality walk-through experience to meet Santa and his elves. Your journey will be guided by a cast of animated characters and real-life actors. Start your adventure in the Wundr Lift, where your trusty elf pilot will transport you on a magical ride to the snow-filled North. Wander through the Enchanted Forest and try your hand at snowballing! Learn from the busy elves how Santa’s workshop works — and become a trainee elf! Savour the delicious treats a jovial Mrs Claus is cooking up. Settle into Santa’s cozy cottage to hear his story, before heading to the North Pole Post Office for a photo with the Big Man himself! The WUNDR Lift Begin your journey to the North Pole powered by the magic of Santa’s elves. Listen carefully to Elf Conductor Noel’s instructions as Captain Pinecone zooms you through the clouds to the North Pole. Enchanted Forest Step through the Wundr Door into the snow-covered North Pole and wander past the Wishing Well to the Elves’ Workshop. The Elves’ Workshop Master Builder Elf Jock McChisel and his apprentice Holly are ready to show you how the toy-making line works. Watch closely so you’re ready for your shift at the Toy Sorting Station. Toy Sorting Station All little trainee Elves welcome here! Santa’s helper will show you where to pick up a letter and go to find the right toy. Once you’ve found it, drop it off at the wrapping station and you’re on your way to becoming an Elf. Mrs Claus’s Kitchen Ah that smells delicious! Meet Mrs Claus in her kitchen and she’ll demonstrate how to make those special treats that her dear hubbie loves so much! Listen carefully so you can leave the right snack out for the Big Man on the night before Christmas. Santa’s Study Meet Santa's favourite elf in the study where Santa likes to read children's letters and hear her tale of how they first met. Santa's Grotto Enjoy a special meeting with Santa and have the moment captured in a unique photo.
Fri 13 Nov - Wed 23 Dec
10:00 - 11:00
Christmas Activities • 3-8 years • £24.90
SE1, Wundrful World of Christmas
Christmas Family Concert, Kensington
Grab your family, harness up your fastest reindeer and meet us at a Bach to Baby concert for the perfect prelude to the holiday season! Sleigh bells ring, the stage is set - a jolly concert you won't forget. So don your glitter, grab your crew - Bach to Baby's got a treat for you! Our Christmas concerts are a festive feast of music and sing-along carols - featuring seasonal favourites, jazzy twists and surprises. Whether rocking a baby, shepherding tots, or gathering the whole family tree, eveyone's welcome. About Bach to Baby Bach to Baby is the critically acclaimed concert series for babies, toddlers and their carers. Tots dance, roam about and revel in the wonder of live music, while you take a moment out of your busy day to hear top notch performances by outstanding musicians, with your young babes in tow. Outstanding Musicians, Exhilarating Performances, Inspiring Locations across the UK. As seen at Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace. Featured in The Times (London) and the New York Times.
Fri 27 Nov - Fri 27 Nov
10:30 - 11:15
Music • 0m-5 years • £18.00
SW7, St Stephen's Church
Bach to Baby Christmas Family Concert, London Bridge & Borough
Grab your family, harness up your fastest reindeer and meet us at a Bach to Baby concert for the perfect prelude to the holiday season! Sleigh bells ring, the stage is set - a jolly concert you won't forget. So don your glitter, grab your crew - Bach to Baby's got a treat for you! Our Christmas concerts are a festive feast of music and sing-along carols - featuring seasonal favourites, jazzy twists and surprises. Whether rocking a baby, shepherding tots, or gathering the whole family tree, eveyone's welcome. About Bach to Baby Bach to Baby is the critically acclaimed concert series for babies, toddlers and their carers. Tots dance, roam about and revel in the wonder of live music, while you take a moment out of your busy day to hear top notch performances by outstanding musicians, with your young babes in tow. Outstanding Musicians, Exhilarating Performances, Inspiring Locations across the UK. As seen at Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace. Featured in The Times (London) and the New York Times.
Sat 14 Nov - Sat 14 Nov
11:00 - 11:45
Music • 0m-5 years • £18.00
SE1, St Mary Magdalen
The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo
Perfect for families and kids this Christmas & New Year Looking for things to do with kids over the Christmas break? Look no further – London Zoo has got you covered. Explore over 8,000 animals and feel the Christmas magic at London Zoo from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Wander through our magical Christmas forest and be transported to the North Pole HQ! In our HQ, you will find a host of festive activities to enjoy throughout your visit. Little ones can write a personal note to Santa and share all their Christmas wishes, or get creative decorating and filling their very own Christmas cracker, complete with a party hat and joke, ready to make you roar with laughter on Christmas Day. You’ll also find even more arts and crafts activities, like Christmas card decorating, or festive origami. Don’t miss our cheeky elves, who will be hosting their very own game shows every day. Will you be the lucky winner of a very special prize? There’s plenty more entertainment too! On peak days*, you can also join Mrs Claus' Storytime, hearing not only your favourite Christmas stories, but her own adventures in the North Pole too. The old saying goes, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, so there will also be a live musician, singing everybody’s favourite Christmas tunes – new and old – over lunch. Head to HQ for the full programme of entertainment on the day of your visit. But most importantly, we will be joined by Santa himself, and he'll be making his way through the Zoo each day over lunch on his special zoo Santa-Mobile. Make sure you line the pathways to give him a big wave as he and Mrs Claus drive by. Keep an eye out across the zoo for our festive animal talks, where our expert keepers are adding a seasonal twist to some of their favourite talks. Amongst others, you could join ‘Bah Humboldt’ to uncover the secrets of our Humboldt penguins, discover more about our beautiful capybaras at ‘Capy Christmas’, or find out how our otters are getting into the festive spirit at ‘It’s Beginning to Look a L-Otter Like Christmas’. Don’t forget to get your festive selfies, ready to send to all the family with our giant festive photo ops in Barclay Court.
Tue 27 Oct - Sun 3 Jan
12:00 - 16:00
Christmas Activities • 0m-11 years • From £19.40
NW1, London Zoo
Christmas Family Concert, Notting Hill
Grab your family, harness up your fastest reindeer and meet us at a Bach to Baby concert for the perfect prelude to the holiday season! Sleigh bells ring, the stage is set - a jolly concert you won't forget. So don your glitter, grab your crew - Bach to Baby's got a treat for you! Our Christmas concerts are a festive feast of music and sing-along carols - featuring seasonal favourites, jazzy twists and surprises. Whether rocking a baby, shepherding tots, or gathering the whole family tree, eveyone's welcome. About Bach to Baby Bach to Baby is the critically acclaimed concert series for babies, toddlers and their carers. Tots dance, roam about and revel in the wonder of live music, while you take a moment out of your busy day to hear top notch performances by outstanding musicians, with your young babes in tow. Outstanding Musicians, Exhilarating Performances, Inspiring Locations across the UK. As seen at Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace. Featured in The Times (London) and the New York Times.
Mon 16 Nov - Mon 16 Nov
10:30 - 11:15
Music • 0m-5 years • £18.00
W11, St Peter's Church
Winter Fair and Santa's Grotto
Visit Father Christmas and enjoy a festive atmosphere with Christmas choirs and music. Our cafe will serve warming mulled wine, hot drinks and snacks. Our shop will be open for purchase of windmill related gifts – something unique for family and friends! There will be free arts and crafts activities for children in the Green Hut throughout the afternoon as well as a Christmas wreath making workshop for adults. Santa’s Grotto ONLINE BOOKINGS OPEN 16th NOVEMBER We are very excited to announce that Santa will return to the Windmill grotto this year from 1-3.30pm to greet children with a small wrapped gift and allow families to capture a festive photo. Tickets are £5.50 per child. This year ticket sales will be online rather than here onsite – we hope this will help you plan your day!
Sun 6 Dec - Sun 6 Dec
12:00 - 15:30
Christmas Activities • 0m-12 years • £5.50
SW2, Brixton Windmill Centre
Scrooge Festive Theatre
Original. Immersive. Fun. Magical seasonal theatre for everyone from 3 to 93 at Brixton Windmill Centre this December. Whether you’re gathering the family for a magical Christmas treat or escaping for a festive night out with friends, a glass of wine and a mince pie in hand, Scrooge promises laughter, wonder and pure Christmas spirit for all ages. Packed with familiar songs to sing along to, immersive storytelling and plenty of festive surprises, Scrooge captures all the heart, humour and redemption of A Christmas Carol in a bold and unforgettable new way in the welcoming setting of Brixton Windmill Centre. Witty, original and overflowing with festive charm, this is the must-see theatrical event of the season.The Dot Collective (Romeo & Juliet/ Elves and the Shoemaker) is back this time with Dickens’ beloved ghost story. Scrooge is swept from the streets of London to a windswept Victorian seaside town as he visits Christmases past, present and yet to come. Audiences will step into a world of glowing lanterns, salty sea air, snow-dusted streets and festive wonder as this timeless tale is reimagined - where carols fill the air, ghosts appear in the shadows and magic waits around every corner. RUNNING TIME: 90mins with interval RECOMMENDED: Adults | Families | Children 3+ ACCESS: accessibility features embedded | dementia friendly |
Fri 18 Dec - Fri 18 Dec
19:00 - 20:30
Theatre Show • 3 years+ • From £12.62
SW2, Brixton Windmill Centre
Christmas Family Concert, Islington Angel
Grab your family, harness up your fastest reindeer and meet us at a Bach to Baby concert for the perfect prelude to the holiday season! Sleigh bells ring, the stage is set - a jolly concert you won't forget. So don your glitter, grab your crew - Bach to Baby's got a treat for you! Our Christmas concerts are a festive feast of music and sing-along carols - featuring seasonal favourites, jazzy twists and surprises. Whether rocking a baby, shepherding tots, or gathering the whole family tree, eveyone's welcome. About Bach to Baby Bach to Baby is the critically acclaimed concert series for babies, toddlers and their carers. Tots dance, roam about and revel in the wonder of live music, while you take a moment out of your busy day to hear top notch performances by outstanding musicians, with your young babes in tow. Outstanding Musicians, Exhilarating Performances, Inspiring Locations across the UK. As seen at Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace. Featured in The Times (London) and the New York Times.
Sat 14 Nov - Sat 14 Nov
15:00 - 15:45
Music • 0m-5 years • £18.00
N1, St. Mary's Church
Christmas Family Concert, Dulwich Village
Grab your family, harness up your fastest reindeer and meet us at a Bach to Baby concert for the perfect prelude to the holiday season! Sleigh bells ring, the stage is set - a jolly concert you won't forget. So don your glitter, grab your crew - Bach to Baby's got a treat for you! Our Christmas concerts are a festive feast of music and sing-along carols - featuring seasonal favourites, jazzy twists and surprises. Whether rocking a baby, shepherding tots, or gathering the whole family tree, eveyone's welcome. About Bach to Baby Bach to Baby is the critically acclaimed concert series for babies, toddlers and their carers. Tots dance, roam about and revel in the wonder of live music, while you take a moment out of your busy day to hear top notch performances by outstanding musicians, with your young babes in tow. Outstanding Musicians, Exhilarating Performances, Inspiring Locations across the UK. As seen at Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace. Featured in The Times (London) and the New York Times.
Mon 23 Nov - Mon 23 Nov
10:30 - 11:15
Music • 0m-5 years • £18.00
SE21, St. Barnabas Church
Bach to Baby Christmas Family Concert, Balham
Grab your family, harness up your fastest reindeer and meet us at a Bach to Baby concert for the perfect prelude to the holiday season! Sleigh bells ring, the stage is set - a jolly concert you won't forget. So don your glitter, grab your crew - Bach to Baby's got a treat for you! Our Christmas concerts are a festive feast of music and sing-along carols - featuring seasonal favourites, jazzy twists and surprises. Whether rocking a baby, shepherding tots, or gathering the whole family tree, eveyone's welcome. About Bach to Baby Bach to Baby is the critically acclaimed concert series for babies, toddlers and their carers. Tots dance, roam about and revel in the wonder of live music, while you take a moment out of your busy day to hear top notch performances by outstanding musicians, with your young babes in tow. Outstanding Musicians, Exhilarating Performances, Inspiring Locations across the UK. As seen at Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace. Featured in The Times (London) and the New York Times.
Sat 28 Nov - Sat 28 Nov
11:00 - 11:45
Music • 0m-5 years • £18.00
SW12, Saint Mary And Saint John The Divine
Christmas Family Concert, West Hampstead
Grab your family, harness up your fastest reindeer and meet us at a Bach to Baby concert for the perfect prelude to the holiday season! Sleigh bells ring, the stage is set - a jolly concert you won't forget. So don your glitter, grab your crew - Bach to Baby's got a treat for you! Our Christmas concerts are a festive feast of music and sing-along carols - featuring seasonal favourites, jazzy twists and surprises. Whether rocking a baby, shepherding tots, or gathering the whole family tree, eveyone's welcome. About Bach to Baby Bach to Baby is the critically acclaimed concert series for babies, toddlers and their carers. Tots dance, roam about and revel in the wonder of live music, while you take a moment out of your busy day to hear top notch performances by outstanding musicians, with your young babes in tow. Outstanding Musicians, Exhilarating Performances, Inspiring Locations across the UK. As seen at Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace. Featured in The Times (London) and the New York Times.
Sun 22 Nov - Sun 22 Nov
15:00 - 15:45
Music • 0m-5 years • £18.00
NW6, Emmanuel Church
Santa's Christmas Grotto at Lauderdale House
Every year, a magical Christmas grotto springs up at Lauderdale House as Father Christmas himself pays us a very special seasonal visit! Children of all ages are invited to come along and meet Santa in his festive hideaway. While you wait, get into the Christmas spirit with free winter colouring-in before stepping into the Long Gallery, transformed with festive decorations into a magical winter grotto. There you’ll meet Ken the Elf, who will welcome you into the grotto and take you to meet Santa, with a chance to snap a photo with our giant snowman along the way. Each child will have a chat with Santa before heading home with a special Christmas present.
Sat 5 Dec - Sun 6 Dec
10:00 - 10:30
Christmas Activities • all ages • £12.50
N6, Lauderdale House
Bach to Baby Christmas Family Concert, Chiswick
Grab your family, harness up your fastest reindeer and meet us at a Bach to Baby concert for the perfect prelude to the holiday season! Sleigh bells ring, the stage is set - a jolly concert you won't forget. So don your glitter, grab your crew - Bach to Baby's got a treat for you! Our Christmas concerts are a festive feast of music and sing-along carols - featuring seasonal favourites, jazzy twists and surprises. Whether rocking a baby, shepherding tots, or gathering the whole family tree, eveyone's welcome. About Bach to Baby Bach to Baby is the critically acclaimed concert series for babies, toddlers and their carers. Tots dance, roam about and revel in the wonder of live music, while you take a moment out of your busy day to hear top notch performances by outstanding musicians, with your young babes in tow. Outstanding Musicians, Exhilarating Performances, Inspiring Locations across the UK. As seen at Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace. Featured in The Times (London) and the New York Times.
Fri 20 Nov - Fri 20 Nov
11:00 - 11:45
Music • 0m-5 years • £18.00
W4, St Michael and All Angels
Bach to Baby Christmas Family Concert, Sydenham
Grab your family, harness up your fastest reindeer and meet us at a Bach to Baby concert for the perfect prelude to the holiday season! Sleigh bells ring, the stage is set - a jolly concert you won't forget. So don your glitter, grab your crew - Bach to Baby's got a treat for you! Our Christmas concerts are a festive feast of music and sing-along carols - featuring seasonal favourites, jazzy twists and surprises. Whether rocking a baby, shepherding tots, or gathering the whole family tree, eveyone's welcome. About Bach to Baby Bach to Baby is the critically acclaimed concert series for babies, toddlers and their carers. Tots dance, roam about and revel in the wonder of live music, while you take a moment out of your busy day to hear top notch performances by outstanding musicians, with your young babes in tow. Outstanding Musicians, Exhilarating Performances, Inspiring Locations across the UK. As seen at Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace. Featured in The Times (London) and the New York Times.
Sun 29 Nov - Sun 29 Nov
11:00 - 11:45
Music • 0m-5 years • £18.00
SE26, St Bartholomew's Church
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Finding the right children's Christmas activities for your family
Christmas activities in London tend to fall into four categories: shows, Santa's grottos, lights and markets.
Xmas shows are among the most magical theatre experiences families can have in London. From pantomimes to Nutcracker ballet shows and the Snowman in Concert, many of them are long-running traditions. This makes them a wonderful way for grown-ups to relive festive childhood memories of their own.
Check the age guidance on each theatre show listing, as some let under-2s sit on your lap. For more, browse our kids theatre shows.
We also have a separate guide to toddler theatre shows in London.
Santa's grottos are another classic children's Christmas activity. The best ones also involve crafts and immersive sets. We personally appreciate the ones that invite you to share something about your little one ahead of your visit. Their favourite animal, for example. Seeing your little one's eyes go wide when Santa reveals he knows something about them makes for a lovely moment.
Christmas lights are mostly free. One of the best ways to explore them is a bus ride through central London. For a more special family outing there are paid trails at Kew Gardens and Chelsea's Winter Illuminations.
Christmas markets are nearly always family friendly. The best ones (in our opinion) are along the Thames at St Katharine Docks, the South Bank and by London Bridge. But many will say Covent Garden or Leadenhall Market are the best for Christmas decorations.
To browse more kids Christmas events, use the Loopla search tool to filter by age and location.
References:
- The YouGov Big Survey on Christmas: Decorating the halls - YouGov
- Christmas at Kew returns for 10th year - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
FAQ: How to find children's Christmas activities in London
What Christmas activities are there for toddlers in London?
Christmas activities for toddlers in London include Santa's grottos, light trails and shows. Winter Wonderland's free Santa's grotto welcomes all ages. The Christmas at Kew light trail lets under-4s in free. For Xmas shows, see our guide to toddler theatre in London.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in London?
The most common free Christmas events for kids in London are light switch-ons. They are usually no-cost events and start in early November. Winter Wonderland also says it has London's largest free grotto. You'll need an entry ticket but off-peak slots cost only a £1 booking fee last year.
How much does it cost to see Santa in London?
Seeing Santa in London can cost anything from nothing to £65. Last year, most Christmas grottos we listed started from £10 to £30 a ticket. Winter Wonderland's grotto was free, while Hamleys' tickets started at £65.
When do Christmas events for kids start in London?
Kids' Christmas events in London start in early November, when the first light switch-ons take place. Christmas at Kew opens on 13 November 2026, and Winter Wonderland follows on 19 November. Last year, most grottos opened in late November and closed by Christmas Eve.
Where can I see children's Christmas shows in London?
You can see children's Christmas shows at theatres and concert halls across London. Browse our kids theatre shows page to find pantos, festive plays and family concerts near you.
How can I find Christmas events for kids near me?
To find Christmas events for kids near you, use Loopla's search tool. It allows you to filter by age and area to see the closest children's Xmas activities. Each listing will detail age guidance, dates and price, as well as what the event involves.
