Christmas in South London with kids: Family events + activities near you
Which part of London does Christmas best? As we put together our main page on Christmas in London with kids for 2026, this was a topic of debate among the Loopla team.
Most of us agreed South London wins in one category at Christmas: riverside exploration. On or near the South Bank alone, we've found 15 family Christmas events this year.
You can stroll from the winter market by the London Eye to more festive stalls at London Bridge. Along the way, there are Christmas shows at the Globe and the Unicorn.
Of course, even while venturing away from the Thames, families spending Christmas in South London have plenty to choose from in 2026.
What are the best things to do at Christmas in South London with kids?
The South Bank is where you'll find probably London's biggest new family show for Christmas 2026. A new stage version of The Jungle Book will make its world premiere. Among the performers bringing the jungle to life are a couple of Olivier Award-winners.
There are also a couple of returning favourites at County Hall. The Paddington Bear Experience will get a festive makeover while Shrek’s Adventure puts on Shrek the Halls.
Elsewhere, Battersea Power Station is one of South London’s most popular spots at Christmas.
This year, it's running a big new immersive experience, Santa’s Workshop. The interactive, puzzle-solving adventure ends with a chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto. Before it opens, you can see him and his elves abseiling down the Power Station on Sunday 22 November.
You also have Battersea Arts Centre nearby, a one-stop shop for toddlers this Christmas. For rainy days, its Festive Soft Play runs throughout most of December. Dear Santa, a show made for ages 2 to 6, will also play there until Christmas Eve.
Looking for kids' Christmas activities in another London area?
Family activities for Christmas in South London you can book right now:
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
Baby Gospel Christmas Family Concert, Balham
Baby Gospel returns for a Christmas special! An uplifting family concert of soul, gospel and festive music, featuring the featuring the exceptional voices of members of CK Gospel Choir. Sing and clap along with your family to Christmas favourites like ‘Winter Wonderland’ and ‘Jingle Bells’ plus timeless carols such as ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.’ Expect the usual soul, gospel and Motown favourites too, and even bubbles! This baby-friendly concert welcomes everyone from newborns to school-aged kids, parents, and even grandparents. Lasting approximately 40 - 45 minutes, it's the perfect way to celebrate the festive season together. CK Gospel Choir are a renowned group from London who have performed with stars like Beverley Knight, Peter Andre, and Alfie Boe. This is a festive family event you won’t want to miss. “Had an incredible time…singing along to classics, dancing and grooving” The Young Londoner “A beautiful interactive performance for all ages” - parent
Thu 3 Dec - Thu 3 Dec
16:00 - 16:45
Music • 0m-8 years • £15.50
SW12, Balham Baptist 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, 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
Baby Knees Up Christmas Family Concert, Clapham Junction
Cor Blimey, Guv’nor, it’s a good old-fashioned FESTIVE knees up! Fancy a change from the same old Christmas carols? Grab your basin of gravy and your dustbin lids and join us for some festive songs at the Ol’ Johanna! A lively, interactive family event with a Christmas twist, perfect for all ages from 0 to 100. Expect puppets, singalongs, and plenty of surprises as we dive into a joyful festive celebration led by none other than ‘King of Singalong’ Tom Carradine. What’s in store? Flying babies! Get little ones soaring to the soundtrack of The Snowman, a snowy serenade! Delight in dazzling bubbles as we croon to White Christmas Toothy giggles! Chattering teeth bring the laughs for All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth Meet Dominick the Italian Christmas Donkey! He’s trotting in to spread some festive cheer A mix of medleys! Whether it’s Christmas or Cockney, there's plenty to sing along to. So grab your kids, bring your nan, don your Christmas jumper and warm up your best singing voice. It’s time to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year – Cockney style! Brought to you by the producers of highly successful Baby Broadway and Baby Gospel concert series. Concerts last 45 minutes, open to all ages 0+ (recommended up to age 7 and their grown ups). Audience feedback: “Loved it! Will recommend to others. Thank you. Feel very festive now!” “Me, my 3 year old and 3 month old enjoyed ourselves hugely” “The show’s hosts were super fun and enthusiastic and got the kids involved in the performance from the get go”.
Wed 23 Dec - Wed 23 Dec
11:00 - 11:45
Christmas Activities • 0m-7 years • From £5.50
SW11, The Clapham Grand
Baby Gospel Christmas Family Concert, Clapham Junction
Baby Gospel returns for a Christmas special! An uplifting family concert of soul, gospel and festive music, featuring the featuring the exceptional voices of members of CK Gospel Choir. Sing and clap along with your family to Christmas favourites like ‘Winter Wonderland’ and ‘Jingle Bells’ plus timeless carols such as ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.’ Expect the usual soul, gospel and Motown favourites too, and even bubbles! This baby-friendly concert welcomes everyone from newborns to school-aged kids, parents, and even grandparents. Lasting approximately 40 - 45 minutes, it's the perfect way to celebrate the festive season together. CK Gospel Choir are a renowned group from London who have performed with stars like Beverley Knight, Peter Andre, and Alfie Boe. This is a festive family event you won’t want to miss. “Had an incredible time…singing along to classics, dancing and grooving” The Young Londoner “A beautiful interactive performance for all ages” - parent
Sun 13 Dec - Sun 13 Dec
11:00 - 11:45
Music • 0m-8 years • From £5.50
SW11, The Clapham Grand
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
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
Baby Gospel Christmas Family Concert, Crystal Palace
Baby Gospel returns for a Christmas special! An uplifting family concert of soul, gospel and festive music, featuring the featuring the exceptional voices of members of CK Gospel Choir. Sing and clap along with your family to Christmas favourites like ‘Winter Wonderland’ and ‘Jingle Bells’ plus timeless carols such as ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.’ Expect the usual soul, gospel and Motown favourites too, and even bubbles! This baby-friendly concert welcomes everyone from newborns to school-aged kids, parents, and even grandparents. Lasting approximately 40 - 45 minutes, it's the perfect way to celebrate the festive season together. CK Gospel Choir are a renowned group from London who have performed with stars like Beverley Knight, Peter Andre, and Alfie Boe. This is a festive family event you won’t want to miss. “Had an incredible time…singing along to classics, dancing and grooving” The Young Londoner “A beautiful interactive performance for all ages” - parent
Wed 9 Dec - Wed 9 Dec
16:00 - 16:45
Music • 0m-8 years • £15.50
SE19, St Pauls 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
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
Christmas Lights
Snow is falling and the nights are drawing in, Winter is here and Christmas is just around the corner. Join friends, Alvie and Kit as they embark on a playful mission to light up their house in time for Christmas. But what happens when your Christmas Lights seem to have a mind of their own? Join award-winning company, Filskit Theatre, for this festive performance that shows us how the power of friendship can light up the dark. Christmas Lights is a highly visual show with very little dialogue; the actors will perform many words using British Sign Language (BSL). Approx. 50 mins. Audiences will be invited to stay and play with the performers in the snow-covered garden after the show. About Polka Theatre We opened our doors in 1979 as the UK’s first theatre venue dedicated exclusively to children. We deliver a year-round programme of exceptional and exciting new theatre and creative learning opportunities for 0-12 year olds. Alongside this, we showcase international productions, offer a home to touring children’s theatre companies and support diverse artists to develop new work for children. We produce between 7-10 productions each year, with selected shows touring to children across the UK and internationally in schools, libraries, community and theatre spaces. Polka has always led the way in inclusive practice. We were the first venue to create what we now widely know as a Relaxed Performance back in 2006 and continue to include a range of accessible performances in our year-round programme.
Sat 14 Nov - Sun 22 Nov
10:30 - 11:30
Theatre Show • 1-4 years • From £14.00
SW19, Polka Theatre
Baby Gospel Christmas Family Concert, Waterloo
Baby Gospel returns for a Christmas special! An uplifting family concert of soul, gospel and festive music, featuring the featuring the exceptional voices of members of CK Gospel Choir. Sing and clap along with your family to Christmas favourites like ‘Winter Wonderland’ and ‘Jingle Bells’ plus timeless carols such as ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.’ Expect the usual soul, gospel and Motown favourites too, and even bubbles! This baby-friendly concert welcomes everyone from newborns to school-aged kids, parents, and even grandparents. Lasting approximately 40 - 45 minutes, it's the perfect way to celebrate the festive season together. CK Gospel Choir are a renowned group from London who have performed with stars like Beverley Knight, Peter Andre, and Alfie Boe. This is a festive family event you won’t want to miss. “Had an incredible time…singing along to classics, dancing and grooving” The Young Londoner “A beautiful interactive performance for all ages” - parent
Sat 5 Dec - Sat 5 Dec
11:00 - 11:45
Music • 0m-8 years • £16.00
SE1, St John's Waterloo
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Finding the right family activities for Christmas in South London:
Where can kids meet Father Christmas in South London in 2026?
Kids can meet Father Christmas at some interesting places in South London this year, including a Tudor ship.
Battersea Power Station's immersive Santa’s Workshop adventure ends with a grotto experience.
For a historic setting, kids can meet Santa in his cabin on the Golden Hinde from 12 to 19 December. Beforehand, you get to follow a special Christmas trail aboard the full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Tudor ship.
One of the best-value grottos we found in South London is at Vauxhall City Farm. Kids can meet Santa for £9, and adults go free. While you’re there, you can explore the farm and even cuddle some of the smaller animals.
Another affordable option is Southside’s grotto in Wandsworth, at £7.50 per child plus a £1.50 booking fee. It’s also one of the few places to meet Father Christmas in London we've seen that welcome walk-ins (when there’s space).
Where to see Christmas lights in South London in 2026
On Wednesday 18 November, you can see a lantern parade at Greenwich. Local schoolchildren carry lanterns they’ve made themselves, setting off from the Old Royal Naval College.
The glowing procession winds through Greenwich town centre and into Greenwich Market ahead of the big switch-on. Last year, the parade stopped to light the Christmas tree by the Cutty Sark on its way, with Peter Pan and Captain Hook joining in.
For decorations on an even bigger scale, visit Battersea Power Station. Over 1,000 baubles will decorate its 40ft tree in Malaysia Square, while giant candy canes line Electric Boulevard.
And lastly, the Southbank Centre’s free Winter Light trail will return. You'll be able to explore the full range of artworks from 24 November.
FAQ: Planning Christmas in South London with kids
What are the best Christmas markets in South London?
One of the best Christmas markets in South London is Winter by the River at London Bridge City. Running from 10 November to 3 January, you'll get to browse boutique stalls by the Thames with views of the Tower of London. Elsewhere, Greenwich Market puts up its festive decorations from 18 November. The Southbank Centre’s Winter Market opens on 2 November.
Where can families go for free at Christmas in South London?
Families can enjoy free light trails and switch-on events at Christmas in South London. The Southbank Centre’s Winter Light trail features outdoor artworks from 29 October to 31 January. Meanwhile, Greenwich’s lantern parade and Christmas lights switch-on takes place on 18 November.
Where can you go ice skating in South London at Christmas?
in South London at Christmas, you can go ice skating at Battersea Power Station's Glide. Open from 6 November to 3 January, it has three connected rinks and a 200-metre skate trail. In Greenwich, the Queen’s House Ice Rink runs from 18 November to 3 January.
What’s the cheapest Santa’s grotto in South London?
The cheapest Santa's Grotto we found in South London is at Brixton Windmill’s Winter Fair on 6 December, at £5.50 per child. We looked at nearly 40 grottos as part of our Christmas activities research. Southside in Wandsworth (£7.50 plus a £1.50 booking fee) and Vauxhall City Farm (£9, adults free) are also good value.
Where can I find fun things to do at Christmas with kids in South London?
You can find fun things to do with kids at Christmas in South London using Loopla’s search tool. Search by postcode, then filter the results by age and date. Activities include grottos, pantos, light trails and festive workshops in Brixton, Clapham, Battersea, Dulwich and beyond. Each listing details the age guidance, dates and price, plus what the activity involves.
