Winter events for families in London 2017
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
Winter events for families in London 2017
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 our guide to London's best festive events for children, teens and grown ups looking for an excuse to drink mulled wine.
London's Best Ice Rinks 2017
Skylight, Tobacco Dock
New for 2017, Skylight will host London's first rooftop ice rink. What better way to soak up the city sights than by gliding across the ice? Complete with DJs, street food, and mulled wine, this is sure to be the most scenic skate in London this Christmas season.
find out more
Canary Wharf Rink
Canary Wharf's winter ice rink is open once again for skaters in Canada Square Park. The rink features a clear roof in case of rain and more than 8km of LED lights illuminating the ice. If twinkly Christmas lights make you all fuzzy with festive spirit, this is the one for you.
find out more
Natural History Museum Ice Rink
The Natural History Museum sits on the Romanesque palazzo on the Cromwell Road, completed in 1881. Every year, this romantic setting gets turned into an ice rink for families to enjoy. The rink is the perfect break from all the stuffed animals, fossils and bones inside the museum.
find out more
Skate at Somerset House
We fall in love with Somerset House every year. The arrival of the magnificent ice rink signals the start of Christmas festivities. Fortnum & Mason will be joining Skate this year, offering families hot chocolate and other seasonal treats to keep them warm as they glide across the ice. This is one rink not to miss!
find out more
Tower of London Ice Rink
Once again, the Tower of London opens its doors to skaters and sightseers alike with its ice rink. The rink will be open for its second year from 6 November to 3 January. Winter revellers can skate around against the most beautiful backdrop in the city. Young children and families are welcome in the morning when the sessions are quieter. There is evening entertainment aplenty for all ages and abilities. A fantastic, historic hotspot for a dance on the ice.
find out more
Ice Skating at Hampton Court
Situated beside the red brick Tudor palace, the Hampton Court ice rink is simply spectacular. The accompanying Ice Bar & Café offers a welcome place for skaters to stop, snack, and spend a wonderful afternoon absorbing some history whilst keeping warm this winter. Tickets sell fast, so we recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.
find out more
London's Best Winter Wonderlands and Festivals 2017
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park transforms into an ice rink surrounding its beautiful Victorian bandstand glittering with 100,000 twinkly Christmas lights and plays host to the terrifying Zippos Circus and a Santa's grotto for London's lucky children.
find out more
Greenwich Winter Time Festival 2017
The inaugural Greenwich Winter Time Festival will launch this December, set in the stunning grounds of the world heritage-listed Old Royal Naval College, Sir Christopher Wren’s riverside masterpiece. A fresh, new winter festival with a difference, the Winter Time Festival will offer a magical atmosphere, bringing together the contemporary and the traditional, in a unique Christmas experience for all.
find out more
Winter Festival, Southbank Centre
As the days get shorter and the great outdoors becomes increasingly frosty and unwelcoming, the Southbank Centre's Wintertime Festival returns to transform the Southbank Centre in a seasonal wonderland.
find out more
Syon Park's Enchanted Woodland
This year, Syon Park will once again light up its 600 year old woodland for the winter. See the gardens illuminated by specially designed lights which transform the 400 year old tree specimens into a magical wintry forest. A perfect treat for the whole family at this festive time. Book now!
find out more
Christmas at Kew Gardens
Kew botanical gardens is transforming into a glittering festive wonderland, with a new, one-mile sparkling path lit by thousands of Christmas lights, a Victorian carousel and a resident Father Christmas. This is among our favourite spots for families this Christmas.
find out more
Best Santa's Grottos in London 2017
The Royal Albert Hall
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
ZSL London Zoo
Meet Santa this Christmas at ZSL London Zoo. There'll be festive arts and crafts for the little ones with Mother Christmas and her notoriously cheeky elves, before a trip to see the jolly old man himself and the chance to collect a special gift. This family favourite will sell out fast, so don't wait!
find out more
Santa's Little Workshop
Little Angel Studios are reinventing the Father Christmas experience by putting the kids to work in among the elves at Santa's Little Workshop. After a performance of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas your budding baby elves can try their hand at a bit of toy-crafting before they meet 'The Boss' himself.
find out more
Foyles Christmas Grotto
Stop by Foyles on Charing Cross Road to experience their enchanting new Christmas Grotto. The bookstore will be overrun with elves, eager to introduce little ones to Father Christmas. Play games, dress up, and join in a sing-along with Bruce Spruce, the magical talking Christmas tree, before receiving a special gift from Santa himself.
find out more
Miscellaneous merriment
Festive Physics Science Show
Embark on a scientific journey to experience Christmas magic like never before. Calculate the velocity of a flying reindeer, learn what makes Christmas crackers crack, and discover what genetic predispositions prevent you from enjoying Brussels sprouts to the fullest.
find out more
The Man Who Invented Christmas
Book your tickets for The Man Who Invented Christmas to see A Christmas Carol like never before. Examining the life and times of Charles Dickens, this film tells the incredible story behind one of the most celebrated works of Christmas literature.
find out more
Christmas Film Screening atop the Shard
Of all the Christmas screenings, few are as exciting and quintessentially English as The Extraordinary Travelling Film Show's pop-up cinema on the 69th floor at The View from The Shard – the UK's highest cinema – which offers extraordinary views of London that only Santa Claus usually gets to see. Pop in for a magical screening of quintessential Christmas classics Scrooge or Miracle on 34th Street
find out more
A Storystock Christmas
Round up the little ones and indulge in some spellbinding storytelling: Storystock is back for 2017. A host of actors, writers and illustrators will be crafting their own imaginative worlds, performed in an interactive and personal setting. Enjoy crafts, story time, workshops, and family-friendly theatre at this seasonal extravaganza.
find out more
Animal Christmas Crackers
Go creature crazy at this alternative, animal-themed Christmas fun day in Lambeth, which is chock-a-block with creative workshops, theatrical performances and real life animals for London's little ones.
find out more
Gingerbread City
Why have a gingerbread house when you could have a whole gingerbread city? Stop by the Museum of Architecture to check out some phenomenal feats of edible engineering, or sign up for one of their workshops and create your own.
find out more
Hogwarts in the Snow
Harry Potter enthusiasts, young and old, are invited to experience the magic of the Warner Bros studio tour, delightfully transformed to celebrate Christmas 2017. Don't miss the Gryffindor Common Room, Hogwarts castle model, and the Great Hall decked with Christmas trees and wreaths in this magical display.
find out more
BRICKLIVE Christmas, Saatchi Gallery
LEGO will take over the Saatchi Gallery this December for the ultimate interactive adventure. With different LEGO building zones, LEGO workshops, and LEGO displays around the galleries, this unique event promises a creative, fun-filled day out for families.
find out more
Immersive Star Wars Pop-up
Journey to a galaxy far, far away and star in your very own Star Wars adventure with this immersive pop-up experience. Forget The Force Awakens – journey through cutting edge virtual reality technology and save the Rebellion yourself.
find out more
London's Best Ice Rinks 2017
Skylight, Tobacco Dock
New for 2017, Skylight will host London's first rooftop ice rink. What better way to soak up the city sights than by gliding across the ice? Complete with DJs, street food, and mulled wine, this is sure to be the most scenic skate in London this Christmas season.
find out more
Canary Wharf Rink
Canary Wharf's winter ice rink is open once again for skaters in Canada Square Park. The rink features a clear roof in case of rain and more than 8km of LED lights illuminating the ice. If twinkly Christmas lights make you all fuzzy with festive spirit, this is the one for you.
find out more
Natural History Museum Ice Rink
The Natural History Museum sits on the Romanesque palazzo on the Cromwell Road, completed in 1881. Every year, this romantic setting gets turned into an ice rink for families to enjoy. The rink is the perfect break from all the stuffed animals, fossils and bones inside the museum.
find out more
Skate at Somerset House
We fall in love with Somerset House every year. The arrival of the magnificent ice rink signals the start of Christmas festivities. Fortnum & Mason will be joining Skate this year, offering families hot chocolate and other seasonal treats to keep them warm as they glide across the ice. This is one rink not to miss!
find out more
Tower of London Ice Rink
Once again, the Tower of London opens its doors to skaters and sightseers alike with its ice rink. The rink will be open for its second year from 6 November to 3 January. Winter revellers can skate around against the most beautiful backdrop in the city. Young children and families are welcome in the morning when the sessions are quieter. There is evening entertainment aplenty for all ages and abilities. A fantastic, historic hotspot for a dance on the ice.
find out more
Ice Skating at Hampton Court
Situated beside the red brick Tudor palace, the Hampton Court ice rink is simply spectacular. The accompanying Ice Bar & Café offers a welcome place for skaters to stop, snack, and spend a wonderful afternoon absorbing some history whilst keeping warm this winter. Tickets sell fast, so we recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.
find out more
London's Best Winter Wonderlands and Festivals 2017
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park transforms into an ice rink surrounding its beautiful Victorian bandstand glittering with 100,000 twinkly Christmas lights and plays host to the terrifying Zippos Circus and a Santa's grotto for London's lucky children.
find out more
Greenwich Winter Time Festival 2017
The inaugural Greenwich Winter Time Festival will launch this December, set in the stunning grounds of the world heritage-listed Old Royal Naval College, Sir Christopher Wren’s riverside masterpiece. A fresh, new winter festival with a difference, the Winter Time Festival will offer a magical atmosphere, bringing together the contemporary and the traditional, in a unique Christmas experience for all.
find out more
Winter Festival, Southbank Centre
As the days get shorter and the great outdoors becomes increasingly frosty and unwelcoming, the Southbank Centre's Wintertime Festival returns to transform the Southbank Centre in a seasonal wonderland.
find out more
Syon Park's Enchanted Woodland
This year, Syon Park will once again light up its 600 year old woodland for the winter. See the gardens illuminated by specially designed lights which transform the 400 year old tree specimens into a magical wintry forest. A perfect treat for the whole family at this festive time. Book now!
find out more
Christmas at Kew Gardens
Kew botanical gardens is transforming into a glittering festive wonderland, with a new, one-mile sparkling path lit by thousands of Christmas lights, a Victorian carousel and a resident Father Christmas. This is among our favourite spots for families this Christmas.
find out more
Best Santa's Grottos in London 2017
The Royal Albert Hall
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
ZSL London Zoo
Meet Santa this Christmas at ZSL London Zoo. There'll be festive arts and crafts for the little ones with Mother Christmas and her notoriously cheeky elves, before a trip to see the jolly old man himself and the chance to collect a special gift. This family favourite will sell out fast, so don't wait!
find out more
Santa's Little Workshop
Little Angel Studios are reinventing the Father Christmas experience by putting the kids to work in among the elves at Santa's Little Workshop. After a performance of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas your budding baby elves can try their hand at a bit of toy-crafting before they meet 'The Boss' himself.
find out more
Foyles Christmas Grotto
Stop by Foyles on Charing Cross Road to experience their enchanting new Christmas Grotto. The bookstore will be overrun with elves, eager to introduce little ones to Father Christmas. Play games, dress up, and join in a sing-along with Bruce Spruce, the magical talking Christmas tree, before receiving a special gift from Santa himself.
find out more
Miscellaneous merriment
Festive Physics Science Show
Embark on a scientific journey to experience Christmas magic like never before. Calculate the velocity of a flying reindeer, learn what makes Christmas crackers crack, and discover what genetic predispositions prevent you from enjoying Brussels sprouts to the fullest.
find out more
The Man Who Invented Christmas
Book your tickets for The Man Who Invented Christmas to see A Christmas Carol like never before. Examining the life and times of Charles Dickens, this film tells the incredible story behind one of the most celebrated works of Christmas literature.
find out more
Christmas Film Screening atop the Shard
Of all the Christmas screenings, few are as exciting and quintessentially English as The Extraordinary Travelling Film Show's pop-up cinema on the 69th floor at The View from The Shard – the UK's highest cinema – which offers extraordinary views of London that only Santa Claus usually gets to see. Pop in for a magical screening of quintessential Christmas classics Scrooge or Miracle on 34th Street
find out more
A Storystock Christmas
Round up the little ones and indulge in some spellbinding storytelling: Storystock is back for 2017. A host of actors, writers and illustrators will be crafting their own imaginative worlds, performed in an interactive and personal setting. Enjoy crafts, story time, workshops, and family-friendly theatre at this seasonal extravaganza.
find out more
Animal Christmas Crackers
Go creature crazy at this alternative, animal-themed Christmas fun day in Lambeth, which is chock-a-block with creative workshops, theatrical performances and real life animals for London's little ones.
find out more
Gingerbread City
Why have a gingerbread house when you could have a whole gingerbread city? Stop by the Museum of Architecture to check out some phenomenal feats of edible engineering, or sign up for one of their workshops and create your own.
find out more
Hogwarts in the Snow
Harry Potter enthusiasts, young and old, are invited to experience the magic of the Warner Bros studio tour, delightfully transformed to celebrate Christmas 2017. Don't miss the Gryffindor Common Room, Hogwarts castle model, and the Great Hall decked with Christmas trees and wreaths in this magical display.
find out more
BRICKLIVE Christmas, Saatchi Gallery
LEGO will take over the Saatchi Gallery this December for the ultimate interactive adventure. With different LEGO building zones, LEGO workshops, and LEGO displays around the galleries, this unique event promises a creative, fun-filled day out for families.
find out more
Immersive Star Wars Pop-up
Journey to a galaxy far, far away and star in your very own Star Wars adventure with this immersive pop-up experience. Forget The Force Awakens – journey through cutting edge virtual reality technology and save the Rebellion yourself.
find out more
