Best Things to Do with Kids in London at Christmas 2026
1. Cinderella Pantomime
Lyric Hammersmith, WEST LONDON
The Lyric Hammersmith is renowned for putting its own distinctive spin on the traditional pantomime, and this year’s Cinderella is no exception. Set in the kingdom of ‘Glamoursmith’, the story follows a moderately charming prince and our heroine, who spends her days cleaning for her evil captor, Suella. So far, so traditional. But with Chrissie Bhima as Cinderella and Durone Stokes as Prince M. Charming, expect plenty of twists, comedy and festive fun. This is one pantomime to add to the Christmas calendar.
2. Christmas Lights Bus Tour by The Original Tour – CENTRAL LONDON
Departure point: 1–5 Coventry Street, London, W1D 6BH
London puts on a spectacular display of Christmas lights, making a festive sightseeing tour a must. But little legs can get tired, so hopping aboard a bus for a 75-minute tour of the capital’s illuminated landmarks sounds like a rather good idea. Just remember to pack the snacks!
The route takes in some of London’s best-known sights, including Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Mayfair. Tickets also include a river cruise, which can be redeemed on the day of your tour, as well as access to six walking tours for families who fancy exploring a little further on foot.
3. Cirque Alice – SOUTH BANK
Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
For a festive outing with real wow factor, Cirque Alice promises a spectacular blend of circus and theatre. Making its European premiere, this talented circus company brings Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to life through extraordinary acrobatics, aerial artistry and imaginative stagecraft.
With fantastical sets, puppetry, live musicians and world-class performers, the production promises to transport audiences down the rabbit hole. For children who love a little theatrical magic, it could also be a wonderful introduction to circus performance, with plenty to inspire the next generation of acrobats.
4. Robin Hood and the Merry Mandem – STRATFORD
Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, Stratford, London, E15 1BN
Taking pantomime to the buzzing streets of East London, this lively retelling casts Robin Hood as a hero in a hoodie. The Merry Mandem race and roll through Maryland, ride the Central Line and do their best to avoid banishment to the end of the line – because, frankly, ain’t nobody got time for that!
Robin Hood’s mission to take from the rich to support the poor feels particularly timely, while the production promises spectacular sets, plenty of laughs and a story with heart. Written by BAFTA-nominated writer Yolanda Mercy and directed by Olivier Award-winning Jade Lewis, this is a pantomime with seriously impressive credentials.
5. Skate at Somerset House with Virgin Atlantic Holidays – CENTRAL LONDON
Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
One of London’s most magical festive traditions returns as the beautiful courtyard at Somerset House is transformed into a spectacular winter destination. At its heart is the iconic ice rink, overlooked by a magnificent Christmas tree, making it a picture-perfect setting for a family skating adventure. Little ones aged 6–12 can join the dedicated Kids’ Club, while adults and teenagers can brush up on their skills at Skate School. There are also relaxed, reduced-capacity and wheelchair skating sessions. Off the ice, warm up with hot chocolate, waffles and alpine-inspired treats at The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia, or enjoy festive workshops including gingerbread house decorating.
For something a little different, Skate Lates bring DJs and music to the rink on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, alongside a special K-Pop Party on 23 November. Even if you don’t fancy skating, entry to the courtyard is free, so everyone can enjoy a little seasonal sparkle.
6. Santa's Winter Garden – FULHAM
Fulham Palace, Bishop's Avenue, London, SW6 6EA
A little taste of Lapland without the flight awaits at the beautiful, centuries-old Fulham Palace. Transformed for Christmas, its elegant gardens become an immersive winter wonderland, complete with movie-quality snow and a trail of clues left by Father Christmas.
Follow the festive trail through the walled gardens, take a ride along the vintage sledge toboggan run, find your way through a sparkling maze and write a letter to Santa before meeting him in person. And don’t miss the jingle-bell trees along Candy Cane Lane. A magical festive outing for little Christmas enthusiasts.
7. Sharky & George Fiesta Brunch – Marylebone
Madera restaurant, Treehouse Hotel London, 14–15 Langham Place, Marylebone, London, W1B 2QS
A spectacular city view and a generous helping of festive fun make for a winning combination at Treehouse Hotel London. Fourteen floors above the capital, its Madera restaurant is teaming up with much-loved children’s entertainers Sharky & George for a lively Cali-Mexican Fiesta Brunch.
Expect parachute games, bubbles and plenty of entertainment for little guests, alongside a delicious brunch for the family. And while the children are busy having fun, the grown-ups can enjoy a festive drink and take in the views. A rather different take on the traditional Christmas lunch!
8. Creative Creatures Play at the Horniman – FOREST HILL
Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London, SE23 3PQ
The much-loved Horniman Museum has another lovely line-up of seasonal family activities this Christmas. Alongside its regular family craft sessions and a festive Christmas market on 6 December, the museum will be opening a pop-up winter play space designed especially for younger visitors.
Little ones under seven can weave webs, build nests, create collage jellyfish and dress up in animal-inspired camouflage. There’s also a dedicated area for under-threes, filled with soft shapes to scramble over. A playful way to encourage little imaginations while keeping busy hands occupied.
9. Mundo Pixar Exhibition – WEMBLEY
Mundo Pixar Experience, Fulton Road, Wembley, London, HA9 0TF
This is one for the family photo album – and for all the big kids, by which we mean the grown-ups, too! The Mundo Pixar Experience, billed as the world’s largest Pixar exhibition, has extended its London run until 3 January 2027.
Ever wondered what it would be like to stand alongside Sulley or Mike Wazowski? This is your chance to get up close to life-sized characters from some of Pixar’s most beloved films. The exhibition brings together 27 characters from 14 Pixar worlds, including Toy Story 3, Inside Out, Finding Nemo and Up.
It’s a multisensory experience, too, with six bespoke scents designed to transport visitors into the worlds of their favourite films. Think the summer-evening breeze of Portorosso from Luca, incense from Mama Coco’s house in Coco and freshly cut grass from Carl’s garden in Up. A treat for Pixar fans of every generation.
10. The Santa Steam Express – London Victoria
Departing from London Victoria
All aboard for a magical Christmas adventure! The Santa Steam Express returns this December, offering families a 90-minute journey aboard a beautifully decorated vintage steam train departing from London Victoria. With Santa and his mischievous elves on board, expect festive entertainment, interactive storytelling, songs and plenty of Christmas cheer along the way. Every child will have the chance to meet Father Christmas and receive a traditional gift, alongside a festive snack and drink. With several departures throughout the day, from morning journeys to early evening adventures, it’s a wonderfully nostalgic way to make some special Christmas memories together.
11. Santa Sundays at the Museum of Illusions – TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD
Museum of Illusions, 15–17 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 1BJ
If you haven’t yet visited the Museum of Illusions, Christmas is a lovely time to discover its wonderfully mind-bending world. Packed with interactive exhibits that play tricks on the eyes and challenge the brain, it’s an entertaining family day out with a little science thrown in for good measure.
This festive season, Father Christmas will be making special appearances on three Sundays. Look out for him hanging from a building, defying gravity or appearing to multiply among the museum’s most extraordinary optical illusions. Just how does he do it?
12. Christmas Cracker Season at Jacksons Lane – NORTH LONDON
Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, London, N6 5AA
What’s better than one Christmas show for families? Having six to choose from, of course! Jacksons Lane’s festive programme brings together a varied line-up of circus, puppetry, ballet and musical theatre, making it easy to find something to suit different ages and interests.
We particularly enjoyed Hikapee’s The Elf Factory on a previous run and can recommend its playful humour and skilful acrobatics. Other productions include The Three Little Pigs, A Christmas Wish Ballet, Pinocchio, Tom Fletcher’s There’s a Monster in Your (Christmas) Show and The Ultimate Bubble Show. A Christmas market will also be running alongside the performances, adding an extra festive touch to the visit.
13. Dear Santa and Festive Soft Play at Battersea Arts Centre – BATTERSEA
Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, London, SW11 5TN
Few books capture the magic of childhood quite like Rod Campbell’s much-loved stories. This Christmas, Dear Santa takes to the stage in a festive production designed as an ideal introduction to live theatre for children aged two and over. The story follows Santa as he sets out to deliver the perfect Christmas present to Sarah, although getting it right proves rather more difficult than expected. After the performance, every child can meet Father Christmas and receive a gift.
There’s more festive fun for little ones, too, with a specially designed seasonal soft-play adventure opening from 2–24 December. Created for children aged up to five, it’s a lovely opportunity for younger visitors to play, explore and burn off some Christmas excitement.
14. Christmas at the Old Royal Naval College – GREENWICH
Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NN
There’s a delightful programme of festive activities at the Old Royal Naval College this Christmas, with plenty of traditional seasonal charm. Father Christmas will be welcoming visitors to his grotto from 28 November – 22 December, with storytelling and plenty of Christmas magic.
For something a little livelier, The Elves and the Jingle Bell Ball runs from 19–23 December, inviting families to join an interactive Christmas adventure filled with disco fun, magical spells and festive cheer.
Throughout December, Admiral’s House will also open its doors, with all four rooms dressed for the season. It’s a rare opportunity to explore the historic interiors and enjoy a cosy festive atmosphere in this beautiful Greenwich setting.
15. Wundrful World of Christmas – EAST LONDON
Chapter 5, Immerse LDN, ExCeL London
Looking for all the fun of a snowy Christmas experience without the freezing temperatures? Wundrful World of Christmas brings a little North Pole magic to East London.
The adventure begins with a simulated lift ride to the Elves’ Workshop, where children aged three to eight can help sort letters and find presents before meeting Mrs Claus in her kitchen. Naturally, no visit would be complete without a meeting with Father Christmas.
The fun continues in the Christmas Village, where families can explore market stalls, enjoy gentle fairground rides and let off steam in the Elves’ playground. A festive adventure designed with younger children in mind.
