Christmas Family Activities to Book 2023
The holiday season in London is a time of magic, and there's no better way to experience it than with your family. From heartwarming shows to enchanting ice skating and more, London's festive offerings are sure to create cherished memories. Here are some family-friendly Christmas activities to book for 2023:
1. The Children’s Show: The Snowman at Peacock Theatre
Twinkling with festive spirit, "The Snowman" is a timeless classic that returns to the Peacock Theatre for its 26th year. This heartwarming performance, based on Raymond Briggs' beloved book, immerses audiences in the world of a boy and his magical snowman. With live orchestral music, including the iconic "Walking in the Air," it's a must-see for families.
Venue: Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT
Dates: 18th Nov - 30th Dec
Tickets: From £18
Age: All ages
2. Hamleys x The Ritz London Christmas Grotto
For an exceptionally chic Christmas experience, head to The Ritz London from December 6th to December 10th, 2023, for the Hamleys x The Ritz London Christmas Grotto. This year's theme, 'A New Journey Through Christmas,' offers a magical experience for children. Don't miss this exclusive event in collaboration with Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Venue: The Ritz London
Dates: 6th to 10th Dec 2023
Tickets: £250 for three people, with additional options for extra adults or children.
Ages: 2 to 10.
3. Winter Wonderland Hyde Park's
Winter Wonderland is a classic for good reason. From November 17th to January 1st, enjoy beloved rides, the apres-ski party funhouse, the thrilling blizzard ride, and more. Savour delicious food at the street food village and take
Ages: in the festive atmosphere.
Venue: Hyde Park10
Dates: 17th Nov - 1st Jan 2024
Tickets: Free entry 10:00 - 14:00 up to £7.50 peak time 14:00 - 21:30 (Activities various pricing)
Ages: All ages
4. Disney On Ice presents Dream Big
Skate into the holiday spirit with Disney On Ice from December 21st to 31st at London's O2 Arena. "Disney On Ice presents Dream Big" is an action-packed show for the whole family, featuring Moana, Frozen, and more timeless favourites.
Venue: The O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London, UK SE10 0DX
Dates: 21st Dec - 31st Dec
Tickets: £41.00 - £91.00
Duration: Approx. two hours
Ages: All ages
5. Glide at Battersea Power Station
Experience the magic of ice skating against the backdrop of the newly renovated Battersea Power Station. Glide around the interconnected rinks and take in the breathtaking view of the 30ft Christmas tree adorned with classic cream boxes.
Venue: Battersea Power Station
Dates: 10 Nov 2023 - 07 Jan 2024
Tickets: £ 12.50 adults £8.50 children
6. Biscuiteers Icing Cafés
Celebrate Christmas with Biscuiteers at one of their Icing Cafés. Enjoy DIY icing or learn a new skill at the School of Icing classes, perfect for family bonding and getting into the Christmas spirit.
Venue: Notting Hill icing Cafe 194 Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill London W11 2ES and Belgravia icing Cafe - 14-15 Eccleston Yards 21 Eccleston Place, London SW1W 9AZ
Dates: 1 Nov 2023 - Jan 2024
Pricing: Start from £18 for adults
Duration: 1 hour
Ages: TBC
7. Kew the Lights
The Christmas Experience at Kew Kew Gardens comes alive with festive splendour, featuring a magical light installation in its eleventh year. It’s a botanical world brimming with seasonal cheer as twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air. Discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. For a moment of reflection, pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, wander beneath larger-than-life illuminations and don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way.
Venue: Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE
Dates: 15 Nov 2023 to 7 Jan 2024
Tickets: Start from£19.50 off-peak for members and non-members £22.50 for adults.
Ages: All ages
8. Borough Market
Borough Market is wonderfully festive at Christmas, offering late-night shopping on Thursdays and Fridays, live music, and an array of delicious seasonal treats.
Venue: 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL
Dates: 28 Nov - 9 Jan
Price: Free entry
9. "Elf the Musical" Theatre Show
ELF the smash hit musical returns to London’s Dominion Theatre for a second consecutive year. ELF is the funny and charming tale of Buddy, who mistakenly crawled into Santa’s bag as a baby and was raised as an elf! Way too tall and not so great at his job, Buddy is the North Pole’s biggest misfit… and knows he’ll never belong. When Santa tells him the truth, Buddy heads to New York to find his birth father (who turns out to be quite high on the Naughty List). After causing some merry mayhem in Manhattan, Buddy finally discovers the gift of family and falls in love. And when Santa’s sleigh crashes in Central Park, it’s Buddy who finds a way to save Christmas forever!
Venue: Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7AQ
Dates: 15 Nov 2023 - 6 Jan 2024
Price: £35-£195
Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes
Ages: Recommended for children aged five years and older
10. "Hansel and Gretel" Theatre Show
A beautifully epic new version of The Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel, by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, transforms the Globe Theatre this winter. Filled with music, magic, songs and a sprinkling of hope, the stage premiere of this new production of Simon Armitage’s poem, directed by Nick Bagnall (Love’s Labour’s Lost, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Globe), is the perfect treat for everyone aged 5+.
Venue: Shakespeare's Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London, SE1 9DT
Dates: 8 Dec 2023 - 7 Jan 2024
Price: £5-£59
Duration: Approximately 50 minutes
Ages: 5+
11. Raymond Briggs' "Father Christmas" Theatre Show
Join Santa as he awakes from a dream of sun, sea and sand only to find it is the busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve.
Watch as he prepares for his Christmas deliveries, feeds his reindeer and finally takes flight into the snowy night.
Venue: Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St, London, W6 0QL
Dates: 23 Nov - 31 Dec 2023
Price: £12
Duration: Approximately 50 minutes
Ages: Under 6
12. Lapland
Human Folk are invited on a 4-hour journey along the magical pathways of the Elven World. Many mystical Elves will be met along the way and enchanting environments encountered.
This magical experience culminates in reaching the snow-covered, cosy log cabin home of Father Christmas for your heart-warming personalised and truly memorable meeting.
Venue: Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Rd, Winkfield Row, Ascot SL5 8BD
Dates: 11 Nov - 24 Dec
Price: £59 for adults and children
Duration: 90-minute show of immersive theatre (the whole tour takes appx 4 hours)
Ages: All ages
(Lapland UK pictured in cover image)
While some of these shows and experiences are more tailored to younger children, the magic of Christmas is palpable, making these activities perfect for family outings. Keep in mind that booking in advance is essential to secure your spot in these enchanting Christmas adventures so get in contact with our team to help you with your festive plans.
Enjoy the festive season with your loved ones and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Stay tuned for more London Christmas adventures in our series.
