Christmas spirit is in the air, so where should you go?
London is filled with twinkling lights, events, and snow!
Get ready for the ultimate list of festive fun,
If your little ones are good, there are so many prizes to be won!
1. Christmas at London Dungeons
17th – 24th December
Save up to 51% on tickets when you book with Picniq!
Can you think of a better way to spend Christmas than watching your loved ones run around terrified, screaming through a thousand years of London’s dark history? Don’t worry, if you manage to escape the dungeons alive, you’ll be treated with a gorgeous batch of mince pies! Adults can drown out their sorrows with a tankard of mulled wine.
2. Kidzania London’s Elf School
3rd December – 31st December
Save 20% on tickets when you book with Picniq!
This wonderfully festive Christmas package includes entry to the KidZania city where kids can choose from 60 role-play experiences and find out what their dream job might be! You’ll also get access to 1 hour in the VIP Elf school area which includes a magnificent Elf Christmas parade, toy design classes, dances to notorious Christmas tunes, letters to Santa himself and so much more!
3. The Magic of Christmas at ZSL London Zoo
26th November – 3rd December
Get a FREE £5 Picniq voucher when you book with Picniq!
ZSL London Zoo is action-packed with fun festivity this year! Get ready for the ultimate animal crafts, Christmas-themed animal talks, marshmallow toasting, and make sure you’re little ones keep their eyes open as we’ve heard Santa is paying the zoo a visit!
4. Christmas at the Tower of London
23rd November – 3rd January
Get a FREE £5 Picniq voucher when you book with Picniq!
Image Credit: Historic Royal Palaces
The Tower of London will be filled with family-friendly fun and festivity this Christmas! Enjoy festive displays across the famous fortress, bringing the 12 days of Christmas to life in a unique way, and complete your festive day out with a gorgeous mince pie and warming hot chocolate! Perfect for families of all ages, the Tower of London is guaranteed to be a spectacular day out!
5. Santa’s Grotto at Shrek’s adventure! London
3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, and 17th – 24th December
Save with our exclusive family ticket from £55 for 4 with 2 free slushes!
The magical Shrek Santa experience is returning to Shrek’s Adventure! London this year. This holiday special is perfect for any Shrek enthusiast and includes entry to the Christmas cabin, a flight on the flying 3D magical bus, meet and greet with Santa Shrek, and a free candy treat gifted to you by the elves! This excellent experience is perfect for young families who loved the movie franchise!
6. Christmas at the London Eye
14th – 25th December
Save with our exclusive family ticket from £75 for 4!
Take a flight on the London Eye and marvel at uninterrupted views of the beautiful city lights! This festive season there will be plenty of themes including Santa Claus, Christmas Trees, Starry Nights, and Snowscapes! Can your little ones spot the colours of them all?
7. Christmas at Windsor Castle
Every Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 24th November – 2nd January
Get a FREE £5 Picniq voucher when you book with Picniq!
Prepare for beautiful displays of festivity at Windsor Castle! From a 20-feet high Christmas tree with dazzling lights and ornaments to a beautiful festive winter menu, there is so much for the whole family to enjoy at Windsor Castle this festive season!
8. Christmas at Kew Gardens
16th November – 8th January
Image Credit: Kew Gardens
The most wonderful time of the year is here and Kew Gardens are hosting a spectacular winter wonderland for visitors! The after-dark festivities include flickering flames in the fire garden, larger-than-life illuminations, and say Hello to Father Christmas along the way. Selling out fast, book your tickets here!
9. The Big Bakes Christmas
Available dates throughout November and onwards
Image Credit: The Big London Bake
The Big Cakes’ goal is to make baking fun, creative, and accessible for everyone! Forget the boring prep work, all you need to do is have fun baking and test out the delicious recipes! There’s no better way to get into the festive spirit!
10. Carnaby Christmas Lights
Lights will be up until 8th January 2023
Image Credit: CHRISTOPHER WILLAN/Carnaby London
Illuminating the street with dazzling lights and tributes, Carnaby Christmas lights are an excellent visual for any family visiting London! From planets to palm trees, this gorgeous display of light is not to be missed.
11. Hogwarts in the Snow
12th November – 15th January
Hogwarts in the Snow. TM & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.
This festive experience is about as magical as you can get! Visit Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London for an extraordinary winter in the wizarding world. Christmas trees line the Great Hall with flaming Christmas puddings and props used in the Harry Potter films! Christmas decorations fill the castle and offer a magical experience for any Harry Potter enthusiast. Book your tickets here.
12. ELF The Musical
14th November – 7th of January
Image Credit: London Theatre Direct
Enjoy the festive season with ELF The Musical at the Dominion Theatre! This sparkling adaptation follows the much-loved Christmas movie featuring Will Ferrell. Your little ones will love this heart-warming story of Buddy who grows up with Santa’s little helpers!
13. Covent Garden Christmas markets
Lights live every day from 11am-midnight until 3rd January
Image Credit: Covent Garden
Prepare to be dazzled by hundreds of thousands of glittering lights that span across Covent Garden! This beautiful market is guaranteed to leave you feeling extra festive.
14. Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
18th November – 2nd January
Image Credit: Fanatic Creative
The biggest ice rink in the UK is coming to Hyde Park! Get your skates on and glide around this magnificent ice rink for some festive fun. With fairy lights, gorgeous winter weather, and live bands, this is an unforgettable experience for the whole family! Book your tickets here.
15. Christmas Lights London by Night bus tour
18th November – 2nd January
Image Credit: Visit London
If you’re looking to see the capital sparkle with festive displays, there’s no better way than the Night bus tour! This open-top bus is led by an expert guide so you can see all of the most famous festive lights such as Regent Street Christmas lights, Trafalgar Square, Picadilly Circus, London Eye and so many more! Book your tickets here.
16. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Running until 2nd January 2023
Image Credit: Winter Wonderland
The Christmas festivity is thriving at Hyde Park this year with the ultimate Winter Wonderland! This fun family event is one of the best things to do in London this Christmas with ice skating, circus shows, and live music there is enough to fill a whole day! Check the availability here.
17. Covent Garden Christmas tree
8th November – 3rd January
Image Credit: Covent Garden
If you’re looking for some of the best and most spectacular Christmas trees in London, head to Covent Garden for a dazzling experience above the cobbles! The iconic buildings are also decorated with mistletoe, berries, and so many twinkling lights for your family to marvel at.
18. Christmas Day Lunch Cruise
25th December
Image Credit: Golden Tours
The magic is in the air during this traditional Christmas lunch cruise on the River Thames. Enjoy modern sightseeing while you relax with four delicious courses including traditional Christmas fare! You’ll also have the chance to help yourself to tea and coffee and a mince pie to finish off! Check availability here.
19. Christmas at London Transport Museum
25th November – 2nd January
Image Credit: London Transport Museum
Explore Christmas at London Transport Museum and prepare for the magical winter wonderland in the Museum! Your little ones will love Santa landing his sleigh at the Museum once again this year, they’ll get to meet him and enjoy the cosy wonderland scene! Book your tickets here.
20. Lightopia London
17th November – 2nd January
Image Credit: Getty
The Lightopia illumination festival has officially turned on its lights! This immersive experience features 22 dazzling trees, display features, and interactive lanterns creating a multi-sensory wintry wonderland which is perfect for families of all ages!
What have you been up to? We’d really love to know! Someone else might love it, and really want to go! If you’ve got ideas, suggestions or reviews, you can shout all about it on whatever channel you choose!
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