Christmas in London starts with a choice: the light trail at Christmas at Kew, or the rides, ice rink, and Bavarian Village of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. After that, things get pleasingly odd. On Christmas Day itself, the Charles Dickens London Walk slips through quiet alleyways off the Strand, and in Ashtead, Santa receives visitors inside a giant Christmas pudding. Real snow is rare, so wrap up for the drizzle instead. We'll keep adding to this list over the 2026 season; if you spot an error or a gap, please email us.
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London Holiday Light Displays
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has over 150 attractions, including more than 100 rides, the UK's largest open-air ice rink around the Victorian bandstand, and a Bavarian Village. Look for an ice kingdom crafted from 500 tonnes of ice and snow, and The Giant Wheel at 70 metres. Booking online in advance saves up to 25%.
Christmas at Kew
Christmas at Kew turns the gardens into an illuminated trail of larger-than-life installations, sparkling colour tunnels, and soundscapes. There's a traditional fairground, Father Christmas, and mulled wine, hot chocolate, and toasted marshmallows along the way. Tickets are from £25.50. Leave the scooters at home, as they have to stay at the gates.
Christmas at London Zoo
At London Zoo, a Christmas forest leads to North Pole HQ, where children write to Santa and make their own crackers. Keeper talks include 'Bah Humboldt' for the penguins and 'Capy Christmas' for the capybaras (yes, those are the real titles). It's all free with Zoo entry; meeting Santa needs a separate ticket.
Windsor Great Park Illuminated (Englefield Green)
Windsor Great Park Illuminated winds a woodland trail of light installations, projections, and fountain displays through The Savill Garden in Englefield Green. The Festive Village has a Big Wheel, a carousel, and Chair-O-Planes, and the rest stops have marshmallows to toast. Dogs are welcome. Parking is limited and must be bought with your ticket.
Chelsea Winter Illuminations
Chelsea Winter Illuminations is the only light trail in Central London, laid out across the historic grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea with large-scale installations and sensory moments. Afterwards, warm up in the festive village with food, drinks, and live music. No trip out to the countryside required.
A Nutcracker's Christmas at Hever Castle (Hever)
Hever Castle sets out a Nutcracker trail from Drosselmeyer's workshop to the Land of Sweets, with costumed characters. Inside, there are log fires and a Tudor Christmas display in the Boleyn Apartment, and at twilight the castle, gardens, and lake light up with colour and music. Parking is free; allow at least two and a half hours.
Ashridge House Illuminated (Berkhamsted)
Ashridge House in Berkhamsted runs Hertfordshire's largest light trail, with light, sound, and storytelling inspired by 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and a projection show on the house itself. Most people take 60 to 75 minutes. Well-behaved dogs can come on Wednesday or Thursday evenings, as long as they're not stirring. Parking is free.
Leonardslee Lights: A Midwinter Light's Dream (Lower Beeding)
Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in Lower Beeding fills its listed woodland gardens with large-scale light installations, soundscapes, fire, and theatrical scenes across the lakeside and valley. The trail takes 60 to 90 minutes, and the village has firepits for marshmallows and live entertainment. Umbrellas aren't allowed, so bring a good hood.
Leadenhall Market Christmas Lights Switch-On
Leadenhall Market kicks off the season with a free switch-on ceremony and live Christmas classics under its star-covered Victorian roof. Look for an 18ft real Christmas tree, fir garlands, and giant baubles along the cobbled passageways. Missed the big night? The market's snowfall happens twice a day through the festive season.
See London's Christmas Lights Bus Tour
This open-top double-decker tour starts outside Tiger Tiger on Haymarket and rolls past the lights of Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Oxford Circus, with Santa himself on commentary. Upper deck seats are guaranteed for the roughly 1.5-hour ride. It runs in most weather, so dress warmly and bring waterproofs.
LEGOLAND at Christmas (Windsor)
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort goes Christmas, with a giant DUPLO tree, LEGO Santa in his grotto, and the Elf Training Academy Show, where children learn to build, sing, and move like an elf. Over 20 rides and attractions run too, including LEGO NINJAGO The Ride. It gets busy, so pre-book, and parking is from £13 online.
Chessington Winter's Tail (Chessington)
Chessington World of Adventures Resort runs a festive light trail, a Christmas Panto, live carollers, and a Silent Disco, with selected rides like The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure and more than 1,000 animals at the zoo and SEA LIFE. Meeting Father Christmas needs a ticket that includes the Christmas Village. Chessington South station is a 10-minute walk.
Stockwood Illuminated (Luton)
Stockwood Discovery Centre in Luton lights up its gardens with interactive displays, soundscapes, and photo backdrops, ending in a light-show finale. The Christmas Village serves shawarma, churros, pizza, and burgers, and there are indoor spaces for warming up. Parking is free, and the trail goes ahead in cold or rain.
The Winter Trail at Discovery Land (Redhill)
At Discovery Land near Redhill, trail guardians Fern, Timber, and Pebble lead families through twelve festive stops across countryside and woodland, uncovering Grandmother Nature's Twelve Days of Christmas song on the way. Allow two to three hours. Buggies are welcome, though the ground is hilly and bumpy in places, and parking is free.
Christmas at Chiswick House & Gardens (Chiswick)
Chiswick House & Gardens celebrates with The Twelfth Night of Christmas, an opulent Georgian-style celebration inspired by Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. Look for light displays in the award-winning gardens and festive decorations inside the grand house. Powdered wigs are optional.
Alice's Christmas in Wonderland at Polesden Lacey (Great Bookham)
The National Trust dresses Polesden Lacey in Great Bookham with displays inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, in the decorated ground-floor rooms and out in the grounds. Children can follow a trail to win a prize, and the café does hot chocolate and winter warmers. Parking is free for members and £4 for non-members.
Belgravia Christmas Lights Switch-On Party
Belgravia's annual switch-on party lights up Elizabeth Street, near Victoria station. The line-up includes the London Gay Men's Chorus, Fulham Brass Band, and the Solid Steel steel band, plus Father Christmas and his elf, a juggler, and a balloon modeller. Pick up stocking fillers at the Eccleston Yards Christmas Market.
Enlightened: Christmas at Hylands Estate (Chelmsford)
Enlightened lights a one-mile trail through the grounds of Hylands Estate in Chelmsford, with interactive installations that respond as you pass and a soundscape to match. Tickets are pre-booked by time slot, and parking is included. The paths can be gravelly and muddy, so leave the good shoes at home.
Illuminate Guildford (Guildford)
Illuminate Guildford sets a light trail in the historic grounds of Guildford Castle, an 11-minute walk from Guildford station. The stroll takes about 30 to 40 minutes, which leaves time for marshmallow toasting by the fire, hot chocolate, and mulled wine or cider at the bandstand.
Epping Ongar Lights Express (Ongar)
The Epping Ongar Railway turns a steam train into a moving light show, with thousands of LEDs inside and out set to a festive DJ mix. Every passenger gets an LED wristband that syncs with the music, and 'Voiceover Man' hosts the games and sing-alongs. It leaves from Ongar station only, and there's no parking there.
The 12 Days of Christmas Trail at Painshill (Cobham)
Painshill in Cobham hides traditional wooden figures for each of the 12 Days of Christmas around its 18th-century landscape garden. Find all 12 gifts from the song on a scavenger hunt, passing follies like the Gothic Temple and the Crystal Grotto. Wear good shoes, since 160 acres is a lot of garden.
Bexleyheath Christmas Switch On (Bexleyheath)
Bexleyheath's annual switch-on fills the town centre with a full day of singers, dancers, and live performers, plus traditional funfair rides and a Christmas market. It all builds to the countdown, when the town's festive lights come on. Entry is free, and the countdown is the bit worth staying for.
London Markets and Shopping
Covent Garden Christmas Market
Covent Garden runs three Christmas markets a day in The Market Building, full of handmade crafts and gift ideas. Look for cocktail-making demonstrations and live street performers, and stand still long enough to catch an artificial snow shower. It's free to wander in.
Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre (East Molesey)
Hampton Court Palace sets more than 100 independent artisan stalls in the Great Fountain Garden, selling candles, jewellery, hampers, board games, and, of course, Christmas socks. Live music plays at the bandstand. The fayre is included in palace admission, which also covers the 60-acre gardens and the famous maze.
Christmas at Greenwich Market
Greenwich Market's historic buildings fill with over 200 artisan stalls of handmade gifts, from jewellery to vintage finds. Highlights include the annual Lantern Parade, with lanterns carried by local schoolchildren, and the Christmas lights switch-on. Grab a mince pie and a mulled wine, and look for Santa and the carol singers.
Winter Festival
Southbank Centre's annual Winter Festival brings luminous art, a festive Winter Market, and street food to the riverside, with cabaret, circus, and puppetry inside. Grab a drink with a view of the Thames at the Seventy5th Balcony Bar. Plenty of it is free, including the Festive Cracker family sessions in The Clore Ballroom.
The Ideal Christmas Show
The Ideal Christmas Show packs more than 400 brands into Olympia London, with gifts, decorations, and home furnishings, plus entry to The Cake & Bake Show and the Eat & Drink Festival alongside. There are wreath-making workshops, Santa's Grotto via Candy Cane Lane, and drinks at Santa's Speakeasy. Children under 15 go free with a paying adult.
Kingston Christmas Market (Kingston Upon Thames)
Kingston's European-style Christmas Market fills the Ancient Market Place with fairy lights, gift stalls, Dutch pancakes, bratwurst, hog roasts, and mulled wine. Choirs and local bands play the Pyramid Bar Stage, and there's a vintage carousel. Admission is free, and the market is entirely outdoors, so bring an umbrella.
Fulham Palace Christmas Fair
Fulham Palace fills its historic rooms, a marquee, and the main drive with independent makers selling handmade gifts and decorations. Local choirs sing carols in the Tudor courtyard, children can make a festive badge, and everyone gets a vote on the Christmas tree trail. Tickets are £5.00 for adults and £3.00 for children.
Wimbledon Christmas Market
Love Wimbledon's Christmas Market sets up on The Piazza under festoon lighting, with local traders selling handmade gifts, festive decorations, homewares, and art, plus food stalls. The whole market is single-use plastic free, so bring your own bag for the shopping.
Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair
The Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair puts over 100 independent businesses in London's oldest botanic garden, selling homewares, clothing, art, artisan food, and speciality drinks. Pre-booking is strongly recommended, and pushchairs have to be left in a designated area. There's no parking, but the 170 bus stops right outside.
KDF Christmas Show
The KDF Christmas Show fills Kensington Town Hall with handmade dollshouse miniatures from makers around the world: decorated mansions, furniture, ceramics, food, and even bicycles. Well over half the makers are exclusive to the show in the UK. Book ahead, since only a very few Saturday tickets are sold at the door.
Ealing Broadway Christmas Market
Ealing Broadway's Christmas Market brings artisan gift stalls, food trucks, and warm drinks to the shopping centre, with Santa in his Grotto. Send a card through the Merry Mailbox, run with Age UK Ealing, to spread a little kindness. Ealing Broadway station, on the Central, District, and Elizabeth lines, is five minutes' walk away.
Guildford Cathedral Christmas Fair (Guildford)
More than 50 independent makers, artisans, and specialists set up inside Guildford Cathedral for its Christmas Fair, selling art, home décor, fashion, jewellery, and luxury treats. Refuel at Seasons Café. Entry is £3 per person, and booking online gets you a fast-track lane, about as VIP as cathedral shopping gets.
Bishop's Stortford Christmas Fayre (Bishop's Stortford)
Bishop's Stortford Christmas Fayre adds over 100 stalls to the town's regular market, selling handmade jewellery and candles alongside local jams, chutney, cakes, and fudge. Music and entertainment run through the pedestrianised streets, and Santa pops by to say Happy Christmas. The streets close to traffic all day, so use the council car parks.
Redbourn Christmas Market (Redbourn)
Redbourn's volunteer-run Christmas Market lines the High Street and Cumberland Gardens with over 100 stalls of crafts, gifts, and food. The St Albans Morris Dancers, jazz and folk bands, and the Redbourn Primary School choir all perform. Park free at the MOT centre, and Tuk Tuk Jo gives free rides to the market.
Southern Maltings Winterfest Christmas Market (Ware)
Southern Maltings in Ware fills two floors and the Malt Garden with about 45 stalls of local art, wreaths, toys, books, jewellery, and handcrafted homeware. There's mulled wine and mince pies, plus a public piano on each floor for anyone brave enough to play a Christmas tune. Entry is free, and donations are welcome.
Winter Fest at Aldenham Country Park (Elstree)
Winter Fest at Aldenham Country Park in Elstree mixes farm animals with an Elf Hunt for a prize, mini tractors, a bouncy castle in the Play Barn, and singing at Santa-Oke. The Winter Farm Pass is from £31.85. Animal feed is sold separately, so buy some first, or the goats won't be pleased.
Watersmeet Christmas Market (Rickmansworth)
Watersmeet in Rickmansworth holds a community Christmas market with stalls of gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats. The Northwood Musical Theatre Choir sings West End and Broadway favourites, so expect show tunes with your shopping. Rickmansworth station, on the Metropolitan and Chiltern lines, is a 7 to 10 minute walk.
Knebworth Christmas Fair (Stevenage)
The Knebworth Christmas Fair at Knebworth House bills itself as the region's largest festive shopping event. Vendors fill the Christmas Barns, the Shopping Marquees, and outdoor areas with gifts for all ages, and a dedicated marquee handles the food and drink. Bring a list, and maybe a bigger bag.
Chiswick Christmas Collective Market (Chiswick)
The Chiswick Christmas Collective Market brings a curated group of artisan vendors to Chiswick House and Gardens. Browse handmade gifts and Christmas decorations, then warm up with a hot drink from the food vendors. The historic setting does a fair bit of the decorating for them.
Barnet Christmas Fayre (Barnet)
The Barnet Christmas Fayre spreads over 100 artisan stalls along the high street, the Christmas Courtyard, Tudor Hall, and The Spires Shopping Centre. Expect choirs, live music, local dance groups, and Santa with his elves. It's a free annual event, though the magic show may have its own ticket.
Beckenham Winter Vintage Market at the Mansion (Beckenham)
Over 40 vintage traders fill four rooms and the grounds of Beckenham Place Mansion for this two-day winter market. Dig through mid-century furniture, lighting, ceramics, clothing, and antique maps, with mulled wine from the Mansion Bar & Cafe. Entry is free. The organisers are called So Last Century, which about sums it up.
Woodford Green Christmas Market
Woodford Green Christmas Market sets up inside St Mary's Church Woodford, a Grade II listed building, where local makers sell handmade gifts, Christmas decorations, and crafts. Entry is free. There's paid parking at the library across the road, so park once and shop the lot.
Christmas at The Culture Trust (Luton)
The Culture Trust spreads Christmas across its Luton venues, with Stockwood Illuminated and Santa at Stockwood, a 45-minute festive journey, at Stockwood Discovery Centre. Over at the Hat Factory Arts Centre, Full House Theatre puts on a family show. Parking at Stockwood Discovery Centre is free.
London Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker at Royal Opera House
The Royal Ballet's Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House is Peter Wright's classic production, with Julia Trevelyan Oman's period designs and a Christmas tree that transforms on stage. Clara's story runs from the Mouse King battle to the Kingdom of Sweets, set to Tchaikovsky. It's for ages 5 and up, and runs about 2 hours 20 minutes.
A Christmas Carol
The Old Vic stages Jack Thorne's adaptation of A Christmas Carol in the round, directed by Matthew Warchus, with Giles Terera as Ebenezer Scrooge. Live musicians play melodeon, whistle, clarinet, and cello, and mince pies fill the auditorium. Even Scrooge might approve. It's recommended for ages 8 and up.
English National Ballet's The Nutcracker
English National Ballet's Nutcracker at the London Coliseum follows Clara from Edwardian London past the Rat King and the Ice Queen to the Land of Sweets and Delights. Over 100 dancers and musicians take part, with Tchaikovsky's score played live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic. Children under 16 get 25% off.
Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas
Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas comes to the Lyric Hammersmith as a 50-minute show for under 6s, with puppets and original music. Santa wakes from a dream of sun, sea, and sand to face his busiest day of the year, feeds the reindeer, and takes off into the snowy night. Seating is unreserved, and buggies can't go in.
Christmas Concerts and Services at St Martin-in-the-Fields
St Martin-in-the-Fields, on Trafalgar Square, fills its Christmas programme with carols, classical concerts, candlelight concerts, and services. There's live music down in the Crypt too, and St Martin's Voices sing lesser-known choral pieces. The St Martin's Shop sells fairtrade gifts, handy if your list is still long.
Hansel and Gretel at Shakespeare's Globe
Poet Laureate Simon Armitage retells Hansel and Gretel at Shakespeare's Globe, with charming twists and funny songs, directed by Nick Bagnall. It runs about 60 minutes with no interval, a good length for small legs. It's recommended for ages 5 and up, and it touches on conflict, war, and grief.
Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime
The Lyric Hammersmith's pantomime sends Jack up into the clouds to save Hammersmith, with musical numbers, magic, and quick-fire comedy. Look out for the strict Fleshcreep Academy and a Fairy Godfather in hiding. It runs 120 minutes and is recommended for ages 6 and up. Family tickets are available.
Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival
Raymond Gubbay's Christmas Festival fills the Barbican Hall with classical concerts, from carol singalongs to performances by King's College Choir and the Philharmonia Orchestra, plus film scores played live. The carol singalongs are made for families. Barbican tube station is a 4-minute walk, and on-site parking can be booked ahead.
The Nutcracker
The Royal Classical Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker to the Royal Albert Hall, following Clara and her brave Nutcracker to the Land of Sweets. Look for elaborate costumes and that famous score. It suits all ages, though very young children may need a watchful eye.
Sinfonia Smith Square Christmas Festival
Sinfonia Smith Square's Christmas Festival brings orchestras, choirs, and soloists to the historic hall in Westminster, with carols, Handel's Messiah, and The Snowman Live in Concert. There's no dress code, but wear layers, as the hall can get warm. Westminster, St James's Park, and Pimlico tube stations are all nearby.
A Christmas Carol Live Performance
The Charles Dickens Museum on Doughty Street stages A Christmas Carol inside the author's former home, with period-style staging. Few theatres can say the writer actually lived there. It suits literature lovers and families after a Victorian Christmas outing.
Dick Whittington Pantomime (Windsor)
Theatre Royal Windsor's traditional pantomime follows Dick Whittington to London to see whether the streets really are paved with gold. Basil Brush, Britain's favourite fox, and Kevin Cruise star, with dazzling dancers and colourful costumes. It runs about 2 hours 10 minutes, and both Windsor stations are a short walk away.
Sir John Rutter's Christmas Celebration (Guildford)
Sir John Rutter leads an evening of carols and Christmas music at Guildford Cathedral with the Guildford Cathedral Choir and the Septura brass ensemble, mixing traditional favourites with contemporary pieces. Bring your voice, as the audience gets to sing along. Parking fills up early for big events, with overflow at the University of Surrey.
The Snowman Film with Live Orchestra (Guildford)
Carrot Productions screens The Snowman at Guildford Cathedral with a live orchestra playing the score, plus a second short film and a festive introduction to the orchestra. The Snowman himself may drop in. The film has no dialogue, so the orchestra does all the talking. Guildford station is a 10-minute uphill walk.
South Nutfield Choral Society Winter Concerts (South Nutfield)
The South Nutfield Choral Society gives an evening concert at Christ Church in South Nutfield, near Redhill. The choir likes a wide selection of pieces, and past programmes have ranged from Handel's Messiah to carols for choir and audience. It's a local night out, and a calmer one than the West End.
London Fun and Events
Hobbledown Santa's Secret Village (Epsom)
Hobbledown in Epsom leads families through Santa's Post Office, the Toy Distribution Centre, and the Enchanted Forest to Santa's grotto, where each child gets a gift and a secret surprise from the elves. Tickets include full Hobbledown admission, so stay and play afterwards. Follow the road alongside David Lloyd, not your sat nav, to the car park.
Santa Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm (St Albans)
At Willows Activity Farm in St Albans, children meet Santa in his grotto and get a special key to choose a gift from his Toy Shop. Plus there's a woodland ride on Tristan the Runaway Tractor, a Create-a-Cuddle workshop, reindeer, and a synthetic ice rink. Allow at least four hours, and bring a card (the site is cashless).
The Magical Christmas Grotto at Chessington Garden Centre (Chessington)
Chessington Garden Centre's grotto includes a ride on the Magic Santa Express to the North Pole, a giant snow globe, Santa's post room, and iceberg alley, plus a private meeting with Father Christmas. Every child's ticket includes a present from Santa's Workshop. Santa's Yard, with live reindeer and hot drinks, is free.
The Gingerbread City Exhibition
At The Gingerbread City, architects and designers build an entire city out of gingerbread, sweets, and icing. It's put on by the Museum of Architecture at Westfield White City, and weekend workshops let you build your own gingerbread creation to take home. No planning permission required.
The Black Santa's Grotto Experience
The Black Santa's Grotto, in the old Shoreditch railway ticket hall on Old Street, celebrates Black British culture and positive representation. Children make reindeer food from Mrs Kringle's secret recipe, try a mini Elf School, then meet Mr Kringle to share their wish list and get a gift. Tickets are online only, and there's no parking.
Christmas Cracker at Odds Farm Park (High Wycombe)
Christmas Cracker at Odds Farm Park in High Wycombe leads families past an elf postal workshop, Mrs Claus's cosy kitchen, and the Wishing Tree on the way to a private family visit with Santa. Children build a cuddly bear (birth certificate included) and pick a toy from Santa's Toy Shop. Listen out for the singing A Cappella Penguins.
Tulleys Christmas Santa Experience (Crawley)
Tulleys Farm near Crawley sets its Christmas Santa Experience in the West Sussex woods, with Santa's Grotto, an outdoor ice rink, circus performances, and fairground rides. Decorate gingerbread at Mrs Claus's Bakery and make reindeer food to take home. Most activities are included in the ticket, though extras like The Teddy Boutique cost more.
Christmas Wonderland (Enfield)
Christmas Wonderland at Springtime Nurseries in Enfield is a train ride through the Reindeer Forest, past animated scenes and Santa's reindeer resting before the big night. It ends at Santa's Ice Kingdom, then the Elves' toy shop for a gift. Tickets are pre-booked only, with none sold on the day, and parking is free.
Skate at Somerset House
Skate at Somerset House sets an ice rink in the historic courtyard, ringed by neoclassical architecture. Sessions come with music, and there are special ticketed events through the season. Wobbly or not, you get the same view of the courtyard.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Oslo gives London a Norwegian Christmas tree every year as a thank you for British support during the Second World War, and Trafalgar Square lights it at a free ceremony. The Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields sings carols, the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Collingwood plays, and local children read a poem.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink (East Molesey)
Hampton Court Palace sets an outdoor ice rink among its royal architecture, with sessions of up to 45 minutes. Watch for weekend ice sculpting, DJ nights, and Skating Santa, then warm up in the café inspired by Henry VIII's Orangery. Watching from the side is free. The site is cashless, so bring a card or phone.
The Christmas Day Charles Dickens London Walk
London Walks leads a two-hour Christmas Day walk from the big tree in Trafalgar Square through the Dickensian alleyways off the Strand and Covent Garden, with virtually no traffic about. Look for London's finest Georgian alleyway and a surviving fragment of the Victorian underworld. It goes ahead rain or shine. Adults are £25, children £10.
Alexandra Palace Christmas (Alexandra Palace)
Santa sets up camp in the East Court at Alexandra Palace, where children meet him in his grotto and get a small gift. Sessions last five minutes, and tickets are £14 per child, each admitting up to two adults. A photo with Santa at the end can be pre-booked at checkout.
Glide at Battersea Power Station Ice Rink
Glide at Battersea Power Station links three ice rinks with London's only riverside skate trail, around a 30-foot Christmas tree with the Thames and the power station's chimneys close by. Off the ice, there are vintage fairground rides, hot churros, and the Glass House for food and drinks. Penguin skate aids help beginners find their feet.
Lapland UK (Winkfield Row)
Lapland UK at Whitmoor Forest near Ascot is a theatrical journey of up to four and a half hours. Children help the elves make toys in the Toy Factory, decorate gingerbread with Mother Christmas, and meet Father Christmas in his snowy woodland home. The toy they helped make turns up on Christmas morning. Parking is included.
Carol Singing in Trafalgar Square
Choirs sing hour-long carol sessions at the base of the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square. There's no stage and no PA system, which keeps things traditional and close. Gather round and listen, or, if you sing in a choir yourself, apply online for a slot.
Westminster Abbey Advent and Christmas Services
Westminster Abbey marks Advent and Christmas with services including the Service of Lessons and Carols with the Abbey Choir and the Great O Antiphons, a musical Advent tradition. Book ahead for the popular services. Can't make it in person? Several services are streamed online.
Howden Christmas Racing Weekend (Ascot)
Ascot Racecourse ends its year with the Howden Christmas Racing Weekend, a festive mix of quality Jumps racing, food, and drink. Friday's card includes the Grade 2 Howden Noel Novices' Chase, and Saturday adds family activities. Under-18s go free with an adult, and advance Queen Anne Enclosure tickets are from £19.
Mental Elf Festive Fun Run (Bexleyheath)
The Mental Elf Festive Fun Run raises money for Mind in Bexley with a flat 5km lap of Danson Park's lake and boating pool. Run, walk, or skip it; there are prizes for Best Dressed Adult Elf, Child Elf, and Dog. Finishers get an elf hat and a medal. Adults are £13.00, under-14s £6.00.
Tilgate Park's Magical Christmas (Crawley)
Tilgate Park in Crawley is free to enter, with a marquee craft market, children's funfair rides, and free showings of The Sleigh Incident. Santa visits, in a traditional grotto or at group Storytime, need advance tickets and are expected to sell out quickly. The Yorkshire pudding wraps are back, a very British take on festive street food.
Christmas at Bocketts Farm (Fetcham)
At Bocketts Farm in Fetcham, children ride the Santa Express to Father Christmas's grotto and get a golden coin to spend in his Toy Shop. Step inside the Giant Snow Globe for a photo, decorate gingerbread, and toast marshmallows by the fire pits. The ride is for children only, so grown-ups walk alongside.
Father Christmas Visits at Godstone Farm (Godstone)
At Godstone Farm, a path of twinkling lights leads to Father Christmas in his cosy grotto, where each child chooses a gift from his workshop. Daytime tickets add Jingle & Jangle's interactive show, cookie decorating, a festive trail, and Surrey's largest indoor soft play barn. Cheaper dusk visits skip the farm park, since it has closed by then.
Ruxley Manor Christmas Grotto (Orpington)
Ruxley Manor Garden Centre in Sidcup starts with elves helping children make reindeer food, then Mother Christmas helps them build a Polar Bear Navigator. Next comes a private family visit with Father Christmas and a Golden Ticket into the Toy Workshop. Prices start at £38 for two guests. Arrive 15 minutes early, as parking gets busy.
A Georgian Operatic Christmas at Quebec House (Westerham)
Quebec House in Westerham, the childhood home of General James Wolfe, is dressed as a woodland realm, with towering trees, hidden creatures, and a winter tale of friendship and adventure. Cross the garden to the Coach House for Georgian-inspired treats, given in exchange for a donation. Visits are self-led with timed tickets, and members of the National Trust go free.
Festive Family Fun Days (Ashtead)
Ashtead Park Garden Centre puts Santa inside a giant Christmas pudding, which is one way to do a grotto. There's also Arthur the sleeping polar bear, nativity animals (donations go to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity), an Elf Hunt, crafts, and local choirs. Only Santa needs booking; everything else is paid for on the day.
Breakfast with Santa at The Ethorpe Hotel (Gerrards Cross)
The Ethorpe Hotel in Gerrards Cross serves Breakfast with Santa, where £12 per child covers a breakfast, a drink, a visit with Santa, and a small gift. The Berry Merry Pancake Stack comes in child and grown-up sizes. Book ahead with a £5 deposit per person, which comes off the final bill.
Christmas Mini Tea with Wreath Making (Bulphan)
Ye Olde Plough House in Bulphan pairs a Christmas wreath-making workshop with a festive mini tea: turkey and cranberry sandwiches, a sausage roll, a pig in blanket, and a scone with winterberry jam and clotted cream. It's £47 per person. Dress is smart casual, so leave the trainers at home.
Santa's House (Dartford)
Dartford Borough Council sets up Santa's House at Acacia Mansion House on Dartford's High Street, a wintry Christmas setting for families with young children. It runs as a Santa-themed weekend event, and more details are due closer to the time.
Santa's Enchanted Grotto at John Lewis Oxford Street
Santa's Enchanted Grotto at John Lewis Oxford Street takes children on a LEGO-themed adventure to Santa's Post Room before they meet Santa himself. Every child leaves with a LEGO set. Bookings are capped at two adults per child and six tickets in total, so the grandparents may need to take turns.
London Christmas Lights Black Cab Tour
See central London's Christmas lights from a private, heated black cab, with a driver-guide sharing stories about Oxford Street, Regent Street, Soho, Covent Garden, and Knightsbridge. The route is yours to tailor, with stops for photos. Tours run three or four hours from £330 per taxi, which seats up to six.
Christmas Lights Vintage Bus Tour of London
Premium Tours runs an evening Christmas lights tour on a restored vintage Routemaster from Victoria Coach Station, past Oxford Street, Regent Street, Knightsbridge, and the Houses of Parliament, with a live guide. Upper deck seats aren't guaranteed, so arrive early if you want the open top. Check in 15 minutes before departure.
City of Westminster Christmas Lights Walking Tour
This guided walking tour, booked through GetYourGuide, spends about two hours on the Christmas lights of the City of Westminster's streets and landmarks. Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothes, and an umbrella is a good idea. The meeting point comes with your booking.
Chelsea Christmas Lights Switch-On
The King's Road kicks off the season with the Chelsea Christmas Lights Switch-On, an afternoon of brilliant performances, gourmet food and drink, and plenty of seasonal sparkle before the lights come on. It's free, so the only thing to budget for is the gourmet food.
Windsor Christmas Lights Switch-on (Windsor)
Windsor's annual Christmas Lights Switch-on takes place on Castle Hill, with Windsor Castle as the backdrop. Expect live entertainment, carol singing, and community stalls through the day, and the cast of the Theatre Royal Windsor pantomime for the big moment. It's free. Arrive early for a good view.
Carols on Castle Hill (Windsor)
Carols on Castle Hill is Windsor's annual community carol sing, gathered round a lit Christmas tree with Windsor Castle as the backdrop. It's free and supports a charitable cause. Bring a warm coat and your best singing voice, since joining in is the whole idea.
Christmas Eve in London with Dinner and Midnight Mass
This Christmas Eve tour leaves London Victoria on a guided coach to see Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London lit up at night. Then comes a three-course Christmas dinner with a glass of Prosecco, and Midnight Mass at St Martin-in-the-Fields. The coach drops you near your Central London hotel at around 2 am.
Epping Ongar Railway Christmas Events (Epping)
The Epping Ongar Railway runs two Christmas experiences: Santa's Special Trains, a festive ride with Santa himself, and the Epping Ongar Lights Express, a light show set to music with LED wristbands. Take the Central Line to Epping, then the vintage London bus that connects to the railway.
Denbies Santa Express (Dorking)
Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking runs a Santa Express train through its vineyard. Children get a special passport from Santa before boarding, play the Reindeer Game on the way, and collect a gift at the end. It takes about 50 minutes. Grown-ups can add a glass of sparkling wine to their ticket, only fair at a wine estate.
Barleylands Father Christmas Experience (Billericay)
Barleylands Farm Park near Billericay hosts a Father Christmas Experience, where children visit Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a special gift. Make a day of it with the farm animals and The Village's craft studios and eateries. The car park is large and free, and only guide dogs are allowed on the farm.
Storytelling with Santa at Chiswick House (Chiswick)
At Chiswick House & Gardens, children gather to hear Christmas stories told by Santa Claus himself, in the setting of a historic house. The Chiswick House and Gardens Café by Colicci's is there for food and drink afterwards. Chiswick station is a 13-minute walk, and the car park is pay by phone.
Santa's Grotto Experience at Daniel of Windsor (Windsor)
Daniel department store on Peascod Street in Windsor hosts a Santa's Grotto, where a friendly elf leads children in for a one-to-one chat with Santa. Each child gets a pre-wrapped, age-appropriate gift and a professional photo. Visits last five minutes per child, so have the wish list ready.
Breakfast with Santa at Dorney Lake (Windsor)
Dorney Lake near Windsor serves a festive breakfast followed by a visit from Santa Claus, with a special gift for the children. The lakeside setting makes a pleasant morning out, and on-site parking is free. The nearest station is Taplow, on the Elizabeth line, seven miles away.
Christmas Wreath Making Workshops (Fifield)
Darling Buds of Windsor in Fifield teaches you to make a 12-inch door wreath on a moss base, the traditional way. Moss, fir, dried fruits, seed heads, and ribbon are all provided, and classes are capped at 20. It can get messy, so dress for it. Anyone more than 10 minutes late can't be let in.
St. George's Church Christmas Carol Service (Beckenham)
St George's Parish Church on Beckenham High Street holds a Christmas Carol Service where everyone is welcome to sing the old favourites. It's free. The church is a short walk from Beckenham Junction rail and tram stop, and many buses stop right outside.
Chesham Bois Christmas Celebration (Amersham)
Chesham Bois in Amersham gathers by the War Memorial to switch on the lights on its big Christmas tree, with carols from a local school choir and a band playing festive music. The lights on the parade of shops along Bois Lane come on too. It's free and geared to young children.
The Magical Christmas Sleigh Ride (Virtual Reality) (Chessington)
Chessington Garden Centre's virtual reality sleigh ride is a five-minute, 4D trip through Christmas scenes from Santa's point of view, with moving seats and wind effects. Headsets adjust to fit, and anyone who'd rather not wear one can watch on the TV at the front. Hold on to your hat.
Watford Town Centre Winterfest (Watford)
Watford Town Centre Winterfest brings seasonal attractions, stalls, and festive treats to the town centre, aimed at families and shoppers. Pair it with a bit of Christmas shopping while you're there. More details are due closer to the time.