The school holidays are long and the weather is cold. If you are the one in charge of Christmas plans, here is a practical list of things to do with the kids in London this year. Everything below is taken from the venue's own page, with a note on cost and age, so you can book without hunting around.
The big days out
Christmas at Kew
The light trail starts on 13 November 2026. Kew says December is selling fast and November has the best availability, which also means calmer paths for younger kids. Listed prices: adult peak £37, child (4 to 16) £24 peak or £20 off-peak, and a family ticket for two adults and two children (4 to 16) at £108 peak or £89 off-peak. The family ticket is the better value if you have two children. Official details.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, closed on Christmas Day. It is a huge funfair, and the cost is in the rides and food, not the entry. Agree a budget with the kids before you go and stick to it. Check the booking calendar for opening times. Official information.
Ice skating
Somerset House runs 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027, with tickets from £11 to £28.50. Entry to the site is free, so a parent who would rather not skate can watch with a hot drink. Weekend mornings have Skate School for adults and teens, and Kids' Club for ages 6 to 10. Official page. Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is open 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 and says it limits skater numbers for a more relaxed session. Official site.
Santa at the Queen's House, Greenwich
14 November to 24 December 2026. A Snow Queen themed walk-through that ends with Father Christmas. £30 per person, under 1s free, plus a £3 booking fee. For a family of four, that adds up, so budget accordingly. Official page.
Panto and stage shows, by age
Under 6
The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre (21 November to 3 January) is suitable for all ages, from £18 plus a £4 fee, and children 2 and over need a ticket. Jack and the Beanstalk at the Hackney Empire (21 November to 31 December, £10 to £48) allows under 3s on a lap.
6 to 10
Cinderella at the Lyric Hammersmith (14 November to 3 January) has £80 family tickets for two adults and two children, in selected price bands and subject to availability. Matilda is not suitable for under 6s and has no booking fees when you book direct. Paddington The Musical is recommended for 6 and up.
Older kids and teens
A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic (10 November to 9 January) is suitable for 8 and over. Hamilton is recommended for 10 and over because of strong language, and the Christmas schedule has extra matinees but no shows on 25 and 26 December. Nutcracker at the Coliseum (17 December to 10 January) has 25% off for under 16s, up to two per full price adult ticket. The Palladium panto is not tailored for young children, so it suits teens and parents more than little ones.
Easy wins for tired dads
- Do the cheap thing first. The Southbank Centre Winter Market (2 November to 3 January) is free to enter, and stalls are open 11am to 10pm. It is cash-free, so bring a card. Official page.
- Look for family tickets. Kew and the Lyric both have them, and they usually beat buying individual tickets.
- Buy timed tickets early. Popular dates in the last week before Christmas sell out first.
- Plan the loo and snack stops. It sounds minor, but it decides whether the afternoon goes well.
Plan by budget
- Free: entry to the Southbank Centre Winter Market, and entry to the Somerset House site (you only pay if you skate).
- Under £30 a head: skating at Somerset House (£11 to £28.50), a ticket for The Snowman (from £18 plus £4 fee), the Hackney Empire panto (£10 to £48).
- Bigger spend: Christmas at Kew (family ticket £89 off-peak, £108 peak), Santa at the Queen's House (£30 each, plus a £3 booking fee) and the West End musicals.
Prices change by date, so check before you book. A simple rule is to pick the one big paid day first, then fill the rest of the holidays with the free and low-cost options above, so the budget does not run out before Christmas.
Dates at a glance
- Christmas at Kew: from 13 November.
- Southbank Centre Winter Market: 2 November to 3 January.
- Queen's House Santa's Grotto: 14 November to 24 December.
- Skate at Somerset House: 11 November to 10 January.
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: 19 November to 3 January.
- Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink: 20 November to 3 January.
Looking for more? Browse the events on daddy.london to see what else is on near you.