--- title: "Christmas things to do in London with kids (2026): lights, rinks, pantos and more" canonical: https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026 last_updated: 2026-10-24 author: The London Scoop team --- 1. [Guides](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/) 2. Christmas 2026 # Christmas things to do in London with kids (2026): lights, rinks, pantos and more ![](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/logo.png)By **The London Scoop team**βœ“ Last updated 24 October 2026⏱ 14 min read London does Christmas the way it does most things: brilliantly, expensively and with a queue. This guide is the edit: 13 festive days out that are worth the Tube journey, from free lights and markets to ice rinks, light trails and two very different pantos, with something for every age from toddlers to tweens. Every date and price comes from the organiser's own website, checked on 24 October 2026. Prices for Christmas events tend to rise as dates fill up, so book the paid ones early. ## 🦊 Quick answer - **Best free:** the [Regent Street lights switch-on](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#regent-street-lights) (Thu 5 Nov), the [Southbank Centre Winter Market](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#southbank-winter-market) and the [Trafalgar Square tree](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#trafalgar-square-tree) - **Best big night out:** [Christmas at Kew](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#christmas-at-kew) (from 13 Nov) or [Hyde Park Winter Wonderland](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#hyde-park-winter-wonderland) (from 19 Nov) - **Best ice rink with children:** [Somerset House](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#skate-somerset-house) (skate aids for under-8s) or [Glide at Battersea Power Station](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#glide-battersea) - **Best for toddlers:** [Christmas Lights at Polka](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#polka-christmas-lights) and [Huddle at the Unicorn](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#unicorn-huddle), both for ages 1–4 - **Best panto:** [Hackney Empire](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#hackney-empire-panto) (from Β£10, all ages) or [Lyric Hammersmith](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#lyric-hammersmith-cinderella) (ages 6+) **October 2026:** new guide. Want to meet the man himself? See our [best Santa's grottos in London](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/santas-grottos-london-2026). And if you're reading this before 8 November, there's still time for [a fireworks display](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/best-fireworks-displays-london-2026). **How we chose:** a spread of free and paid, indoor and outdoor, toddler-friendly and tween-proof, across every part of London. We only included events with 2026 dates published on the organiser's own website. Where a detail wasn't published yet, we've said so. ## At a glance All 13 ideas, grouped by area. Dates and prices checked against each organiser's own site on 24 October 2026. | Name | Dates | Area | Price | Ages | Booking | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Hyde Park Winter Wonderland](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#hyde-park-winter-wonderland) | 19 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027 (closed 25 Dec) | Hyde Park, W2 | Entry Β£1 off-peak, Β£5.50 standard, Β£8.25 peak | All ages | Pre-book a timed entry slot | | [Skate at Somerset House](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#skate-somerset-house) | 11 Nov 2026–10 Jan 2027 (closed 25 Dec) | Strand, WC2 | Adult from Β£13, child (12 and under) from Β£11, +Β£1.50 | From about age 2 (smallest boot: child size 6) | Book online; limited walk-ups | | [Regent Street lights switch-on](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#regent-street-lights) | Thu 5 Nov, 5–9pm | Regent Street, W1 | Free | All ages | No booking | | [Trafalgar Square Christmas tree](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#trafalgar-square-tree) | Lighting date TBC, check the official site | Trafalgar Square, WC2 | Free | All ages | No booking | | [Southbank Centre Winter Market](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#southbank-winter-market) | 2 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027 | South Bank, SE1 | Free entry | All ages | No booking | | [Festive Skate at Alexandra Palace](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#alexandra-palace-festive-skate) | 9 Dec 2026–4 Jan 2027 | Wood Green, N22 | Check official site | 3+ | Book online | | [Jack and the Beanstalk at Hackney Empire](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#hackney-empire-panto) | 21 Nov–31 Dec | Hackney, E8 | Β£10–£48 + Β£1.50 per ticket | All ages (under-3s on a lap) | Book online | | [Glide at Battersea Power Station](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#glide-battersea) | 6 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027 | Battersea, SW11 | Varies by session, see site | Adults 13+, child and family tickets | Book online | | [Huddle at the Unicorn Theatre](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#unicorn-huddle) | 27 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027 | London Bridge, SE1 | Check official site | 1–4 | Book online | | [Christmas Lights at Polka Theatre](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#polka-christmas-lights) | 11–22 Nov | Wimbledon, SW19 | Β£16 (concessions Β£14), +Β£2.50 per order | 1–4 | Book online; many shows sold out | | [Christmas at Kew](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#christmas-at-kew) | 13 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027 (not 16, 23, 28 Nov or 25 Dec) | Kew, TW9 | Adult Β£29.50–£37; child 4–15 Β£20–£24; family Β£89–£108 | All ages (under-4s free, need a ticket) | Timed entry, book ahead | | [Cinderella at the Lyric Hammersmith](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#lyric-hammersmith-cinderella) | 14 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027 | Hammersmith, W6 | Β£10–£50; family tickets Β£80–£90 | 6+ (under-18 months free) | Book online | | [Winter Palace and ice rink at Hampton Court](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026#hampton-court-winter-palace) | Winter Palace 28 Nov–3 Jan; ice rink 20 Nov–3 Jan | Hampton Court, KT8 | Included with palace admission; rink separate | All ages | Pre-book | ## Central London 1 ### Hyde Park Winter Wonderland - πŸ“ Hyde Park, W2 - πŸ•˜ Usually 10am–10pm; some weekdays open later (up to 2pm) - 🎟 Entry: off-peak Β£1, standard Β£5.50, peak Β£8.25; rides extra The heavyweight: more than 150 rides, shows and attractions, a free Santa's grotto, and enough mulled wine to float a pedalo. It opens on Thursday 19 November and runs every day until 3 January, apart from Christmas Day. **Scoop tip:** Spend Β£25 or more on rides, attractions or food deals in one advance order and your entry is free. Go early on a weekday: you can stay as long as you like once you're in. Honest parent details Everyone needs a timed entry ticket. The cheap ones are off-peak (Monday to Thursday in November, and green slots on the booking calendar), and booking fees are now included in the price. Rides and attractions cost extra, and they add up quickly. #### The details - **Opening times:** Open from 10am on most days but later on several weekdays (for example 12pm on 19–20 Nov and 2pm on 1 Dec). Last entry 9.30pm. - **Grotto:** Free, 10am–6pm, can't be booked. See our [grottos guide](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/santas-grottos-london-2026#winter-wonderland-grotto). - **Final day:** Sun 3 Jan is a Family Fun Day; details still to be announced. [Official site β†—](https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/tickets-guide/) 2 ### Skate at Somerset House - πŸ“ Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA - πŸ•˜ 45-minute sessions, 11am until late (from 9am on selected dates) - 🎟 Adult from Β£13; child 12 and under from Β£11; +Β£1.50 per ticket - 🐧 Skate aids for under-8s The most handsome ice rink in London, in an 18th-century courtyard with a huge Christmas tree. Sessions are 45 minutes, which is about the length of time a seven-year-old can skate before declaring they are "basically a professional now". **Scoop tip:** Weekday daytime sessions are the cheapest and calmest. There are 90-minute extended sessions on 11, 17 and 23 November at noon, if you want more ice for your money. Honest parent details Under-12s must skate with an adult (one adult for every five children), and there are first-come, first-served skate aids for children aged 8 and under. Spectators watch for free. #### The details - **Families:** There's a 10% discount on family bookings. - **Walk-ups:** A limited number of tickets are sold on the day, until noon. [Official site β†—](https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/skate-times-tickets-faqs) 3Free ### Regent Street lights switch-on - πŸ“ Regent Street, W1 - πŸ“… Thu 5 Nov, 5–9pm, traffic-free - 🎟 Free Regent Street switches its Christmas lights on with a traffic-free evening of entertainment, on Bonfire Night itself. It's the starting gun for Christmas in the West End, and it's free. **Scoop tip:** With small children, go on a different night. Walk up Regent Street from Piccadilly Circus around 4.30pm, when it's dark but the after-work crowds haven't arrived. Honest parent details The lights stay up for the season, so if the switch-on crowds aren't your thing, any dark weekday evening in November works just as well. [Official site β†—](https://www.regentstreetonline.com/events/switch-on-2026) 4Free ### Trafalgar Square Christmas tree - πŸ“ Trafalgar Square, WC2 - πŸ“… Tree lighting: date TBC, check the official site - 🎢 Carol singing through December Norway's annual thank-you to London for its help in the Second World War, and one of the few Christmas traditions in the capital that costs nothing and needs no app. Choirs sing carols around the tree through December. **Scoop tip:** Pair it with the free National Gallery next door for a warm-up, then come back out once the lights are on. Honest parent details City Hall hadn't published the 2026 lighting date when we checked, so check its page before you go. #### The details - **Unverified:** 2026 tree-lighting date not yet on london.gov.uk. [Official site β†—](https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/city-halls-buildings-and-squares/trafalgar-square/christmas) 5Free ### Southbank Centre Winter Market - πŸ“ Queen's Walk, under Hungerford Bridge, SE1 - πŸ•˜ Stalls 11am–10pm; bars until 11pm - 🎟 Free entry; cashless Wooden chalets along the river, under the bridge, with views across to the London Eye and Big Ben. It's free to wander, which means you're only paying for whatever the children point at, and they will point. **Scoop tip:** Go in daylight with toddlers and walk east along the river towards the Tate Modern for a buggy-friendly afternoon. Stalls are cashless. Honest parent details Easy to combine with a walk along the river or a show at the Southbank Centre. [Official site β†—](https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/activity/winter-market/) ## North London 6 ### Festive Skate at Alexandra Palace - πŸ“ Ice Rink, Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY - πŸ“… 9 Dec–4 Jan - πŸ‘Ά Minimum age 3 - πŸ‘€ Non-skating adults supervising under-16s need a spectator ticket North London's indoor rink goes full Christmas: a towering tree, twinkling lights, festive music and a sprinkle of fake snow. Being indoors, it doesn't care what the weather is doing, which is more than can be said for the rest of December. **Scoop tip:** Combine it with Ally Pally's grotto (4–23 Dec). See our [grottos guide](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/santas-grottos-london-2026#alexandra-palace-grotto). Honest parent details Skaters must be at least three. If you're supervising and not skating, you need a spectator ticket. #### The details - **Prices:** Not shown on the page when we checked. See the booking calendar on alexandrapalace.com. [Official site β†—](https://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/festive-skate/) ## East London 7 ### Jack and the Beanstalk at Hackney Empire - πŸ“ 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ - πŸ“… 21 Nov–31 Dec - 🎟 Β£10–£48, plus Β£1.50 per ticket - 🧩 Relaxed performance Sat 5 Dec, 1.30pm Hackney Empire's panto is the one theatre people quietly rank above the West End, and Clive Rowe is back as Dame Trot, as well as directing. Expect beans, booing and a dame who could win a staring contest with a giant. **Scoop tip:** The cheapest seats go first, so book midweek matinΓ©es early in the run for the best prices. Honest parent details Children under three can sit on a lap; anyone four or over needs their own ticket. There's a relaxed performance on Saturday 5 December at 1.30pm. #### The details - **Getting there:** Hackney Central (Overground) is a short walk away. [Official site β†—](https://www.hackneyempire.co.uk/events/jack-and-the-beanstalk) ## South London 8 ### Glide at Battersea Power Station - πŸ“ Battersea Power Station, SW11 - πŸ“… 6 Nov–3 Jan - ⛸️ Three interconnecting rinks and a skate trail - 🎟 Child, family and adult (13+) tickets; prices vary by session Three linked rinks, London's only skate trail, a big Christmas tree and vintage fairground rides, under the chimneys of the Power Station. It's the most fun rink in London if your children are past the clinging-to-the-side stage. **Scoop tip:** Weekday sessions are cheaper. Make it a day: the Power Station's Santa's Workshop is in the same building, and there's a Tube station on the doorstep. Honest parent details Prices vary by session, so pick a date on the official calendar to see the cost. Battersea Power Station also has a new Santa's Workshop from 27 November. #### The details - **Santa:** See [Santa's Workshop](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/santas-grottos-london-2026#battersea-power-station-santas-workshop) in our grottos guide. [Official site β†—](https://glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk/tickets/) 9 ### Huddle at the Unicorn Theatre - πŸ“ 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ - πŸ“… 27 Nov–3 Jan - πŸ‘Ά Ages 1–4; about 50 minutes A gentle, highly visual show about penguin parents for one- to four-year-olds, at London's leading children's theatre. Very little dialogue, lots to look at, and just the right length for the age. **Scoop tip:** Book a morning performance: toddlers are at their best before lunch, and so are the parents. Honest parent details It's a short walk from London Bridge, so you can pair it with a wander along the river. #### The details - **Prices:** Not seen on the page when we checked. See unicorntheatre.com. [Official site β†—](https://www.unicorntheatre.com/events/huddle) 10Toddlers ### Christmas Lights at Polka Theatre - πŸ“ 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB - πŸ“… Wed 11–Sun 22 Nov - 🎟 Β£16; concessions Β£14; +Β£2.50 booking fee per order - 🀟 Integrated BSL A 50-minute show for ages 1–4 about two friends trying to light up their house for Christmas, with lights that have ideas of their own. It's highly visual, uses British Sign Language throughout, and children can stay and play in the snow-covered garden afterwards. **Scoop tip:** Weekday shows were the only ones with tickets left when we checked, so this is one for a day off nursery rather than a Saturday. Honest parent details Most performances had sold out when we checked, with a few weekday slots left. [Official site β†—](https://polkatheatre.com/event/christmas-lights/) ## West London 11 ### Christmas at Kew - πŸ“ Kew Gardens, TW9 - πŸ•˜ Entry slots 4.20–7.40pm; closes 10pm (9pm on 24 Dec) - 🎟 Off-peak/peak: adult Β£29.50/Β£37; child 4–15 Β£20/Β£24; family (2+2) Β£89/Β£108; under-4s free - 🧩 Quiet sessions 21 Nov, 1, 16 and 26 Dec A 3km illuminated trail through the gardens after dark, which takes two hours or more at child pace. Father Christmas, a fairground and marshmallow toasting are along the way. It's London's best light trail and priced accordingly, but it's the kind of evening children remember. **Scoop tip:** Book an off-peak date (17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 and 30 Nov, and 1 and 2 Dec) to save around Β£19 on a family ticket. Take an early slot with younger children: it's a long walk. Honest parent details Prams are welcome; scooters and balance bikes aren't. There are no covered areas, so dress for the weather. Fairground tokens are Β£4 each, or six for Β£21, if your children spot the fairground before you do. #### The details - **Parking:** Β£15 at Brentford Gate; book ahead. - **Accessibility:** Quiet sessions on 21 Nov, 1, 16 and 26 Dec have reduced sound and lighting effects. [Official site β†—](https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas/everything-you-need-to-know) 12 ### Cinderella at the Lyric Hammersmith - πŸ“ Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0QL - πŸ“… 14 Nov–3 Jan - 🎟 Β£10–£50; family tickets Β£80 standard, Β£90 premium - ⏱ 2 hours, including interval The Lyric's pantos are sharp, modern and properly funny, and Cinderella is this year's. The theatre recommends it for ages 6 and up, which is the honest answer for a two-hour show with an interval. **Scoop tip:** A Β£2 restoration levy is added per basket, so book everything in one go. Honest parent details Family tickets help with the maths: Β£80 standard or Β£90 premium. #### The details - **Babies:** Under-18-month-olds go free. [Official site β†—](https://lyric.co.uk/shows/cinderella-2026/) 13New for 2026 ### Winter Palace and ice rink at Hampton Court - πŸ“ Hampton Court Palace, KT8 - πŸ“… Winter Palace 28 Nov–3 Jan; ice rink 20 Nov–3 Jan (not 25 Dec) - 🎟 Winter Palace included with palace admission; ice rink is a separate ticket - πŸŽͺ Festive Fayre 4–6 and 11–13 Dec New for 2026: Henry VIII's palace turns into the Winter Palace, with puppets, live actors and mythical beasts gathering for a Christmas Beast Ball, plus a sleeping dragon. It's included in palace admission, which makes it one of the better-value big Christmas days out. **Scoop tip:** On selected December dates (9–11, 16–17 and 19–30 Dec) the palace stays open until 7.30pm, so you can skate after dark and then see the Winter Palace lit up. Honest parent details Outside, the ice rink in front of the palace runs from 20 November, with quieter reduced-capacity sessions from 10am. The Festive Fayre on two December weekends is also included with palace admission. #### The details - **Prices:** Check palace admission and rink prices on hrp.org.uk; members go free to the Winter Palace but must pre-book. [Official site β†—](https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/whats-on/winter-palace/) ## Christmas in London with kids: how to keep it merry - **Book the paid things now.** Weekend slots at Kew, the grottos and the pantos sell out first, and some prices rise as dates fill. - **Go midweek in November.** Off-peak prices, shorter queues and the same lights. - **Pick one big thing a day.** A light trail, an ice rink and a market in one day sounds festive. In practice, it's three meltdowns. - **Pack for standing still.** Rinks and trails are cold. Gloves are compulsory on most ice rinks anyway. - **Look for relaxed sessions.** Kew, Hackney Empire and Hampton Court all offer quieter options this year. Plan the rest of the season with our [Santa's grottos guide](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/santas-grottos-london-2026), and for rainy December days, our [rainy day activities](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/rainy-day-activities-london-kids) and [best museums for kids](https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/best-museums-london-kids). ## FAQs When does Winter Wonderland 2026 open? Hyde Park Winter Wonderland opens on Thursday 19 November 2026 and runs daily until Sunday 3 January 2027, closed on Christmas Day. Everyone needs a timed entry ticket: Β£1 off-peak, Β£5.50 standard or Β£8.25 peak, with rides extra. What are the best free Christmas things to do in London with kids? The Regent Street lights switch-on (Thu 5 Nov, 5–9pm), the Southbank Centre Winter Market (from 2 Nov), the Trafalgar Square tree and carol singing in December, and the free grotto inside Winter Wonderland (you still need an entry ticket). How much is Christmas at Kew 2026? Off-peak tickets are Β£29.50 for adults and Β£20 for children aged 4–15; peak tickets are Β£37 and Β£24. Family tickets (2 adults, 2 children) are Β£89 off-peak or Β£108 peak. Under-4s are free but need a ticket. It runs 13 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027, with some dates closed. When do London's Christmas lights get switched on in 2026? Regent Street switches on on Thursday 5 November 2026 with a free, traffic-free event from 5pm to 9pm. The Trafalgar Square tree lighting date hadn't been published by City Hall when we checked. What is the best ice rink in London for kids? Somerset House has skate aids for under-8s and boots from child size 6 (about age 2). Glide at Battersea Power Station has three rinks and a skate trail for more confident skaters. Alexandra Palace's Festive Skate is indoors, from age 3. Which London panto is best for young children? Hackney Empire's Jack and the Beanstalk suits all ages (under-3s can sit on a lap) and has a relaxed performance on Sat 5 Dec. The Lyric Hammersmith's Cinderella is recommended for ages 6+. For under-5s, try Polka Theatre's Christmas Lights or the Unicorn's Huddle, both for ages 1–4. What Christmas things can toddlers do in London? Polka Theatre's Christmas Lights (ages 1–4, 11–22 Nov), Huddle at the Unicorn (ages 1–4, from 27 Nov), the Southbank Winter Market by day and a toddler-friendly Santa visit. See our grottos guide for those. Is Winter Wonderland worth it with kids? For a one-off treat, yes, especially on a weekday off-peak slot. The grotto is free once you're in. Rides and food add up fast, so set a budget, or spend Β£25 in advance and get your entry free. --- Source: https://guides.thelondonscoop.com/guides/christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026 Β· The London Scoop, a free weekly email for London families: https://www.thelondonscoop.com/subscribe?utm_source=guides&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=christmas-things-to-do-london-kids-2026