Best London Christmas activities for kids

It's not Christmas without the big guy. And he's got big plans this year, roaming from London Zoo to Winter Wonderland to Kew and all over London, ho-ho-hoing and dishing out gifts to the capital’s over-excited children. But remember, to avoid those tears and tantrums, make sure you book your kids a slot with ol’ Saint Nick in advance. Take a look at our guide to Santa’s grottos in London and make a date with the one-and-only Father Christmas. 

Is it really Christmas if you haven't spent an hour or two whizzing around the ice in front of a storied London landmark? This city is packed with temporary rinks for you to showcase your skating skills (or to cling to the side, grimacing bravely, no one's judging). Here's our rundown of the best, from the iconic Somerset House rink to Great Ormond Street Hospital's brand new elliptical creation.

Introduce the kids to a centuries-old tradition this Christmas, and have loads of fun into the bargain. London's full of pantos that are designed for all ages to enjoy together, from toddlers to pensioners. Head for the West End for a high-budget, high-octane experience, or keep things pocket-friendly by heading for your local theatre. Here's our handy rundown of what's out there.

If your tree at home is more forlorn than fabulous, seek inspiration from these amazing London Christmas trees. Decked with technicolour lights, imaginative decorations and bells and whistles galore, they're bound to delight your kids, even if there aren't present to unwrap beneath their branches.

One of the best ways to get your kids into the Christmas spirit is also one of the cheapest ones. Head into central London and you'll be delighted by light displays twinkling overhead, whether it's Carnaby Street's cosmic offering or the timeless magic of Covent Garden's lush decorations.

Help make Christmas even more magical while they’re still gullible with a festive theatre show created especially with small people in mind. Treat them to a pre-Christmas present at one of London’s excellent shows for your young ’uns.

Get the kids involved in Christmas shopping with a visit to one of London's huge variety of festive markets. Whether you make a beeline for Southbank's oh-so-pretty cabins by the Thames, or seek out alternative offerings, you're bound to come up with something you'd never find in the Argos catalogue.

An evening of proper Christmas carols is an absolute must if you’re interested in getting entirely wrapped up in unalloyed festive cheer. Check out our comprehensive round-up of the jolliest and most moving services in the capital. Indoors and outdoors, cathedrals, churches and secular spaces, we’ll be adding to it constantly, as more events are announced. 

What’s your favourite Christmas film? Are you a ‘Home Alone’ fan or more of a ‘Love Actually’ devotee? Do you think vintage classics like ’It’s a Wonderful Life’ conjure up festive feels more than genre fare like ‘Die Hard’ or ‘Gremlins’? Whichever seasonal movie is closest to your heart, it’s bound to be screening in London over the next few weeks. Pop-up cinemas are, er, popping up all over the city and many of our beloved independent picture houses have curated ace Christmas-themed seasons and special events.