Christmas / 5 November, 2025 / Ellie Thompson
London truly sparkles at Christmas, and 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most magical years yet. From breathtaking ice rinks and glittering Christmas trees to laugh-out-loud pantos and festive theatre shows, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Whether you’re wrapping up warm for a skate under the stars, meeting Father Christmas, or catching a Christmas classic on stage, we’ve rounded up the very best Christmas events in London for kids and families this festive season.
Scroll down for our edit of must-see experiences and family days out across the capital this Christmas — and start planning your magical winter memories!
Leicester Square’s first-ever ice rink will open this Christmas as Underbelly announces the Angel Child Fund at The Brain Tumour Charity as their charity partner to raise funds and awareness.
Skate into Christmas in the heart of the West End as Underbelly unveils Leicester Square’s first-ever open-air ice rink. Glide around the Shakespeare statue under twinkling lights, then warm up at the festive market with food, drinks and gift stalls. With sessions starting every 15 minutes (walk-up or book ahead), it’s an easy, magical winter outing for all ages—plus every booking can support the Angel Child Fund at The Brain Tumour Charity.
Dates: Opening November 2025, running through the Christmas season (sessions every 15 minutes)
Address: Leicester Square, London WC2
Tickets: From £14.50 (adults), £9.50 (kids), family tickets from £40; online booking and walk-ups available
Son of a nutcracker, Elf The Musical is heading back to the West End! Perfect for families looking for things to do this half term in London, Elf The Musical is a seasonal smash-hit at the Aldwych Theatre.
Following a record-breaking season on Broadway last year, ‘the ultimate Christmas show’ (Smooth FM) returns to spread festive cheer at the Aldwych Theatre for 10 weeks only from 28 October 2025.
Based on the beloved film, Elf is the funny and charming tale of Buddy, who mistakenly crawled into Santa’s bag as a baby and was raised as an elf! Way too tall and not so great at his job, Buddy is the North Pole’s biggest misfit… and knows he’ll never belong. When Santa tells him the truth, Buddy heads to New York to find his birth father (who turns out to be quite high on the naughty list). After causing some merry mayhem in Manhattan, Buddy finally discovers the gift of family and falls in love. And when Santa’s sleigh crashes in Central Park, it’s Buddy who finds a way to save Christmas forever!
Dates: 28th October 2025 – 3rd January 2026
Address: Aldwych Theatre, 49 Aldwych, London WC2B 4DF
Ages: All ages
Battersea Power Station will once again transform into London’s most magical festive destination from 7th November 2025 to 4th January 2026, complete with sparkling lights, Christmas trees, supersized decorations, and the much-anticipated return of the capital’s only riverside ice rink, Boots presents Glide at Battersea Power Station. Inside the landmark, visitors can marvel at stunning Art Deco-inspired decorations and explore over 150 British and international brands, alongside festive markets championing independent businesses and pop-ups – making it the perfect place to find unique gifts for family and friends.
For the ultimate festive day out, guests can enjoy more than 50 restaurants and bars, soak in panoramic views of London from The Chimney Lift, catch a Christmas classic at The Cinema in The Power Station, and experience Jurassic World: The Experience before it closes – plus so much more to make the season truly magical.
Dates: Sat 15 Nov 2025 onwards
Address: Battersea Power Station
Ages: All ages
Can Santa post himself in a parcel? Come in disguise as the Christmas turkey? Or step out of a festive movie on TV? The world premiere of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen’s hilariously funny picture book will be spreading some festive cheer! As the Unicorn’s first co-production with experimental theatre makers Told by an Idiot, this comic Christmas caper will present a thrilling fusion of physical comedy, live music and anarchic fun for audiences aged 2 to 102.
Dates: Sat 15 Nov 2025 – Sat 3 Jan 2026
Address: Unicorn Theatre, Weston, 147 Tooley St, London SE1 2HZ
Ages: For ages 2 – 102!
Twenty years after Dorothy first tumbled to OZ, she is back, and the witches are feuding. Starring legends of London queer nightlife, drag, and panto scenes, Pleasance Theatre is working in a unique collaboration with The Vaults to bring two unique pantos to Islington – an all-ages performance for families, and an outrageous after-dark adults-only panto for the grown-ups.
Dates: 21st Nov – 28th Dec
Address: Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF
Ages: All ages
All aboard the Jolly Roger this winter! Greenwich Theatre brings festive fun with a new panto written by and starring Anthony Spargo, the man behind Greenwich Theatre’s Dick Whittington and His Cat, winner of Best Script and Best Pantomime at the UK Pantomime Awards 2025.
Packed with comedy and sing-along songs, audiences of all ages can follow everyone’s favourite boy who never grows up on a magical adventure in Neverland, with special appearances from Pirates and a crafty, ever-ticking crocodile. Don’t miss this boat – or else you’ll be walking the plank!
Dates: 28th November 2025 – 11th January 2026
Address: Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ES
Ages: All ages
Snuggle up and share in your baby’s joy as the excitement for Christmas builds – because let’s be honest, the best part isn’t the presents… It’s the crumpling, rumpling and scrunching of all that glorious wrapping paper!
From the makers of our highly successful, long-running Baby Show, this multi-sensory show returns to the Unicorn to delight babies and parents alike. At the end of the show, there will be a chance to play and dance together in the space.
Dates: Sunday 30 Nov 2025 – Sunday 4 Jan 2026
Address: Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, London SE1 2HZ
Ages: Strictly 6 – 18 months
Families will have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas as the Old Royal Naval College host their beloved Storytelling sessions every weekend in December. They will also have family favourite The Elves and the Magic Bear return, where younger audiences and Mrs Claus are tasked with the important mission of saving Christmas after heaps of unopened letters are found, with songs, magic and a special guest!
For the music-lovers, Christmas Carol Concerts will be held on 1st, 8th, and 15th Dec, delivered by the award-winning Trinity Laban Chapel Choir, and film buffs can enjoy a Scrooge Film Orchestra screening and performance on 13th December.
The Queen’s House Ice Rink returns from 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 at its iconic UNESCO World Heritage site. One of the UK’s largest rinks, it offers a refined open-air skating experience with stunning views, seasonal food at the Zero Degrees restaurant, and new features like the Skate Pit Lane and VIP fast-track tickets. Sessions include quiet, toddler and student skates with family tickets also available.
Book tickets here.
Dates: 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Address: The Queen’s House Ice Rink, Greenwich
Ages: All ages
Drone Photography of the Queens House Ice Rink 19th November 2022
Step into a festive wonderland at St. Pancras International this Christmas season, where the spectacular 12-metre rotating Music Box Christmas Tree celebrates children’s dreams in partnership with GOSH Charity.
Inspired by childhood imagination, this year’s “Powered by Dreams” theme features hand-painted baubles and heartfelt wishes from GOSH patients. Visitors can enjoy music, dream windows, and magical photo moments — all while supporting vital work for seriously ill children.
A must-visit festive highlight for families in London — and it’s completely free to enjoy.
Dates: 3 November 2025 – early January 2026
Address: GOSH
Punchdrunk Enrichment (Enitan’s Game, The Lost Lending Library), pioneers of transformational immersive theatre for young audiences, have announced a brand-new show for Christmas. Fireside Tales, written and directed by incoming artistic director Steve McCourt, is an enchanting interactive adventure for children aged 7-11 and their grown-ups. Fireside Tales is a show about the stories we tell, the ones we pass down, the ones we forget and what happens when we take the time to listen.
Audiences are invited to step into a magical world where stories flicker like flames and imagination keeps them burning bright. Developed with schools, Fireside Tales encourages young audiences to draw, write and share their own stories.
Dates: 6 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Address: Wembley Park
Ages: 7-11
Join three adventurers on a joyful jungle quest in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the much-loved Elmer books by David McKee.
Searching for a mysterious patchwork elephant, our adventurers transform their jungle campsite into a festive storytelling world. Three classic Elmer tales burst into life with toe-tapping tunes, playful puppetry and happy humour – and a few surprises along the way! A celebration of uniqueness, family and fun, this feel-good show for everyone aged 3 to 103 is presented by Tall Stories, the company that brought you The Gruffalo live on stage.
Dates: Sat 20 Dec 25 – Sun 4 Jan 26
Address: Soho Theatre, Walthamstow
Ages: 3+
Throwing open its doors at Christmas for the very first time, Chiswick House in collaboration with live entertainment company Underbelly and theatrical, heritage site curators CLW Event Design will give visitors the unique opportunity to step inside and experience a fantastical festive journey inspired by the beloved 1780 carol ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ and the era in which it was written.
The historic rooms of Chiswick House will be transformed into an imagined Georgian world of yuletide opulence and fantasy, as visitors embark on a Twelfth Night-inspired journey.
Audiences will explore a sequence of opulent-themed rooms and festive tableaux, culminating in a sumptuous banquet installation in the lower tribune. Bespoke sculptures, fabulous costumes and dramatic floristry will punctuate this joyous Christmas experience. For younger visitors Father Christmas awaits in his charming 18th century grotto, ready to share a festive story and a gift.
Noi lives with his Dad and their six cats by the sea. One spring, while his Dad was busy at work, Noi rescued a little whale that washed up on the beach during a storm. There a friendship began that changed their lives forever.
The following winter Noi’s Dad takes one last trip in his fishing boat. Noi is alone once more and longs to see his friend again. He waits and watches, watches and waits… will it take another winter storm to bring them back together again?
Benji Davies’ tender and heart-warming children’s story of friendship, love and courage are brought to life as one enchanting theatre show.
Dates: 22 November 2025 – 24 January 2026
Address: Little Angel Studios
Ages: 4-8
The world is a very big place, especially for a tiny baby penguin who is just finding his feet. The shimmering stars and glistening snow spin around our little hero, while the mountains tower high and the wind rushes to and fro. And although baby penguin may be small, her family know she’s the biggest thing of all.
This early years favourite is a touching story about a parent and their love for their child by much-loved children’s author Emma Dodd.
Dates: 15 November 2025 – 25 January 2026
Address: Little Angel Theatre
Ages: 2-5
Join us for this heartwarming and hilarious adventure, full of beautiful puppets and enchanting songs. Written and illustrated by the unparalleled picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and adapted for the stage by Olivier-nominated duo Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane. For the full list of tour dates, please visit www.squashandsqueezeonstage.co.uk
Dates: 4 – 23 December
Address: Leicester Square Theatre
Ages: 3-8
Tickets: From £14.50 (adults), £9.50 (kids), family tickets from £40; online booking and walk-ups available
Now the 15th longest-running production in the West End, Matilda The Musical continues to play to packed houses. It has been seen by 12 million people across 100 cities worldwide and is currently on a major UK and Ireland tour. A tonic for audiences of all ages, this anarchic production about a strong and determined heroine with a vivid imagination has now won 101 international awards including 24 for Best Musical.
For the full performance schedule and to book tickets, visit www.matildathemusical.com.
This multi-room immersive Experience is London’s most exciting family attraction situated on London’s South Bank.
Step into Paddington’s world by helping him and the Brown family prepare for a VERY special occasion, The Marmalade Day Festival!
Board the train from Paddington Station to 32 Windsor Gardens and be transported to the Peruvian jungle, where you’ll meet beloved characters from the films, help them solve puzzles and play games to make the Marmalade Day Festival the best celebration ever! Join Paddington himself for a photo, dance to the Calypso band and even try a Marmalade Sandwich!
(c) Alex Brenner.
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