THE UK'S BEST CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Unmissable festive experiences, theatre, ice rinks, feasts and family events this Christmas 2024
Polish your baubles, unleash the shelf elves, frown at the orange cream Quality Streets and get out the novelty hats because it’s here… the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR.
Time Well Spent’s elves have been gathering the UK's best Christmas events of 2024 and wrapping them up in a giant bow for you, from the top Christmas experiences and ice rinks to festive theatre and family fun this December.
See why our excitement is as high as Santa's sleigh, by clicking the buttons below:
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Best Christmas Events
The Great Christmas Feast
The Lost Estate’s critically-acclaimed, immersive theatre and dining experience, A Christmas Carol: The Great Christmas Feast is back, following six sold out years in a row.
Guests will be transported to the home of Charles Dickens on Christmas Eve 1843, for three courses of extravagant Victorian feasts, while watching an immersive retelling of the ultimate festive ghost story, with cinematic live music and 5000sq ft of sets constructed by legendary immersive designers Darling & Edge (Gingerline, Secret Cinema, Crystal Maze).
The Lost Estate, 9 Beaumont Ave, London W14 9LP. 8 November 2024 - 12 January 2025. Tickets £135-£265pp
Hogwarts in the Snow
Have a very Harry Christmas at the Hogwarts in the Snow studio tour, when the iconic Harry Potter sets are twinkling with Christmas lights and covered in a blanket of snow. The Great Hall will be decked in golden decorations from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and you’ll find a banquet of turkeys and flaming puddings for the end-of-term Hogwarts feast. Learn the dance moves studied by Neville Longbottom ahead of the Yule Ball in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, or how the invisibility cloak Harry Potter receives as a Christmas present was used to create the illusion on-screen. Then step into the Forbidden Forest, where the woodlands will be covered in snow, or stroll down Diagon Alley with its snowy shop fronts and cobbled stones. Stop by the Christmas shop which has returned this year to provide you with a premium and exclusive selection of Christmas gifts, souvenirs, and stocking fillers. The experience ends with a walk around the Hogwarts Castle model, which is blanketed with snow.
Hogwarts in the Snow, Warner Bros Studios, Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR. 16 November - 19 January. Tickets from £56. Under 4s go free.
Christmas at Kew
The most festive botanical event this side of the moon kicks off on 13 November, with Kew’s annual light behemoth. Discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colours. Warm up with flickering flames in the fire garden, wander beneath larger-than-life illuminations and keep your eyes peeled for Father Christmas along the way. Kew Gardens has four entrance gates: Victoria Gate (TW9 3JR) Elizabeth Gate (TW9 3AB) Brentford Gate (TW9 3AF)13 November - 5 January. From £25.50 per adult. £16 per child. Children under 4 go free
A Nutcracker Christmas at The Castle
Rescue the Sugar Plum Fairy in Leeds Castle's reimagining of The Nutcracker festive classic, where toys come to life.
In this festive journey through beautifully festive rooms, discover a whimsical doll house, and a rocking horse which awaken the mischievous Mouse King.
The event culminates in a showdown between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, with live performers on weekends and during the school holidays.
A Nutcracker Christmas, Leeds Castle, Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL. 23 November to 5 January. Included with admission ticket, which also gives you access to Leeds Castle for a year.
Christmas at Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle has turned its Christmas dial up to 11 with its stunning light trail through its magnificent, 550-acre estate, blazing and twinkling with festive magic.
We head to its launch, where we discover gingerbread men and fireworks exploding across the castle walls; winding paths of flaming flowers, shimmering in the water; sparkling tunnels, a field of light which dances to Christmas music; giant colour-changing lilies illuminating the lake and an otherworldly, lit waterfall.
There are sparkling gingerbread men, leaping from trees; smoke and lasers that our children dance through; UV, neon bridges and giant Nutcrackers. The experience closes with marshmallow toasting around a fire pit, before a surprise meeting with Father Christmas himself.
Christmas at Leeds Castle, Leeds Castle, Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL. 23 November to 5 January. Included with admission ticket, which also gives you access to Leeds Castle for a year.
Secret Santa's Giving Grotto
Many children will wake up on Christmas morning without presents, food or even a bed to get out of.
Action for Children is addressing this by launching the UK’s first Secret Santa’s Giving Grotto, where children give a gift rather than receiving one.
Unlike a traditional grotto, young visitors will step into the role of a Secret Santa, selecting a gift (from £5 teddies to books, toys, meals and warm clothes) that could help a vulnerable child. As parents make a donation, their child will choose a present which could help a vulnerable child feel the magic of Christmas.
When there, the parent or carer will be able to make a donation, helping to support the vital work Action for Children does all year round. For the children, once they have visited Santa, they will receive a special reward of a photo taken with Father Christmas, a ‘thank you’ letter, and a badge for their generosity.
BOOK NOW. 15 Bateman Street, Soho, London. 29 November (12.30 - 7pm) 30 November (10am - 7pm) Entry is FREE with a £5 deposit, allowing for a family up to five.
The Elf on the Shelf® Christmas Adventure
The interactive Christmas adventure from The Lumistella Company’s The Elf on the Shelf® Santaverse™ will make its global debut at Bluewater in Kent from 16 November.
Visitors will step through the Elf Door to the North Pole, where they will embark on an interactive, 25-minute adventure, to help the Scout Elves spread Christmas cheer.
As well as making a wish at the wish-gatherer, challenges will include Christmas tree decorating and snowball throwing. Meanwhile Santa will be watching over the ‘Christmas Spiritmeter,’ a magical machine monitoring Christmas Spirit levels. Santa plans to drop into some sessions to encourage the children to complete all the challenges on their Christmas Spirit Checklists.
Budding elves will collect stamps on their Christmas Spirit Checklist as they complete games and challenge, and each child will receive a gift.
While there, guests can also visit Bluewater’s Ice Rink, the Winterland experience and The Giving Tree.
The Elf on the Shelf Christmas Adventure, Upper Rose Gallery, Bluewater, Dartford, Greenhithe DA9 9ST. 16 November - 24 December
The Gingerbread City
The Museum of Architecture’s deliciously festive Gingerbread City returns this Christmas, with an eye-popping world of buildings and people made entirely from gingerbread, frosting and sweets, complete with moving trains and twirling parts.
Each year, the MoA challenges more than 50 leading architects and designers to create a futuristic, gingerbread city. There are also daily workshops and this year’s promises to be the sweetest yet.
MOA, The Gaumont, Chelsea, 196 - 222 King's Road, London SW3 5XP. 30 November - 29 December.
Christmas at Old Royal Naval College
Old Royal Naval College is bulging with festive family events, including storytellings with Father Christmas, the return of family favourite, immersive show The Elves and The Magic Bear, Christmas carols, and a unique festive dining experience beneath Luke Jerram’s astonishing Mars installation.
Old Royal Naval College, London SE10 9NN. From 30 November
Natural History Museum at Christmas
Even the T-Rex is dressed in his jazziest Christmas jumper and Santa hat… and you can meet the big guy himself for storytelling with Father Christmas, and nab a pic and gift.
Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD. 10 - 15 December.
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
The capital’s annual, Christmas mecca returns for its 17th year on 21 November. The event includes a Magical Ice Kingdom made from more than 500 tonnes of ice and snow, plus an apres ski ice bar; ice rink, a real ice slide; wintry Cirque Berserk circus show; Zippos Christmas Circus Show, ice sculpting workshop; open air Christmas markets and a Bavarian Village.
There are rides for all ages, from Ice Mountain to a ride around a Christmas tree in giant baubles, plus Santaland with more rides, the Santa Express Train and the chance to meet the Big Guy himself; firepits for marshmallow toasting, the apline, Explorer’s Rest and a Santaland Chill Out area for little ones.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London. 21 November - 5 January. Off peak tickets are free and peak tickets are £7.50
Winter Festival - Museum of the Home
Winter traditions are explored through a gaggle of colourful events for all ages, celebrating cultures spanning from Diwali and Hanukkah to Christmas and Lunar New Year. Highlights include the Winter Past Exhibition, looking back on festive traditions from 1630 to the future and Christmas events from live toy theatres, to gift making workshops.
Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8EA. 19 November - 12 January
Christmas at Kent Life
This award-winning Christmas experience invites children to graduate from elf school, hop on the Jingle Express for a ride around the festive farm, visit the Candy Cane Cottage sweet shop, build their own teddy bear, decorate gingerbread or make reindeer food. The highlight of the event will be visiting Father Christmas in his magical grotto where little ones can choose a gift from the well-stocked toy shop. The Snow Inn will also be filled with mulled wine and festive food and drinks. All tickets include all day access to Kent Life, which is brimming with activities and animals. And from 30 November - 1 December, the Santa Paws experience invites dogs along for a photo with the Big FC.
Kent Life, Lock Ln, Maidstone ME14 3AU. 30 November – 24 December, Adult: £13.95, Child (aged 1-15): £18.95, Child (under 1): £8, Concession: £12.95, Family (2+2): £65
Crystal Maze Snow Dome
The Christmas magic returns to The Crystal Maze with the return of The Snow Dome. Leap into the festive edition of the 90s gameshow, racing against the clock, solving puzzles and taking part in interactive activities during a 75-minute adventure.
Players can take to the snow from 18 November to 29 December at the London and Manchester locations.
Crystal Maze, 22 - 32 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7EU. £59pp
Friends The Experience: The One in London
FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in London is giving their New York-themed sets a festive twist, inviting fans to celebrate the festive season “Holiday Armadillo” style. Relive unforgettable holiday moments from the show, including Monica’s Christmas tree and Ross’s Holiday Armadillo costume. Additionally, visitors can indulge in a holiday-themed menu, which offers festive treats at FRIENDS™ Station. Could that BE any more festive?
The Friends Experience: The London One, Immerse LDN, ExCeL Waterfront, E16 1XL. Tickets £20
Best Christmas Theatre
Robin Hood at The London Palladium
This is the ultimate panto, on steroids. Famed for special effects like the giant beanstalk, which caused jaws (including our own) to drop as it grew through the audience to the ceiling. This year, Julian Clary returns for its ninth season to steal the show with smut and sequins as Robin Hood, alongside Jane McDonald as Maid Marion. This brilliantly camp and extra production sees the return of Palladium panto favourites, including Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers Charlie Stemp and Rob Madge, with insane sets, special effects and costumes.
Robin Hood, London Palladium, 8 Argyll St, London W1F 7TF. 7 December - 12 January. Tickets from £39.50
A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic
The Ebeneezer baton has been passed onto John Simm for The Old Vic’s eight staging of A Christmas Carol.
The latest (and possible final) of the festive Dickens classic is being touted as one of the best yet, with the Life on Mars star masterfully switching from bah-humbugging old miser to fat goose-sharing Christmas cheer on two legs.
A Christmas Carol, The Old Vic, 103 The Cut, London SE1 8NB 23 November - 22 February. Tickets from £15 pp
The Snowman at Peacock Theatre
Spend an evening walking in the air in the 27th year of this magical ballet adaptation of the much-loved Christmas story. Hearts (and snowmen) will melt, with the moving choreography, enchanting set, fake snow, and famous soundtrack for big and little kids.
Peacock Theatre, Portugal St, London WC2A 2HT. 23 November-4 January 2025.
Hansel and Gretel at The Globe
Follow the trail of breadcrumbs all the way to Shakespeare's Globe this Christmas, for their beautiful production of Hansel and Gretel, returning for its second year.
Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage transforms the Globe Theatre into the gingerbread and lollipop festooned sphere of the world's most famous witch-conquering siblings, for this classic Brother Grimm fairytale.
In this timely retelling, a woodcutting dad and bread-making mum leave their children in the woods to protect them from their war-torn village, where they meet a strange old lady with a plan of her own.
The Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT. 29 November - 5 January
Sleeping Beauty at Broadway
Award-winning panto alchemist, Susie McKenna has waved her wand and transported Sleeping Beauty to Lewishtonia, in this modern retelling of the classic, packed with magic, comedy, sparkling routines and West End stars.
The show is fizzing with amazing production and effects and is one to get in the diaries this Christmas. You snooze, you lose.
Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green, Catford, London, SE6 4RU. 4-31 December
Children aged 7+ can enter the enchanting realm of Norse mythology this winter, in a magical and humorous adaptation about unlikely hero Odd, who is on a daring quest to save the mighty Gods - Odin, Loki, and Thor - who have been transformed into animals and stranded in the human world. With the Frost Giants threatening to envelop the world in an endless winter, this powerful new production tells a story about finding unexpected friends and courage.
Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, London SE1 2HZ. 19 November - 31 December. From £16.50
Jack and the Beanstalk at New Wimbledon
Alexandra Burke and Joe Pasquale star as ‘the villianous Mrs Blunderbore’ and Jack’s brother Simon, in New Wimbledon Theatre’s big production. Oh yes they do.
New Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway, London, SW19 1QG. 7 December - 5 January. Tickets from £13
Dick Whittington and his Cat
The National Treasure of Dames, Clive Rowe returns in Hackney Wick’s 25th panto, this time as Sarah the Cook.
The production follows Dick on his search for fame and fortune as Mayor of London and features all the crucial panto ingredients - slapstick, audience participation and smut - plus gorgeous costumes, a great cast - including regulars like comedian Kat B - and effects.
Hackney Empire, 291 Mare St, London E8 1EJ. 23 November - 5 January. Tickets from £10
Room on the Broom
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's classic children’s book is zooming onto the stage at the Lyric Theatre, in this Olivier Award-nominated adventure.
When a witch with a plait, a hat and her cat are flying through the skies, they pick up some fantastic creatures along the way. But while there was room on the broom for two, there certainly was not room for five. And things take a turn for the worse when a fiery dragon is thrown into the mix.
Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES. 22 November - 5 January. Tickets from £12
The Fir Tree
How it Ended and artsdepot present a playful re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic Christmas tale, The Fir Tree. Fusing movement, live music, song, and puppetry, this meaningful and playful production explores mental health and environmental responsibility and made with neurodiverse audiences in mind.
Artsdepot, 5 Nether St, London N12 0GA. 12-31 December
Best Ice Rinks
Skate at Somerset House
It’s not Christmas until Somerset House opens its iconic ice rink. Expect gourmet dining at The Chalet, a rink-side view Skate lounge by Whispering Angel; Skate School lessons, and a pop-up Shelter Boutique store.
Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA. 13 Nov - 12 Jan. Tickets from £11
Royal Pavilion Ice Rink
For an otherworldly skating experience - which is also powered entirely by Green Energy - glide over to the beautiful Royal Pavilion Ice Rink in Brighton.
With the backdrop of the iconic, fantasy former royal residence behind you and hugged by a ringside bar and kitchen full of warming goodies, it’s one of the UK’s most beautiful spots to hit the ice this Christmas.
The Royal Pavilion, 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1EE. Until 5 January 2025. Tickets from £9.
Westfield London’s Tropical Moana Rink
Westfield London’s ice rink returns with a tropical twist, in celebration of Disney’s Moana 2.
From 15 November until 5 January, skaters will be transported to the colourful world of Oceania as the Westfield Square rink brings the spirit of the Pacific islands to life.
At the centre will be Europe’s tallest Christmas tree on an ice rink, soaring 65 feet high and festooned with island-inspired decorations,
Westfield London, Westfield Square, Ariel Way, London W12 7SL. 15 November - 5 January
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings, this Insta-perfect rink offers stunning views of the Thames, while you skate around three interconnecting rinks surrounded by twinkling lights and a giant, 30ft Christmas tree. Afterwards, you can warm up with a hot chocolate - or something stronger - at the Glass House
Nine Elms, London SW11 8EF. 8 November - 5 January. tickets from £14
Lapland UK's Frozen Elf Pond
This elves' frozen pond is flanked by snow-covered Christmas trees at the heart of The Elven Village, in this extraordinary Ascot wonderland, created with blockbuster movie production quality.
The rink is surrounded by elven characters, passing huskies, an elf emporium, restaurant and Elva’s Post Office.
Children can use penguin supports as they glide around the otherworldly space, before warming up with hot chocolates and sweet treats. Afterwards, they will head deeper into the Enchanted Forest, past the famous, real reindeer and a sleeping Rudolph - illluminating the stable with his bright nose, as he snores - to the sleigh and finally, the wooden cabin of Father Christmas himself.
Lapland UK, Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Rd, Winkfield Row, Ascot SL5 8BD. Tickets from £59 pp in November and from £89 pp in December. Opens on 9 November until 24 December
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
This stunning rink returns to the gardens of Henry VIII’s historic home, with beautiful views of the illuminated Tudor palace in the background as you glide around its 26 foot Christmas tree centrepiece.
After your 45 minute session, you can head to the Rink Cafe and Bar for festive food and drinks.
Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU. 22 November - 5 January. Tickets from £20.65 per adult and £15.65 per child.
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park Rink
The capital’s annual, Christmas mecca returns for its 17th year on 21 November. The event includes a Magical Ice Kingdom made from more than 500 tonnes of ice and snow, plus an apres ski ice bar; ice rink, a real ice slide; wintry Cirque Berserk circus show; Zippos Christmas Circus Show, ice sculpting workshop; open air Christmas markets and a Bavarian Village.
There are rides for all ages, from Ice Mountain to a ride around a Christmas tree in giant baubles, plus Santaland with more rides, the Santa Express Train and the chance to meet the Big Guy himself; firepits for marshmallow toasting, the apline, Explorer’s Rest and a Santaland Chill Out area for little ones.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London. 21 November - 5 January. Off peak tickets are free and peak tickets are £7.50
Ice Rink Canary Wharf
London’s longest running seasonal ice rink, Ice Rink Canary Wharf offers visitors a magical skate session in the heart of Canary Wharf. This year’s ice rink will be putting on themed skating sessions, including 80’s, 90’s and Soul Classics nights to get skaters in the festive spirit. There’s a transparent roof, to thwart Blighty’s pesky weather, plus an apres-skate alpine bar serving winter warmers for skaters and spectators. And the centre piece this year is a glorious Christmas tree, beneath a suspended giant mirrored ball, casting disco reflections across the rink.
Ice Rink Canary Wharf. Canada Square, London E14 5AB. 26 Oct - 23 February
Winter Funland Midlands
This festive indoor fairground returns to The NEC from 9 December until 1 January, with an enormous ice rink at its heart.
Skate instructors and penguin aids will be on hand for little ones. And afterwards, the family can enjoy the UK’s largest indoor funfair, complete with Christmas markers, unlimited rides including dodgems, waltzer and a giant slide, a Christmas circus performance in their 1200-seater theatre - featuring an extreme motorbike show - plus a meeting with Santa himself in his grotto.
Winter Funland, NEC Birmingham, B40 1NT. 7 December - 1 January. Under 3s go free. Adult/Child ticket £31.50 pp plus £3.50 booking fee.
Christmas at Warwick Castle Ice Rink
If you like history and beauty with your ice, then look no further than Warwick Castle. The iconic building's east front transforms into a magical skating rink from 25 November to 7 January. During your 45 minute experience, you can glide beneath the majestic Guy’s Tower, to the sound of Christmas bangers, with the amazing backdrop of Warwick Castle, illuminated for Christmas.
Warwick Castle, Warwick, CV34 6AU. 25 November - 7 January. From £11 pp
Best Santa Grottos
Lapland UK
Pure Christmas magic, which leaves visitors of all ages in no doubt that Father Christmas exists and resides within the ancient elven civilisation at Lapland UK. This extraordinary, immersive experience starts when your child opens the icy cold, wax-sealed invitation from the Big Guy, inviting them to Lapland to help the elves make their toys. Deep in Ascot's snow-covered, Enchanted Forest, the elf folk present the Small People with special elven passports, enabling entry through the secret doorway to Lapland, where they will discover a jaw-dropping world full of elven characters, the toy factory, real reindeer and huskies, Mother Christmas’s Kitchen, The Elven Village complete with ice rink, elf emporium, restaurant and Elva’s Post Office for a magical, four-hour experience in an astonishingly detailed and sprawling world. Finally, deeper in the forest, past the magical sleigh, they head to Father Christmas’s wooden cabin and see their own names handwritten on the Good List, before meeting St Nick himself, in front of a roaring fire - he knows plenty about each child and will present them with a toy and a special bell, only awarded to his best elves.Lapland UK, Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Rd, Winkfield Row, Ascot SL5 8BD. Tickets from £59 pp in November and from £89 pp in December. Opens on 9 November until 24 December
Santa Breaks at Aviemore Resort
Three days brimming with Christmas magic, including the UK’s only free-range reindeer herd, Santa’s grand arrival, real snow, plus a visit to his woodland grotto and elves’ workshop.
There is also a Christmas panto, festive family movie pass, a gaggle of daytime and evening Christmas entertainment. And on top of that, there’s a hearty Scottish breakfast each morning, special, festive dining experiences every day and splash fun in the indoor pool with flume and wave machine.Magical Santa Weekends, Macdonald Aviemore Resort, Highland Resort, Aviemore, Inverness-shire, PH22 1PN. Select dates between 29 November - 23 Dec
Father Christmas at The Eden Project
There are few places as other-worldly and exciting as the Eden Project, so it’s no surprise that Father Christmas has set up camp there this December.
Little ones can meet him and his newest helper Elfie, who is fresh out of Elf Training Camp. Elfie is keen to help, but accidentally causes havoc. Children discover how he learns to be brave and teams up with Father Christmas to deliver a Christmas miracle.During each 40-minute session, kids will check out Santa’s Eden camp, including elf bunk beds, bedside stories and letters from children before meeting Father Christmas himself, leaving with a storybook of Elfie's adventures, plus a chocolate treat.Eden Project. Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG. Select dates from 22 November - 24 December. From £12-£16 for a child with one adult plus admission.
Take Europe's Steepest Cable Railway to Santa's Zipmas Grotto
For a grotto experience with a difference, head to Zipmas at Zip World, North Wales, which can only be accessed via Europe’s steepest cable railway.
Santa’s grotto is so special and secret, it can’t be reached by foot, so you must descend deep below ground on a special cable car, surrounded by twinkling lights.
On arrival, you will encounter three magical chambers, housing a light maze, Santa’s Workshop and beautifully lit tunnels to the final chamber, where the Big Man will be awaiting you in his cost cabin, warmed with his log burner.
You can also meet the elves, create slate baubles, or have a go at Zipmas’s Grotto Golf experience – the world’s only adventure golf set in a cave.
Zipmas, Llechwedd, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3NB. 22 November - 24 December. From £20 per adult, £23 per child
Santa in the Sky at Brighton i360
Father Christmas is very at home in the sky - after all, he spends most of Christmas Eve up there on his sleigh.
So he’s inviting families to visit him and his elves 450ft above Brighton beach inside the Brighton i360 glass pod.
It includes a 25 minute pod journey, meeting with Santa and a gift for every child.
Afterwards, you can also enjoy a festive themed cream tea in their beachfront building.
Brighton i360, Lower Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2LN. Tickets £6.85 - £12.95 per child. £19.95 per adult
Santaland at Winter Wonderland
The capital’s annual, Christmas mecca returns for its 16th year on 17 November with an entire land dedicated to the big guy himself. Santaland has kid-friendly rides, the Santa Express Train and the chance to meet the Father Christmas, as well as firepits for marshmallow toasting, the apline, Explorer’s Rest and a Santaland Chill Out area for little ones.The event includes a Magical Ice Kingdom made from more than 500 tonnes of ice and snow, plus an apres ski ice bar; ice rink, a real ice slide; wintry Cirque Berserk circus show; Zippos Christmas Circus Show, ice sculpting workshop; open air Christmas markets and a Bavarian Village. There are rides for all ages, from Ice Mountain to a ride around a Christmas tree in giant baubles.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London. 21 November - 5 January. Off peak tickets are free and peak tickets are £7.50
Santa's Winter Wonderland at Snowdome
Play and slide in a real snow wonderland, complete with sledges, snow slides, snow tubes and proper, falling snow. Then join Santa and friends for their all new, Santa in Wonderland stage show. Explore Santa’s Village, meeting his real, furry animal friends before finally visiting the Big Man’s home and leaving him a letter in the magical, talking post box. SnowDome, Leisure Island, River Drive, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 7ND. 16 Novemnber- 5 January
Santa's Special Trains - Epping Ongar Railway
For turbo-Polar Express vibes (in Essex) head to the glorious Epping Ongar Railway to board Santa’s Special Train.
Grab some festive drinks and nibbles and listen to the brass band while awaiting the magical train, then head over the footbridge for photos with the man in red and a view of the steam train’s grand arrival.
Once onboard, children can write their letters to Santa and will be entertained by his elf friends, while waiting for Father Christmas to waddle through each carriage, meeting the children and giving them presents.Epping Ongar Railway, Station Approach, Chipping Ongar, Ongar, Essex, CM5 9BN.
Select dates from 23 November to 24 Dec.
The Father Christmas Experience at Marsh Farm
Marsh Farm never disappoints in the Santa stakes. Small People must first head to the Elf Academy, where they will learn the crucial magic required to be inducted as honorary elves.
Once they’ve received their elf passports, they stop off at Mother Christmas’ kitchen, for treats to fuel them through the adventure, which includes an audience with the Mr FC himself, a trip to the Teddy Bear market and a visit to Elfville’s Toy Shop, where they can exchange their Magical Snowy (elf dosh) for any toy on the shelves. This year, they have added rides, a Santa train and ice rink.Marsh Farm, Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5WP. From 16 November to 24 Dec. Tickets from £30pp
Christmas with Shrek
For a swampy twist on the traditional grotto, head to Shrek’s Adventure, where the Big Green Ogre dons the famous red suit to take children on a festive, fairytale adventure from Far Far Away on a flying bus, guided by Donkey. They’ll encounter Puss in Boots, Pinocchio, Princess Fiona, Cinderella and the Muffin Man along the way, before their happily ever after, culminating in an audience with Santa Shrek for photos and sweet treats.Check out our Shrek’s Adventure review to find out more.
Shrek’s Adventure tickets. Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1. Dates TBC
Chelsea Christmas Grotto
Sloane Square’s Chelsea Christmas Grotto launches a new Christmas experience, in partnership with festival events juggernauts, Underbelly. Follow the Christmas trees to Santa’s fancy grotto - scented by luxury fragrance maison, Diptyque.The Big FC will read them a story in a 25 minute session and each child will receive a gift from his elves.Afterwards, the family can explore the winter wonderland, featuring festive food and drink, twinkling winter terrace and a Bavarian Curling Rink.
Chelsea Christmas Grotto. Sloane Square, London SW1W 8EG. 19 November - 24 December excluding 18 and 24 December. Tickets £15pp.
Noir Kringle - The Black Santa's Grotto Experience
Amazingly, Noir Kringle is London’s only diverse Santa experience, launched in 2018 to give children and parents the opportunity to visit a magical Christmas grotto where Father Christmas and all of his elves are Black.
Noir Kringle events have been sell out hits every year since, for families who value the importance of positive Black representation, inclusion, and diversity.
Mr Kringle loves rum coke and sorrel for Christmas Eve and his cosy workshop is full of the sounds, smells, and spirit of Christmas that encapsulate Black British culture.
Noir Kringle, Crooked Billet Yard, Shoreditch, London, E2 8AF. Dates TBC
Set Sail with Santa
If a Santa rendezvous on dry land doesn’t float your boat, perhaps a Santa boat will?
Santa’s embracing some self care away from the North Pole on a cruise around Poole, and you can join him for some mulled wine, mince pies and carols while you sail around Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula, Studland Bay and more.
Santa meanders around the boat, meeting the little ones and dishing out gifts. After leaving your 1.15 hour Christmas cruise, you can wander around the Quay and admire the Christmas tree and festive shops.
Santa Cruise, The Quay, Poole BH15 1BQ. from 30 November -24 December. Tickets from £16pp
Winter's Tail at Chessington World of Adventures
Follow the jolly elves as they guide you through a snowy wonderland with real falling snow, to Santa’s cosy cabin for an audience with the Big Guy. Afterwards, children head to his Toy Workshop top explore where he builds his gifts and can choose their own present to take home. Kids can also help the elves make (and eat) festive treats in the Magical Cookie Kitchen as well as enjoying The Wild Christmas Panto and a host of live entertainment to get them in the Christmas spirit, from carols to audiences with Mrs Christmas to real reindeer. And on top of that, they can enjoy some family favourite rides, like Room on the Broom and Adventure Tree, as well as lions, gorillas, sharks and rays at the zoo and Sea Life aquarium.
Chessington World of Adventures.Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NE. 23 November - 31 December
