A Family Guide to Christmas in London

There’s no doubt that the Christmas season is upon us! All across the capital you will find spectacular Christmas markets, dazzling decorations and even the UK’s largest ice rink. But that’s not all, London has also welcomed a whole host of seasonal attractions and activities for all the family to enjoy. So if you’re visiting London with the kids this Christmas, be sure to follow our handy guide to the capital’s top 5 family-friendly festivities…

Meet Father Christmas at Hamleys

Get into the Christmas spirit with a visit to one of the world’s largest toy shops, Hamleys. Right now, this iconic store is set to welcome some very special guests as Santa Claus and his elves arrive in London. From November 22 through December 24, 2014, little ones can visit Father Christmas in his magical grotto for festive activities, seasonal games and some yummy snacks! And if they’ve made it onto Santa’s nice list, visitors will also receive an extra special gift to take home with them…

188-196 Regent Street, London W1 5BT
+44 371 704 1977
hamleys.com

Visit Winter Wonderland for some Festive Fun

If you’re looking for that festive feeling, head to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Open from November 21, 2014 through to January 4, 2015, this vibrant Christmas extravaganza promises to be fun for all the family! Bustling with hundreds of seasonal attractions, guests can marvel at The Magical Ice Kingdom and Zippos Circus, skate around the UK’s largest ice rink, or pick up some last minute gifts at the Christmas Market. If you’re visiting with younger kids, be sure to stop by Santa Land. It’s packed with children’s rides and amusements, plus you might even spot Father Christmas!

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Explore the Christmas Tree Maze at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

South London is the place to be this Christmas, as Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens welcomes the Capital’s first Christmas Tree Maze. Enter the maze made from hundreds of dazzling Nordmann Firs and work as a team to find your way to the magical center. On arrival, you’ll be greeted by a very jolly special guest – we think it’s Father Christmas! But the fun doesn’t end there. You’ll also find an ice rink, amusement rides and a large artisan craft fair, along with a Christmas Street Food Market for the grown-ups.

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, Kennington Lane, London SE11 5HY
iceskatevauxhall.co.uk

Get your skates on at Somerset House

Celebrate the festive season at Somerset House, the home of London’s most beautiful ice rink. Found in Somerset House’s magnificent courtyard and surrounded by spectacular Christmas decorations, guests can take to the ice from just £7.50, but be sure to book well in advance to avoid disappointment. If you’re visiting with younger children who are a little wobbly on the ice, head to Somerset House’s Polar Cub Club – a smaller training rink where little ones can learn to skate with the help of their very own Polar Bear stabilizer.

Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
+44 (0)844 847 1520 (booking with Ticketmaster)
somersethouse.org.uk

Watch The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre

You needn’t endure the cold to enjoy an afternoon of Christmas cheer; instead get your hands on tickets for The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre. This magical performance has been delighting audiences for over 15 years and tells the much-loved story of a young boy and his snowman, as they embark on a wintery adventure to the North Pole. With an incredible live band and seats priced from just £15, The Snowman is the perfect day out for the young and young at heart.

Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, London WC2A 2HT
+44 (0)844 871 0091
sadlerswells.com

So if you’re headed to London over the next few weeks, we’re certain that these Christmas activities will have you and the family feeling festive in no time. From everyone at Eating London, we Ho-Ho-Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!