THE UK'S BEST CHRISTMAS EVENTS
- VF
- Sep 15
- 23 min read
Updated: Sep 25
Unmissable festive experiences, theatre, ice rinks, grottos, light shows and family events this Christmas 2025
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 2025 and wrapping them up in a giant bow for you, from the top Yuletide experiences, grottos, ice rinks and light shows to festive theatre and family fun this December.
See why our excitement is as high as Santa's sleigh, 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 seven 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. 14 November 2025 - 4 January 2026. Tickets £139.50 - £249.50pp
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. 15 November - 18 January. Tickets from £56. Under 4s go free.
Neverland Christmas at Leeds Castle
Read our review of last year's event
Fly to Neverland for Leeds Castle's dazzling reimagining of Peter Pan, in this year's new festive experience.
Explore the whimsical Lost Boys’ hideout, then glide into the shimmering Mermaid Lagoon. Join Peter Pan himself for an exciting quest to outwit Captain Hook in the Salon, before ascending a spiralling staircase to Hook’s mischievous lair.
Venture into a magical upstairs suite adorned with glowing mushrooms, sparkling fairy dust, and flowers, culminating in a special visit from Tinker Bell herself. She’ll inspire you to believe in the magic of faith, trust, and a little pixie dust. The adventure concludes with a fantastic photo opportunity inspired by the iconic Jolly Roger pirate ship.
Neverland Christmas, Leeds Castle, Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL. 22 November to 4 January. Included with admission ticket, which also gives you access to Leeds Castle for a year
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
The capital’s annual, Christmas mecca returns for its 18th year on 14 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. 14 November - 1 January. Off peak tickets are free and peak tickets are £7.50
Wundrful World of Christmas
After a hit, sold-out run in Australia last year, Wundrful World of Christmas will make its UK debut in Southwark.
Expect a magical 50-minute journey through the North Pole, exploring fantastical rooms brought to life with live performance, rich storytelling, dynamic animated content, projection technology, sensory design and detailed sets.
Along the way, children and grown-ups will meet Santa’s elves, sort magical mail, take a simulated lift ride to the snowy ‘Wundrland’, explore the Enchanted Forest, Elve’s Workshop, Toy Sorting Station, Mrs Claus’s Kitchen, North Pole Post Office, hearing festive tales from Mrs Claus, and end with a heart-warming encounter and photo with Santa himself in his cottage. The ticket includes a free family photo with Santa.
Wundr, Units 219–221, Borough Yards, Clink Street, London, SE1. 7 November 2025 - 7 December 2026. Tickets from £22.50 per adult, £17.50 per child.
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 October 2025 - 22 Feb 2026
Christmas at Old Royal Naval College
Old Royal Naval College is bulging with festive family events, including storytellings with Father Christmas every December weekend, the return of family favourite, immersive show The Elves and The Magic Bear, Christmas carols, and a Scrooge Film Orchestra screening and performance on the 13 December.
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 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. Dates TBC
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. 29 November – 24 December, Adult: £14.95, Child (aged 1-15): £19.95, Child (under 1): £9, Family (2+2): £68
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 from £20
Best Christmas Theatre
Sleeping Beauty 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 tenth season to steal the show with smut and sequins as King Julian, alongside comedy legend Catherine Tate as wicked fairy, Carabosse. This brilliantly camp and extra production sees the return of Palladium panto favourites, including Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Rob Madge, with insane sets, special effects and costumes.
Robin Hood, London Palladium, 8 Argyll St, London W1F 7TF. 6 December - 11 January. Tickets from £25
A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic
The Ebeneezer baton has been passed onto Paul Hilton for The Old Vic’s ninth staging of A Christmas Carol - London's longest running adaptation of this Christmas classic.
The latest incarnation of the festive Dickens classic (which has previously starred everybody from John Simm to Christopher Ecclestone) is being touted as one of the best yet, with the The Inheritance 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 12 November - 10 January. Tickets from £15 pp
The Snowman at Peacock Theatre
Spend an evening walking in the air in the 28th year of this magical ballet adaptation of the much-loved Christmas story. Hearts (and snowmen) will melt, with the moving choreography, enchanting set, magical falling snow, and famous soundtrack for big and little kids.
Peacock Theatre, Portugal St, London WC2A 2HT. 22 Novembe r-4 January 2025.
Pinocchio at The Globe
Read our review of last year's Christmas show
Journey to a world of endless possibilities this festive season as Pinocchio comes to life in the iconic Globe Theatre for the premiere of a magical, unmissable new musical for the whole family by Charlie Josephine and Jim Fortune.
Dreaming of a life beyond the confines of his traditional town, restless maverick Gepetto carves a wooden puppet and calls him Pinocchio. Together, they embark on a series of adventures with a host of weird and wonderful characters as they teach each other how to love and build a community of their own in this surprising, funny and heartfelt new musical for ages 5+
The Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT. 29 November - 4 January. Tickets £5 - £75
Peter Pan: A Pantomime Adventure
All aboard the Jolly Roger this winter for Greenwich Theatre’s new festive panto, written by and starring award-winning panto legend Anthony Spargo. Packed with comedy, songs, and interaction, audiences of all ages can cheer everybody’s favourite boy who never grows up on a magical adventure in Neverland, with special appearances from Pirates and a crafty, ever-ticking crocodile.
Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ES. 28 November - 11 January
Aladdin
Birds of a Feather and Loose Women legend Linda Robson stars in this magical family panto, brimming with laughs, musical numbers, special effects, slapstick and fabulous names.
She’s joined by comedian Rikki Jay, seasoned dame Jason-Marc-Williams as Widow Panky, Britain’s and America’s Got Talent Take magician Mandy Muden as the Spirit of the Ring.
West End stars Cleve September and Anton Stephans are Aladdin and Genie of the Lamp, with Ruby Mann as Princess Jasmine.
Pure genie-us
Orchard West, 20 Hythe St, Dartford DA1 1BX. 13 December 2025 - 4 January 2026. Tickets from £15pp.
Jack and the Beanstalk
Featuring the voice of Stephen Fry as the blustering Giant, the magical and clumsy Fairy ‘Nuff, misguided Goosey, baddun Dame Judy Henchman, the well-clever badger Smart Simone and returning for his 13th year, Watford favourite, Terence Frisch. This is set to be one of this year’s most Fee-Fi-Fo-Fun pantos.
Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Rd, Watford WD17 1JZ. 29 November - 4 January
How Does Santa Go Down The Chimney?
Does Santa go down the chimney feet-first? Head-first? On a zip-wire? The world premiere of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen’s hilarious picture book presents a thrilling fusion of physical comedy, live music and anarchic fun.
It will be the Unicorn’s first co-production with experimental theatre makers Told by an Idiot, and is written and directed by the company’s co-founder and Artistic Director Paul Hunter.
Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, London SE1 2HZ. 15 November 2025 - 3 January 2026
Dick Whittington and his Catford Cat at Broadway
Read our review of last year's show
Fur-get everything you thought you knew about Dick Whittington - this ‘tail' begins with the hero and his feline friend setting sail on the Empire Windrush, whisk(er)ing away to seek their fortune on London's streets of gold. But when they arrive in Catford, they discover the neighbourhood has a serious Cat-astrophe – Queen Rat and her rodent army are causing mayhem.
Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green, Catford, London, SE6 4RU. 9-31 December
Robin Hood at New Wimbledon
This winter, Sherwood Forest is welcoming a new gang of stars in this classic panto reimagining of Robin Hood, the tale of Nottingham's famous heroic outlaw. Join Ashley Banjo & Diversity as they dance and march along with the Merry Men.
New Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway, London, SW19 1QG. 6 December - 4 January. Tickets from £13
Dick Whittington and his Cat
Comedy legend and panto favourite Kat B and one half of musical duo, Bourgeois & Maurice, George Heyworth, star as the Ugly Sisters in Hackney Wick's 26th panto.
Cinderella dreams of a life full of love and adventure, and free from the clutches of her wicked Ugly Sisters and evil Stepmother. When an invitation to the party of the year arrives, it might be just the ticket she needs. Throw in some glass slippers, a fairy godmother, and a little sparkle of magic and you’ve got yourself a pantomime that’s guaranteed to be the perfect fit.
Hackney Empire, 291 Mare St, London E8 1EJ. 22 November - 31 December. Tickets from £10
The Gruffalo's Child
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's classic festive children’s book explodes onto the stage at the Lyric Theatre, in this smash hit adventure.
One cold, winter's night, the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. She follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures – but the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he? Expect songs, laughs and adventure from one of our favourite kid's theatre alchemists, Tall Stories for everybody aged 3 to 103.
Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES. 28 November - 11 January. Tickets from £10
Beauty and the Beast: A Horny Love Story
Renowned mischief-makers He’s Behind You return for another adult’s-only, new panto Beauty and the Beast: A Horny Love Story. This fairytwist presents a queer-infused narrative, outrageous humour and original music as they turn the tale as old as time into a fresh, riotous evening out for the adults. Set in the Scottish village of Lickmanochers, He’s Behind You! offers an enemies-to-lovers romcom and unmissable Christmas panto.
Charing Cross Theatre, The Arches, Villiers Street, London, WC2N 6NL. 21 November 2025 - 11 January 2026.
Best Ice Rinks
Skate at Somerset House
It’s not Christmas until Somerset House opens its iconic rink, and this year's event is the grand finale to their epic 25th anniversary celebrations.
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, set against the dazzling backdrop of their iconic courtyard.
Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA. 12 Nov 2025 - 11 Jan 2026. 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. Dates TBC. Tickets from £9.
Westfield London’s Rink
Westfield London’s ice rink had a tropical twist last year in celebration of Disney’s Moana 2.
This year's theme is yet to be announced, but expect big things - last Christmas, skaters were transported to the colourful world of Oceania as the Westfield Square rink brought 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 themed decorations,
Westfield London, Westfield Square, Ariel Way, London W12 7SL. Dates TBC
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 £60 - £195 pp. Opens on 8 November until 24 December 2025
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. 21 November - 4 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 18th year on 14 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. 14 November - 1 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. 25 Oct 2025 - 22 February 2026
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. 6 December - 3 January. Under 3s go free. Adult/Child ticket £35 pp plus 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. 22 November - 4 January. From £8 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 £60 - £195 pp. Opens on 8 November until 24 December 2025
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 23 November - 22 Dec. Weekend breaks from £288/night
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 £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. 21 November - 24 December. From £23 pp
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 - £16.50 per child. £23.50 per (non-local) 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. 14 November - 1 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, now in its 20th year. Then join Santa and friends for their 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. 5 Novemnber - 3 January. Tickets from £20pp
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 29 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 15 November to 24 Dec. Tickets from £35pp
Shrek the Halls
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. Dates TBC
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.Dates TBC. 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. 22 November - 24 December. From £22
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 has addressed 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. Dates TBC. Entry is FREE with a £5 deposit, allowing for a family up to five
Best Christmas Light Shows & Trails
Christmas at Kew
The most festive botanical event this side of the moon kicks off on 14 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) 14 November - 4 January. From £27.50 per adult. £18 per child. Children under 4 go free
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Drone Light Show
The UK skies will be illuminated by more than 600 LED drones choreographed to a cinematic score, bringing Christmas classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to life at four UK locations.
Royal Victoria Park Bath, South of England Showground, Copthall Fields London and Royal Windsor Racecourse will host the aerial spectacular, produced by Lumina Drones, the innovators behind the hit Space Safari drone light series. The dog-friendly event will also have a grotto, fairground rides, street food and face painting.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Drone Light Show. Bath, West Sussex, London, Windsor.
Tulleys Christmas Light Festival
This winter light behemoth returns in November with 10 immersive attractions featuring breathtaking effects, including the dazzling Enchanted Forest and Luminaire light show. Enjoy live music in the Ski Lodge Bar, meet the festive roaming characters and warm up with mulled wine from one of the three festive bars. There is also seasonal street food, marshmallow toasting, a handcrafted Christmas market, and a 33-meter observation wheel lighting up the night.
Tulley’s Christmas Light Festival, Turners Hill Road, Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4PD. 28 November 2025 - 3 January 2026.
Port Lympne Illuminated
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve’s inaugural winter light trail launches this November 2025.
Port Lympne Illuminated will see the park’s 600-acre landscape transformed into a kaleidoscopic journey through illuminated portals, into a magical wolrld, guided by holofan fairies and dazzling 3D projections.
A high-energy disco in the Orangery will pulse with synchronized light and sound, while immersive snow scenes create a winter wonderland. Hyper-realistic holographic tigers will prowl, and guests can also enjoy seasonal food and drink, a fairground, and light tunnels.
Port Lympne Illuminated Tickets. Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, Aldington Rd, Lympne, Hythe CT21 4LR. 28 November 2025 - 3 January 2026
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 headed to its launch, where we discovered 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 were sparkling gingerbread men, leaping from trees; smoke and lasers that our children danced 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. 21 November to 31 December. Included with admission ticket, which also gives you access to Leeds Castle for a year.
Light Up Trails - Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
From first footsteps under twinkling trees to final festive sparkles, this multi-award-winning Christmas light trail transforms the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens into a world of magic, music and wonder. This year, the event launches a reimagined trail with a series of immersive themed zones, each designed in partnership with world-class artists to tell a story through light, sound and atmosphere.
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Jermyns Ln, Romsey SO51 0QA. 27 Nov - 3 Jan
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