Where to meet Father Christmas, the Polar Express, Hogwarts in the Snow, family shows, light trails and free ideas for Christmas 2026 in London with kids.
Christmas with kids in London 2026: Santa, shows, trains and light trails
The short version: for a big day out, book the Polar Express from Euston (5 to 23 December) or Hogwarts in the Snow at the Studio Tour (from 14 November). To meet Father Christmas, try the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich or Santa Land at Winter Wonderland. For free fun, walk the Christmas lights and visit the markets. Everything popular sells out, so book December weekends now.
We’ve grouped the best family Christmas activities in London by type, with dates, prices and ages, so you can mix and match. Every date here has been checked against the organiser and at least one other source.
Family Christmas in London at a glance
| What | Where | Dates | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polar Express train ride | Euston | 5 to 23 Dec | £69 a person |
| Hogwarts in the Snow | Studio Tour, Leavesden | 14 Nov to 17 Jan | Timed tickets |
| Father Christmas at Admiral’s House | Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich | 28 Nov to 22 Dec | £5 a child, adults free |
| Winter Wonderland and Santa Land | Hyde Park | 19 Nov to 3 Jan | Free off-peak entry |
| Christmas at Kew light trail | Kew Gardens | 13 Nov to 3 Jan | Children from £20, under-4s free |
| Winter Palace | Hampton Court Palace | 28 Nov to 3 Jan | Children £16 |
| Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show | Theatre Royal Haymarket | 4 Dec to 3 Jan | £12.50 |
| Pinocchio the Musical | Shakespeare’s Globe | 28 Nov to 3 Jan | Check venue |
| Christmas lights walk | West End | From 12 Nov | Free |
Where to meet Father Christmas
Admiral’s House, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich
Father Christmas moves into Admiral’s House from 28 November to 22 December. There are sessions for babies and toddlers (up to age four) on 28 and 29 November and 18 December, “Father Christmas’s Workshop” sessions on 4 to 6 and 11 to 13 December, and standard sessions from 19 to 22 December. Children’s tickets range from £5 to £65 depending on the session, and adults go free. Booking in advance is essential. Cutty Sark DLR is the nearest station.
Santa Land at Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland opens on 19 November and runs to 3 January. Santa Land is the area for younger children, with its own rides. Entry to Winter Wonderland is free in off-peak slots, £5.50 standard and £8.25 peak, but you need to book a time slot either way. Our Winter Wonderland guide explains how to get in free.
Santa’s Winter Garden, Fulham Palace
Fulham Palace opens its Santa’s Winter Garden from 20 November, on selected dates up to 23 December. It’s a smaller, calmer option in a historic garden by the river, and popular dates go quickly.
Christmas days out
The Polar Express from Euston
An hour-long ride based on the book and film, on selected dates from 5 to 23 December. Characters greet you, there’s hot chocolate and cookies at your table, and Santa gives every child a silver sleigh bell. Tickets are £69 each for adults and children, and under-twos on a lap are £5. Pyjamas encouraged. Full details in our Polar Express guide.
Hogwarts in the Snow
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour’s Christmas season runs from 14 November to 17 January, with the Great Hall set for a feast and the Hogwarts model covered in snow. It’s at Leavesden near Watford, so allow most of a day. See Hogwarts in the Snow 2026. For something closer, the new Harry Potter shop on Oxford Street opens on 4 November.
Hampton Court Palace
The new Winter Palace event runs from 28 November to 3 January, with a Christmas Beast Ball in the Cartoon Gallery. Children’s tickets are £16 off-peak and £17.50 peak. There’s also an ice rink from 20 November and a Festive Fayre on two December weekends. See Christmas at Hampton Court.
Light trails
Christmas at Kew is the classic, from 13 November to 3 January, with children’s tickets from £20 and under-fours free. November evenings are the cheapest. See our Christmas at Kew guide.
Christmas shows for children
- Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show, Theatre Royal Haymarket, from 4 December. Tickets from £12.50
- Pinocchio the Musical, Shakespeare’s Globe, from 28 November
- Pantomime across London, from the Palladium to local theatres. See our pantomime guide
- The Nutcracker, a first ballet for many children. See the Nutcracker in London
More options in Christmas shows in London 2026.
Free Christmas fun with kids
- Walk the West End lights. Our free Christmas lights walk takes about 90 minutes
- Wander the Southbank Centre Winter Market by the river, free to enter
- Watch the skaters at Somerset House or Leicester Square, even if you don’t skate
- Visit the free museums, which are warm on cold days
Tips for Christmas in London with children
- Book December weekends now. Santa visits and the Polar Express sell out first
- Weekdays in late November are calmer and often cheaper
- Pack snacks and a spare layer for outdoor events
- Check buggy access before you book, especially for historic buildings
Frequently asked questions
What can you do with kids in London at Christmas?
Ride the Polar Express from Euston, see Hogwarts in the Snow, meet Father Christmas in Greenwich, visit Winter Wonderland, walk Kew’s light trail or see a family show.
Where can my child meet Santa in London?
At the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich (28 November to 22 December), Santa Land at Winter Wonderland, and Fulham Palace’s Santa’s Winter Garden.
Are there free Christmas activities for kids in London?
Yes. Walking the Christmas lights, the Southbank Winter Market and London’s free museums cost nothing.
Sources
- Visit Greenwich: Father Christmas at Admiral’s House
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: tickets
- Londonist: Christmas 2026 dates
- What the Redhead Said: Father Christmas in London
- Visit London: Christmas shows 2026
Last checked: 1 November 2026. Prices are starting prices and popular dates sell out, so check before you book. Image: Paul Farmer, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Geograph.
