Christmas is coming which is an exciting time for any age but particularly magical for the little ones so let them enjoy this time even more by taking them to some of the most exciting events in London this year.

Here are our suggestions for some of the festive activities for kids this winter season including Christmas shows and pantomimes, places to receive presents from Santa, dazzling decorations, magical rides and ice rinks.

1. Christmas Theatre Shows for Kids

Some of our favourite shows include: A Christmas Carol about the life of Ebenezer Scrooge from past, present and future at The Old Vic. The Nutcracker set in Edwardian London, is a story about a little girl who received an enchanted nutcracker as a gift at the London Coliseum and Royal Albert Hall. The Snowman, a story about a snowman that comes to life, performed at the Peacock Theatre at Sadlers Wells and The Elf musical a tale about a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole played at Dominion Theatre.

You also can’t miss a Christmas pantomime in London which has a long theatrical history dating back to the 16th-century. Panto is very popular and well attended and audience participation has an important part in it. They are encouraged to boo the villain whenever he enters the stage to argue with the Dame (who is always a man) and warn the Principal Boy (who is always a girl) when the villain is behind them by shouting out “He’s behind you!” By the end of the panto the villain is defeated, true love conquers all, and everyone lives happily ever after. Slapstick is another important part of a pantomime – the throwing of custard pies, the ugly sisters (who are always played by men) falling over, lots of silly costumes including of course, the pantomime horse which is played by two people in a horse costume.

2. Santa’s Grottos in London

Santa’s Grottos started in England in large department stores and have since expanded and have become a Christmas tradition. The children receive a toy from Father Christmas upon visiting his Grotto which can be in a shopping mall, a little garden centre or a Christmas market. Grottos are sometimes free and sometimes they charge parents to let their kids see Santa and receive a surprise gift. Some of the most popular include London Zoo, Winter Wonderland and Kew Gardens.

3. Christmas Decorations at Covent Garden

The famous Covent Garden Christmas Decorations will be twinkling from 8th November to 3rd January 2023 decorated with 30,000 of lights. Covent garden dazzles with giant baubles, mistletoes and London’s biggest Christmas tree. This year you can also take a seat in the new traditionally decorated Christmas Sleigh and have your festive photo moment. If you are hoping for a white Christmas you can head to Covent Garden too and experience snow showers which will start daily from 1st December (timings TBC).

4. Winter Wonderland

If you want to make this festive season even more magical for kids you can take them to Winter Wonderland which is one of the biggest attractions held in London in Hyde Park. It usually opens around mid-November and finishes in the first week of January. It’s full of festive markets, over 100 rides, live shows & music, ice rink, Bavarian village, Santa land and more. Entrance is free, but tickets are needed for most of the major attractions. To ensure you get the time and date you want you can buy your ticket in advance.

5. Ice skating in London

London’s most famous ice rink at the Natural History Museum is permanently closed and will be the most missed but other best ice-skating rinks include Winter Wonderland which is the biggest, Canary Wharf which is open for the longest period from 22 October, for 18 magical weeks, Somerset House has a magnificent ice rink, now with bigger skate space, beautiful courtyard, glorious 40ft Christmas tree, special decorations providing perfect picture moments. Take your pick, put your skates on and enjoy the skating.