Cool Things To Do With The Kids This Christmas
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1 week ago
Yuletide fun for all the family
While most of us enjoy the festive period, it is a particularly special time for little ones. Want to make this one to remember? Whether they’re full-on believers or Santa’s days are numbered, there are plenty of events across the UK embracing the magic of the season. From festive light trails to classical Christmas Grottos, ice skating to steam train rides, here is the C&TH pick of the very best things to do as a family this Christmas.
UK’s Best Family-Friendly Christmas Activities 2025
(c) Jeff Eden
Christmas At Kew, London
Now a firm favourite on the family-friendly Christmas calendar, Kew Gardens’ winter light festival is back for its twelfth year and brighter than ever. The trail begins, as is tradition, with a glittering archway: the gateway to your festive voyage. Highlights of the trail include dancing waterside reflections, trees drenched in colour and tunnels of light – plus an appearance from Father Christmas. Little ones will love the mesmerising Palm House Pond finale, where Kew’s famous glasshouse springs to life with criss-crossing laser beams, jumping jets of light and kaleidoscopic projections playing across a giant water screen. A range of festive food and drink options are available along the trail, from delicious street food and sweet treats to cosy hot chocolates and winter tipples in the fire garden.
Details: Selected dates and times between 14 November 2025 and 4 January 2026 at Kew Gardens (Richmond TW9 3EG). Tickets from £23.50pp with family and child tickets available.
Christmas At Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
Known as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is once again opening its doors for a whole season of festive family-friendly fun this Christmas. Visitors can enjoy the Illuminated Trail, set to be bigger and brighter than ever before with even more spectacular lights from various international and local artists for 2025. Meanwhile the Great Court will be transformed by a pop-up ice rink flanked by a festive market to do some last-minute shopping. To make the most of the experience, book the Emerald City themed afternoon tea which can be enjoyed in The Orangery.
Details: 14 November 2025 to 3 January 2026 at Blenheim Palace (Woodstock OX20 1PY).
Paddington The Musical, London
Pack your marmalade sandwiches and head to the Savoy Theatre this Christmas to enjoy the mischief of Paddington Bear. With songs from McFly’s Tom Fletcher, theatregoers will see the small bear from Peru take on the big city of London as he settles into the Brown family home in Windsor Gardens.
Details: From 1 November 2025 at Savoy Theatre (Savoy Ct, Strand, London WC2R 0ET). Tickets from £30pp.
Santa Specials: North Norfolk Railway
All aboard the Santa steam train for a magical experience from Sheringham to Holt in North Norfolk. The Christmas spirit onboard these trains is palpable, with little ones served complimentary hot chocolate and gingerbread, with mulled cider and mince pies available for grown ups. Sit back and relax while kids are mesmerised by balloon modellers. On the train’s return, it’ll make a stop at Weybourne Station where the magical Christmas Tree Kingdom awaits, with kids invited to venture inside and find Father Christmas himself (naturally he comes bearing presents).
Details: 22 November to 23 December 2025, with trains departing from Sheringham Station (North Norfolk Railway, Station Approach, Sheringham NR26 8RA). Tickets from £26pp.
Longleat Festival of Light
Longleat Festival Of Light, Warminster
Make it a Christmas to remember at Longleat, one of our favourite annual light trails with a special ‘British Icons’ makeover in 2025. Spot fan favourites like Shaun the Sheep and Wallace and Gromit around the park before embarking on the Winter Safari drive to see tigers, lions and wolves. Children can also enjoy the spectacular lantern trail, before sailing across the Half Mile Pond to spot the park’s new pod of hippos.
Details: Selected dates between 8 November 2025 and 11 January 2026 at Longleat Safari Park (Warminster BA12 7JS). Tickets from £37.45pp, and children under 2 and carers go free.
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland, London
Succumb to the kitsch… Winter Wonderland has been running for a whopping 18 years now, taking over London’s Hyde Park with fairground rides, the city’s largest ice skating rink and Santa’s grotto. It’s busy, it epitomises commercial Christmas, and your kids are going to unashamedly love it. Justin Fletcher (aka Mr Tumble) will also be there, belting his favourite Christmas songs, while adults can browse craft stalls to pick up any last-minute Christmas gifts. There are also plenty of food options on offer, from traditional German bratwurst to festive sweet treats to indulge in.
Details: 14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026 in Hyde Park (Louisa Duckworth Walk, London W1K 7AN). Tickets start from £5pp.
Thursford Christmas Spectacular, Fakenham
Now a firm family friendly Christmas activity on the agenda, Thursford Christmas Spectacular is not one to miss. The all singing, all dancing show consists of 130 cast members, making it the biggest show of its kind in Europe. Complete with impressive acrobats, singers and even a juggler, this is one for the whole family to remember.
Details: 8 November to 23 December 2025 at Laurel Farm (Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 0AS). Tickets from £57pp.
Hamleys’ Santa’s Grotto, London
It doesn’t get more magical than this. The nation’s favourite, most storied toy store will play host to the man in red once again this Christmas, with Santa opening the doors to his grotto to share festive tales with little ones alongside his many elves before handing out special gifts to everyone on the nice list.
Details: From late November until Christmas Eve at Hamleys (188-196 Regent St., London W1B 5BT). Tickets start from £65 for three guests.
Father Christmas At Bamburgh Castle
He’s here, there and everywhere… Another great location to visit Santa Claus himself is in the stunning grounds of Bamburgh Castle. Here, children are invited into the beautifully decorated grotto to receive a unique gift. Grownups meanwhile will enjoy a stroll around the grounds, taking in the 14 state rooms bedecked in special decorations for the festive period.
Details: 27 November to 23 December 2025 at Bamburgh Castle (Bamburgh NE69 7DF). Tickets are £19.95 per child.
Elf The Musical, London
While Will Ferrell sadly doesn’t feature in the stage version of hit Christmas film Elf, it’s still well worth the watch. Landing in London at the end of October, the musical stars Joel Montague as the loveable Buddy, who is raised by Santa’s elves in the North Pole, and one day embarks on a trip to New York City to find his father. A feel-good favourite that all the family will love.
Details: From 28 October 2025 at Aldwych Theatre (49 Aldwych, London WC2B 4DF). Tickets from £39.50pp.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Known as one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe, take the time to explore the many hand selected vendors Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market has to offer. From arts and crafts to delicious food and drink, there is plenty for children to feast their eyes on – including a chance to listen to some classic Christmas carols, performed by an internationally acclaimed choir.
Details: 21 November to 22 December 2025 at Winchester Cathedral (Winchester SO23 9LS).
Skate at Somerset House
Skate At Somerset House, London
An absolute staple of London’s festive season has to be the transformation of Somerset House’s courtyard into its beautiful skating rink; one of our annual favourites. With skating lessons at the Skate School as well as Relaxed Sessions that are perfect for children, anybody can become a pro skater this winter while also enjoying picture-perfect views of the spectacular 40 ft Christmas Tree. There are also plenty of tasty treats to enjoy off the ice.
Details: 12 November 2025 to 11 January 2026 at Somerset House (Strand, London WC2R 1LA). Prices from £15 for adults and £10 for children.
Warwick Castle Stories With Santa
Experience the magic of Christmas at Warwick Castle. Youngsters are invited to listen to festive tales told by Mr and Mrs Claus, before wrapping up and heading out onto to skate on the Castle’s brand-new ice rink. Then enjoy a festive walk through the captivating Light Trail, set across the full 64 acres of historic ground.
Details: 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 at Warwick Castle (Warwick CV34 6AU). Tickets from £21pp.
Christmas Afternoon Tea, London
If you find yourself in the city this festive season, family friendly Christmas afternoon tea is a must – and our top pick for 2025 is The Langham. Collaborating with Hamleys once again, in the breathtaking surroundings of Palm Court, children are treated to an array of whimsical toy-shaped patisseries and finger sandwiches, while grown ups can add on a festive glass of fizz. What’s not to love?
Details: 10 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 at The Langham (1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA). Prices start from £75 for kids and £95 for adults.
