What’s On Locally This Christmas
Have fun with the kids and find out what’s on locally this Christmas
London Wetland Centre No Illuminature – the trail of lights – this year, but the London Wetland Centre still has plenty of activities for children over the Christmas holidays. Usual attractions include Santa in his Grotto, petting animals and a Christmassy trail, but check the website for latest updates. Adults £15.40, children £10, family £43.10. Other charges may apply. wwt.org.uk
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink:17 Nov – 7 Jan Skating in front of a beautifully lit up Hampton Court Palace is always a wonderful experience, particularly at night. Skating sessions last 45 minutes (or less, depending on your agility!) and the ticket prices includes skate hire. The Palace is closed on Mondays & Tuesday during winter, so avoid these days if you wanted to visit the Palace alongside skating. Adults from £10, children from £14, family ticket from £53. hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk
Ham House (December dates) Father Christmas and his trusty elves will be visiting Ham House this December. Children can step inside the enchanting Grotto to meet the man himself and tell him what’s on their wish list for Christmas. Capture the moment with a photo before each child is given a gift to take home. On Sat & Sun for 2 & 3 and 9 & 10 Dec, then daily 16 – 23 Dec. Book ahead, as popular! Tickets £15 for one child, a gift from Santa and two adults. Non-National Trust members also need to pay the admission fee to the House & Garden. nationaltrust.org.uk/hamhouse
Christmas at Kew: 15 Nov – 7 Jan Discover glittery tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees festooned in jewel-like colour. A mesmerising light trail through Kew Gardens from dusk, surrounded by thousands of lights and larger-than-life illuminations. Market food on offer throughout the trail. Timed entry and tickets run out fast. Member adult £19.50, non-member £22.50. Family tickets available. kew.org
Kew Sparkle 1 Dec: Kew Sparkle really starts the Christmas season for locals. An evening of festive cheer and wonderful stalls wrap round Kew Parade. Lots of craft stalls, family entertainment on stage from local school choirs, small funfair for the little ones and winter treats including mulled wine and roasting chestnuts, plus lots of market food. 5-8pm, Kew Parade.kewsparkle.org
Peter Pan: 1 Dec – 7 Jan Packed with song, dance and magic, JM Barrie’s tale of childhood sees Peter Pan crash through the window of a young girl not yet ready to face growing up. They take flight on a festive voyage over pirate ships, through mermaid lagoons and into the heart of Neverland. Tickets £15-£50. rosetheatre.org
Putney Ice Sculpture Trail: 25 Nov Don’t miss out on London’s biggest ice sculpture trail which will transform Putney Town Centre with 18 magnificent ice sculptures. Icebox, the company designing the sculptures have in the past created life-size cars, suspended lights, ice chandeliers, aquariums, houses, flamingos and kangaroos and included at Putney will be a replica of Putney Bridge and St Mary’s Church. Open 10am – 4pm, weather dependent. positivelyputney.co.uk/putneyicesculpturetrail23/
Wimbledon Festive Light Display: 23 Nov – 17 Dec Step into the magical world of light, colour and sound as you explore the grounds of Cannizaro Park in Wimbledon, adorned with thousands of lights transforming the gardens into an enchanted winter wonderland. The trail also includes food outlets, where you can buy mulled wine, hot chocolate and marshmallow sticks to roast on the open firepit. Santa, of course, will be in his grotto – advance bookings only. festivelightdisplay.co.uk
For more ideas for family days out and what’s on this Christmas, click here.