There aren’t as many Christmas events going on as usual, but that doesn’t mean the family can’t have a great time. At the time of going to print, the following shows and experiences are all going ahead, but check websites for the most up to date news!
Christmas at Kew
18 Nov – 3 Jan
Kew Gardens states that ‘you can book with confidence for Christmas at Kew’ this year, with its winter wonderland walk being planned for better visitor flow, additional cleaning on the route and extra time slots added. Leave the worries of the year behind and walk through the enchanting winter trail, festooned with thousands of beautiful lights, tunnels of bells, giant illuminated seed heads and majestic trees wrapped in lights. The iconic Temperate House will be a beautiful spectrum of Christmas colour, while the Palm House pond will have a stunning light show. There might not be stalls selling food and drink, so you may want to be bring your own supplies. Kew Gardens, tickets £19.50-£24.50. Open 4-10pm with last tickets from 8pm. Entrances at Victoria Gate, Lion Gate and Brentford Gate. kew.org
Stick Man
10 Dec – 3 Jan
The much-loved Stick Man by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is back on stage in Kingston this Christmas. What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man when a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he ends up on top of a fire! Stick Man must get back to the family tree in time for Christmas – how will he do it? Featuring top actors and fun-filled puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. Rose Theatre, Kingston. Tickets from £12. rosetheatre.org
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
20 Nov – 3 Jan
The ice rink returns from 20 November. Children and adults alike can enjoy the spectacular backdrop of the Palace, lit with an array of beautiful colours, while you test your skating skills on ice. Skate hire is included in the price and there are perfect penguins to help guide those who may be a little unsteady on their feet (and who isn’t!) and need extra support. The Ice Rink Café & Bar will be open, offering soup, hot pies and drinks. The website says there will be a ‘robust cleaning and sanitisation system’ in place and there will be reduced numbers of skaters on the ice at any one time. Tickets from £11.50, perfect penguin skate aids £5 (must be booked in advance). Open 10am – 9pm, last ticket 8pm. hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk
Find out more about previous events here.