Cordelia and Elly from localmummy.com pull together the very best Christmas events for your little ones.
The Magical Ice Kingdom at Winter Wonderland
We are very excited that our childhood dreams of visiting an actual magical kingdom made of ice have come true this Christmas – and it is right here in central London. From animals to an actual castle all made of ice, this unique experience is set to be enjoyed by kids of all ages (that includes us!).
Admission: prices start at £8.
When? Runs from Friday 20 November to Sunday 3 January
Where? Hyde Park, London W2 2UJ
hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Magic After Dark at Kew Gardens
If you enjoy shopping just a little too much, then do something different this Christmas at Kew Gardens. Enjoy the magical after-dark experience of walking through thousands of Christmas lights to Father Christmas’ grotto, complete with elves and lots of fair rides and games.
Admission: ticket prices vary.
When? Wednesday 25 November to Saturday 2 January
Where? Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB
kew.org
Enjoy a Husky Sleigh Ride, Barnes
Whisk yourself and your family away this Christmas on an actual husky sleigh ride to meet Father Christmas in London. The Wetland Centre in Barnes is home to lots of different animals, but this Christmas it will also be home to Father Christmas and some huskies. Children will also be able to take a husky sleigh ride and visit Father Christmas in his grotto.
Admission: prices start at £6.
When? Only runs on 5 and 6 December.
Where? Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, London SW13 9WT
wwt.org.uk
Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason
Although we love taking our little ones ice-skating, we thought that this event might make a perfect date night experience for mums and dads during the mad run up to Christmas. Make the visit extra special with Champagne, chocolate truffles and smoked salmon at the Fortnum’s Lodge, which is right next to the rink.
Admission: tickets start at £7.50.
Runs from Wednesday 18 November to Saturday 10 January
Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
somersethouse.org.uk/ice-rink
The Nutcracker on Ice
Elly and I have fond memories of attending The Nutcracker as very young children. This year, why not start your own memories with your little one by taking them to one of the matinee performances of this enchanting story on ice at one of the most iconic buildings in the world? Watch their tiny faces light up as the toy Nutcracker comes to life in this fantastic production.
Admission: prices start at around £20.
When? From Monday 28 December to Saturday 2 January
Where? Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP
royalalberthall.com
Tate Modern Christmas Market
You don’t have to travel all the way to Austria to find a fantastic Christmas market. The Tate Modern now hosts one of the UK’s largest markets. Now in its second year, we are very excited to hear the Christmas market is going to have even more stalls and include a wonderful carousel.
Admission: free.
When? Friday 20 November to Wednesday 23 December
Where? Bankside, London, SE1 9TG
tate.org.uk
