As we accelerate towards Christmas and the holiday season, grab your diary, wrap up warm and get some December dates booked in for you and the family. Here are our top 20 things to do this month in and around London.
1
The Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to The Royal Opera House with musical highlights including the instantly recognisable ‘Waltz of the Flowers’, the ‘Dance of the Mirlitons’ and the ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’, this festive fairy tale is a treat for the whole family.
Where: The Royal Opera House, Bow St, London WC2E 9DD
When: Now
More information: rbo.org.uk
2
It may be tough to get a ticket, but Paddington is the one to book now. With Tom Fletcher’s magic sprinkle, this is sure to be a show to remember.
Where: Savoy Theatre
When: Now – booking until 2027
3
Step into a festive world like no other this Christmas at Hobbledown Heath, where Santa’s Secret Village comes alive with wonder. Families can wander through enchanting scenes, uncover hidden tales, and enjoy surprises designed to make the season truly unforgettable.
Where: Hobbledown Heath, Staines Rd, Hounslow TW14 0HH
When: Until 24 December
More information: hobbledown.com
4
In the heart of Shoreditch, families are welcomed into a beautifully styled workshop where children meet Black Santa and join in activities from elf school to reindeer-food crafting, with storytelling woven through the experience. Inclusive, imaginative and joyfully vibrant, it’s a refreshing take on festive magic that celebrates heritage while keeping the sparkle firmly intact.
Where: 347 Old Street, London, EC1V 9LP
When: 17 to 22 December
More information: noirkringle.co.uk
5
The Olivier Award–nominated Potted Panto is back, packing seven classic pantomimes into 80 minutes of laugh-out-loud fun. From Aladdin’s lamp to Dick Whittington’s London and Cinderella’s big night at the Ball, this whirlwind romp is bursting with gags, surprises and festive mischief. A brilliantly silly treat for families from six to 106.
Where: Wilton’s Music Hall, 1 Graces Alley, London E1 8JB
When: 3 December to 3 January
More information: pottedpanto.com
6
This festive season, the magic of Cinderella comes to Hackney Empire. Audiences will follow the heroine as she dreams of adventure and freedom from her wicked Stepmother and the troublesome Ugly Sisters. With a fairy godmother, a sparkling ball and those famous glass slippers, this glittering pantomime promises laughter, spectacle and festive fun for the whole family.
Where: Hackney Empire, 291 Mare St, London E8 1EJ
When: 3 to 31 December
More information: hackneyempire.co.uk
7
Christmas at Kew 2025 invites you into a botanical world of light, music and magic. This year’s trail showcases brand-new creations from world-renowned artists, lighting up Kew’s landscapes in dazzling colour.
Where: Kew Gardens
When: Selected dates 14 November to 4 January 2026
More information: kew.org
8
Ebony Scrooge gives a hip hop makeover to this bright and bold adaptation of A Christmas Carol, blending hip hop, comedy and physical theatre.
Where: Sadler’s Wells East, 101 Carpenters Rd, Stratford Cross, London E20 2AR
When: November 26 to January 4
More information: sadlerswells.com
9
Step through the doors of Warner Bros. Studio Tour and instantly fall into a shimmering wizarding winter—from the Yule Ball Great Hall to snow-dusted Diagon Alley. Expect magical festive props, oversized gingerbread men, and possibly a nymph lurking in the grounds.
Where: Warner Bros. Studios, WD25 7LR
When: Now until 18 January
More information: wbstudiotour.co.uk
10
Based on the Christmas story by Benji Davies, The Snowflake tells the tale of a snowflake, a little girl and her Pappie, who are all longing for their own special place in the world.
Where: Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, London SW19 1SB
When: December 3 to January 23. Relaxed performance on January 10 at 3pm. BSL Interpreted performance on December 14 at 2pm.
More information: polkatheatre.com
11
Croydon Town Centre is transforming into a festive playground this winter, as A Very Croydon Christmas returns from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 December 2025, offering a joyful weekend of outdoor arts, live performances, workshops and family activities.
When: Friday 5 December: 4pm–7.30pm, Saturday 6 December: 12pm–6pm, Sunday 7 December: 12pm–5pm
Where: In and around Croydon Clocktower
More information: culturecroydon.com
12
Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas is back in the West End, with her exciting STEM adventures in Santa’s workshop – and an Olivier Award nomination for Best Family Show.
When: 12 December to 4 January
Where: Garrick Theatre
More information: thegarricktheatre.co.uk
13
Back by popular demand, see Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli in Bluey’s Big Play, a live show packed with music, laughter, brilliantly created puppets and fun for the whole family.
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
When: 18 December to 11 January
More information: southbankcentre.co.uk
14
Discover the hero inside us all when Disney On Ice returns with the magical adventures of favourite Disney stars brought to life in Find Your Hero.
Where: The O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX
When: December 26 to January 4
More information: theo2.co.uk
15
Celebrating the nation’s most loved festive films, from Elf and Home Alone to Love Actually and The Holiday, this year’s Backyard Cinema production transforms the movie-going experience into a full-scale theatrical event; a Christmas spectacular that fuses film, music, and live performance into one unforgettable celebration.
Where: 49 Tanner St, London Bridge, London SE1 3PL
When: now until 31 December: Show times: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm Daily
More information: backyardcinema.co.uk
16
Join TV’s favourite doctors on a dino-mite adventure to unearth the most dangerous, most powerful, most important fart in history, in a gigantic brand-new Operation Ouch show.
Where: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
When: December 22 to January 2
More information: operationouchlive.com
17
Get ready to lace up your skates as the West End gets a brand new ice rink at Skate Leicester Square. Glide effortlessly across the beautifully designed circular rink and after your skate, cosy up with a steaming hot chocolate, a mulled tipple, or something sparkling at the enchanting seasonal bar.
When: November 1 to January 4
Where: Leicester Square
More information: rsc.org.uk
18
Dressed up with traditional decorations, Hampton Court Palace will come alive with merry festivities, historic cookery and jolly tunes from the past.
Where: Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
When: 5 to 7 and 12 to 14 December and 20 December to 4 January (excluding 24 to 26 December)
More information: hrp.org.uk
19
Time to put on your favourite Christmas jumper and capture the magic of the city at Christmas. Join Tootbus for some festive fun and see the famous lights that decorate the iconic streets of London on board Tootbus’ double-decker buses.
Where: Departing from Coventry Street, London W1D 6BH
When: Every day now to 4 Jan, except 24, 25 and 31 Dec. Various departures from 4:30pm to 9.30pm
More information: tootbus.com
20
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride London returns to Euston after its sell-out debut, offering families a magical, fully immersive theatrical journey inspired by the beloved film and bringing the iconic Christmas tale to life aboard a historic steam train.
Where: Departs Euston Station
When: At time of writing still availability on 5, 7, 12, 19 and 22 December
More information: londonthepolarexpressride.com
If you liked our 20 things to do in December, why not hit the button below for more things to look forward to. There’s simply loads this month!
