The Best Christmas Experiences To Book This Year

Raymond Briggs’ much-loved Christmas story returns to the Peacock Theatre in a new production this winter. Following a young boy whose snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the story unfolds through beautifully crafted puppets, live music, dance and impressive stagecraft. Howard Blake’s iconic score, including ‘Walking in the Air’, remains at its heart, making this a lovely choice for a family theatre trip.

21st November 2026-3rd January 2027; tickets from £22 & required for children aged 2+

Visit LONDONTHEATREDIRECT.COM

Christmas at Claridge’s is a Mayfair tradition and its famous Christmas tree is a festive landmark in its own right. Each year, the hotel invites a leading designer or fashion house to reimagine the tree, with past collaborations including Louis Vuitton, Sir Paul Smith and Burberry – but who is in charge of this year’s tree is still under wraps. However, for those looking to make a proper occasion of the season, the hotel’s three-night Christmas stay includes a champagne welcome, festive treats and a Christmas lunch, alongside a visit from Father Christmas, Christmas morning carols and a horse-drawn carriage ride through Mayfair, complete with hot chocolate and marshmallows. Children can also enjoy festive activities with Sharky & George, while selected suites come with their own Christmas tree.

Brook St, Mayfair, W1K 4HR

Visit MAYBOURNE.COM

London Zoo's festive programme makes a good case for getting the whole family out of the house in December. Alongside its usual animal encounters, the seasonal offering includes a Christmas forest, North Pole-inspired activities, festive crafts and opportunities to meet Santa on selected dates. It's a good option for younger children, with enough to see and do to turn a zoo visit into a full day out.

21st November 2026-3rd January 2027; Santa experiences require separate tickets

Visit LONDONZOO.ORG

Somerset House’s annual ice rink returns this winter, transforming its 18th-century courtyard into a seasonal skating spot. Skate beneath a 40ft Christmas tree, then stop at The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia for raclette, hot chocolate and other winter favourites. After dark, Skate Lates brings resident DJs and touring acts to the rink, with this year’s line-up including QTIPOC-led bass collective BUMPAH and youth culture platform Gauchoworld. K-pop sessions, created in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Centre UK, are also on the programme. For a break between sessions, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse offers rinkside views and a place to enjoy a drink. Families can book skating lessons or Kids Skate Club sessions, while private tables with gourmet food and drink tokens cater to group celebrations. Larger parties can also enquire about private hire.

Strand, WC2R 1LA; 11th November 2026-10th January 2027; tickets from £11

Visit SOMERSETHOUSE.ORG.UK

The London Palladium’s much-loved Christmas panto returns with a particularly exciting double act. Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders reunite as the Ugly Sisters, bringing their famously sharp comic timing to the stage, while Julian Clary is also back with his trademark innuendo and double entendres. The familiar aspects will be there: extravagant costumes, plenty of audience participation and all the chaos of a traditional pantomime, with a stellar cast adding to the appeal.

Argyll Street, Soho, W1F 7TF; 5th December2026-10th January 2027

Visit LWTHEATRES.CO.UK

Set within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Queen’s House Ice Rink returns this winter with views across the London skyline and the striking architecture of the historic royal residence. This year, the rink has doubled in size while maintaining the same capacity, giving skaters more room to enjoy the experience at a gentler pace. Alongside themed evenings, special events and competitions, there are Quiet Skates for those who prefer a calmer setting, plus £5 Community Sessions and offers for Blue Light workers and parents with little ones.

Romney Rd, Greenwich, SE10 9NF; 18th November 2026-3rd January 2027; £5 Community Sessions available

Visit RMG.CO.UK

Whether you’re planning a quintessential family Christmas, a romantic break for two or a stylish start to the New Year, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is hard to beat. Set within 500 acres, this elegant Georgian estate takes on extra festive magic, with roaring fires, decorations and seasonal sparkle. The two-night Christmas package includes accommodation, Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day breakfast and lunch, and Boxing Day breakfast, alongside thoughtful touches such as a curated hamper, a traditional stocking and child-friendly activities, culminating in a grand arrival from Santa on Christmas morning. For New Year, highlights include a dinner voucher for 30th December, New Year’s Eve dinner, a spectacular midnight celebration outside the Manor House and a New Year’s Day lunch buffet. Between festivities, explore the grounds, try clay pigeon shooting or archery, or unwind in the spa. Younger guests can enjoy the kids’ club and family adventure pool, as well as pony grooming, horse riding, falconry, nature walks and carriage rides.

Dogmersfield Park, Chalky Lane, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 8TD; various dates

Visit FOURSEASONS.COM

For a Christmas experience with a difference, head 52m above London for Up at The O2’s snow globe climb. After a guided walk across the roof of the iconic venue, you’ll reach a winter wonderland complete with falling snow inside the UK’s highest snow globe. There’s time to take in the views and capture a few festive photos, with an extended 20 minutes at the summit. Mulled wine, champagne, hot chocolate and soft drinks are also available to enjoy along the way. It’s suitable for anyone aged eight and over.

6th November 2026-3rd January 2027; from £44 per person. Book a November climb by 5th November & use code SNOWEARLY20 at checkout for 20% OFF

Visit UPATTHEO2.CO.UK

Few Christmas traditions are as enduring as The Nutcracker and The Royal Ballet’s much-loved production is a classic for a reason. Set to Tchaikovsky’s instantly recognisable score, Peter Wright’s staging follows Clara on a magical adventure from a Christmas Eve party into a fantastical world of toy soldiers, where she also meets the Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Julia Trevelyan Oman’s period designs bring warmth and grandeur to the production, plus this season also marks the centenary of choreographer Peter Wright. Tickets start from £10.

Royal Opera House, Covent Garden; 3rd December 2026-13th January 2027

Visit RBO.ORG.UK

A Christmas classic worth returning to, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol comes back to The Old Vic for another festive season. Jack Thorne’s adaptation, directed by Matthew Warchus, brings Scrooge’s journey from miserly isolation to redemption to life with music, mince pies and plenty of theatrical magic. This year, Hamilton star Giles Terera takes on the role of Scrooge, adding another reason to book tickets.

103 The Cut, Waterloo, SE1 8NB; 10th November 2026 to 9th January 2027; suitable for ages 8+

Visit LONDONTHEATREDIRECT.COM

For a festive evening that also supports an important cause, Child Bereavement UK’s annual carol concert returns to Knightsbridge this December. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the evening will feature readings from Dame Mary Berry, Nick Knowles, Trinny Woodall and Patricia Hodge, alongside festive performances from Eden-Rose, The Red Hot Strings and Wycombe Abbey School Choir. Taking place in the atmospheric surroundings of St Paul’s Church, the concert offers a chance to enjoy seasonal music and readings while raising funds for a charity supporting children, young people and families affected by the death of a loved one. Tickets cost £40 per adult, £15 per child and include a wine and mince pie reception after the concert.

32a Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 8SH; 2nd December, 6.30pm-8pm

Visit CHILDBEREAVEMENTUK.ORG

Escape to the Peak District this year, where Chatsworth House and its gardens will be transformed by The 12 Days of Christmas. Created with artists, designers and makers, the festive installations bring the familiar carol to life through music, projections and imaginative displays. After dark, a new light trail winds through the gardens, while the estate’s Christmas market offers more than 100 exhibitors selling seasonal food, drink and gifts. There are also wreath-making workshops, festive craft sessions and storytelling for children. Make a weekend of it with a stay at one of the estate’s country inns, the refurbished Cavendish Hotel or a private cottage. Selected Christmas packages include seasonal dining, from Christmas Eve dinner to Christmas Day lunch.

Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PP; 7th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027; Christmas market until 13th December

Visit CHATSWORTH.ORG