Things to do in London at Christmas 2012
Things To Do With Kids at Christmas in London 2012
Christmas is a particularly special time for kids - the anticipation, the presents, the family, and if the kids are really young, the wrapping paper. But in London there are always lots of fun things to do from themed events to meeting santa (father christmas) in one of his many grottos to ice skating. And if you fancy something really spectacular, why not visit Santa in Lapland?
Christmas, Kids and London
The Enchanted Christmas House - 26th and 27th November 2011 and most of December 2011. Created for children aged 1 to 8, the tour includes amazing Christmas characters, the Garden of Winter Wonder, Santa's workshop, decorating gingerbread in The Gingerbread Kitchen, and meeting Santa Claus.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 19 November 2011 - 3 January 2012. The Winter Wonderland is now an annual event in Hyde Park, featuring an Ice rink, Zippos Christmas Circus, Zippos Cirque Extreme, Giant Observation Wheel, Rides and Sand Land... Lots of fun to be had.
Santa's Grotto in London 2012
Some of London's greatest stores have a Santa's Grotto in November and December. Your kids can meet Santa Claus (aka Father Christmas) himself, tell him what they wish for Christmas and maybe, if they've been good, receive a small present to keep them happy on the journey home.
Harrods - Harrod's Christmas Grotto is always extra special, and made more manageable by a booking system that allows you to choose when to visit. Obviously it gets booked very quickly when it opens in the beginning of November.
Selfridges - Santa's Christmas Grotto at Selfridges - like Harrods, you can usually book your appointment with Father Christmas at Selfridges.
Hamleys - Santa roams the giant toy store at Christmas, through most of December. They usually also have Hamley's Christmas Grotto where you can meet Santa Claus and get a present, if you've been a good little boy or girl!
Westfield London - Santa's Wish Kingdom is a recent addition to the Father Christmas activities in London.
Southbank Christmas Market - Santa's Secret Village at the Southbank is worth a visit, although it can be pretty cold queuing outside.
Kew Garden - Meet Father Christmas in his grotto in the Princess of Wales Conservatory from 10 to 23 December 2011. The queue opens at noon and closes at 3pm.
Finally, you can even rent a Santa who'll come bearing gifts to your hotel room or restaurant table!
Don't forget to take a look at our christmas gift ideas for kids, as well as what to buy the man who has everything. Or woman!
Ice Skating in London Christmas 2012
There are some great places to ice stake at Christmas in London 2012. Prices are generally around £12 for adults and £8 for children, although they vary from rink to rink and peak times vs off peak.
Hampton Court - one of Britain's most majestic stately homes, just a few miles outside of London, where Henry VIII lived.
Canary Wharf - skate in the heart of London's Docklands, and the home of the central business district and London's tallest skyscrapers. The Docklands Light Railway monorail will quickly take you from Tower Bridge to Canary Wharf.
Hyde Park (Winter Wonderland) - A corner of Hyde Park becomes a Christmas zone, a funfair, circus and ice skating rink. Right in the heart of London, and great for kids.
Kew Gardens - Kew's Botanical Gardens in West London are one of London's great treasures, and in recent years they have introduced ice-skating at Christmas.
Natural History Museum - Kensington's greatest museum (it's the super-ornate building on the Cromwell Road) hosts skating in the winter.
Somerset House - Central London ice skating, a stone's throw from Covent Garden and absolutely stunning surroundings.
Tower of London - One of the most popular tourist attractions in London hosts ice-skating at Christmas.
Westfield London - Indoor ice skating in Europe's largest shopping mall.
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