Christmas 2025: experiences for kids

We're well into autumn and there’s an undeniable feeling that we're unfurling towards Christmas. We know it’s still very early to drop the C-word, but it pays to be organised because festive activities sell out fast.

What are the best Christmas experiences for kids in the UK? Here are some seasonal highlights, from ice-skating to meeting Santa, which have it all with (jingle) bells on.

Santa and his cheeky elves are taking a well-earned break, so pull up a chair and join them for a heart-warming story while you enjoy a cup of cocoa and tasty festive sweet treats. And what's a visit to Santa without a present? Every guest will receive a special LEGO® set to take home.

Best for: All ages.

Where? Available at the following John Lewis stores: Bluewater, Brent Cross, Cambridge, Canary Wharf, Cheltenham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, High Wycombe, Kingston, Leeds, Leicester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Reading, Solihull, Southampton and Stratford.

When? From 30 November to 24 December (depending on location).

How much? £20 per child (inc. cocoa and festive snack), plus a £2 booking fee. £7 per adult (inc. hot drink and cake), plus a 70p booking fee.

How to book: Click here for booking information.

 

We're also hosting our popular Santa Paws experiences.

Come and explore a special grotto where four-legged friends are always welcome. They’ll meet Santa, take a sniff around and even have the opportunity to have their photo taken with Mr Claus – before leaving with a gift just for them.

Best for: Dog owners of all ages.

Where? Available at the following John Lewis stores: Cardiff, Cheadle, Cribbs Causeway, Liverpool, Oxford Street, Peter Jones, Welwyn and White City.

When? From 27 November to 24 December (depending on location).

How much? £25 per dog, plus a £2.50 booking fee, and free for adults. Professional photos will be available to purchase separately.

How to book: Click here for booking information.

 

 

Parenthood goes hand in hand with National Trust properties, thanks to their epic playgrounds, space to run around and all-important cafes. In the run up to Christmas NT houses and gardens are transformed into winter wonderlands, with illuminations, family-friendly twinkling trails and Santa visits. Find your nearest for a sprinkling of National Trust magic.

Best for: All ages.
Where? Nationwide. 
When? Mid-November 2025 to January 2026.
How much? See individual events.
How to book: nationaltrust.org.uk

The Capital’s annual extravaganza has an epic array of frosty activities, from an ice slide to the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, and Bar Ice where you sip cocktails from frozen glasses in caverns kept at -10ºC. Feast at street-food cabins, enjoy a show at Zippos Christmas Circus and get that Insta-perfect shot of the city beneath you from the giant 70m big wheel.

Best for: All ages.
When? 10am-10pm, from 14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026.
How much? From £5.
How to book: hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Magical at any time of year, the Harry Potter experience pulls out the festive big guns with Hogwarts in the Snow. The Great Hall is transformed with icy slivers and snowflakes, the Gryffindor common room is dressed for the holiday season and a blanket of snow will cover the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts castle. Unmissable for fans big and small.

Best for: 4 years+.
Where? Warner Bros Studio Tour London, Watford.
When? 15 November 2024 to 18 January 2025.
How much? Price is experience dependant, check the website. 
How to book: wbstudiotour.co.uk

Paultons Park promises a magical festive experience for all the family, with spectacular illuminations, the opportunity to meet Santa in his grotto and his famous sidekicks Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph, Peppa Pig and all the family in their festive outfits, and all the rides and attractions that Paultons is famed for, including new-for-2025 indoor dark ride Ghostly Manor.

Best for: 1-15 years.
Where? Paultons Park, Romsey. 
When? 6-23 December 2025.
How much? From £37.
How to book: paultonspark.co.uk

Based on the 2004 film The Polar Express, this one-hour rail trip relives the magic of the classic story. Think golden tickets, silver bells, hot chocolate and cookies (served by dancing chefs), plus Santa will join you on board and - if you are on the nice list - give you your first gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell - just like in the movie.

Best for: All ages.
Where? Nationwide: Yorkshire; South Devon; Seaton; Telford; Norfolk; Churnet Valley; Birmingham; Spa Valley Tunbridge Wells and London Euston.
When? November to December 2025.
How much? Prices vary, but start from £25 per person. Check individual websites for details.

From London’s Somerset House to Skate Manchester, up and down the country you can find somewhere to practice your glide with a side order of festive feels. Throw in a Christmas market or a festive fayre – all mulled wine, mince pies, carol singers and twinkly tree lights – and you’ve basically completed Christmas. Here are some of our favourites…

Best for: 4 years+.
Where? Skate at Somerset House; Hampton Court Palace; Canary Wharf Ice Rink; Bath on Ice at the Royal Pavilion; Eden Project Ice Rink, Cornwall; Reading Winter Wonderland; Ice Skate Birmingham; and SKATE Tunbridge Wells.
When? November 2025 to January 2026.
How much? See individual websites for prices and booking details.

Oh no it isn’t! Oh yes it is! Fear not: we’ll leave the bad gags there, but nothing says ‘it’s Christmas!’ quite like a family visit to the panto. Find your local performance go ready to join in. Here are just a few that we’re looking forward to in 2025's season.

Best for: 3 years+.
Where? Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Milton Keynes Theatre; Peter Pan at the Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone; Jack and the Beanstalk at the Bristol Hippodrome; The Little Mermaid at the King’s Theatre, Glasgow; Robin Hood at the Opera House Manchester; and Jack and the Beanstalk in Tonbridge.
When? December 2025 to late January 2026.
How much? See individual theatre websites for prices and booking details.