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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and if you’re looking to get the whole family in the festive spirit, then why not check out one of the many Christmas attractions around the south west? From ice skating to Christmas markets, festive performances to colourful light shows as well as fun-filled theme parks, there’s so many ways to keep the kids entertained this festive season.
Our handy guide is perfect for those searching for fun things to do with the kids this Christmas in London and the south west – read on to get inspired about nostalgic things to do at Christmas!
Christmas lights
Nothing says Christmas magic like sparkling, twinkling lights - especially if you have little ones in tow. Kick-start the festive season the right way by attending a Christmas lights switch-on event, or why not embark on a trail that will take you through hundreds of colourful festive-themed illuminations? Here are some of the best that London and the south west have to offer:
Central London Lights
If you’re looking for cheap and easy things to do in London with the kids at Christmas, then why not check out central London’s illuminations? The Christmas lights displays in London are truly one of a kind - and even if you’ve missed the lights switch on, you can still pay a visit throughout the winter months to marvel at over 1700 installations.
Regent Street and Oxford Street have some of the most impressive displays – simply catch a train to London Waterloo then hop on the Bakerloo line to Oxford Circus to embark on this dazzling experience.
Christmas Tree Wonderland, Bournemouth
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into the North Pole on your trip to Bournemouth’s Christmas Tree Wonderland. Complete with a 60-foot feature tree, 100 festive themed illuminations and a storybook-esque trail that winds in and out of the decorated trees, this fun Christmas-themed activity is bound to be a hit with the kids.
To get there, catch the train to Bournemouth station, before hopping on the 5a bus towards Bournemouth town centre.
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is known for its spectacular themed displays throughout the year, and it comes as no surprise that its Christmas display is particularly breath-taking. Round up your family and take a magical trip along the garden’s one-mile route through trees adorned with lights, before stopping to witness the fascinating laser projections that light up the night sky.
The nearest SWR station to Kew Gardens is Kew Bridge.
Windsor on Ice, Windsor
For a great value family day out, head to Windsor on Ice open from Friday the 17th of November until the 7th of January. This fully covered ice rink promises fun no matter the weather, making it a wonderful rainy day activity. All levels of experience are welcome, and the skating rink even offers a special day for little ones called Tiny Tuesdays where there are no minimum age restrictions—perfect for the toddlers and beginners.
Windsor on Ice is just a five-minute walk from Windsor and Eton Riverside station.
Christmas shows
Christmas shows really help to capture the true essence of the festive season, and with plenty of family-friendly shows to choose from, this is a great activity to enjoy this Christmas time.
A Christmas Carol, Old Vic Theatre
The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge is a Christmas classic, so for something extra special, why not take the whole family along to see the live theatre production? The show runs from 11 November to 6 January and is recommended for children over eight, so it’s the perfect activity if you’re looking for things to do this Christmas with older children! tickets range from £10 to £155.
The Old Vic Theatre is handily located just two-minutes’ walk from London Waterloo.
Sleeping Beauty, Reading
For some lighthearted, family-friendly fun this Christmas, nothing beats Pantomime. Taking place at The Hexagon in Reading from 8 December to 7 January, Sleeping Beauty features a star-studded cast and a script that is jam-packed with hilarious slapstick humour that promises to leave audience members of every age in stitches. Tickets start at £17.50. The Hexagon is just a 10-minute walk from Reading station.
The Nutcracker, London Coliseum
With 100 extraordinarily talented dancers and musicians, the live performance of The Nutcracker at London Coliseum will leave you with goosebumps. The show, which is recommended for all ages, runs from 14 December to 7 January in both the daytime and evening, and prices range from £15.
London Coliseum is just a 15-minute walk from London Waterloo. You can also catch the Northern tube towards Edgware or High Barnet, which will take around seven minutes.
More Christmas events and experiences
If you truly want to push the boat out this Christmas, then consider one of the extra-special events that the south west has to offer.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Open from 17 November to 1 January, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland has soared in popularity over the last few years and has fast become one of the liveliest Christmas events in London. This gigantic fairground is every kid’s dream, and the thrilling rides are just the tip of the iceberg. During your trip to Winter Wonderland you can enjoy delicious food and drink, ice skating, live music and even a visit from Santa. Tickets range from £5 or £7.50.
The nearest SWR station to Hyde Park is London Waterloo. From here, it’s just a short tube journey on the Jubilee towards Willesden Green, or a half hour walk.
Christmas at Paultons Park
For the younger ones, Paultons Park is the ideal activity this Christmas. The festivities are held at Peppa Pig World from 2 to 23 December where you and the little ones can get involved in a range of Christmas activities from storytimes to festive shows. A selection of rides and attractions will also be open throughout the day, and Father Christmas himself will be available for a meet and greet.
To get there, catch the train to Southampton Central before continuing with a short 20-minute ride on the Salisbury Reds X7 bus.
Make the most of our South Western Railway service and whisk the family away for some Christmas fun in the south west. Explore our flexible range of ticket types to find the right one for your journey. Make the most of cheap train tickets by going off-peak, and those with a Family & Friends Railcard could save even more.
