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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and if you’re looking to get the whole family into the festive spirit, there’s no shortage of magical Christmas activities across London and the South West. From ice skating to Christmas markets, festive light trails, and theme parks, our handy guide brings together some of the best family-friendly Christmas days out which are all easily reached by train.
So whether you’re hoping to start new traditions or enjoy nostalgic things to do at Christmas, read on to get inspired.
Christmas family activities in London
Immerse yourself in Christmas magic with twinkling light displays, ice skating, festive food and drink and winter-themed attractions. Here are some of the best activities the whole family can enjoy in London.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has soared in popularity over the last few years and has fast become one of the most talked about 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, do a spot of ice skating, watch live music and circus acts, and even pay a visit to Santa! This is a great option for families with younger children, especially when visiting earlier in the day.
When: 14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026
How to get there: Take the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Bond Street, then walk 19 minutes to the park.
Price: Tickets start from £5 and booking is essential.
Christmas at Kew
Kew Gardens is known for its spectacular themed displays throughout the year, so it’s no surprise that the Christmas display is extra special. Round up your family and take a magical trip to Christmas at Kew, where you’ll walk through trees adorned with lights and see fascinating laser projections that illuminate the night sky. This is a great option for families with younger children who enjoy gentle walks and festive light displays.
When: 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2025
How to get there: Take the train from London Waterloo or Clapham Junction to Kew Bridge, then walk 19 minutes to Kew Gardens.
Price: Tickets start from £25.50 for adults and £16 for children. Our customers can enjoy 2FOR1 tickets at Kew Gardens with SWR Rewards.
Christmas at Kenwood
Kenwood is a great place for family days out year-round, but it’s extra special at Christmas. This grand stately home on the edge of Hampstead Heath transforms into a festive wonderland during December, with afternoon tea experiences (including options for kids), Christmas quests, and the opportunity to meet Father Christmas himself! For the 2025 festive season, it is worth noting that the car park at Kenwood is closed from Monday 6 October 2025 to Wednesday 14 January 2026. There will be limited spaces available for Blue Badge Holders.
When: Kenwood is open daily from 10:00 to 16:00. The Christmas afternoon tea experience is available from 1 to 23 December 2024, while Father Christmas meet and greets are only at weekends throughout December.
How to get there: Take the Northern line from London Waterloo to Golders Green, then hop on the number 210 or 310 bus to Compton Avenue/Kenwood House stop.
Price: Entry to Kenwood is free, but afternoon tea and meeting Father Christmas cost extra.
Christmas at Hobbledown Heath, Hounslow
Hobbledown Heath promises plenty of fun for little ones year-round, with four themed villages, indoor and outdoor play areas and an animal park. But things get even more exciting over the festive season! Their Christmas experiences include visits to Santa’s Grotto, toddler storytime, festive trails around the park, and breakfast with Santa himself. It’s a wonderful option for families with toddlers and primary school children.
When: 29 November to 24 December 2025
How to get there: It’s a 25-minute walk from Feltham to Hobbledown Heath. Alternatively, it’s a 15-minute bus ride on the number 235 or 117 from Feltham Station / Victoria Road (stop G) to Green Lane (stop A).
Price: Prices start from £30 for the Toddler Santa Experience (1 adult and 1 child under 5) and £31.50 per child or £16.50 per adult for the full Santa’s Grotto experience.
Christmas activities in the South West
You don’t have to head to the capital to find festive activities, as there are plenty of family-friendly Christmas events and attractions across the South West, from ice skating to light displays and theme parks. Explore our top picks here to plan the ideal family day or evening out.
Christmas Tree Wonderland, Bournemouth
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into the North Pole on your trip to Christmas Tree Wonderland. Decorated with a 60-foot tree and hundreds of festive illuminations, it’s the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit. There’s an alpine market, fairground rides and an ice rink, and little ones will love exploring the festive trail around the town.
When: 13 November to 04 January 2026
How to get there: Catch the train to Bournemouth station, then hop on the 5a bus towards Bournemouth town centre.
Price: Free entry. However, some attractions like the SKATE Ice Rink are ticketed, and booking is advised.
Windsor on Ice
For a great-value family day out, head to Windsor on Ice. This covered ice rink promises fun no matter the weather, making it a wonderful rainy-day activity. The skating rink offers a dedicated day for little ones called Tiny Tuesdays, where there are no minimum age restrictions.
When: 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
How to get there: Windsor on Ice is just a five-minute walk from Windsor and Eton Riverside station.
Price: Tickets start at £16 for adults and £14 for children. Family and group tickets are also available.
Christmas at Paultons Park, Southampton
Young children will love visiting Paultons Park at Christmas. As the home of Peppa Pig World, there’s plenty to see and do year-round, but the Christmas events programme includes festive shows, rides and storytime with Santa. You’ll also find a range of festive food and drink, and the on-site gift shop is the perfect place to get Christmas gifts for the kids.
When: When: 6 December 2025 to January 3 2026
How to get there: Southampton Airport Parkway and Southampton Central are the closest stations to the theme park. From either station, it’s a 10 to 15-minute taxi journey to Paultons Park.
Price: Tickets start at £38.75 per person.
Plan your festive family days out with SWR
Christmas is a busy time of year, so planning ahead can help you make the most of every festive moment. Travelling by train keeps family days out simple and stress-free, whether you’re heading into London or exploring the South West.
Book advance tickets to get the best prices on your journey, and take advantage of our GroupSave offers when travelling with family and friends. You can also check your eligibility for Railcards and discounts to save even more.
Our Sunday Out and Semi-Flex return tickets give you extra flexibility, letting you make the most of family days out. Explore the range of cheap train tickets available with SWR to find the best option for your journey.
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