There’s something lovely about having a few festive outings in the diary — whether it’s an evening wandering through twinkling lights or a Christmas adventure with the children.
We’ve brought together our edit of Christmas experiences in and around London for 2026, with practical details to help you choose what suits your family. Some we’ve enjoyed ourselves; others are on our wishlist this year.
Christmas at Kew, Richmond
Tried, loved and booked again.
Kew is the light trail we keep returning to. It’s already in our family diary for 2026, and it’s the first place I’d look if you’re after an evening outing in southwest London.
This year’s trail brings new illuminated displays to the gardens. My advice when choosing tickets is to start with the time that works for your children, then plan travel and food around it. I would strongly recommend booking an earlier slot if you have young children to prevent them getting too tired and also cold.
When: Selected dates, 13 November 2026–3 January 2027.
Price: The official event page advertises tickets from £25.50; check the price for each adult and child on your date.
Good to know: Christmas at Kew requires a separate event ticket. Limited parking must be booked in advance.
RHS Glow at Wisley, Surrey
On our wishlist.
I’ve heard lovely things about Wisley’s light trail, and one that is a great alternative to Kew Gardens
The confirmed 2026 programme includes an enhanced route, new light installations and light-and-sound shows. For families comparing the cost of festive evenings, Wisley also has off-peak and super off-peak options.
It’s one to check now if you need a particular date: the RHS explicitly recommends booking ahead because popular slots sell out.
When: Selected dates, 20 November 2026–3 January 2027.
Price: Advertised non-member prices start at £7.50 for adults and £6 for children; under-fives go free. These are starting prices, not the cost of every session.
Christmas at Hever Castle, Kent
On our radar for a bigger festive day out.
Hever offers daytime and twilight Christmas visits, with illuminated grounds after dark. It’s worth looking at the different ticket options rather than assuming every booking includes the same activities.
If meeting Father Christmas is your priority, read our Santa guide before you book: a general Christmas admission ticket isn’t the same as a grotto booking. If you’re simply after a festive outing, you may still have options even when Santa sessions have sold out.
When: Selected dates, 20 November 2026–2 January 2027.
Price: Varies by date, age and ticket type.
Good to know: Select your grounds arrival time carefully; a Father Christmas session, if booked, has its own later entry time.
Port Lympne Illuminated, Kent
On our radar for an outing further afield.
Port Lympne’s confirmed Christmas event is an illuminated trail, with a new zone and Elf Disco in the 2026 programme.
This is one I’d consider when we have time for a longer trip. I’d be careful to check exactly what the chosen ticket includes: visiting a wildlife reserve for its Christmas event does not automatically mean a safari is part of the booking.
When: 27 November 2026–2 January 2027.
Price: Advance family tickets for two adults and two children are listed at £58 on super off-peak dates, £72 off-peak and £105 peak.
Good to know: Santa’s Grotto is an additional booking, available 27 November–23 December at £22 per child. Check fees and the admission requirements for your ticket type.
Hogwarts in the Snow, near Watford
On our radar for Harry Potter fans.
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour’s festive season puts a Christmas twist on its film sets. I’d choose this because your children are excited by Harry Potter, rather than because you’re looking for a general Christmas activity.
It’s also an indoor option to consider alongside outdoor trails. Leave enough time for the tour and the journey instead of squeezing it between other plans.
When: 14 November 2026–17 January 2027.
Price: Check current Studio Tour admission and availability.
Glow Wild at Wakehurst, Sussex
On our radar if you’d like a countryside light trail.
Wakehurst’s trail offers another option beyond London. It’s a longer journey for many families, so I’d compare the travel with Kew and Wisley before choosing.
The organiser says the route takes around an hour and is just over a mile. That’s useful to know when thinking about little legs, pushchairs and how late you want to be out.
When: Selected nights, 26 November 2026–2 January 2027; 26 November is a members’ preview.
Price: Off-peak adult tickets £21, children £14.50 and a two-adult, two-child family ticket £67.50. Under-fours are free but still need tickets.
Good to know: Parking is included; daytime garden admission is separate.
Christmas at Chessington, Surrey
On our radar for families who want more than a light trail.
Chessington combines seasonal entertainment with selected rides and the Zoo. Its announced programme includes a Cinderella panto on the Mane Stage.
This could suit families who prefer an activity-filled day to an evening walk. If meeting Santa is part of the plan, compare the Christmas Village package with entry-only admission: the lower headline price does not include the same experience.
When: Selected dates, 21 November–24 December 2026.
Price: Theme-park-only entry from £24 per person; Christmas Village plus theme park entry from £32 per person. Check inclusions and child-height rules.
Festive soft play at Battersea Arts Centre
On our radar for a local outing with under-fives.
Not every Christmas outing needs to be a big event. BAC has announced a festive play space for children aged zero to five, with a seasonal pop-up café.
This sounds like a useful option for a daytime outing with younger children. We’ll check the session lengths and booking details before planning a visit, particularly if combining it with Dear Santa or the grotto.
When: 1–24 December 2026, according to the supplied press release.
Age guidance: 0–5.
Price and booking: Awaiting a checked public 2026 booking listing.
Make it a Christmas outing that works for your family
Before choosing, compare travel time, the full ticket cost and how long you’ll be out. For evening trails, think about dinner and bedtime as well as the entry slot. Check access information and weather policies directly with the venue.
I’d rather choose one experience we’re excited about and have time to enjoy it than make Christmas another packed schedule.
If meeting Father Christmas is the main event, explore our separate Santa guide. For an indoor festive treat, see our Christmas shows edit.
