Looking for fun things to do with kids in London this November?
With so many options, your November is set for unforgettable family fun!
Here are our top picks of family events for November 2024.
What’s on this November
Meet Santa at London Zoo
London Zoo, NW1
Book from £39.20: Meet Santa at London Zoo
When: Daily from Sat 30 Nov
Ages: 0-11 years
Join us this November and December, as Santa returns to London Zoo!
Little ones can take part in Christmas crafts before they meet Santa in his magical grotto and receive a very special early Christmas gift to take home.
Choose from Meet Santa, Meet Santa Deluxe and Meet Santa VIP Breakfast sessions.
Relaxed sessions are also available.
Little ones can take part in Christmas crafts before they meet Santa in his magical grotto at the heart of London Zoo and receive a very special early Christmas gift to take home.
Perhaps they’ll even be lucky enough to spot our animals snuffling around next door as well!
The Snowman
Peacock Theatre, WC2A
Book from £20.88: The Snowman
When: from Sat 23 Nov, various times
Ages: 4-10 years
Make your Christmas a cracker with this family treat that will melt your heart – THE SNOWMAN is returning to the Peacock Theatre once again.
Delighting audiences for 27 years, this magical stage adaption of Raymond Briggs’ much-loved book THE SNOWMAN, and the film directed by Dianne Jackson and produced by John Coates, has transported a generation of children and their families into the wintery wonderland of a boy and a snowman that comes to life.
With music and lyrics by Howard Blake, including Walking in the Air, choreography by Robert North, directed by Bill Alexander, alongside Ruari Murchison’s enchanting design combined with Tim Mitchell’s spectacular lighting, THE SNOWMAN continues to enchant audiences with a captivating mix of dance, live music, storytelling, spectacle and magic.
A magical stage adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson, The Snowman will leave you with a sense of wonder and joy as you will be transported to the wintery wonderland of a boy and a snowman who comes to life.
We Call it Ballet: Sleeping Beauty Light Show
London Bridge, SE1
Book from £34.00: We Call it Ballet: Sleeping Beauty Light Show
When: Fri 1 Nov, 7:00-8:00pm
Ages: 8 years +
Settle in for a spectacular show with We call it Ballet in Glaziers Hall in London!
The timeless tale of Sleeping Beauty is brought to life like never before, with expressive storytelling, immaculate dancing, and costumes glittering with glow-in-the-dark lights.
Get your tickets for We call it Ballet: Sleeping Beauty in a Dazzling Light Show in London!
Snow Ball Family Rave
Museum of London Docklands, E14
Book from £13.00: Snow Ball Family Rave
When: Sat 23 Nov, 2:00-4:30pm
Ages: All ages welcome
Celebrate the snowy season Docklands-style with a boogie and a bounce to DJ Toshiki Ohta. Everyone from the smallest swashbuckler to the biggest buccaneer can enjoy this winter celebration with dance tunes including acid house, techno, drum and bass and more.
With foam, confetti, balloons, bubbles, tunes and a licensed bar, it’ll be a party for the whole family. Get hands-on in our snow-themed sensory room, enjoy a mini pub quiz with Bring Your Baby, take part in crafts, explore our mudlarks family gallery, or take a break in our chill-out zone.
Hogwarts in the Snow
Warner Bros. Studio Tour, WD25
Book from £56.00: Hogwarts in the Snow
When: Daily from Sat 16 Nov
Ages: All ages welcome
You are invited to experience a very ‘Harry Christmas’ at the Studio Tour during Hogwarts in the Snow, the most magical time of year, when iconic Harry Potter sets are dressed for the festive season in a blanket of filmmaking snow.
Enter the Great Hall, bedecked in the gold decorations from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, you’ll find a mouth-watering banquet of roast potatoes, peas, turkeys, and puddings aflame set up as it was to celebrate the end-of-term feast at Hogwarts.
Christmas trees will tower over you in the Great Hall topped by authentic flying witches and inviting fireplaces will be adorned with festive holly, mistletoe, and wreaths.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Hampton Court Palace
Book from £15.65: Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
When: Daily from Fri 22 Nov, 9:30am-8:00pm
Ages: 3 years +
Set against the backdrop of Henry VIII’s historic home, Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is the perfect way to glide into the season. Lace up your skates, bring your loved ones and get ready for an enchanting experience on the ice.
From 22 November 2024 to 5 January 2025, Hampton Court Palace will transform into the perfect winter getaway, allowing visitors to lace up their skates and take to the ice for six weeks of festive fun.
Skaters can twirl, spin and glide (or stumble!) across the stunning open-air rink in front of the palace, providing a beautiful photo-worthy backdrop to capture memories with friends and family.
The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace
Eltham Palace and Gardens, SE9
Book from £25.00: The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace
When: from Sat 23 Nov, various times, 9:00am-8:30pm
Ages: All ages welcome
Father Christmas needs your help restoring the true meaning of Christmas.
A theatrical Christmas adventure exploring meaning and magic.
Discover The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace, brought to you by Sneaky Experience.
Enjoy an hour-long immersive and theatrical journey through the stunning art-deco mansion, perfect for the whole family.
Father Christmas needs your help to restore the true meaning of Christmas and save the magic of Lapland. As you journey through enchanted rooms, you’ll meet delightful characters and uncover the essence of the season, all leading to a heart-warming encounter with Father Christmas himself.
Prepare to be dazzled at Eltham Palace with interactive storytelling, captivating performances, and plenty of photo opportunities. Every child will receive a gift from Father Christmas as a token of gratitude for helping to rekindle the Christmas spirit.
Bach to Baby Family Concert
St Gabriel’s Church, SW1V
Book from £15.00: Bach to Baby Family Concert
When: Sat 16 Nov, 11:00-11:45am
Ages: 0-5 years
Bach to Baby is the critically acclaimed concert series for babies, toddlers and their carers.
Tots dance, roam about and revel in the wonder of live music, while you take a moment out of your busy day to hear top notch performances by outstanding musicians, with your young babes in tow.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park, W2
Book from FREE: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
When: Daily from Thu 21 Nov, 10:00am-10:00pm
Ages: All ages welcome
The ultimate Christmas destination in the heart of London!
Located in London’s iconic Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is the world’s ultimate destination for festive fun.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland runs for six magical weeks from Thursday 21st November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025, with a variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food, drinks and so much more.
From high adrenaline rides to family-friendly performances, classic festive treats to the newest in London’s street food scene, and cosy fire pit bars to mythical ice kingdoms – we guarantee there’s something for everyone.
Make the most of your festive season in true Winter Wonderland style!
Christmas at Kew
Kew Gardens, TW9
Book from £16.00: Christmas at Kew
When: Daily from Wed 13 Nov, 4:20-10:00pm
Ages: All ages welcome
As one of the UK’s leading and most acclaimed illuminated trails, Christmas at Kew is an unmissable opportunity to herald the start of Christmas or welcome in the New Year.
A botanical world filled with seasonal cheer
It’s the most wonderful time of the year when over a million lights, lasers and seasonal sounds fill the air with festive fun at Kew Gardens.
Look forward to some together time with family and friends, as you discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour on your way to the panoramic Palm House display.
For a moment of reflection, pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, larger-than-life illuminations and don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way.
Our crew of talented independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist to tasty treats on offer.
Have yourself a holly, jolly Christmas and complete your walk under the stars with a *spiced winter warmer or *hot chocolate shared with someone special.
Mamma Mia! The Party
Nikos Taverna at The O2, SE10
Book from £54.50: Mamma Mia! The Party
When: from Fri 1 Nov, various times
Ages: 5 years +
Feel transported to the island of Skopelos to dance, dine and have the time of your life! As the sun sets, you’ll take your seats at Nikos’ family-run taverna where you’ll enjoy a delicious four-course Greek meal before dancing the night away at a glittering ABBA disco. Plan your getaway with family and friends to Mamma Mia! The Party for the ultimate Greek holiday experience to remember.
The Glorious Gloriana
St Katharine Docks, E1W
Book from FREE: The Glorious Gloriana
When: Daily until Thu 14 Nov
Ages: All ages welcome
The iconic Gloriana, a magnificent royal rowing barge steeped in history and tradition, has returned triumphantly to the picturesque St Katharine Docks, London. With its grand presence and regal aura, the Gloriana is a living tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, commissioned for her Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
You can view Gloriana at any time in her berth at St. Katharine Docks Marina. For the best viewing point, look for the round Coronarium building.
Moco Museum
Marble Arch, W2
Book from £16.90: Moco Museum
When: Daily from Fri 1 Nov
Ages: 3 years +
With more than 5 million visitors in Amsterdam and Barcelona, Moco Museum is bringing something new and special to the London art scene this summer.
Featuring a wide range of modern, contemporary, and digital art from icons like Warhol, KAWS, Haring, Hirst & many more, Moco Museum has become a must-visit for art lovers around the world. Come and see why!
Delight Exhibition
Borough Yards, SE1
Book from £14.50: Delight Exhibition
When: Daily from Fri 1 Nov
Ages: All ages welcome
Experience ancient and modern tradition in a groundbreaking, interactive way,
as cutting-edge artificial intelligence brings Korea’s rich cultural heritage to life.
The exhibition offers light projections and sensory experiences through personalised AI experiences and interactive artworks. Visitors explore a colourful and vibrant virtual Korean city, and directly engage with AI’s creative interpretations of Korean traditional and contemporary culture.
The Best Santa’s Grotto’s in London
Hamleys Santa’s Grotto
Regent Street, West End, W1B
Book from £55 for 3 people: Hamleys Santa’s Grotto
When: From Sat 23 Nov
Ages: All ages welcome
Santa Claus has been VERY busy this year, building our BRAND NEW Santa’s Grotto for 2024 with Christmas Joy. And now, it’s FINALLY time for him to welcome you at this special elf workshop for the first time EVER!
Our enchanted elves are ready to welcome you to our Christmas festivities, and then to make your visit even more special, Santa has a treat waiting for you to take home, so you’ll remember your visit with him forever. Don’t forget to tell us your families names and favourite things to do so our toy testing elves can let Santa know before you arrive!
Meet Santa at London Zoo
London Zoo, Regents Park, NW1
Book from £17.50: Meet Santa at London Zoo
When: From Sat 23 Nov
Ages: All ages welcome
Little ones can take part in Christmas crafts before they meet Santa in his magical grotto at the heart of London Zoo and receive a very special early Christmas gift to take home. Perhaps they’ll even be lucky enough to spot our animals snuffling around next door as well! This experience lasts 30 minutes.
Zoo entry is not included in this ticket. All visitors will need a valid Zoo ticket or ZSL membership, in addition to any Meet Santa ticket, in order to enter the Zoo.
Storytelling with Father Christmas at the Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum, South Kensington, SW7
Book from £13.60: Storytelling with Father Christmas at the Natural History Museum
When: From Sun 1 Dec – Sun 15 Dec
Ages: All ages welcome
This December come and visit Father Christmas in his wintery wonderland here with us.
In this magical experience join Father Christmas for a special Christmas story and have your photo taken with him afterwards.
This event is suitable for all ages. Our 10.15 slot will be a SEN session suitable for a neurodivergent audience.
Each child’s ticket comes with up to two adults and includes a gift from Father Christmas.
Meet Shrek Santa at Shrek’s Adventures
Shrek’s Adventure, Southbank, SE1
Book from Free with standard entry (from £21.00): Meet Shrek Santa at Shrek’s Adventures
When: From Sat 30 Nov
Ages: All ages welcome
London’s South Bank has a new guest coming to town at Shrek’s Adventure! London. This festive season experience the grotto inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s beloved Christmas special, Shrek the Halls.
For kids and grown-ups looking for some much-needed yuletide cheer, the big green ogre has taken over from Santa to create a festive misadventure the whole family will love.
Guests who visit Shrek’s Adventure! London will get the chance to meet our very own Shrek santa and pose for a picture with him to mark the special occasion.
The Shrek the Halls experience will be available from the 30th of November to the 24th of December.
Santaland at Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park, Westminster, W2
Book from Free: Santaland at Winter Wonderland
When: From Thu 21 Nov
Ages: All ages welcome
Santa is ready and waiting to meet all the children (and their families) over at Santa’s Grotto. It is free to enter Santa’s Grotto and well-behaved children will receive a present from Santa himself. Make sure it gets checked off your list, you could even do it twice.
Christmas Grotto at Sloane Square
Sloane Square, Chelsea, SW1W
Book from £15.00: Christmas Grotto at Sloane Square
When: From Tue 19 Nov
Ages: All ages welcome
This festive season, visit the magical Chelsea Christmas Grotto situated among the sparkling lights on Sloane Square, with a Bavarian Curling Rink and Winter Terrace open until Christmas Eve. A chance to create unforgettable memories with family and friends – meet Father Christmas, listen to his stories and receive a special gift from him during your session.
Santa’s Grotto at the FUJIFILM House of Photography
Covent Garden, West End, WC2E
Book from £30.00: Santa’s Grotto at the FUJIFILM House of Photography
When: Fri 15 Nov – Tue 24 Dec, 11:00 – 5:30pm
Ages: All ages welcome
Leave the chilly weather outside and step into our magical Santa’s Grotto at the FUJIFILM House of Photography in Covent Garden, London.
The perfect family treat for a winter’s day, our immersive wonderland is brimming with exciting opportunities for little ones and big ones alike. As the countdown to Christmas begins, we’re transforming our first floor — all 3,000 feet of it — into an enchanting festive landscape.
Warm, welcoming, and whimsical, Santa’s grotto is a chance to let nostalgia and holiday joy take over. After all, it’s the best time of the year.
Meet Santa at London Transport Museum
London Transport Museum, Covent Garden, WC2E
Book from FREE with museum admission: Meet Santa at London Transport Museum
When: Sat 23 Nov – Mon 23 Dec, from 11:00am
Ages: All ages welcome
All aboard for festive fun! Santa will be landing his sleigh at the Museum to meet families from 23 November until 23 December. Step into a magical winter scene in our Transportorium Garden where little ones can climb aboard Santa’s interactive sleigh adorned with buttons, bells and lights for imaginative play. Santa’s helpful elves will be on hand to welcome families and help them take the perfect festive family photo.
Black Santa’s Grotto & Christmas Market
Streatham Space Project, Streatham, W2
Book from £22.38: Black Santa’s Grotto & Christmas Market
When: Sat 30 Nov – Sun 1 Dec, 11:00am
Ages: All ages welcome
Welcome to Santa’s Magical Christmas Grotto and Market, where the enchantment of the festive season comes alive with a special touch! Step into a winter wonderland where sparkling lights guide you along a snowy path towards Santa’s warm and cosy grotto. Inside, children will be greeted by the amazing Santa.
After sharing their Christmas wishes, each child will receive a special present, lovingly chosen by Santa himself. Families will also have the chance to capture these magical moments with a special photo opportunity, creating a keepsake to remember this enchanting experience.
Santa’s Grotto at Alexandra Palace
Alexandra Palace, North London, N22
Book from £16: Santa’s Grotto at Alexandra Palace
When: Wed 27 Nov – Mon 23 Dec, from 12:00pm
Ages: All ages welcome
Santa Claus is swapping the North Pole for North London as he sets up camp in the East Court this Winter. Little ones are treated to a meeting with Santa, a small gift, plus the opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa in his festive grotto.
Father Christmas’ Cabin at Legoland
Legoland, Windsor, SL4
Book from £25: Father Christmas’ Cabin at Legoland
When: Selected dates from Sat 23 Nov
Ages: All ages welcome
Are your little builders on the Nice List? Create the ultimate family memory this festive season, book your exclusive meet and greet with Father Christmas in his magical cabin*.*Add on subject to availability and only available with the purchase of a day ticket or Annual Pass reservation
The Best Christmas Light’s in London
Bond Street
Bond Street, W1
Visit from FREE: Bond Street
When: Lights go on mid November (exact date TBC)
This festive season, enjoy a magical moment on Bond Street. For the very first time, this elegant stretch of Mayfair will be illuminated with an exclusive CHANEL light installation.
A shimmering ode to London, the light display will reflect the street’s entwined heritage with the House through the decades, while the unique design draws inspiration from the legendary N°5 fragrance bottle.
Regent Street
Regent Street, SW1Y
Visit from FREE: Regent Street
When: Lights go on Thu 7 Nov, from 3pm
We know many of you love our Christmas lights, with the moment that the Spirits light up central London truly marking the start of the festive season. This year, ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ scheme returns to our skies for you to gaze upon.
Take a wander down Glasshouse Street, Swallow Street and glittering Quadrant Arcade to enjoy our sparkling installations. Don’t miss St James’s Market for more stunning designs and the chance to snap a picture with our Wishing Tree, where you can tap to donate and watch it illuminate. Donations will go to The Felix Project, an incredible organisation dedicated to feeding London’s communities.
‘The Spirit of Christmas’ will be lit from 7 November 2024, with the displays switched on from early evening on a timer everyday for a more sustainable display.
Oxford Street
Oxford Street, W1
Visit from FREE: Oxford Street
When: Lights go on Tue 5 Nov
Christmas is nearly here, and the countdown is on to the most magical time of year. Celebrate the wonder of Christmas and kick off the festive season this year on Oxford Street, with our iconic star lights filling the entire length of the street from the 5th November.
Mayfair & Belgravia
Elizabeth Street, SW1W
Visit from FREE: Mayfair & Belgravia
When: Lights go on Sun 17 Nov, 3.45pm
Save the date! See Belgravia’s Elizabeth Street illuminated with twinkling Christmas lights during its magical switch-on party in partnership with the Belgravia Traders Association.
Taking place on Sunday 17 November from 11am to 4pm, visitors can meet Father Christmas, his elves and live reindeer, say hello to The Snowman from Sadler’s Wells, and spot characters from the Nutcracker, who will all be roaming Elizabeth Street throughout the event. Family-friendly entertainment will also be provided by a juggler and balloon modeller.
Enjoy performances from the London Gay Men’s Chorus, the Fulham Brass Band and steel band Solid Steel on stage in Elizabeth Street.
Take a selfie next to a giant Christmas wreath display on Elizabeth Street, created by world-famous florist Moyses Stevens.
And don’t miss the nearby pop-up Christmas Market in Eccleston Yards where you can shop for stocking fillers, sip mulled wine and indulge in seasonal menus.
Christmas at Kew
Kew Gardens, TW9
Book from £16:00: Christmas at Kew
When: Daily from Wed 13 Nov, 4:20-10:00pm
As one of the UK’s leading and most acclaimed illuminated trails, Christmas at Kew is an unmissable opportunity to herald the start of Christmas or welcome in the New Year.
Southbank Winter Light
Southbank, SE1
Visit from FREE: Southbank Winter Light
When: Lights go on Wed 13 Nov, 4.00pm
As the dark draws in, the Southbank Centre lights up with its annual Winter Light celebration!
This year visitors to the Queen’s Walk can look forward to a wide range of free outdoor artworks from contemporary artists that play with light and colour, including lots of exciting new pieces by installation artists including Aoife Dunne, Mat Collishaw, Sophia Al Maria and Erdend Tait.
Regular Winter Light favourites that return once again this year include Marinella Senatore’s inspiring large-scale decorative light sculpture We Rise by Lifting Others, David Batchelor’s glowing chromatic roof installation Sixty Minute Spectrum, Fred Tschida’s glowing SPHERE, and Jokob Kvist’s glimmering Dichroic Sphere (always a popular photo op spot!).
New installations this year include a collection of winter-themed neon shapes in the windows of the Queen Elizabeth Hall designed in collaboration with pupils from local Lambeth schools, and a brand new light installation for the tree canopy lining the river, Nathaniel Rackowe’s Desire Lines.
Chelsea
Sloane Street, SW1X
Visit from FREE: Chelsea
When: Lights go on Sat 16 Nov, 5.00pm
St Christmas Place
St. Christophers Place, W1U
Visit from FREE: St. Christmas Place
When: Lights go on mid November (exact date TBC)
We hope to see you at one of these fantastic family events this November! And if you’re looking for even more fun, visit loopla.com.
More events in London for kids
This month in London there are lots of things to do with the kids. These include fascinating exhibitions as well as family-friendly activities, shows and workshops. Many of these bring something new every season..
London’s West End offers musicals and theatre shows for families every week. The city also has world-leading museums that host many brilliant events and workshops for families.
If you’re looking for more things to do with the family in London, check out the immersive events. These are happening across the city engaging kids with art and culture in a whole new way.
There are also some fantastic day trips from the city. For a full day of fun, take the family on an adventure to places like Warwick Castle or LEGOland.
We hope that you feel inspired for a fun day out and about having some all-important quality time together as a family. If you still need more inspiration, you can always find even more things to do on Loopla.
