The Christmas season is always special, but for children it’s pure magic. Whether you have little ones who are excited to see Santa or have teenagers to impress, there are countless ways to make this Christmas one to remember.
Across the UK, dazzling light trails, magical grottos, spectacular stage shows and traditional markets are bringing seasonal sparkle to life.
Here’s our guide to the best family Christmas experiences for 2025.
Christmas at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, once again becomes a festive wonderland, and is one of my personal favourites at Christmas. The Illuminated Trail returns with even more incredible displays created by local and international artists, while the Great Court will host a pop-up ice rink and Christmas market — perfect for some last-minute shopping. Don’t miss the adventure through the State rooms at The Palace of Oz, inspired by L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard, you can even book a Emerald City-themed afternoon tea in The Orangery.
Details: 14 November 2025 to 3 January 2026
Address: Blenheim Palace (Woodstock, OX20 1PY)
Web: https://www.blenheimpalace.com
Longleat Festival of Light, Warminster
This year’s Festival of Light at Longleat takes on a “British Icons” theme and really does look incredible, featuring beloved characters like Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep. Families can also take a journey on the Winter Safari to spot lions, tigers and wolves before exploring the glittering lantern trail.
Details: Selected dates from 8 November 2025 to 11 January 2026 – Tickets from £37.45pp; under-2s and carers go free.
Address: Longleat Safari Park (Warminster, BA12 7JS)
Web: https://www.longleat.co.uk/events/the-festival-of-light
Christmas at Kew, London
Now an unmissable highlight of the festive calendar, Christmas at Kew returns for its twelfth year — and it’s brighter than ever. The trail begins beneath the famous archway of twinkling lights, leading to shimmering reflections on the water, glowing trees and tunnels of dancing colour.
Children might even spot Father Christmas along the way, while the Palm House finale — with its lasers, fountains and projections across the lake — is nothing short of spectacular. Also at this Christmas event, expect street food stalls, serving up festive treats and warming hot chocolates.
Details: Selected dates from 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 – Tickets from £23.50pp; family and child tickets available.
Address: Kew Gardens (Richmond, TW9 3EG)
Web: https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London
It wouldn’t be Christmas in London without a visit to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Now in its 18th year, it’s home to the city’s biggest ice rink, fairground rides, Santa’s Grotto and rows upon rows of festive stalls. Expect live shows from Justin Fletcher (aka Mr Tumble), handmade crafts, and plenty of seasonal food — from bratwurst to churros.
Details: 14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026 – Tickets from £5pp.
Address: Hyde Park (Louisa Duckworth Walk, W1K 7AN)
Web: https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Thursford Christmas Spectacular, Norfolk
The Thursford Christmas Spectacular is Europe’s largest show of its kind, with a 130-strong cast of singers, dancers and acrobats. Expect dazzling costumes, world-class choreography and festive music to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Details: 8 November to 23 December 2025 – Tickets from £57pp.
Address: Laurel Farm (Fakenham, NR21 0AS)
Web: https://www.thursford.com/christmas-spectacular
Elf: The Musical, London
While Will Ferrell doesn’t feature in this stage adaptation, Elf: The Musical is packed with festive cheer. Joel Montague stars as Buddy, the human raised by elves in the North Pole who sets out for New York to find his dad. A joyful, laugh-out-loud show that families will adore.
Details: From 28 October 2025 – Tickets from £39.50pp
Address: Aldwych Theatre (49 Aldwych, London WC2B 4DF).
Web: https://elflondon.com
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Among Europe’s most famous and popular festive markets, Edinburgh Christmas Market fills the city centre with twinkling lights and seasonal charm, under the backdrop of the cities historic skyline. Browse hand-picked stalls for crafts, gifts, food and drink, and let the kids enjoy the funfair rides, Starflyer and ice rink on George Street.
Dates: 21 November to 22 December 2025
Address: East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
Web: https://edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas
Tulleys Christmas Light Festival, West Sussex
Returning this November, Tulleys Christmas Light Festival features dazzling displays, the immersive Enchanted Forest and Luminaire Light Show. Enjoy live music in the Ski Lodge Bar, meet festive characters, browse the craft market and take in the views from the 33-metre observation wheel.
Dates: 28 November 2025 to 3 January 2026
Address: Tulleys Farm (Turners Hill Road, Crawley RH10 4PD).
Web: https://www.tulleyschristmas.co.uk
Visit the Gingerbread City
The incredible Gingerbread city returns to the Museum of Architecture’ this Christmas with an incredible and delicious display of buildings and people made entirely from gingerbread, frosting and sweets. Leading architects and designers come together to create this futuristic festive, gingerbread city. Each year has a new theme and this year’s ‘Playful City’ theme has delivered some of the most fun designs yet, from candy-coloured climbing walls to school buildings with slides between the classrooms. You can also take part in gingerbread house workshops where you’ll be able to build a delicious souvenir to take home with you.
Dates: 29 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Address: Coal Drops Yard Stable Street King’s Cross London N1C 4AB
Website : https://www.thegingerbreadcity.com
Neverland Christmas at Leeds Castle
Leeds castle has been transformed into Neverland, as part of its Peter Pan festive experience. Inside you step into the beloved world of JM Barrie’s Peter Pan for a Christmas adventure full of wonder, imagination, and storytelling. Explore the Lost Boys’ hideout before visiting the Mermaid Lagoon. It’s an interactive experience that’s perfect Christmas fun for families, joining Peter Pan himself for an exciting adventure to outwit Captain Hook in the Salon, before ascending a spiralling staircase to Hook’s lair.
Venture into a magical upstairs suite adorned with glowing mushrooms, sparkling fairy dust, and flowers, culminating in a special visit from Tinker Bell herself. She’ll inspire you to believe in the magic of faith, trust, and a little pixie dust. The adventure concludes with a fantastic photo opportunity inspired by the iconic Jolly Roger pirate ship.
Address: Leeds Castle, Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL
Website : https://leeds-castle.com/events/christmas
The Snowman, Peacock Theatre
The Snowman is still one of the best shows for Christmas for families, especially for those with younger children. After all these years there is still something magical about this much-loved Christmas tale of a boy, and a snowman who comes to life.
The Snowman is a stage adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson. The Snowman is an enchanting introduction to dance for the whole family, with its enchanting set, magical falling snow, and not forgetting its famous soundtrack.
Details: 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 – Prices from: £18.00
Address: Peacock Theatre, Portugal St, London WC2A 2HT
Website : https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/the-snowman-2025/
Stories with Santa, Warwick Castle
This looks such a magical Christmas experience for families at Warwick Castle. Children can join Mr and Mrs Claus for storytelling sessions, skate on the new open-air rink and explore the castle’s glowing Light Trail across 64 acres of grounds.
Details: 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 – Tickets from £21pp.
Address: Warwick Castle (Warwick, CV34 6AU)
Web: https://www.warwick-castle.com/explore-1/events/christmas-at-the-castle
Once Upon A Christmas at the Mansion, Tatton Park
Step through the pages of your favourite festive tales at Tatton Park’s grand Mansion this Christmas. Immerse yourself in scenes from the Nutcracker, the Snow Queen, A Christmas Carol, and more!
This year’s Christmas Mansion takes visitors on a journey through a storybook where each beautifully decorated stateroom will bring to life a different classic tale from the season with immersive displays, lights, music, and enchanting surprises to delight all the family.
Details: 22 November 2025 to 31 December 2025 – Adult: £15pp Child: £11pp (2 – 15 years; under 2’s go free)
Address: Tatton Park Knutsford Cheshire WA16 6QN
Web: https://www.tattonpark.org.uk/
Festive Afternoon Tea at The Langham, London
If you are looking for a little luxury this Christmas, then take the family to the Hamleys-themed Christmas afternoon tea at The Langham’s Palm Court. Children will love the playful, toy-inspired pastries patisseries, while adults can enjoy The Langham’s traditional afternoon tea sprinkled with a little Hamleys festive magic
Details: 10 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 – Prices from £75 for children, £95 for adults.
Address: The Langham (1C Portland Place, London W1B 1JA)
Web: https://langhamlondon.christmas/hamleys-partnership
Hogwarts in the Snow, Watford
Christmas at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London sees Hogwarts blanketed in snow. The Great Hall glitters with golden decorations from The Philosopher’s Stone, while Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest receive a festive makeover. Don’t miss the Christmas shop for exclusive gifts, before admiring the snow-dusted model of Hogwarts Castle — a magical end to your tour.
Details: 15 November 2025 to 18 January 2026 – Tickets from £56; under-4s go free.
Address: Warner Bros. Studios (Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR)
Web: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/whats-on/hogwarts-in-the-snow