20 Magical Christmas Events for Children in the UK
The festive season is here, and with it comes the familiar scramble, like “How do you keep the little ones entertained while making sure the celebrations feel magical?” Finding the right Christmas events for children can be tiring. From soft play centre adventures to workshops, shows, and sparkling light tours, the options are endless, but not every activity hits the mark for curious little minds.
That’s where this guide comes in. Drawing from years of experience running Wonderland Play, we’ve curated the best, most engaging, and child-friendly events across the UK. Whether you’re a parent juggling school breaks or a teacher planning a festive outing, this expert guide offers practical insights, real-life tips, and a clear roadmap to make this Christmas joyful, safe, and truly memorable for children. Let’s unwrap the festive magic together.
Amazing Christmas Events for Children
Whether it’s the joy of meeting Santa, bouncing around a soft play, or walking through glowing festive lights, these Christmas events give children the kind of excitement that keeps them talking all season. Each idea here is practical, child-friendly, and based on real experiences families often look for during this busy time. These activities also help children build confidence, learn through play, and enjoy quality time with the people they trust.
1. Christmas Eve Play & Sleigh
Wonderland Play centre Christmas Eve Play & Sleigh is something for families who often look for something simple yet fun on Christmas Eve. This session gives the children a cosy place to slow down before the big day. It’s simple, gentle, and full of those moments they remember for years.
Storytime sessions with Santa create a calm mood before bedtime.
Sleigh photo spots let children enjoy a little festive moment without long queues.
It works best for younger children under 13 who enjoy gentle activities.
A Christmas snack box is included, which keeps the children excited and adds a small treat to the session.
Families can choose between two two-hour sessions: 10 am to 12 pm or 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, both held on Wednesday, 24 December.
The team also runs amazing games and prizes to keep the children active and involved throughout the session.
2. Wonderland Play Christmas Events
Our soft play zone brings the season to life with hands-on fun and Christmas events throughout December. Every corner of Wonderland Play turns into a space children can explore, create, and enjoy at their pace.
Festive workshops keep little hands busy with crafts and simple activities.
Sensory zones help toddlers explore lights, colours, and textures safely.
We design every corner to keep children active while still feeling cosy and cheerful.
Parents often share how these events make their child feel included without overwhelming them.
3. Christmas Jumper Day
Wonderland Play’s Christmas Jumper Day keeps things simple and cheerful, and it brings children together without any extra planning. Schools and homes turn into bright, lively spaces filled with colourful festive jumpers, and the fun group photos always become simple keepsakes.
Children can wear their Christmas jumper to any soft play centre in Exeter session at Wonderland Play and join the festive fun.
There’s a prize for the “uglier” jumper, which usually gets the children laughing and keeps the mood light.
Teachers often pair the day with small games to keep the group engaged.
It stays affordable and easy to organise and works best for children under 13.
The activity runs all day on Thursday, 11 December, giving families plenty of time to join in.
4. Soft Play Party
A soft play party gives young children the space to move freely while staying safe and comfortable. It brings the excitement of Christmas or any party into a playful setting where toddlers and preschoolers can explore confidently. Even shy children find their spark here.
Children climb, slide, bounce, and explore in a safe space.
Christmas songs, superhero theme parties, and props add a light festive touch.
Parents appreciate that it keeps the energy controlled without restricting their child’s excitement.
We often see shy little ones open up during these parties.
Meal boxes are included, and there’s no stress at all.
You simply book your slot, and Wonderland Play sorts everything for you.
5. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland is a classic festive stop for families who love bright lights and lively attractions. It offers a full day of excitement with child-friendly rides, stalls, and cosy treats. The atmosphere feels like walking through a giant Christmas playground.
Child-friendly rides and festive stalls offer a full day of fun.
Smaller shows help younger children settle into the atmosphere.
Warm treats like doughnuts and hot chocolate become mini rewards.
Families say it feels like a giant playground with Christmas lights everywhere.
6. Christmas at Kew
Christmas at Kew offers a peaceful and visually soothing festive experience. The glowing trails, open paths, and soft lights make it perfect for children who enjoy gentle sensory moments. It feels like a quiet evening adventure wrapped in magic.
The glowing trails capture children’s attention without overstimulating them.
Open paths help with easy pram use.
Families enjoy this as an early evening activity after school.
It works well for children who love nature and pretty lights.
7. Hamleys Santa’s Grotto
Hamleys brings Santa’s world to life with playful charm and bright surroundings. Children enjoy the mix of toys, chatting with Santa, and exploring the lively setting. It’s a trip that often becomes a favourite memory.
Santa's interactions here are more playful and chatty.
Children enjoy the toy-themed environment.
The space feels lively, perfect for excited little explorers.
Many parents share that the photos here stay on their fridge all year.
8. Ice Skating
Ice skating adds a little winter adventure to a child’s Christmas. Beginner rinks across London make it friendly for first-timers with simple supports and short sessions.
Beginner-friendly rinks across London provide penguin supports for young skaters.
Sessions are short, which keeps children from tiring too quickly.
Gloves and helmets help keep things safe.
Parents often book early morning slots for calmer crowds.
9. Southbank Centre Winter Festival
The Southbank Festival blends creativity, lights, and family-friendly festive charm. Children move between crafts, small performances, and open riverside views. It keeps them engaged without feeling rushed.
Craft tables let children paint, stick, and decorate.
Small performances keep their attention without dragging on too long.
The riverside atmosphere feels cheerful and open.
Teachers like this for school trips because it keeps children engaged through variety.
10. Festive Shows for Children
Christmas shows bring stories to life in a way children love. From calm classics to energetic musicals, there’s something for every age group. These performances create a warm, shared family moment during the holiday season.
Peppa Pig suits toddlers and early years.
The Snowman works well for children who enjoy calm storytelling.
Paddington keeps older children engaged with lively scenes.
Pantomimes give families the loud, giggly fun everyone needs during Christmas events.
11. Theme Parks
Theme parks add a big burst of Christmas excitement to the holidays. With festive shows, gentle rides, and lights everywhere, they offer a full-family outing. It’s a great pick when you want a full day of fun.
Festive shows and gentle rides create a full day of excitement.
Lights and decorations make everything feel brighter.
Parents like these Christmas events for full family outings since teens, too, find something to enjoy.
Booking early helps avoid long waiting times.
12. Zoos
Zoo Christmas events blend holiday fun with animal learning. Children explore themed trails, meet Santa, and enjoy outdoor adventures. It’s a refreshing way to spend a festive day without being indoors all the time.
Many zoos add Santa visits, workshops, and themed trails.
Children learn about animals while enjoying Christmas events for children.
Outdoor spaces help burn energy naturally.
Families love this as a daytime activity.
13. Castles with Santa Sleepovers
Castles turn the season into a magical time full of stories and cosy décor. Meeting Santa in such a unique place adds an extra layer of excitement for children. It suits families who want something different and memorable.
Rooms feel cosy and decorated for the holidays.
Children enjoy meeting Santa in a unique setting.
The mix of storytelling and history creates memorable moments.
It works best for families with school-aged children.
14. Woodland Adventures
Woodland parks like The Secret Forest (Tadcaster) and BeWILDerwood turn into enchanting trails during Christmas. Children wander through glowing paths, characters, and hidden corners that spark imagination. It’s a lovely choice for families who enjoy nature with a festive twist.
Trails bring imagination alive with cheerful characters and hidden corners.
Children enjoy exploring without feeling rushed.
Outdoor play builds confidence and curiosity.
Families often mention how refreshing it feels after indoor holiday events.
15. Adventure Parks
Adventure parks bring movement and discovery together for older kids. Seasonal trails, climbing zones, and treasure hunts keep them busy and excited. It’s ideal when you want active fun mixed with festive moments.
These parks keep older children entertained for longer.
Seasonal treasure hunts spark teamwork.
Physical play with outdoor or indoor fun activities for kids boosts balance and coordination.
Parents appreciate structured yet flexible activities.
16. Craft Workshops
Craft workshops give children a calm creative break during the busy season. They get to make simple decorations and holiday keepsakes while learning little skills. It’s a meaningful way to pause and enjoy Christmas together.
Children love making something they can take home.
Simple tools keep workshops safe and mess-free.
At Wonderland Play Soft Play Centre in Newton Abbot, we often teach designs that help with hand-eye coordination.
It gives families a quiet moment in the middle of busy days.
17. Christmas Lights
Christmas light displays at Regent Street and Covent Garden turn evening walks into magical moments. The bright streets, decorated trees, and glowing buildings instantly lift a child’s mood. It’s an effortless, cost-free outing families enjoy year after year.
Bright displays lift children’s moods instantly.
Crowds are easier to handle earlier in the evening.
Families often choose these spots for quick, no-cost outings.
My own child once counted every sparkling tree in Covent Garden and didn’t stop talking the whole way home.
18. Christmas Markets
Christmas markets offer a lively mix of snacks, small gifts, and festive sounds. Children enjoy wandering through colourful stalls and discovering treats.
Many stalls offer child-friendly snacks.
Handmade crafts catch their attention.
The atmosphere feels cheerful and warm.
Parents like this for short visits between errands.
19. Bus Tours
Light bus tours give families a warm, relaxed way to see London’s festive glow. Children love the high views and sparkling streets. It’s perfect for tired little legs after a long day.
Children enjoy seeing famous streets from up high.
It keeps them warm while still exploring Christmas events.
Works well for families with young toddlers.
Evening timings feel calmer and easier.
20. Iconic Festive Locations
Historic and iconic spots like Hampton Court Palace and Covent Garden turn into charming Christmas scenes during the season. The open spaces and bright décor keep children entertained while parents enjoy the surroundings. Hampton Court Palace, Covent Garden.
• These places mix history with seasonal charm.
• Children enjoy the open spaces and glowing decorations.
• Families often pair these visits with food stops nearby.
• It adds a calm, classic twist to the holiday plans.
With so many child-friendly Christmas events, choosing the right one becomes much easier when you know what matches your child’s interests and energy.
Conclusion
As you reach the end of this guide, you can see how easy it becomes to plan a joyful day when you choose activities that match your child’s energy and interests. We explored simple crafts, lively games, festive soft play sessions, and Christmas Jumper Day fun. Each idea supports what every parent wants during the season: happy children, stress-free planning, and moments that feel special.
When you bring these Christmas activities together, you create memories your child will carry for years. That’s why choosing the right festive plan matters, and soft play adventures remain a favourite for families who want safe fun and a cheerful space.
Now is the perfect time to make your plans. Visit Wonderland Play to explore our festive sessions, book your soft play party, or check upcoming events. Let this Christmas be the season your child remembers with joy. The laughter, magic, and memories begin with your next soft play session.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
You can take kids to festive soft play sessions, Christmas markets, Santa’s grottos, and themed events across the UK. Many places offer hands-on crafts, light trails, and fun activities that keep children engaged throughout the holidays.
-
Many families consider places like Edinburgh Christmas Market, Bath Christmas Market, and London’s Winter Wonderland the most Christmassy. These locations glow with lights, music, food stalls, and festive attractions that feel magical for children.
-
London offers free activities such as Christmas lights in Oxford Street and Regent Street, window displays, Southbank strolls, and festive markets you can browse without entry fees. Many parks and public spaces also host free seasonal experiences.
-
You can explore Christmas lights, visit Santa experiences, enjoy soft play Christmas events, try themed workshops, or join family-friendly festive shows. London also has outdoor ice rinks and fun day-out spots that keep children active and excited.
-
You need to book a timed entry ticket before visiting Winter Wonderland. Some off-peak hours offer free entry, but you still must secure a ticket online to avoid queues and guarantee your spot.