The holidays have been …a little different this year. So, we’ve rounded up all the most festive, family (and covid) friendly things to do in London this winter, to keep the kids busy and Christmas spirits high this year.
Connected by Light at Canary Wharf
On the hunt for some spectacular Christmas lights? Didn’t book Christmas at Kew fast enough? The Connected by Light collection down at Canary Wharf won’t disappoint. They’ve postponed their annual Winter Lights festival, and in the meantime have installed a smaller number of pieces by some of the UK’s best light artists. All of which can be appreciated from a distance. Some pieces can be viewed in daylight, but it’s best to go once it’s dark to experience them at their best (but before 10pm when they turn off!). So wrap up warm, grab a takeaway hot chocolate, and bring some light to your 2020 Christmas.
London Zoo
Santa is coming to London Zoo this winter! London Zoo is remaining open for families to Experience the Magic of Christmas, as long as masks are worn and groups are no bigger than 6. There are over 18,000 animals at London Zoo and Santa needs some help with their presents. A fun and different day out for the kids, they’ll be able to collect information about all the animals as you walk through the zoo. The kids can send their trail cards off to Santa at the end in a special polar post box, to make sure the animals get exactly what they want for Christmas this year.
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Snow at Covent Garden
Dreaming of a White Christmas? Stop checking the weather forecast, and instead make your dreams come true by heading down to Covent Garden. Every hour, on the hour from 12pm-6pm, snow will be falling. Grab a mulled wine to take away for yourself, a hot chocolate for the kids, and enjoy some magic in Covent Garden this Christmas.
LEGO exhibition
That’s right, that’s not all there is to do in Covent Garden this year. Once you’ve experienced the snow, head over to LEGO’s A Really Cool World experience. Spot all the LEGO Santas, keep count and enter to win a LEGO prize for the family. Unfortunately tickets have sold out online, but if you get there early, you may be lucky enough to nab some of the free tickets from cancellations. If you’re unable to get tickets, you’ll still be able to see many of the lego builds outside the experience, around Covent Garden. Can’t get down to Covent Garden? No problem. Enjoy the experience at home through their 360 virtual experience instead.
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Ice skating at Queen's House
The winter holidays wouldn’t be the same without some ice skating. The stunning Queen’s House outdoor ice rink, in Greenwich, will be remaining open for everyone to enjoy. With unbeatable views of the Thames and Greenwich Royal Park until 24th January, it’s not one to miss. Just make sure to book your tickets in advance, grab a pair of gloves and your face covering, and get skating!
Southbank's AR art exhibition
Museums may be shut, but you can still enjoy some art this winter along London’s Southbank using Augmented Reality. Simply download the Acute Art app, Unreal City, and enjoy art across 24 locations between Waterloo Bridge and Millenium Bridge. It’s unlike anything you’ve seen before, and will be sure to make you and the kids go, ‘wow’.
The Natural History Museum, virtually
Looking for something a little more virtual to enjoy from the comfort and safety of your own home? The Natural History Museum has you covered. They have all sorts of exhibitions, information and things to do and try on their website for all ages – from displaying their stunning Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, to the Fantastic Beasts exhibition, and so much more.
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