LittleBird loves…..our guide to the festive period for you and your family!

How is it almost Christmas already?! If you’re looking for festive fun for the whole family, LittleBird has you covered! From dazzling West End shows and pantos (oh yes, really!), to ice-skating, festive movies, epic new adventures, what to watch on the cinema and the TV and even FREE events, our ultimate guide is packed with magical ideas for all ages.

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Theatre Offers

Why not treat the family to a trip to the theatre or offer tickets as a gift to a loved one or friend? We have some fantastic offers for top West End theatre, Off West End theatre and award-winning plays for the whole family to enjoy.

⭐ Get your tickets to Top West End Shows including:

The Lion King | Les Misérables | Paddington The Musical | Hamilton | Disney’s Hercules | Six | Starlight Express | MJ The Musical | Stranger Things | My Neighbour Totoro | The Play That Goes Wrong | Wicked |Hadestown | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | Matilda | Back to the Future | Mamma Mia | The Mousetrap | JUST FOR ONE DAY – The Live Aid Musical | Oliver! | Phantom of the Opera | The Devil Wears Prada | The Nutcracker | Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas and so many more!

To see all Top West End Musicals, Shows, Plays and Seasonal productions and buy tickets, click here

Plus, with so many top shows on UK Tour at the moment, don’t miss out! Book your tickets for the shows below and secure your spot for an unforgettable experience.

⭐ Cinderella | Rose Theatre, Kingston, London | 26 Nov to 4 Jan

A new adventure bursting with music, laughter, and festive wonder – you’ll have a ball! When 16-year-old Ella is stuck spending Christmas at her dad’s house with a new stepmum and noisy twin stepsisters, she wishes she could be anywhere else. Suddenly whisked into a magical world of castles, balls, and princes, it seems her wish has come true — or has it? Book here

⭐ The Nutcracker | London Coliseum | 11 Dec – 11 Jan

The magical Christmas tradition for all the family! This festive season, step into a world where anything is possible. It’s Christmas Eve in Edwardian London. A visit to Drosselmeyer’s Sweets & Delights Emporium introduces Clara to an enchanted Nutcracker doll, setting in motion a magical journey. From a glittering Christmas party to a battle with the Rat King, Clara is swept away to a dazzling ice realm and the Land of Sweets & Delights, where the Sugar Plum Fairy hosts a grand celebration in her honour. Join Clara on a fantastical adventure as English National Ballet’s Nutcracker bursts to life with over 100 dancers and musicians. Book here.

⭐ Paddington The Musical | Savoy Theatre

Hold on to your hats! PADDINGTON The Musical is now in previews in London’s West End, following a lost bear from Peru who finds a new home with the Brown family. Packed with show-stopping songs, dazzling choreography, mischief, and of course, marmalade sandwiches, it’s a heartwarming adventure for the whole family. Tickets available from £30 here.

⭐ How Does Santa Go Down The Chimney? | Unicorn Theatre | 9 Dec to 3 Jan

Ever wondered how Santa goes down the chimney? Feet first? Head first? On a zip wire? What if he gets stuck? What if there’s a fire at the bottom? What if there’s no chimney at all? Can Santa post himself in a parcel? Come in disguise as the Christmas turkey? Or step out of a festive movie on TV?Join the Unicorn Theatre for a thrilling fusion of physical comedy, live music and anarchic fun! Tickets here

⭐ The Nutcracker | St.Martin’s Theatre | Until 4 Jan

This Christmas, Olivier Award-winning Little Bulb presents a magical, musical reimagining of The Nutcracker, where two siblings journey into the Mousey Realm to stop the evil Mouse King. Packed with clever cardboard creations, comic characters, cheeky musical mice, and festive tunes, it’s a fun, laugh-out-loud adventure for the whole family. Book here.

⭐ Tales from Acorn Wood Live | Touring UK until 5 Aug 2026

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience. Poor old Fox has lost his socks! Are they in the kitchen or inside the clock? And Rat-a-tat-tat! Who’s that keeping tired Rabbit awake? You can also join in with Pig and Hen’s game of hide-and-seek and discover the special surprise Postman Bear is planning for his friends. Packed full of toe-tapping songs, puppetry, and all the friends from Acorn Wood, this promises to be the perfect treat for children of all ages. Touring the UK until 5th August, book tickets here.

⭐ Jack and The Beanstalk | Watford Palace | Until 4 Jan

Fee-Fi-Fo-FUN this Christmas! Full of songs you know and love, a growbag packed with plant-based humour and the best cow this side of the gap, it’s panto time again at Watford Palace Theatre. Featuring the voice of Stephen Fry as the blustering Giant, the magical and clumsy Fairy ‘Nuff, misguided Goosey, baddun Dame Judy Henchman, the well-clever badger Smart Simone and back by popular demand, Watford’s favourite Dame Terence Frisch, this promises to be a Gardener’s World of wonder and amazement. Book here

⭐ The Magic Flute | The Place | 17 – 24 Dec

Luca Silvestrini’s new dance-theatre adaptation of Mozart’s opera, The Magic Flute, from award-winning company Protein Dance is on at The Place this December. Join the fun-loving bird-catcher Papageno and the lost Prince Tamino as they set out to rescue Princess Pamina, uncovering the truth about the mysterious Queen of the Night and the powerful leader Sarastro. Tickets from £12, ages 5+, book here

⭐ Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures – The Red Shoes

A timeless fairytale and Academy Award-winning movie, The Red Shoes has captivated audiences and inspired generations of dancers with its powerful tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in the world. Victoria Page lives to dance but her ambitions become a fierce struggle between the two men who inspire her passion. Ages 7+, tickets from £15, book here.

⭐ The Little Mermaid | Watermill Theatre | Until 4 Jan

Far beyond the Cornish coast lies the underwater kingdom of the Seafolk. Merryn, daughter of the Sea King, awaits her birthday—the day she may finally glimpse the world above. Drawn to a fishing boat and enchanted by its lights and song, she meets Cadan, a young fisherman she rescues during a sudden storm. But when she returns home, chaos reigns and her younger brother is missing. To save her family, Merryn must accept a dangerous bargain that could cost her everything. Based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen, tickets from £15, book here

⭐ A Squash and a Squeeze by Julia Donaldson – Leicester Square Theatre | 11-23 Dec

A musical adaptation of the best-selling book A Squash and a Squeeze based on the original book – written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Once upon a time, a little old lady lived all by herself in her cosy cottage, but she wasn’t happy – her house felt just too small. Whatever could she do? Will the wise old man’s solution of bringing in a flappy, scratchy, greedy, noisy crowd of farmyard animals work? Book here

⭐ The Snowman – Peacock Theatre – Sadler’s Wells

Now lighting up the Peacock Theatre, The Snowman tells the enchanting story of a boy whose snowman comes to life for one magical night. Featuring colourful sets and extravagant costumes, exuberant dancing and Howard Blake’s classic score ‘Walking in the air’, don’t miss the perfect festive outing for all ages. Book here.

⭐ Dear Santa | On a UK Tour this December!

Dear Santa is the perfect holiday treat for children of all ages. Packed with Christmas songs and plenty of audience participation, it even includes the chance to meet Santa himself and EVERY child receives a special Christmas gift! Touring the UK in December, Dear Santa is an ideal introduction to theatre for children aged one and up, book tickets and see your dates here.

⭐ Potted Panto – Wilton’s Music Hall | Until 3 Jan | Save 20% on Tickets with our code

Potted Panto brings you seven classic pantomimes in 80 hilarious minutes! In a madcap ride through the biggest stories and best-loved characters from the wonderful world of pantomime, their dastardly double act dash from rubbing Aladdin’s lamp to roaming the golden streets of Dick Whittington’s London and making sure that Cinderella gets to the Ball. It’s all unmissable fun, whether you’re six or 106. Book by 30 Dec here and save 20%! Book using promo code LBPanto25.
*Terms and Conditions apply, see full terms here.

⭐ Mama Goose | Stratford East Theatre | 21 Nov – 3 Jan

Join local lass Mama Goose and her magical-egg-laying goose in Stratford this festive season! Will Mama Goose be able to resist the temptations of fame and fortune, or will she learn that the best things in life are free? Stratford East are known for tearing up the Pantomime rulebook, and this year is no different as they present MAMA GOOSE, an East London twist on a classic story! Book here.

⭐ Scrunch | Unicorn Theatre | 30 Nov to 4 Jan

Snuggle up and share in your baby’s joy as the excitement for Christmas builds – because let’s be honest, the best part isn’t the presents… it’s the crumpling, rumpling and scrunching of all that glorious wrapping paper! From the makers of the Unicorn’s highly successful, long-running Baby Show, this multi-sensory show returns to delight babies and parents alike and at the end of the show there will be a chance to play and dance together in the space. Book here.

⭐ Bluey’s Big Play | Southbank Centre | 18 Dec – 11 Jan

See Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli in a live show full of music, laughter and brilliantly crafted puppets. When Dad tries to sneak in an afternoon rest, Bluey and Bingo pull out every trick to get him off the beanbag. With an original story by creator Joe Brumm and new music by composer Joff Bush, this is Bluey brought to life. Book here.

⭐ The Gruffalo’s Child | Lyric Theatre, London | Until 11 Jan

Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. She follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures – but the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he? Tickets from £12, book here.

⭐ The Firework-Maker’s Daughter | Polka Theatre | Until 18 Jan

Lila dreams of becoming a Master Firework-Maker like her father, but first she must embark on an epic journey to uncover the secret to mastery. When her father’s life depends on the ultimate firework display, can Lila’s skills save the day and light up the skies? For ages 6+, book here

⭐ Father Christmas Needs a Wee! | Arts Theatre | Until 24 Dec

Father Christmas is on his rounds… and he needs a WEE! At every house Father Christmas eats and drinks the tasty treats that have been left for him. But when he reaches number ten he realises that he’s forgotten to do something rather important and he really, really, really needs a WEE! Ages 6+, book here.

⭐ Pinocchio | Shakespeare’s Globe | On until 4 Jan

Step into a world of festive magic as Pinocchio comes to life in a brand-new family musical at the Globe Theatre. When restless Gepetto carves a wooden puppet to escape the limits of his small town, the two set off on unforgettable adventures with a cast of quirky characters. Along the way, they learn about love, belonging, and creating a community of their own. Book here.

Twelfth Night | The Barbican Centre | Until 17 Jan

The Royal Shakespeare Company celebrates the festive season at the Barbican with Twelfth Night, following a sold-out Stratford run. Directed by Prasanna Puwanarajah and featuring Samuel West, Freema Agyeman, and Michael Grady-Hall, this acclaimed production blends love, chaos, and farce with original music by Matt Maltese. Book here,

⭐ The Snow Queen: A Woodland Adventure | The Albany | Until 24 Dec

A magical festive adventure for little ones – with songs, snow, and a heart full of kindness. It’s Christmas Eve in Bluebell Wood, and Gerda the little mouse is hosting a sleepover with her friend Kai—until a chill sweeps the forest and Kai disappears. The Snow Queen has cast a spell, and Gerda must embark on a daring adventure to save him—and Bluebell Wood. Courage, kindness, and your help will be needed! Book here.

⭐ The Tiger Who Came to Tea – artsdepot | Until 4 Jan

Direct from the West End, the Olivier-nominated hit The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns to artsdepot. When Sophie and her mummy sit down to tea, a big, stripy tiger appears at the door! Join the chaotic, tea-loving tiger in this magical family show full of songs, fun, and surprises. Book here.

⭐ Operation Ouch: Quest for the Jurassic Fart! | Southbank Centre | 22 Dec – 2 Jan

Dr Chris and Dr Xand are back in the UK with a roarsome show packed with all-new crazy experiments. Travel back to the age of the dinosaurs as the doctors make you laugh-a-saurus and gross you out all at the same time through the fascinating world of science. Book here.

⭐ The Night Before Christmas – artsdepot | Until 31 Dec

This new production features original music, skilful puppetry and a generous sprinkling of festive magic.   Amber is six and loves reindeers! It’s Christmas Eve but Grandad is being extremely grumpy, and Amber’s favourite snow-globe gets broken. Then her world is turned topsy turvy by a surprise visitor and Amber begins an adventure she will never forget. Amber on a festive journey like no other – after all, on the night before Christmas, surprises can happen!

Festive Days Out and Events

⭐ Hobbledown | **Santa’s Secret Village | 29 Nov – 24 Dec | Save 10%* on Tickets for Hobbledown Heath!**

Hobbledown Heath (Hounslow) and Hobbledown Epsom are transforming into magical festive destinations this Christmas! Families can explore Santa’s Secret Village with sparkling lights, cheeky elves, and joyful surprises. Choose from the fully immersive Santa’s Grotto or the Toddler Santa Experience for under-fives, then continue the fun with adventure villages, animal encounters, indoor play barns, and festive photo spots. Tickets are available online, and Little Bird readers can save 10% at Hobbledown Heath Hounslow with code LBXmas10.* Book here.

*Terms and conditions apply.

⭐ The Paddington Bear Experience | Save 25%

The Paddington Bear™ Experience invites families to follow in the pawprints of the much-loved bear. Spread across 26,000 square feet, the walk-through attraction recreates key places from his stories, bringing to life Windsor Gardens, Paddington Station, and the Browns’ home through interactive settings and live character moments. Valid for visits from 4th January 2026 to 1st April 2026. Offer ends soon, book here.

⭐ London Transport Museum | All Aboard for Christmas | Kids go FREE!

Enjoy festive fun and transport history at London Transport Museum! Meet Santa in a magical Covent Garden grotto and climb aboard his Routemaster-inspired sleigh, with elves on hand for perfect family photos. Costumed characters from London’s past share seasonal stories as you follow a festive trail exploring 200 years of Christmas travel. Afterwards, warm up in the café with sweet treats, savoury bites, and cosy drinks. Adult tickets include free return daytime entry for a year, and children go free! Find out more here.

⭐ London Christmas Bus Lights Tour | Save over 40% | Get Family Tickets from £45

All aboard London’s Sparkliest Christmas Adventure! Enjoy a 75-minute open-top Christmas Lights Bus Tour, snuggle up, snap photos, and hear festive tales from a live guide as you cruise past twinkling Oxford Street, glowing Regent Street, and the sparkling Trafalgar Square tree. With child, adult, and family tickets available, it’s magical Christmas fun for the whole family! Book here and save 40%.

⭐ Ice Skating at Hampton Court Palace | 21 Nov – 4 Jan

Get ready for a magical day at Hampton Court Palace! Glide and dance on this stunning ice rink, surrounded by history and festive fairy lights. Enjoy an intimate skating experience with fewer skaters. Their double-layered ice and updated lace-up skates ensure smooth, comfy sessions. Book here.

⭐ Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is back from 14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026, bringing six weeks of festive magic. Enjoy thrilling rides, icy attractions, carnival games, enchanting shows, and a feast of festive food and drink — there’s something for everyone! Book here.

⭐ London Zoo | The Magic of Christmas | until 4 Jan

The Magic of Christmas returns to London Zoo from 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, with festive fun, cheeky elves, and seasonal surprises for the whole family. Enjoy elf trails, prize draws, crafts, pop-up Santa sightings, festive animal talks, magical letter-posting, tiny elf doors to discover, and plenty of cosy winter treats along the way. Book here.

⭐ The Twelfth Night of Christmas | Chiswick House and Gardens | Until 4 Jan

Chiswick House will open its doors at Christmas for the first time, transforming its historic rooms into an imagined Georgian world of yuletide opulence inspired by the 1780 carol Twelve Days of Christmas. Visitors will wander through lavish themed rooms filled with dramatic installations, costumes, and festive tableaux, culminating in a visual banquet in the lower tribune. Younger guests can also visit Father Christmas in his charming 18th-century grotto for a story and a gift. Find out more and book here.

⭐ Christmas at Kew | Until 4 Jan

Experience the wonder of Christmas at Kew 2025, where a magical botanical world of light, music, and dazzling new installations transforms the gardens into London’s most enchanting festive trail. With shimmering tunnels, larger-than-life illuminations, and even a special visit from Father Christmas, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with family or friends. Book here.

⭐ Hyde Park Winter Wonderland | Until 1 Jan

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is back—and it’s the ultimate festive day out for families where the gates swing open to a world packed with thrilling rides, sparkling ice adventures, carnival games, and unforgettable live shows. With delicious seasonal treats and cosy drinks at every turn, it’s the perfect place for families to laugh, play, and make Christmas memories together. Find out more and book here.

⭐ Victorian Santa’s Grotto | London Museum of Docklands | Until 23 Dec

Snow has fallen, the decorations are up, and carols fill the air — it can only mean one thing. Wander through the festively decorated Sailortown gallery to meet Santa in his Dickensian-style grotto, where every child receives a Victorian-inspired, age-appropriate gift made from classic materials with minimal plastic. Find out more here.

⭐ Our Story with David Attenborough | Natural History Museum

Immerse yourself in an epic 360° journey through the story of people and planet, presented by Sir David Attenborough. Watch life on Earth unfold around you—from the origins of our planet to playful gorillas, roaming whales, and the rise of humanity as we begin to shape the world. On until August 2026, tickets from £11.25. Find out more and book here.

FREE things to do in London

⭐ Family Christmas Lights Walking Tour

Experience a magical family-friendly festive adventure in London, wandering streets aglow with sparkling lights, dazzling decorations, and iconic landmarks like Covent Garden and Regent Street. Enjoy gentle-paced fun with festive snacks, photo opportunities, and little surprises, creating unforgettable holiday memories for the whole family. Find out more.

⭐ Snoopy Sculpture Trail London’s Fleet Street Quarter | Until 16 Jan

This winter, London’s Fleet Street Quarter welcomes Snoopy! Until 16 January 2026, discover twelve artist-transformed Snoopy sculptures celebrating 75 years of the Peanuts™ comic strip, hidden across the streets in a playful sculpture trail. Find out more here. Photo Credit: Fleet Street Quarter

⭐ The Ice Palace | Outernet

This winter, the Now Building near Tottenham Court Road is transformed into a free “symphony of wonder”, featuring dazzling festive visuals and music from the Nutcracker, a giant gingerbread house, and Santa’s workshop. It’s the perfect magical pit stop while shopping or dining nearby. Find out more here.

Immersive Experiences

Looking for a magical gift this Christmas or an experience for the family? Treat them to an unforgettable escape from reality with one of London’s immersive experiences — a perfect way to step into a parallel world full of wonder, mystery, and adventure. Will they choose fiction or reality? Discover our top picks and book your tickets today! Choose from:

⭐ Moco Museum

⭐ Race Across The World Experience

⭐Paradox Museum

⭐Banksy : Limitless

⭐ Squid Game : The Experience

⭐ Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience beyond your imagination!

⭐ Minecraft Experience

⭐ Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds!

⭐ Seven Wonders of the World: An Immersive Experience

⭐ Monopoly London Tea Tour

⭐ The Last Days of Pompeii : The Immersive Experience

⭐ Colosseum: The Legendary Arena an immersive exhibition in VR

⭐ The Legend of the Titanic

Our must have for 2026…

A firm favourite with the LittleBird family, our kids have grown up loving The Week Junior, and now we have an exciting offer to share with you!

⭐ The Week Junior | Save 65% and get a free £20 book | The perfect Christmas gift

Give the gift of connection this Christmas with The Week Junior! Spark curiosity, boost confidence, and fuel family conversation with a weekly magazine delivered to their door. Subscribe now for 65% off and get a FREE Big Book of Even More Knowledge worth £20! Subscribe here.

New Cinema Releases and Things to watch

⭐ Man vs. Baby | Netflix

⭐ The Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw – Disney Plus

⭐ The Scarecrow’s Wedding | BBC One | Christmas Day

⭐ Zootropolis 2 | In cinemas now!

We’re often asked for our top recommendations for gifts and treats for children of all ages – so this year, we’ve created a little Amazon storefront packed with our festive favourites! From educational resources and book picks to LEGO sets and more, we’ve hunted down incredible offers to make your holiday shopping easier.

⭐ Percy Jackson and the Olympians | Disney + | New Season | 10 Dec

⭐ Avatar: Fire and Ash | Release date 19 Dec

⭐ Anaconda | Release date 26 Dec

⭐ Plus we can’t wait until the release of The Magic Faraway Tree in March 2026 – it looks wonderful!

If there’s a must-have toy, a favourite book, or something your children have loved, we’d love to hear about it! Share your recommendations and we might feature them for other families too. Perfect for those last-minute bits and bobs – check it out and make gift-giving a breeze.

Last minute Gifts & Inspiration…

⭐ See our Amazon storefront here and happy festive shopping!

If you’re stuck for last-minute gift ideas, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! Our Amazon storefront is packed with a handpicked selection of Christmas gifts for tots, teens, and everyone in between.

From fun and quirky gifts to book and thoughtful presents that will really delight, there’s something for every age and interest. Perfect for those last-minute moments when you want to get something special without the stress, our curated list makes finding the ideal gift quick, easy, and joyful this festive season.

Thanks for exploring our festive guide! If our Top Picks FREE Guide has helped, spread the joy and share it with friends and family. And don’t forget to sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter for even more festive magic, family ideas, and savings heading into the New Year.

Stay in the loop with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Threads, where you’ll find all the latest offers, fresh ideas, and LittleBird news straight from our nest.

Have wish lists, ideas, or something you’d love us to feature or discount? We’d love to hear from you – drop us a message anytime at customerservices@littlebird.co.uk or comment below.

From our nest to yours, we wish you a very happy holiday filled with joy, magic, and special family moments!

With love,
The LittleBird Team ❤️ xo

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning LittleBird may receive a commission if you make a purchase through any links, at no extra cost to you.

All prices, dates, events, venues, and other details are correct at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.