the home of science, arts and inspiration

Christmas in South Kensington

Bring your family and friends to South Kensington for a magical festive treat. From Christmas carols, seasonal movies and more at the Royal Albert Hall to wild rides, ice skating & ice slides at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, learn about Victoria's Childhood Christmas at Kensington Palace and fantastic exhibitions, films and events for all your festive fun.

Christmas Lates

18th Dec
6:30pm-10pm
Science Museum
Map
Visit Website

We’re decking the halls and getting in the Christmas spirit, so prepare to eat, drink, be merry and a whole lot more at the Science Museum’s first ever festive edition of Lates.

Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall

Royal Albert Hall
Map
Visit Website

Find out what's on at London's most iconic music venue this Christmas! A feast of entertainment with all the trimmings!

Image credit: © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

V&A trail: Christmas

V&A South Kensington
Map
Visit Website

Take the museums family trail to uncover Christmassy highlights in their collection.

Natural History Museum Christmas Gift Shop

Natural History Museum
Map
Visit Website

Go wild with the dinosaur decorations this year! Look out for the T. rex on skis, the Stegosaurus in a bobble hat and the Triceratops tree topper to top it all off. As for decorating yourself and the kids, there is also festive knitwear!

The Nutcracker

29th - 31st December
11:15am, 1:15pm, 3:15pm & 6:15pm
Royal Albert Hall
Map
Visit Website

It’s not Christmas without The Nutcracker! And in 2024 the Hall are overjoyed to announce the return of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s festive favourite to the Royal Albert Hall.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (U) + Talk

18th Dec
7:30pm-9:15pm
Science Museum
Map
Visit Website

Join the Museum for a screening of the festive classic and find out whether the laws of physics could permit Scrooge to visit his Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.

New Year's Eve at the Natural History Museum

31st Dec
20.00–01.30
Natural History Museum
Map
Visit Website

Following last years’ sell-out event, the Museum's New Year’s Eve party is back, so come and make natural history as we celebrate the arrival of 2025.

Christmas Quiz

17th Dec
7.30pm-10.00pm
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
Map
Visit Website

Unleash your inner cartographer and embark on a journey of trivia that spans the continents. Teams of up to six are welcomed. Bring along your friends, family, or join forces with fellow quiz enthusiasts when you arrive.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

21st Nov 2024 - 5th Jan 2025
10am - 10pm
Hyde Park
Map
Visit Website

Located in London’s iconic Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is the world’s ultimate destination for festive fun. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers a variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food, drinks, and so much more...

Winter Edition Secondhand German Book Fair

14th Dec
1pm - 5pm
Goethe-Institut
Map
Visit Website

Discover ex-library treasures and German literature at this winder edition of the fair featuring a variety of treasures in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Feel free to browse and bring your own books to sell, swap or give away!

Christmas at the Natural History Museum

20th Dec
18.30-21.30
Natural History Museum
Map
Visit Website

Explore the galleries away from the daytime crowds, chat with scientists and take part in a range of yuletide activities. From festive fossils and wintery whales to creating nature-themed Christmas cards.

Image credit: Anna Lomax

Christmas Tree Installation 2024

25th Nov - 5 Jan
10am - 5.30pm
V&A South Kensington
Map
Visit Website

All Lit Up! by artist and designer Anna Lomax is a celebratory site-specific work for this year’s Christmas tree installation. Taking the columns in the V&A’s Dome as inspiration, the design manipulates the solid structure of the column into the form of a tree, embodying the playful, celebratory spirit of the Christmas period.

Sandi Claus is Coming to Town

18 Dec 2024
7:30pm
Royal Albert Hall
Map
Visit Website

Don your festive glad rags and join national treasure Sandi Toksvig for an evening of singing, silliness and maybe even snow.

Rick Astley's Swinging Christmas

17th Dec
7:30pm
Royal Albert Hall
Map
Visit Website

Multi-million selling global star Rick Astley returns to the Royal Albert Hall this December for a special big band concert, performing swing and festive classics.

Victoria's Childhood Christmas

4th Dec-5th Jan 2025
10am-6pm
Kensington Palace
Map
Visit Website

Step into the home of Princess Victoria and experience the magical atmosphere of a Regency Christmas, brought back to life at Kensington Palace.

Design Museum Shop Christmas Gift Guide

Design Museum
Map
Visit Website

Channel your inner interior designer and transform your space into a winter wonderland with classic and contemporary decorations from all the wonderful designs that are on offer at the Design Museum Shop this Christmas!

Family Fun: Phantasmagorical Christmas Cards

14th Dec
11am-12.30pm & 2.30pm-4pm
Leighton House and Sambourne House Museum
Map
Visit Website

Did you know that the first Christmas card in England was sent in 1843? Create your own unique collaged and decorated Christmas cards, inspired by the weird and wonderful designs of this very Victorian tradition.

Storytelling with Father Christmas

1st- 15th Dec
Various times
Natural History Museum
Map
Visit Website

Father Christmas is coming to the Museum this December! Come along for a unique storytelling experience.

Versailles: Science and Splendour

12th Dec- 21st April 2025
10am-6pm
Science Museum
Map
Visit Website

Discover how the Palace of Versailles used science as a tool of power in this illuminating new exhibition.

Image credit: Surrounded, 1996 © Tim Burton

The World of Tim Burton

25th Oct- 21st April 2025
10am - 6:00pm
Design Museum
Map
Visit Website

Delve into the fantastical world of Tim Burton in this major exhibition exploring his remarkable creations and key collaborations with designers.

Family Trails at the Science Museum

Science Museum
Map
Visit Website

Go on a journey of discovery and exploration around the Science Museum.

Astronights

Dates and times vary
Science Museum
Map
Visit Website

If your child has ever wanted to explore the museum after dark, or if the idea of spending the night in one an iconic galleries fills them with excitement, then they’ll love Astronights, a sleepover at the Museum!

V&A trail: Explore as a family

Daily: 10am-5:45pm - Friday: 10am–10pm
V&A South Kensington
Map
Visit Website

Are you ready to go on an adventure? This trail takes you on a journey through V&A galleries, exploring some of the incredible cultures and traditions you can see. You will discover objects that are hundreds of years old, uncover secret meanings behind animals and colour in art, and learn about some of the wonders of the museum, from an emperor's throne to dragons, from plaster casts to wigs!

Wonderlab

Daily
10am - 5.30pm
Science Museum
Map
Visit Website

At this interactive gallery, discover the beauty of the science and math that shape our everyday lives. This unmissable experience will ignite your curiosity, fuel your imagination, and inspire you to see the world in new and exciting ways.