Magical things to do in London with a 4 year old

[Fashionista22]

Can anyone suggest some magical things to do in London with my daughter? We used to see Father Christmas at Royal Albert Hall but he wasn't there last year and wont be there this year. We went to Winter Wonderland instead and didn't like it at all, it felt too commerical. I want that classic, magical feeling, any ideas? Thanks!

What about Christmas at Kew?

Thats a great idea I didn't think of, thank you!

There are also the lights at Kenwood which DS always liked. I think the lyric theatre in Hammersmith is doing Raymond Brigg's Father Christmas again this year. We went last year with a 4 year old and a 3 year old and they were totally entranced. London zoo also does some fun Christmas stuff and you can meet Father Christmas there. DS went with his class last year and they loved it.

Carnaby street lights are usually fab.

The Transport Museum does a "lights and sights" tour in an old route master, going round the streets with nice lights. I've not done it but quite fancy it this year.

They also have a Santa, we went last year and it was fun but probably more fun of shed also enjoy the museum itself before seeing Santa. You couldn't book him, but queued when you go there, we had to wait about 20 min which I did while my husband took the kids into the play area.

Also many years ago went to a lovely Santa in Marylebone, think it might have been a Christmas market type thing on the high st. Had a quick Google and no info yet on when their lights go on and Christmas activities start but might be worth checking that later in autumn as an option?

We used to take DS skating on the ice rink at Somerset House at about that age — they had penguin balance things children could use to wobble around with, if they weren’t confident, and we had hot chocolate afterwards, and it felt very festive.

When my DS was just 5 (he's a DEcember baby ) we went to see The Snowman at Sadlers Wells .
He's 25 this year and still remembers it

Was coming here to say the same! If not that particular performance, there are often plays for young audiences, including the puppet theatre in Angel. I took my 4 year old to see the Snowman and also "The tiger who came to tea" at that age and he still talks about it :-)

We’ve booked the Snowman at Sadler’s Wells, although my daughter is 15, not 5 😂

I do have 2 younger children but they won’t be on the trip with us. I can imagine they’d love it though!

Thank you so much for your replies :)

The Lyric in Hammersmith do a very traditional panto which is always very lovely

We took my son to his first panto at four- he loved it- so much of the comedy is visual. There must be lots of choices around.

Hamley's was the biggest hit with my DD! She was given a budget (a small one!) and spent a wonderful few hours delighting in everything there while she made her choice. She is 40 now and remembers it still!

The snowman at the peacock (sadler’s wells) is lovely. My son enjoyed it aged 7 and 8. Depending on child 4 might be a teensy bit young.

Panto in a big theatre
Hamlys visit

Hamleys and Harrods.

Also, love walking around the Seven Dials area. Usually have pretty lights (prefer it to Oxford street and Regent street lights).

Father Christmas at Selfridges or Liberty, trip round Hamley’s (which is virtually next door to Liberty), rickshaw to drive you down regent street & Piccadilly to see the Christmas lights.