It’s the festive season! 10 Christmas events for the whole family

From taking a trip with Santa to experiencing the magic of theatre on ice, here are 10 festive days to keep everyone amused over the holidays.

Up at The O2 Snow Globe Climb, London

Now – 4 January; from £44 per person

At 52 metres above ground level, the UK’s highest snow globe makes its return to the capital. Soak up London’s skyline and step inside to enjoy hot chocolate and falling snow. Teenagers will love the Insta appeal, while you will treasure the memories.

Santa Specials at Kent & East Sussex Railway, Kent

Now – 23 December; from £100 for two people

Head out for a 75-minute steam train ride into the countryside, grabbing a photo as well as receiving gifts for each child. There are Gold Packages too, which include unlimited festive fizz for adults. Sounds good to us.

Disney On Ice: Find Your Hero, Nationwide

Now – 4 January; from £20 per person

Sprinkle the season with Disney magic thanks to this Christmas favourite, returning to arenas across the UK. Join Elsa in her quest to save Arendelle, or swim with Ariel under the sea. Hands will clap and feet will stamp (happiness, not tantrums).

The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, Brighton

Now – 4 January; from £12

Elevate your family’s skating experience at this spectacular spot. A beautifully lit skater’s paradise, there is a main rink for budding Torvill and Deans — and a beginners’ rink for those less confident. We won’t judge if you hold on to the side.

Christmas at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, County Durham

Now – 4 January; £70 for a family of four

Opening its doors at Christmas for the first time in five decades, history buffs will drink in tales of the past, while little ones can burn off excitement in the deer park, Enchanted Forest Trail or take to Plotters’ Forest Adventure Playground.

Hogwarts in the Snow, Warner Bros. Studio Experience, Watford

Now – 18 January, from £45 (under 4s free)

Stroll through a snow-dusted Diagon Alley and Forbidden Forest, witness the famous Great Hall — decked out for the Yule Ball — and learn how film set decorators make real-looking snow that never melts. The Harry or Hermione in your family will be spellbound.

Christmas at The Paddington Bear Experience, London

Now – 5 January; from £24

Help the Brown family prepare for Marmalade Day with activities including trekking across the Peruvian jungle. The experience culminates with a snowy Windsor Garden Street Party, complete with marmalade sandwiches and a photo op with the bear himself.

Lanterns of the Wild at Twycross Zoo, Leicester

Now – 22 February; from £13.96

An immersive event, Twycross are hosting 2,000 hand-crafted lanterns across 10 illuminated habitats. From icy tundras to tropical rainforests, expect plenty of glowing zoo creatures along your path. SEN evenings are available, as are add-on Santa visits and zoo entrance.

Legoland at Christmas Windsor Resort, Windsor

Now – 3 January, from £34 per person (under 90cm free)

It’s a ‘Merry Brickmas’ start with this annual festival for builders big and small. Check out the 33-foot Duplo Christmas tree, then visit Christmas Kingdom. There are also building stations, shows, rides and fun by the box-load.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London

Now – 1 January: off-peak free, busier times from £5

Back with over 150 rides and attractions, visit the Santa Land grotto, Ice Kingdom or shop for Christmas gifts at Market Square before making a pit stop at the Bavarian Village when you need to refuel.