Christmas Activities For Wimbledon Kids

Looking for a festive Christmas activity for the family to enjoy? Blogger Wimbledon Mummy rounds up her top five Christmassy things to do in and around Wimbledon.

Does it feel to you like Christmas crept up more quickly than ever this year? It seems that no sooner had I put away the Halloween costumes and decorations and finished the Bonfire Night celebrations, when suddenly Christmas music and scents of cinnamon and spice began wafting through every department store and the local supermarkets appeared to sell nothing but gift wrap, mince pies and Baileys. You might have even sipped an eggnog latte or two before it was even halfway through November, but by the time you got around to booking one of the big Christmas family events like Christmas at Kew or the grottos at Harrods or Hamleys, they were already sold out. Sound familiar?

Not to worry, even if you haven’t booked anything at all yet, there is still plenty of festive fun to be had. I have put together my top five Christmas family events that still have availability and the best part is, there are all convenient from Wimbledon; no trekking into Central London kids in tow, bonus!

Chessington Garden Centre Santa’s Christmas Wonderland | Photo credit: Wimbledon Mummy

1. Chessington Garden Centre Santa’s Christmas Wonderland

Chessington Garden Centre has really set the bar high with their amazing grotto. The journey starts with making a Christmas wish bauble to hang on your tree, followed by a walk at your leisure through a magical grotto, ending in a visit to Santa and his elf and a trip to the toy shop to choose a gift! This was absolutely one of our favourite Christmas activities yet, I cannot recommend it more highly. The event runs until 24 December and at the time of writing there are still time slots available. Book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!
More Information: Visit www.chessingtongardencentre.co.uk/activity/details/act-wonder/santas-christmas-wonderland-2019

Christmas at Wisley | Photo credit: Wimbledon Mummy

2. Christmas Stories at Centre Court Shopping Centre

Centre Court have done a fantastic job setting up a book themed Christmas scene with a talking teddy bear in the middle of the shopping centre. Children can visit Santa and have their photo taken. Although it’s very low key in comparison to Chessington Garden Centre, my kids didn’t seem to mind at all and spent ages watching the talking teddy bear and chatting with Santa. On until 23 December, this is definitely one to go to, perhaps in addition to one of the bigger events.
More Information: Visit www.centrecourtshopping.co.uk

3. Little Christmas in a Big Top

From Saturday, 14 December until Sunday 5 January, there will be a roller disco, Santa’s Grotto, Christmas workshops and much more, all conveniently located in Wimbledon Park. Entry is free, but you must book in advance for paid for activities like the roller disco and Santa’s Grotto. As of now, there is still plenty of availability!
More Information: Visit www.littlechristmasinabigtop.co.uk

Glasshouse at Wisley | Photo credit: Wimbledon Mummy

4. Christmas at Wisley

The Glow event is now fully booked but Enchanted Botanical Christmas in the Glasshouse continues until 5 January. You don’t need to pre-book and members get in free. My kids love wandering through the frosty landscape of flower skeletons and hardy evergreens outside before going into the warmth of the glasshouse to see the dazzling Christmas lights.
More Information: Visit www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/whats-on/christmas-at-wisley

5. Christmas at Morden Hall Park

There is still availability on the Festive Carriage Rides around Morden Hall Park which can accommodate up to six people. Under twos are free and the carriage rides are accessible to wheelchair users. Booking is essential so book quickly before tickets are sold out!
More Information: Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-hall-park/whats-on

I hope you enjoy! A final word of advice… If you do want to go to Kew, Hamleys or Harrods next year, book it in July! Happy Holidays!