This Christmas, London Wildlife Trust invites families to embark on a festive adventure with a wild twist at Walthamstow Wetlands, 5–23 December 2026.
Set against the backdrop of one of London’s most spectacular nature reserves, Winter at the Wetlands is a magical new Christmas family experience combining festive storytelling, wildlife discoveries and an unforgettable encounter with Santa.
At the heart of the adventure is Operation Redwing, where children join The Navigators (Norm and Nesbit) on a top-secret mission to help save Christmas.
Young visitors will enter a secret hide, discover nature’s superheroes and find out how animals migrate, navigate and survive against the odds. Then they will put their wildlife knowledge to the test and help design Santa’s ultimate Super Sleigh.
The adventure culminates in a special meeting with Santa himself, who will share his tale of a Christmas Eve nearly 100 years ago, when he got lost in a dark winter woodland and an unlikely team of wild creatures came to his rescue.
Created especially for Walthamstow Wetlands and brought to life by professional actors from Complete Works, this interactive experience promises Christmas magic, imaginative play and opportunities to discover the wonders of the natural world.
David Mooney, CEO at London Wildlife Trust, said, “Winter at the Wetlands is a rare blend of Christmas magic and wildlife discoveries, found nowhere else in London. We hope families will make memories they’ll still be thinking about next December. Every child takes home a gift, and every ticket directly supports our work caring for London’s wildlife and wild spaces, including Walthamstow Wetlands itself.”
Just 15 minutes from central London, Walthamstow Wetlands is a memorable setting for a festive family adventure. Home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including herons, kingfishers and hedgehogs, the reserve gives families the chance to connect with nature on their doorstep.
By bringing Christmas festivities into this special natural environment, London Wildlife Trust hopes to inspire a new generation of wildlife enthusiasts and show how enchanting nature can be.
