December has arrived; hold off no longer, Christmas celebrations can officially begin! If you're keen to indulge in some outdoor festive cheer - look no further. We've got 5 fantastic London activities for you and your family to enjoy.

 1) Santa at Battersea Park Children's Zoo Saturday December 3 2016 - Saturday December 24 10am-4.30pm Kick off the festive season with a visit to the brilliant Battersea Park Zoo. Spend some time with Santa and say hello to all of the amazing animals who live there. You can also join Santa in his Grotto to share your secret Christmas wish list! Cost is £6 + entry fee. Find out more here. 2) The Christmas Forest Now until 24^th December 2016 Open 8am Dulwich, Stoke Newington, Highbury, Lavender Hill and Finsbury Park. (Delivery available) Find the perfect Christmas tree with The Christmas Forest pop up stalls. Discover beautiful real trees all across London, bound to make any neighbour jealous! Chose from trees, holly, mistletoe and wreaths! What's more, every tree sold will result in another tree being planted in the drylands of Africa via the Charity Tree Aid. Cost is £15+. Read more here.  3) Santa and Husky Sleigh Rides Saturday December 3 2016 - Sunday December 4 2016 Midday – 3pm. Wetland Centre, Hammersmith Visit the Wetland Centre in London for free husky and donkey rides. Get up close and personal with these amazing animals before heading off to meet Father Christmas to receive a magical goodie bag, packed full of festive treats! (price is £6). His Elves will also be on the lookout for little ones to help craft some decorations. This wonderful Christmas workshop is suitable for children 8 and under. Explore more here.  4) Father Christmas at Brixton Windmill Saturday December 17 2016 2-5pm Santa certainty gets about in December! (Mind you he does have the rest of the year off) Take a trip down to Brixton Windmill and test out your carol singing, Christmas craft creation and taste some yummy mince pies, there’s even a drop of mulled wine for older explorers. £2 donation. Discover more here. 5) Find Christmas Gonks at the Southbank Centre 1st December - 15 January 2016 Can you find Southbanks Christmas Gonks? They will be hidden in and around the forest on the Southbank Centre, ready and waiting for your little ones to discover! This activity is free and is fun for all ages. Learn more about Gonks and where you can find them here.