What to do in London with children at Christmas
During the Christmas holiday season, London becomes a twinkly wonderland that will enchant visitors of every age. There are a variety of activities and sights for families with kids that will truly encapsulate the magic of Christmas and bring you together as a family. This guide will provide you with some ideas for what to do in London with children at Christmas. So, wrap up warmly and get ready to go on a joyful journey through one of the best cities in the world!
See the Christmas lights
During the Christmas season, London becomes a sparkling wonderland as night falls. Go for a magical evening walk with your children through the streets of London to admire the sparkling Christmas light decorations.
Make sure to see the famous angel-themed lights on Regent Street and the annual themed designs on Carnaby Street.
To find out more about where you can view Christmas lights in London, see our post on the best streets in London for Christmas lights.
For those short on time who are looking to see London’s best Christmas lights, we’ve put together a self-guided walking tour of London’s Christmas lights. This self-guided walking tour will take you past the best department store windows, the best street lights and the most magical arcades.
If you prefer not to get cold walking outside, you could opt to take London bus route 139, which will lead you through several streets illuminated with impressive lights. Begin your journey at Lancaster Place by Somerset House and finish at Selfridges to cover the key streets.
Remember, if you are visiting in November/early December, make sure to check out our post that tells you all of the London Christmas lights and markets dates.
Go ice skating at an outdoor rink
Skating on an outdoor ice rink is the most quintessentially London activity at Christmas time. London has a variety of beautiful skating rinks with amazing scenery as backgrounds, including Skate at Somerset House, where the courtyard forms a beautiful backdrop to the rink, and Glide at Battersea Power Station, where you can skate with the iconic power station in the background.
If your child hasn’t yet learnt to skate or is still a bit like Bambi on ice, check whether the ice rink offers penguin skate helpers.
Don’t forget to book tickets early. Skating sessions at popular times tend to get booked up fast.
Look out for (or take part in) a Santa run or ride
Witnessing numerous Santas running through London’s streets (or perhaps, dashing through the snow?), is a fun and different experience for families in the Christmas season. Santa runs and rides provide an entertaining show or perhaps an opportunity to join in some festive physical activity.
The London Santa Run is an annual event that takes place in East London’s Victoria Park. Participants run either one or two laps of a 5km route while dressed up as Santa. The London Santa Bike Ride is an event for those who prefer two wheels to running. Cyclists dress up as Santa (or perhaps his elves) and ride through central London on their bikes, ringing bells and spreading Christmas cheer for all to hear.
Watching a whole horde of Santas run or ride by can be just as enjoyable as taking part. Cheer for the Santas and soak in the holiday spirit. These runs and rides often support various charities, adding a meaningful dimension.
Whether you choose to participate or spectate, encountering a crowd of running Santas is sure to be a memorable and laughter-filled part of your London Christmas experience.
Christmas afternoon tea
A classic British afternoon tea at a fancy London hotel with silver service is perhaps one of the most iconic things that visitors to London can experience. Booking to enjoy afternoon tea is a wonderful way to indulge in a British tradition. During late November and December, you can do so whilst embracing some of the magic of Christmas as many of London’s finest hotels and restaurants offer special Christmas-themed teas.
Afternoon Tea at the Ritz is always going to be a grand affair, no matter the time of year. But at Christmas, it’s extra-special. At their Christmas afternoon tea, you sit amidst beautiful decorations while savouring sandwiches and Christmas themed pastries. As a present, children will get a Ritz teddy bear to take away with them. Alternatively, tuck in to a festive-themed Afternoon Tea in The Foyer & Reading Room at Claridge’s, making sure that you check out their beautiful, annually-changing, Christmas tree. For another classic afternoon tea with a festive twist, try the Savoy’s afternoon tea, which for 2024 will be in their newly renovated Thames Foyer.
The festive atmosphere, combined with a British experience, creates a memorable experience that feels both indulgent and quintessentially London.
See the Christmas window displays
Exploring London’s Christmas window displays is a festive activity that everyone can participate in. The city’s department stores transform their windows into festive storytelling scenes.
Harrods has elaborately themed windows, often featuring moving parts and interactive elements that will mesmerise young onlookers. Selfridges typically opts for avant-garde displays that blend fashion with fantasy, while Fortnum & Mason charms with whimsical, Christmas scenes that involve their iconic food products. Liberty London’s Tudor-revival building provides a fairy-tale backdrop for its creative displays. John Lewis on Oxford Street takes inspiration from its iconic Christmas advert.
For all of the Christmas feels, visit after sunset when the displays are all lit up. Don’t forget to peek into the windows of smaller boutiques and independent shops along the way, as they often have displays that are just as creative as their larger counterparts.
Visit Santa in a grotto
Visiting Santa’s grotto in London is a special Christmas tradition for kids, with plenty of choices in the city to meet the jolly man in red.
No matter where they are located, most grottos provide a brief individual encounter with Santa, a chance for photos, and sometimes a small present. The happiness seen on children’s faces as they quietly tell Santa their Christmas wishes is invaluable, creating a treasured family moment. Make sure to make your reservation in advance, as sought-after grottos can get fully booked several months ahead.
Attend a carol concert
During December Christmas carol concerts take place across the city in churches, cathedrals, and concert halls. The Royal Albert Hall is a stunning setting for a carol concert. For something more intimate, try St. Martin-in-the-Fields, a church just off Trafalgar Square. St. Martin-in-the-Fields runs a full programme of Christmas concerts, which feature family carols concerts and carols by candlelight.
Numerous concerts cater to families, with some specifically tailored for kids, including shorter performances and appearances by Santa Claus. Concerts offer children a chance to experience lovely music and also offer a moment of calm.
Explore Kew Gardens’ Christmas light trail
Christmas at Kew provides a truly magical experience for families. This winter experience turns the already beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens into a stunning lit-up wonderland.
When night approaches, you and your kids can start a mystical journey in the dark on a path that meanders through the gardens. Light displays illuminate the scenery, featuring bright sculptures, interactive exhibits, and sparkling lights decorating trees and structures. At the end of the trail, the Palm House transforms into a magnificent display of lights.
Christmas at Kew combines nature, art, music and a liberal sprinkling of holiday magic that is guaranteed to create unforgettable memories for families with kids of all ages.
Make sure that you book tickets well in advance, this annual event is very popular and often sells out quickly.
See a ballet
Watching a ballet during the Christmas period is a enchanting experience that can introduce children to the magic of dance and classical music.
The ballets performed vary by year, but you will generally find Christmas productions held at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, Sadler’s Wells in Angel and the London Coliseum just off Trafalgar Square.
Seeing a ballet can be a transformative experience, potentially sparking a lifelong love of the performing arts. Remember to check age recommendations and book well in advance, as Christmas ballet performances are extremely popular and often sell out quickly.
Watch a Christmas film at the Prince Charles Cinema
For a cheaper, but still very festive, alternative to a pantomime or ballet, consider a visit to the Prince Charles Cinema. Situated just off Leicester Square, the Prince Charles Cinema is an independent cinema that is a hidden London treasure and a well-loved spot by locals.
Playing a carefully selected schedule of classic and arthouse films throughout the year, during Christmas, their schedule fills up with family-friendly Christmas films. Whether your taste is Die Hard, Love Actually or Elf, you’re sure to find your favourite here.
The Prince Charles Cinema are also known for their sing-along film events and this extends to Christmas. During Christmas, The Prince Charles Cinema screens iconic Christmas films like The Muppet Christmas Carol, allowing the chance to belt along to festive songs like ‘It feels like Christmas’ together with a cinema full of people.
Watching a Christmas film is a fun and family-friendly experience that will please both kids and adults. It could possibly even turn into a yearly tradition. Make sure to secure your seats by booking ahead of time.
Go shopping for Christmas ornaments
Christmas ornaments and decorations make wonderful souvenirs. Hunting for unique Christmas ornaments in London can be a delightful pursuit for families, combining sightseeing with the thrill of discovering special decorations.
Shops like Harrods, Liberty London and Selfridges all have Christmas shops that feature a wide variety of unique Christmas ornaments. These are all idea Christmas destinations in and of themselves and perfect for getting you in the Christmas spirit.
London’s museums and attractions also have gift shops that will often sell unique ornaments that will remind you of your trip and the places you have visited.
Attend a panto
A pantomime is an essential part of a British Christmas, and London is home to some of the top pantos in the country. This distinctively British theatrical custom combines folklore, physical comedy, songs, and engagement from the audience, making it ideal for family-friendly enjoyment. Kids will be excited to jeer at the bad guys, applaud the good guys, and yell ‘He’s right there!’ loudly.
Going to a pantomime is not just about viewing a performance; it’s a interactive, hilarious experience that captures the happiness and enchantment of the British holiday season.
Enjoy Christmas markets
Exploring London’s Christmas markets is a delightful way to immerse the whole family in festive cheer.
Although London doesn’t offer Christmas markets in the same way that many European countries do, you can often find small markets dotted around the city, for example, the Southbank Centre Winter Market, offers a European-style blending of twinkling lights, aromatic food stalls, and unique craft vendors. Children will love the carousel and street performers that add to the lively atmosphere.
Many of London’s usual markets take on a festive feel during December and there are often small pop-up craft markets where you can buy unique gifts.
Although most vendors now accept card, it’s worth carrying some cash for those that don’t. Remember to dress warmly for outdoor markets.
For a list of various festive markets in the run up to Christmas check out our post London Christmas lights and markets dates.
See the Christmas trees of London
Embark on your own Christmas tree hunt across London. Hunting Christmas trees and perhaps judging each one is a festive adventure that will captivate children and create lasting holiday memories.
Make sure that your hunt includes the city’s most famous tree in Trafalgar Square, a towering Norwegian spruce gifted annually by Oslo, adorned with vertical strings of lights in true Scandinavian style.
Covent Garden also has an impressive tree, often festooned with lights. If you catch the timing right, you might even see it snow…
For a tree with a twist, check out the tree at St. Pancras Station. Each year the theme of the tree changes and it frequently takes an innovative, artistic spin on the traditional Christmas tree.
Keep an eye out for trees across the city. Score them out of 10 and decide at the end which tree wins. Tree-spotting will add a fun dimension to exploring the city.
Visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is a divisive thing. Some families love it, whereas others consider it an overpriced tourist trap.
For older children and teenagers there are a variety of theme park rides, including a rollercoaster. The whole family can skate around the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, or view the intricate ice sculptures in the Magical Ice Kingdom.
Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends and evenings, and consider pre-booking popular attractions.
Do you have any other recommendations for what to do in London with children at Christmas? Share in the comments.