Are you ready to create unforgettable memories with your family this Christmas in London?
With a myriad of magical experiences to choose from, ranging from festive markets to dazzling light displays, ice skating rinks, and enchanting theatre shows, London offers a Christmas wonderland that will captivate both kids and adults alike.
Let’s embark on a memorable journey to discover 20 things to do in London with kids this Christmas!
Festive Family Activities in London
Imagine strolling through Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, marveling at the illuminated trees at Kew Gardens or laughing together at a holiday pantomime. London is brimming with festive family activities that will surely ignite the Christmas spirit in everyone!
Prepare to forge unforgettable memories as we uncover the top festive activities in London with kids.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Located in the heart of London, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland offers an unforgettable festive experience for the whole family. It includes:
An exhilarating ice skating rink
A breathtaking Magical Ice Kingdom
The thrilling Zippos Christmas Circus
Over 100 fairground rides for all ages
There’s no shortage of excitement and fun at Winter Wonderland.
And let’s not forget Santa’s Grotto, a magical place where kids can have a memorable experience meeting Santa Claus himself, surrounded by festive decorations and a famous Christmas tree. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, with all its attractions, serves as an ideal destination to dive into the holiday spirit and create treasured memories with your family.
Christmas at Kew Gardens
Experience the magic of Christmas at Kew Gardens, where a mesmerizing illuminated trail awaits you and your family.
Wander through twinkling tunnels of light
Be amazed by the captivating fire garden
Admire the magnificent larger-than-life illuminations
And of course, don’t miss the chance to meet Father Christmas and share your holiday wishes with him.
Indulge in delicious festive treats, spiced winter warmers, mulled wine, hot apple cocktails, and hot chocolates at the various food and drink stalls located throughout the gardens. With its enchanting light displays and festive atmosphere, Kew Gardens during Christmas time provides a genuinely enchanting experience for everyone in the family.
Ice Skating Rinks
Embrace the festive season by ice skating at various rinks across London, including Somerset House, Tower of London, and Hampton Court Palace. These iconic locations provide a unique and exhilarating experience for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned skater or stepping onto the ice for the first time.
Skate aids are available for children 120cm or under, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for the little ones. Be sure to check the opening hours and ticket prices for each rink, as they may vary. So strap on your skates and slide into the holiday spirit with your family at one of London’s beautiful ice-skating rinks!
Festive Theatre Shows
Nothing captures the essence of the holiday season quite like a festive theatre show or pantomime. This Christmas, London’s stages come alive with magical productions such as Cinderella, The Snowman, and A Christmas Carol. These heartwarming performances are guaranteed to bring joy and cheer to your holiday season.
Take your pick from enchanting shows at venues like the Theatre Royal Stratford East, Peacock Theatre, and the Old Vic Theatre. Whether you’re in the mood for a timeless fairytale, a captivating ballet, or a hilarious pantomime, The stages of London present memorable performances that will imbue you and your family with holiday cheer.
Magical Christmas Events
For those seeking even more festive magic, London has a host of enchanting Christmas events that will leave you spellbound. Get ready to step into the world of Harry Potter with Hogwarts in the Snow, embark on a fantastical journey at Wishmas at Waterloo, or visit one of the many Santa’s Grottos scattered throughout the city.
Delve into these enchanting Christmas events, including the magical Christmas Eve celebrations, and uncover the festive cheer and happiness they bring.
Hogwarts in the Snow
Harry Potter fans will be delighted by the festive transformation of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour’s Hogwarts in the Snow. The enchanting event features a snowy Forbidden Forest, a beautifully decorated Great Hall for the Yule Ball, and a snow-covered miniature scale model of Hogwarts castle.
Hogwarts in the Snow runs from 11th November 2023 to 14th January 2024, offering a truly magical experience for all ages. Booking your tickets ahead of time is recommended, as this sought-after event is unmissable!
Wishmas at Waterloo
Embark on a fantastical Christmas adventure at Wishmas at Waterloo, an immersive storytelling and festive market event set inside the delightful Old Bauble Factory underneath Waterloo station. Meet Father Christmas, Wishkeepers, and Robins as you explore several magical stories and create cherished memories with your family.
After the storytelling, be sure to visit the festive market where you can discover delicious food, drinks, and unique gifts. With its engaging stories and enchanting atmosphere, Wishmas at Waterloo is a hidden gem that offers a truly magical experience for families this Christmas.
Santa's Grottos
Meet Santa Claus himself at various grottos across London, including ZSL London Zoo, Winter Wonderland, and the London Transport Museum. Each grotto offers a unique and magical experience, with delightful decorations, festive Christmas music, and the opportunity to capture the moment with a photo.
Whether you’re visiting Hamley’s Toy Shop, exploring Santa Land at Winter Wonderland, or discovering the magical winter garden at the London Transport Museum, a visit to one of London’s Santa’s Grottos is sure to create lasting memories and bring the Christmas spirit to life for your family.
Christmas Markets and Shopping
London’s Christmas markets and shopping destinations offer a treasure trove of festive delights. From artisan crafts to mouth-watering street food, you’ll find something for everyone at the Southbank Centre Winter Market, Covent Garden Christmas Village, and Leicester Square Christmas Market.
Explore these enchanting shopping spots and the festive delights they hold.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Stroll along the River Thames and visit the Southbank Centre Winter Market, where traditional alpine-style chalets offer delicious drinks, scrumptious street food, and festive seasonal goodies. With its beautiful riverside setting, the market is the perfect place to soak up the festive atmosphere and indulge in some Christmas shopping.
From hot mulled wine to unique artisan crafts, the Southbank Centre Winter Market offers a delightful array of festive treats to enjoy with your family. Be sure to check the market’s opening hours to make the most of your visit, as it is open from 11 am to 10 pm on most days, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
Covent Garden Christmas Village
Nestled in the heart of London, the Covent Garden Christmas Village offers:
A festive food market
A wonderful selection of Christmas gifts
Mulled wine
Festive food
Christmas trees and baubles
Wander through the charming cobbled streets and soak up the festive atmosphere as you discover unique gifts and decorations.
In addition to the delightful market stalls, Covent Garden also boasts a stunning 60-foot Christmas tree adorned with over 30,000 twinkling lights. Covent Garden Christmas Village, with its charming decorations and holiday atmosphere, serves as an ideal spot for a memorable Christmas shopping day with your family.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
Experience the festive atmosphere at the Leicester Square Christmas Market, featuring delightful wooden chalets selling artisan crafts, festive foods, and warm beverages. Located in the bustling heart of London’s West End, the market offers a magical shopping experience surrounded by world-famous theatres and attractions.
From delicious street food to unique handmade gifts, the Leicester Square Christmas Market has something for everyone. With its festive lights, enchanting atmosphere, and an array of food, drinks, and entertainment, the market is an unmissable destination for families looking to make the most of their Christmas in London.
Light Displays and Decorations
As the sun sets and the city lights up, London’s streets are transformed into a dazzling wonderland filled with shimmering Christmas lights and festive decorations. This segment will highlight some of the city’s most stunning light displays and decorations, featuring Carnaby Christmas Lights, Regent Street’s “The Spirits of Christmas,” and a variety of Christmas tree displays.
Carnaby Christmas Lights
Witness the vibrant Carnaby Christmas Lights installation, an annual event that spreads love and kindness while raising money for wonderful charities. Located in the heart of London’s bustling shopping district, the Carnaby Christmas Lights are a must-see for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the city’s festive spirit.
Regent Street "The Spirits of Christmas"
Stroll along Regent Street to see the stunning “Spirits of Christmas” light display, featuring over 50 magical spirits with a 17-meter wingspan and a 15-meter train. These captivating angels are made up of 300,000 dazzling LED lights, creating a truly magical and enchanting ambiance.
With its breathtaking light display and festive atmosphere, Regent Street is an unforgettable destination during the Christmas season.
Christmas Tree Displays
Admire beautifully decorated Christmas trees in iconic locations such as Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, and St Pancras International. These stunning trees, adorned with twinkling lights and festive ornaments, create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
So, take a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty and magic of these Christmas tree displays as you explore the city.
Christmas Carols and Concerts
Nothing brings the festive season to life quite like the sound of Christmas carols and concerts. This part will highlight some of the most notable venues for holiday music in London, featuring St Paul’s Cathedral and the Royal Albert Hall.
Whether you’re looking to join a traditional carol service or enjoy a festive sing-along, these venues offer unforgettable experiences that will fill your heart with joy and Christmas cheer.
St Paul's Cathedral
Attend a festive carol service at the historic St Paul’s Cathedral, one of London’s most iconic landmarks. With its breathtaking architecture and stunning acoustics, St Paul’s Cathedral provides a truly unique and memorable setting for a Christmas carol service.
Be sure to check the cathedral’s website for service times and ticket information, and experience the magic of Christmas carols in this awe-inspiring venue.
Royal Albert Hall
Experience a Christmas concert or sing-along at the majestic Royal Albert Hall, a world-class venue renowned for its spectacular surroundings and rich history of hosting Christmas concerts for over 150 years. With a diverse lineup of musical performances throughout November and December, including the delightful “Home Alone” in concert, there’s something for everyone at the Royal Albert Hall this festive season.
Christmas Museums and Exhibitions
For those seeking a more educational Christmas experience, London offers a variety of museums, including the Natural History Museum, and exhibitions with a festive twist. This segment will delve into the Gingerbread City Exhibition and Christmas at the Postal Museum, two distinctive events that fuse learning with holiday merriment for the entire family.
Gingerbread City Exhibition
The Gingerbread City Exhibition is an annual event organized by the Museum of Architecture, showcasing over 60 delightful gingerbread buildings designed and created by talented architects, designers, and engineers. Explore a magical gingerbread metropolis, and marvel at the creativity and skill on display in this one-of-a-kind exhibition.
Held in different locations each year, the Gingerbread City Exhibition offers a fun and educational experience for all ages. With its captivating displays and delicious gingerbread creations, this exhibition is a must-see for anyone looking to add a touch of sweetness to their Christmas celebrations.
Christmas at the Postal Museum
Celebrate Christmas at the Postal Museum with a range of festive activities and events for the whole family.
Explore the 100-year-old Mail Rail tunnels on foot
Ride the Mail Rail
Engage in interactive exhibitions that bring the fascinating history of the postal system to life.
Don’t miss the festive family fun days, featuring arts and crafts activities and a special exhibition of Christmas cards and letters to Santa from throughout the years. With its engaging exhibits and festive atmosphere, Christmas at the Postal Museum offers a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Festive Food and Drink
No festive celebration is complete without indulging in delicious food and drink. This part will cover the enticing culinary offerings available at Winter Wonderland’s food stalls and holiday-themed afternoon teas. Whether you’re looking to warm up with a steaming mug of mulled wine or treat yourself to a scrumptious mince pie, London’s festive food scene has something to satisfy every craving.
Winter Wonderland Food Stalls
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park offers a mouth-watering array of food stalls, serving up everything from:
German sausages
Stone-baked pizzas
Sweet French toast
Bubble tea
With such an incredible selection of delicious food and drink options, you’ll be spoilt for choice as you explore the festive market.
In addition to the tasty street food on offer, Winter Wonderland also boasts a variety of bars and venues, such as Bar Ice and the Fire Pit, where you can enjoy festive beverages and warm up after a day of fun-filled activities. With its delectable culinary offerings and festive atmosphere, Winter Wonderland is the perfect destination for a foodie’s Christmas adventure.
Christmas Afternoon Tea
For a more refined festive dining experience, why not indulge in a Christmas-themed afternoon tea at one of London’s luxury hotels or tea rooms? The Strand Palace Hotel, for example, offers a delightful Christmas afternoon tea complete with mince pies, yule logs, gingerbread men, and iced fruit cake, as well as a selection of sandwiches and various types of tea.
In addition to the delicious festive fare, many afternoon tea venues also offer a special goodie bag for kids to take home, adding an extra touch of magic to the experience. With its elegant setting and scrumptious menu, Christmas afternoon tea is a delightful treat that the whole family can enjoy together.
Outdoor Adventures
For families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, London offers a variety of outdoor adventures to enjoy during the festive season. This segment will look into the Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park and Christmas at Kenwood, two magical events that intertwine natural beauty with holiday charm.
Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park
Experience the magic of the Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park, a captivating lights trail set within the park’s 600-year-old gardens. With its illuminated trees, captivating displays, and mesmerizing lights, the Enchanted Woodland offers a truly magical outdoor experience for all ages.
The Enchanted Woodland:
Open from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm during the Christmas season
Gives you plenty of time to explore the magical scenery
Booking your tickets ahead of time is recommended, as this sought-after event is unmissable!
Christmas at Kenwood
Visit Kenwood House during the Christmas season for festive decorations and events. This historic house, located in Hampstead Heath, London, offers a unique and tranquil setting for visitors to enjoy the festive season. With its beautifully decorated rooms and engaging events, Christmas at Kenwood is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and history in a festive setting.
Educational Christmas Experiences
For those seeking a more educational Christmas experience, London offers unique opportunities to combine learning with festive fun. This part will examine the Dennis Severs House, a historical experience illuminated by candlelight that provides an intriguing look into the past during the festive period.
Dennis Severs House
Experience a candlelit tour of the Dennis Severs House, an immersive historical experience that transports you back in time to the 18th and 19th centuries. As you explore the house by candlelight, marvel at the stunning detail and craftsmanship in each room, and imagine the lives of the people who once lived there.
Advance booking is recommended for the Dennis Severs House, as this unique attraction is popular during the Christmas season. With its enchanting atmosphere and fascinating history, a visit to the Dennis Severs House offers a truly memorable and educational Christmas experience for the whole family.
Summary
From festive markets and dazzling light displays to captivating theatre shows and magical outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of enchanting experiences to enjoy in London this Christmas. Whether you’re looking to create lasting memories with your family, indulge in delicious festive treats, or embark on a unique educational adventure, London offers a Christmas wonderland that will captivate and delight visitors of all ages. So bundle up, step out into the twinkling city streets, and embrace the magic of the season in London!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do for Christmas in London?
Embrace the festive spirit of London this Christmas and have a unique experience! From attending classical events and big-screen Christmas classics at Backyard Cinema, to strolling majestic plazas and sampling seasonal fare – celebrate the holiday season with romantic activities such as ice skating at Somerset House and window shopping at iconic stores.
What are some of the best festive family activities in London?
Make your family festive season extra special with magical experiences in London like Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, Christmas at Kew Gardens, ice skating rinks, and theatre shows!
Where can I find the most beautiful Christmas lights in London?
Come and marvel at the stunning display of lights in London’s Carnaby Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden, and the South Bank this Christmas season!
Are there any unique Christmas-themed museums or exhibitions in London?
Yes, London offers a unique Christmas experience with the Gingerbread City Exhibition and Christmas at the Postal Museum.
What are some iconic venues for Christmas carols and concerts in London?
Celebrate the festive season at two of London’s most iconic venues, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Royal Albert Hall, with carols and concerts.
