It’s starting to really feel lots like Christmas… And from sparkly lights to markets, festive occasions and ice rinks, there are some magical issues to do for Christmas in London with youngsters. Up to date for 2024
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And Christmas 2024 is pulling out the stops to get everybody feeling festive, from mild trails to Christmas markets and midwinter points of interest in London.
There’s are Christmas reveals and conventional pantomimes, some free issues to do in London at Christmas, and loads of locations to make unforgettable reminiscences – when you’re questioning ho ho how to decide on, take a look at my choose of the perfect this Christmas in London with youngsters.
With some occasions nonetheless to be introduced, I’ll even be updating this submit so maintain a watch out for brand spanking new Christmas occasions too
See the London Christmas lights
London’s festive lights begin showing across the metropolis throughout November, so that you’re nearly assured to identify some twinkling decorations wherever you go.
Verify the switch-on dates for a few of the greatest and finest right here, in addition to my London Christmas lights strolling route
Earlier years have seen every part from peacock feathers in Bond Road to the planets glowing over Carnaby Road, in addition to angels in Regent Road and capturing stars alongside Oxford Road, so that you’re assured some attractive shows to see.
A whole lot of the shops get in on the motion too, with festive facelifts for retailers like Fortnum & Mason, which has reworked itself into an enormous introduction calendar, or this eagerly awaited window shows at Selfridges to see what is going to change final yr’s rock’n’roll-inspired show.
And when you don’t fancy wandering aimlessly to identify the perfect, there are some nice Christmas excursions in addition to my very own self-guided Christmas lights strolling tour – one of the vital festively enjoyable needs to be the Christmas Silent Disco stroll (for age 6+).
The tour begins close to Marble Arch and Hyde Park earlier than taking you previous a few of the metropolis’s Christmas lights, with a playlist of Christmas classics, enjoyable commentary and different hits – dancing technically non-compulsory, however let’s face it, who can resist?
Or save your toes and go for a bus tour as an alternative. The Christmas lights tour from Tootbus lasts round 60 minutes, and begins from November 17 (till January 2), or you possibly can hop aboard this barely longer open-top doubledecker tour as effectively.
Comply with a light-weight path
You’ll discover extra lights than simply these over London’s purchasing streets, with a string of festive mild trails, some working into the New 12 months.
Try my choose of the perfect illuminated trails in London with youngsters for extra particulars
One of many latest mild trails within the capital will probably be coming to Fulham Palace with the London Illuminated Gentle Path opening on November 28, whereas the ever-popular Christmas at Kew Gardens is again from November 13.
Just a few favourites, together with Christmas at Kenwood and Enchanted Eltham Palace have been changed by different Christmas occasions this yr – there’s a brand new occasion, The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham on the latter – so there’s much less alternative this yr.
And the free lights at Canary Wharf and Battersea Energy Station don’t usually mild up till after the New 12 months.
Go to a Christmas market
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for conventional presents, Santa’s grotto, workshops or rides, there’s a string of nice Christmas markets in London with youngsters to select from – most have their very own twist slightly than the form of conventional Christmas market you’ll discover in Europe, but it surely additionally means you possibly can go to a number of with out losing interest.
A few of my very own favourites are on the banks of the Thames, together with the stunning Southbank Centre Christmas market and winter pageant, with some fabulous pop-up meals stalls, illuminations on the Queen’s Stroll and a standard carousel.
For extra issues to do on the South Financial institution with youngsters, in addition to the Southbank Centre winter market, take a look at my suggestions
Additional east, there’s Christmas by the River close to London Bridge; quieter and smaller than a few of the different markets, there are sometimes workshops in addition to stalls.
On the different finish of the size, the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a blaze of color, enjoyable and noise: there are rides for all ages, together with an ice slide, Santa’s grotto in Santa Land, an ice rink, circus and lots extra possibilities to spent your cash, together with at wood chalets promoting meals and presents.
Again from November 21, entry is ticketed so it’s not free to enter, though when you ebook £25 price of points of interest, your entry payment is included
Or within the coronary heart of London, you possibly can often discover a conventional Bavarian-style market at Leicester Sq. Christmas market, with over 30 stalls and meals, though there aren’t any plans for a Santa’s Grotto and no confirmed family-friendly occasions this yr.
For extra issues to do round Leicester Sq. with youngsters, take a look at my high picks
And also you’ll additionally discover a small market in Trafalgar Sq. with round 20 stalls promoting presents, Christmas ornaments, jewelry and meals.
For extra Christmas markets, together with Greenwich, Battersea Energy Station and Kingston, take a look at my submit on the finest Christmas markets in London with youngsters for extra particulars.
See Santa
If you wish to see Santa in London, it is advisable to transfer early, particularly for a few of the massive title occasions like Hamleys as many get booked up quick.
However that’s not the one place to search out Santa’s Grotto in London: most of the Christmas markets have an opportunity to fulfill the person in purple (scroll up for extra solutions) though keep in mind chances are you’ll want a separate timed ticket for some.
Santa additionally makes an look at a number of of London’s museums and galleries too. We noticed him on the London Transport Museum, which is a stunning relaxed occasion for youths who would possibly get shy or overwhelmed, and he’s anticipated to be again once more for 2024.
Or hearken to Father Christmas telling a few of his favorite festive tales across the Christmas tree at Kenwood, with a gift for each baby. Should be prebooked.
You possibly can typically discover Santa at London Zoo in December, in addition to a Santa with a definite distinction at Shrek the Halls, the place the large inexperienced ogre will get a festive makeover – enterprise inside Shrek’s grotto between November 30 and December 24, and luxuriate in a deal with from the elves in addition to the standard enjoyable of Far Far Away. Or head out to Alexandra Palace the place there’s a stunning grotto.
For different locations to fulfill Father Christmas, maintain a watch out for on the Museum of London Docklands, whereas he’s typically on board a speedboat on the river too, with the Jingle Bell Blast from Thames Rockets.
For extra locations to see Santa in London with youngsters, take a look at my high picks
Board a Santa Steam prepare
Discover Santa taking a break day from the sleigh, with one of many two Santa steam trains working in London this yr.
For 3 years, the Steam Goals Santa Steam Specific trains have been London’s solely Santa steam prepare, but it surely’s being joined by the Polar Specific this yr.
The Santa Steam Specific will probably be departing from Victoria on December 20 and 21, with 4 trains per day chuffing out of the town on a 75-minute journey round London, with Santa and his merry helpers additionally boarding the festively embellished Seventies carriages.
There’s a drink and a candy deal with for youths (plus a heat drink and mince pie for grown-ups), plus a present from Father Christmas as he passes by the prepare – you possibly can improve to First Class as effectively for mulled wine (adults solely!) and extra spacious seats, when you fancy giving your self an early Christmas current.
Try our overview of a visit on the Santa Steam Specific
Or the most recent UK Polar Specific to depart will probably be steaming out of London this December, departing from Euston station for a journey lasting between an hour and 90 minutes, on a magical journey which is able to transport you from north London to the North Pole.
Wearing your cosiest pyjamas (you possibly can even get your personal personalised Polar Specific pair), you’ll meet well-known characters from the film in addition to the person in purple himself, Santa. Runs on choose dates from December 6-23, 2024.
Take a Christmas strolling tour
Are you aware why turkeys wore boots on their solution to market? Or who invented the Christmas card? There are some nice Christmas strolling excursions of London to reply the questions – this two-hour Christmas stroll is led by knowledgeable information.
This two-hour family-friendly Christmas tour additionally takes in a few of the metropolis’s Christmas lights in addition to promising some festive anecdotes.
Or be part of a Dickensian Christmas stroll – this non-public tour is themed round A Christmas Carol. Operating for 2 to a few hours, it’s higher with older youngsters, though tailor-made to your group, and can present you the town that Ebeneezer Scrooge may need recognised.
Go ice skating
The looks of London’s pop-up ice skating rinks at all times alerts the beginning of Christmas for me – set in a few of the metropolis’s most iconic areas, it’s at all times tempting to drag on some skates earlier than warming up with scorching chocolate and mulled wine.
If you happen to can’t wait, the Canary Wharf Ice rink is the primary to open on October 26, whereas Skate at Somerset Home will probably be again from November, with the courtyard remodeling for winter.
The ice rink at Hampton Court docket Palace additionally returns from November 22 to January 5, with the grand facade of the palace lit up within the background. Or ice skate by the river on three linked rinks at Glide at Battersea Energy Station for a backdrop with a distinction.
You’ll additionally discover an ice rink at Winter Wonderland from November 21-January 5, when you’re visiting the Christmas market or Santaland (or having fun with the rides) there.
Don’t make plans to go to the rink on the Pure Historical past Museum – 2021 was the ultimate time you can mix skating and dinosaurs – whereas the rink within the Tower of London moat has additionally been completely closed, whereas the rink on the Queen’s Home in Greenwich can also be not returning.
For extra particulars and concepts of the place to ice skate in London with youngsters, together with year-round choices, take a look at my high picks
See a pantomime or Christmas theatre
It’s not Christmas with out a pantomime (oh no, it’s not!) plus you can even discover some fantastic London theatre reveals together with conventional Christmas productions and different family-friendly performances.
For my full record of the finest Christmas theatre in London with youngsters, take a look at this submit
It’s price checking what ages are allowed earlier than you ebook: regardless of being aimed toward households, some theatres gained’t settle for kids below 5 (take a passport or some type of ID in case your youngsters are 5 plus however look youthful than their age).
This yr’s choice contains Peter Pan on the London Palladium and Cinderella on the Lyric Hammersmith, plus Aladdin on the Hackney Empire.
Look out for classics too together with the Nutcracker, on on the London Coliseum in addition to the Snowman on the Peacock Theatre. Or head to the Outdated Vic to see A Christmas Carol, additionally aimed toward age 8+.
There’s one other basic story with Hansel and Gretel on the Globe Theatre – aimed toward age 5+, it runs from November 29-January 5, 2025. Or for youthful theatregoers, there’s one other witch in , Room on the Broom on the Lyric Theatre, from November 22-January 5, 2025.
For a Christmas present with a distinction, take a look at The Wizard Of Oz on Ice at Alexandra Palace this December, the place you’ll additionally discover a deliciously humorous various to all issues merry and vibrant as Horrible Histories takes on the festive season with Horrible Christmas at Alexandra Palace from December 12-January 4, 2025.
Hear some carols
Certainly one of my favourites components of Christmas in London with youngsters is listening to carols sung whilst you’re out and about – however to ensure a rendition of some favourites, there are some organised occasions to take a look at too.
Trafalgar Sq. has carol teams fundraising for various charities within the weeks working as much as Christmas, singing by the large Christmas tree – a present from Norway yearly since 1947.
Or there are carol performances among the many sell-out occasions for Christmas on the Royal Albert Corridor.
You can too hear carols at St Paul’s Cathedral which often has a collection of free occasions throughout December – unsurprisingly fashionable, be ready to get there early and queue to get a seat.
And St Martin within the Fields has some festive household carols occasions amongst its Christmas programme – do prebook these too, as they promote out quick.
Bach to Child Christmas concert events
Bach to Child has made a reputation for its family-friendly classical music performances, aimed particularly at infants as much as faculty age kids, whether or not you’re a classical music aficionado or seeking to study.
They usually get a festive twist from November 16-December 31, with an entire collection of magical music from completely different intervals and locations, some fashionable festive tales, singalong carols and a sprinkling of sleigh bells.
Two kids go free for each grownup, and dressing up is inspired. Prebooking is strongly beneficial, with venues in areas round London.
Be a part of Snowy’s Conservation Crew on the SeaLife Aquarium
Head to SeaLife London this winter to hitch Snowy, who’s on a mission to attempt to assist the animals of the North Pole have a terrific festive interval and a fair higher, safer future.
There’s an opportunity to find extra concerning the animals which reside on the Arctic, together with the colony of Gentoo Penguins, in addition to how one can assist maintain them secure, with challenges to deal with alongside the way in which.
Included in normal entry when you ebook tickets on-line to go to from December 7-24.
Battersea Arts Centre festive expertise
For one of the vital interactive theatrical experiences this Christmas, head to Battersea Arts Centre the place Wild Rumpus are introducing a brand new festive expertise.
The Holly King & The Oak King is predicated round an outdated Celtic people story, the place the ruler of winter, snow and darkness battles the king of summer time, light and heat to see which season will reign supreme – however one notably lengthy winter, the Holly King’s chilly defeats the Oak King’s warmth, plunging the world right into a deep freeze.
Can the Oak King restore steadiness to the seasons? This magical journey seems on the steadiness of nature and the weather. For ages 3+, from November 29 to December 24.
Go to the Tower of London
Certainly one of my favorite locations to go to in London with youngsters, the Tower of London will get dressed up for Christmas as effectively.
This yr, there’s an opportunity to see how the wealthy and highly effective would have celebrated the festive season in centuries passed by.
There’ll be specifically created shows that present how kings and queens loved Christmas, together with Edward I’s lavish medieval feast to the entertainments of the Tudor Court docket, plus you possibly can pose on a throne on your personal regal household portrait.
This Christmas, discover a royal celebration on the Tower of London with specifically created shows that showcase how kings and queens of the previous celebrated the festive interval.
As you roam the fortress, find out about King Edward I’s lavish medieval Christmas feast, uncover the spectacle of festive leisure on the Tudor courtroom, and sit upon a throne for a regal household portrait. From November 29-January 5, 2025
Evens are included in admission (free for members) – there’s a reduction when you purchase by way of tiqets utilizing my low cost code ‘MUMMYTRAVELS6‘ utilizing this hyperlink.
Uncover Christmas previous on the Museum of the House
If you happen to’re seeking to learn how Christmas has been celebrated over the centuries – to not point out winter festivals from different cultures and religions, head to the Museum of the House.
The properties from Winter Previous remodel the rooms by time shows with a makeover to indicate numerous festive scenes from by historical past (and slightly much less festive scenes within the case of a Puritan Christmas) – final yr this ran from late November to early January.
Free to enter, you can even uncover how Boxing Day bought its title, plus there are often celebrations of different winter festivals together with Diwali and Hanukkah, in addition to workshops happening. TBC for 2024.
See the primary Christmas card on the Postal Museum
See the world’s first Christmas card on show with the standard winter makeover on the Postal Museum, which features a show of magical letters exchanged between kids and Santa since 1964 (and a few of his replies).
The Mail Rail – the underground prepare as soon as used for transporting submit – can even be getting its personal festive makeover, with the very first King’s Speech as a part of the audio performed through the journey.
Plus there are usually a string of different household actions happening – earlier years have included every part from interactive storytelling for youthful youngsters to the prospect to make a particular festive cookery ebook. There are additionally often festive tunnel walks for these aged 12+, exploring a route not usually visited by the usual tunnel walks.
Occasions dates tbc, included in your ticket (tunnel walks must be prebooked individually).
Add some magic at Hogwarts within the snow
A go to to the Warner Bros Studio Tour is enchanting at any time of yr for Harry Potter followers, however head there within the winter and also you get the added magic of Hogwarts within the snow.
The units from the flicks get a festive transformation – anticipate snow within the Forbidden Forest once more, in addition to on the cobbled stones of Diagon Alley, over Hagrid’s Hut and on the Hogwarts Fort Mannequin.
This yr the Nice Corridor will probably be bedecked within the gold decorations from the primary movie, plus a blanket of filmmaking snow over the Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley.
Earlier winter touches have included wreaths and garlands within the Nice Corridor – and a tree topped with witches on miniature broomsticks – whereas the desk is prepared for the Christmas feast, together with flaming Christmas puddings and prop meals.
December dates get booked in a short time so it’s one to snap up early. You can too ebook tickets together with transport from central London on the tiqets website – there’s a reduction utilizing my code MUMMYTRAVELS6 when you ebook utilizing my hyperlink. Hogwarts within the Snow runs from November 16 to January 19, 2025.
For extra Harry Potter areas in London, take a look at my high picks for followers
Comply with the penguin path
There’s a enjoyable new festive path coming to the Fleet Road Quarter this Christmas – final yr discovered snowmen dotted round, whereas this yr’s path sees a colony of penguins descending on London.
The penguins will probably be arriving on November 14 for eight weeks, with a dozen scattered across the Fleet Road Quarter, between Fleet Road, New Road Sq. and Chancery Lane – particulars to return of the place to search out all of them.
Look out for QR codes to listen to tales of each them and the native space, in addition to loads of penguin information alongside the way in which, and it’s all in support of the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Wild In Artwork.
Drink scorching chocolate
When there’s a nip within the air, particularly when you’re out on ice rinks or wandering round Christmas markets, you’ve bought the proper excuse for decent chocolate (although I’m first within the queue as quickly as autumn rolls round).
And overlook the bizarre on a regular basis scorching chocolate, as a result of London specialises in some indulgently extravagant drinks to attempt.
For traditional variations with added deal with issue, head to conventional favourites like Venchi in addition to Resort Chocolat, which each have branches throughout the town together with in Covent Backyard.
Look out for extra extravagant creations at Chin Chin Labs in Camden and Soho – higher recognized for its ice cream, when temperatures drop, they change to scorching chocolate with charred marshmallow fluff on high.
For extra of the perfect scorching chocolate in London with youngsters, take a look at my picks
Rococo has a string of surprising flavours so as to add to its prime quality chocolate – assume white chocolate and cardamom, for instance, in addition to ultra-dark chocolate and child-friendly milk chocolate.
Or Knoops guarantees a alternative of twenty-two completely different ranges, from creamy white proper as much as 100% darkish chocolate. Began in Rye, the place it’s a favorite of ours, there are six branches in London now too.
Ruby Violet in Kings Cross, one other favorite cease for ice cream, additionally has some fabulously wealthy scorching chocolate: served in a small gold cup, it’s all of the indulgent sugar hit you want.
And when you’re in east London – or completely happy to journey for the last word scorching chocolate – head to Darkish Sugars on Brick Lane or Nelson Street in Greenwich, which additionally has some improbable flavours and chocolate shavings galore to high your drink.
Discover the Gingerbread Metropolis on the Museum of Structure
2024 TBC If you happen to’ve ever made a gingerbread home for Christmas together with your youngsters, it pales by comparability to the astonishing Gingerbread Metropolis from the Museum of Structure, which moved to its new house of Westfield White Metropolis in 2023.
Quite than a couple of bits of biscuit glued along with icing and splodged with Smarties, this annual exhibition sees architects, designers and engineers create an intricate and artistic show, with an entire metropolis of gingerbread.
If you happen to’re feeling impressed, there are often gingerbread-making workshops for households on the Museum in Belgravia too – not included with tickets to the exhibition, you must ebook these individually and should be prebooked.
Ran from early December early January final yr, priced from £12.50. Mixed Gingerbread home workshop and exhibition tickets price from £90 for 2 folks (single individual tickets accessible for adults solely). Tickets should be prebooked.
Winter’s Tail at Chessington World of Adventures
There’s some particular festive enjoyable coming to Chessington World of Adventures this winter on the new 2024 Christmas Village, full with Father Christmas’ grotto and the elves’ toy workshop within the Enchanted Hole, in addition to reindeer in a snowy winter wonderland.
There’s additionally particular leisure together with a Christmas panto, in addition to the standard rides and points of interest, plus greater than 1,000 animals to identify within the zoo and aquarium. There’s a feed the reindeer expertise as an non-compulsory further too, if you wish to stand up near Rudolph and associates.
Winter’s Tail takes place on November 23-24 & 30, December 1, 7, 8 and 13-31, with early reserving costs from £29 per individual and festive quick breaks from £49 per individual.
The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace
There’s a model new probability to see Santa with a magical immersive expertise at Eltham Palace this yr, referred to as The Spirit of Christmas. The hour-long occasion takes you thru the Artwork Deco mansion as you assist Father Christmas restore the true that means of Christmas and save the magic of Lapland.
Assembly magical characters and passing by enchanted rooms, you’ll get to take pleasure in performances and storytelling earlier than lastly assembly the person in purple himself. There’s a present as a thanks for serving to, and loads of possibilities to take images.
A stunning various to a grotto expertise, it’s excellent for reminding everybody of the true that means of Christmas too. Should be prebooked, and there’s a reduction for English Heritage members, together with an additional early fowl deal when you ebook by finish of October. Runs on weekends from November 23-December 22.
Festive enjoyable with the Nationwide Belief
There are many festive touches on the Nationwide Belief properties in London, together with an opportunity to fulfill Santa.
If you happen to’ve bought youthful youngsters, this opportunity to see Father Christmas at Morden Corridor Park is aimed toward infants as much as kids aged 8. You’ll begin the go to by writing or drawing your Christmas wishlist earlier than posting it and heading in to the enchanted grotto to fulfill Santa, and get a gift made by the elves. Weekends from November 30-December 15.
Or head to Ham Home, which additionally has its personal fantastic conventional Christmas tree, and crafts for youths to take pleasure in.
If all of the crowds and over-indulgence are catching up with you, there are sometimes particular winter trails to tempt everybody open air on the London Nationwide Belief websites too.
With a pure play space within the woodland at Osterley Home in west London, plus the positioning’s gardens and grounds to discover, it’s not exhausting to search out some enjoyable methods burn off these mince pies. You’ll additionally discover wreath-making workshops for age 12+.
Head to Kingdom of Winter
2024 TBC New final yr, Kingdom of Winter is because of return once more and pack London’s Excel Centre with festive enjoyable.
Final yr’s occasion included ice skating and an ice expedition path, fairground rides, a circus and loads of locations to select up Christmas presents and stocking fillers.
Add in foods and drinks galore – plus it’s indoors, if the climate is feeling lower than festive. 2023 Tickets price from £5.50 for entry (with various charges of tremendous off-peak, off-peak and normal, in addition to early fowl reductions) with further prices for various points of interest. There have been restricted tickets for the ice skating, ice expedition and circus, and it ran at Excel London from December 8-January 7.
For extra issues to do in London with youngsters, together with uncommon issues to do with youngsters in London and the perfect locations to remain in London with youngsters, take a look at a few of my different posts
PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST THINGS TO DO AT CHRISTMAS IN LONDON WITH KIDS
Disclosure: This submit incorporates paid promotion and affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
Kew at Christmas: Jeff Eden/RBG Kew; Trafalgar Sq./scorching chocolate pictures courtesy of Depositphotos; Snowman statues courtesy Fleet Road Quarter; all others copyright MummyTravels