Christmas In London With Kids: A Complete Guide

Spending Christmas in London with kids is a truly magical experience. From sparkling Christmas lights and spectacular decorations to festive markets, ice skating and visits with Santa, London comes alive during November and December.

Whether you’re planning a festive day trip, a weekend in London or a longer family holiday, there are plenty of things to do at Christmas with kids. You can enjoy classic London traditions alongside family-friendly experiences that children of all ages will love.

As a mum of two young boys, I’ve spent plenty of time exploring London with my family, and in this guide I’ll share some of the best things to do in London at Christmas with kids, including the best Christmas lights, festive activities, family-friendly experiences and where to see Santa.

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Is London Worth Visiting at Christmas With Kids?

Absolutely! London is a fantastic city to visit at any time of year, but there’s something especially magical about visiting at Christmas. From the twinkling lights and beautifully decorated streets to festive markets, seasonal events and traditional Christmas experiences, the city feels extra magical during November and December. It’s my favourite time of year to be in London!

There’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained, whether your children are toddlers or older kids. You can enjoy some of London’s most famous sights while also experiencing the city’s festive side, from wandering through the Christmas lights to meeting Santa, ice skating and enjoying a traditional afternoon tea.

If you’re considering a family trip to London during the festive season, I definitely think it’s worth it. Just be prepared for the city to be busy, particularly at weekends and in the run-up to Christmas!

How Many Days Do You Need in London at Christmas?

If you live locally, a day trip to London at Christmas to see the lights and decorations is a must-do activity.

If you’re visiting London from further away, I recommend spending at least four days in London if you’re visiting with kids, particularly if it’s your first family trip to the city. Read more about planning your first trip to London in this guide. There is so much to see and do that trying to fit everything into a weekend can leave you feeling rushed.

Four days gives you enough time to explore some of London’s famous sights and enjoy a few festive activities. You can also spread your Christmas activities throughout your trip rather than trying to pack everything into one or two busy days.

If you have longer, even better! Five days or more gives you more flexibility and means you can explore different areas of London at a more relaxed pace, which is particularly helpful when travelling with younger children. Need help planning your London itinerary? Read this guide next.

Where to Stay in London at Christmas with Kids

Choosing where to stay can make a big difference to a family trip to London at Christmas. I recommend staying somewhere central, particularly if you’re visiting for just a few days, so you can easily get around and make the most of the festive attractions.

Areas around Covent Garden, Kensington, Mayfair, Soho, South Bank and Westminster are particularly convenient for a Christmas trip, with many of London’s best-known festive sights, Christmas lights, shops and attractions within easy reach.

If you’d like to make your trip feel extra special, there are also some beautiful London hotels that go all out with their Christmas decorations. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, many allow visitors to enjoy their festive displays, or you can book a drink, afternoon tea or a meal.

Here are some of my favourite London hotels for Christmas:

• Hilton London Bankside – Their lobby is decorated with pretty festive decor, and they host a special Sunday Christmas family brunch, which includes a meeting and a gift from Santa! You dont need to be a guest to book the brunch! Read our full Hilton London Bankside review here.
• Claridge’s, Mayfair – Every year, the lobby gets transformed into a Christmas wonderland by a well-known fashion designer. This is one of the most luxurious places to stay in London and is in a great location to see many ot the Christmas lights and decorations.
• The Connaught, Mayfair – with a 9-meter-tall Christmas tree and other festive touches, this is another perfect luxury place to stay at Christmas.
• The Ritz, London – as one of London’s most iconic hotels, of course, will go all out for Christmas! They are also famous for their afternoon tea!
• The Savoy, Westminster – another of London’s well-known hotels. Usually displaying themed decorations with elegant touches. Just a short walk from Covent Garden and the West End makes this a great location for festive activities.
• The Langham, London – is located at the top of Regent Street, which is home to some of London’s most beautiful Christmas decorations. The Langham usually decorates with a toy shop theme, making it the perfect choice for families.
• The Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park – hosts beautiful festive decor and is a short walk from Harrods and Hyde Park.
• Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge – right by the River Thames and the iconic Tower Bridge, this is a great central location and is decorated beautifully for the Christmas season.

Looking for more inspiration on where to stay? For more family-friendly areas and hotel recommendations, see my complete guide on where to stay in London with kids. Or view all London accommodation here.

The Best Things to Do in London at Christmas with Kids

Here we’re going to share all the best things to do in London at Christmas as a family. There are so many fantastic options. We have done these over the years of living in London, so dont feel like you need to do everything. Pick out what you think your family will enjoy the most.

1. See London’s Incredible Christmas Lights and Decorations

Exploring London’s Christmas lights is one of my favourite things to do with the kids because they’re amazing to see and you don’t need to spend anything to enjoy them! You can simply wander through central London, taking in the displays as you go, and combine them with shopping, a Christmas market or a festive meal.

There are so many fabulous Christmas decorations to see in London. The shops put up extravagant displays, while many of the city’s streets are transformed with twinkling lights and beautiful festive decorations.

Below, I’ve shared some of the best places to see London’s Christmas lights and decorations, including some of the spots my kids love most. You can read more about all of London’s best Christmas decorations and lights in this guide (which also includes a free map!)

New Bond Street

This is my absolute favourite place to see Christmas decorations in London. Both kids and adults will enjoy visiting here. The luxury stores, such as Cartier, Dior, Tiffany & Co. and Chanel, all put up amazing displays that are simply magical to see!

Covent Garden

At Christmas, Covent Garden becomes extra magical with lots of festive displays. The giant sleigh takes centre stage in the Apple Market and is the perfect photo opportunity.

There is also a beautiful, huge Christmas tree, and during December, between noon and 9 pm, artificial snow falls on the hour every hour. Looking for the best things to do in Covent Garden as a family? Read our Covent Garden with kids guide here.

Belgravia & Chelsea

These two little neighbourhoods make a big impact and are beautiful boroughs to explore over the festive period. Shops on Edbury and Elizabeth Street, such as Peggy Porschen, put up beautiful Christmas Displays, and The King’s Road is adorned with beautiful trees and twinkling lights.

The pink Peggy Porschen Bakery is decorated for Christmas.

Slone Square and Duke of York Square are also great areas to visit. Last year, they had a fun 12 Days of Christmas decorations trail that my children loved!

More London Streets with Christmas Light Displays

Lots of London’s most popular streets have fabulous light displays hanging above them. These all have light switching-on ceremonies; the exact dates will vary each year, but they usually start in early November, with others not being until early December.

London Street with Great Christmas Lights Include:

• Regent’s Street
• Oxford Street
• Carnaby Street
• Severn Dials

2. Visit Santa

For children, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Santa’s Grotto! There are lots of places around London where children can meet Father Christmas, from magical grottos in famous department stores to more unusual settings.

Visiting Father Christmas is one of my children’s favourite traditions. I’ve written a full guide on where to see Santa in London, which is definitely worth reading next. However, in short, these are some of the best places to visit Santa in London with kids:

• Hamleys Toy Store, Regent Street: One of the most magical places to meet Father Christmas is, of course, inside London’s most famous toy shop. We took the kids here and would highly recommend it! Read our full review of the Santa at Hamleys experience here.
• Winter Wonderland Santa Land, Hyde Park: A popular choice for younger children, with Santa’s Grotto forming part of the Santa Land area at Winter Wonderland.
• The Queen’s House, Greenwich: This one was new for 2025, and we were excited to try it out. It was another lovely visit to Santa, which they had clearly put a lot of effort into designing, but in my opinion, not as good as Hamleys.
• Museum of London Docklands, Canary Wharf: Meet Santa in a Victorian-style grotto. This is a particularly lovely option if you’re looking for something a little different from the bigger Christmas attractions.
• London Transport Museum, Covent Garden: A great choice for transport-loving children. You can combine a visit to the museum with a festive Santa experience, making this an especially good option for younger kids.
• Battersea Power Station Christmas Grotto, Battersea – Meet Santa in the unique surroundings of Battersea Power Station, with festive activities for children too.

3. Enjoy a Family Festive Afternoon Tea

If you’re looking for a Christmas activity that the whole family will love, a festive afternoon tea is the perfect choice.

There are lots of hotels and restaurants around London offering special Christmas afternoon teas during the festive season, with beautifully decorated dining rooms, seasonal treats and plenty of festive touches.

We enjoyed a Snowman-themed Christmas afternoon tea on a London bus, which was such a fun experience with the kids. You get to enjoy your afternoon tea while taking in some of London’s famous sights, making it a great option if you want to combine sightseeing with a festive treat.

We have a full review of this Christmas afternoon tea here. Or, if you’re looking for ideas, I’ve put together a guide to the best afternoon teas in London for families, including all our favourite experiences.

4. Go Ice Skating

It is a tradition for our family to go ice skating at Christmas. For me, it is a classic Christmas activity, and it feels extra magical in London, with many of the city’s most beautiful locations transformed into festive outdoor rinks.

Here are a few of the other best places to go ice skating in London at Christmas:

• Somerset House: Probably London’s most iconic Christmas ice rink, set in the beautiful courtyard of Somerset House. It’s a very popular choice, so book ahead if you have your heart set on skating here.
• Queen’s House Ice Rink, Greenwich: My pick if you’d prefer something a little quieter. The rink is set in front of the beautiful Queen’s House, with views towards the Thames and Canary Wharf. There are also dedicated toddler and quiet skating sessions, making this a particularly good option for families.
• Canary Wharf Ice Rink: A modern riverside rink in the heart of Canary Wharf. It’s particularly lovely for an evening skate, when you can enjoy the city lights and skyscrapers around you.
• Glide at Battersea Power Station: Skate with the spectacular Battersea Power Station as your backdrop. There are three interconnected rinks and a riverside skate trail, with plenty to do around the Power Station before or after your session.
• Hampton Court Palace: For something really special, you can skate in front of Hampton Court Palace. It’s further out than the central London options, but the setting makes it well worth considering if you have time during your trip.

Top tip: Ice skating sessions are usually timed, and the most popular slots can sell out, particularly during December weekends, so it’s worth booking in advance.

5. Visit Winter Wonderland

If you’re looking for a Christmas experience with plenty to keep the whole family entertained, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is one of London’s biggest festive attractions.

The huge Christmas event usually runs from November until the beginning of January, with fairground rides, food stalls, Christmas markets, ice skating, live entertainment and Santa experiences. There’s something for children of different ages, although some of the rides and attractions are better suited to older children.

Christmas can be a hectic time, especially for families, and we actually haven’t visited Winter Wonderland with our children yet, but it’s definitely on our list. I’m hoping 2026 will finally be the year we go! I’ll update this guide with our experience and tips after our visit.

If you’re planning to go, I’d recommend looking at what’s on offer before you visit and booking any attractions or experiences you particularly want to do in advance. Winter Wonderland can get extremely busy during the run-up to Christmas, particularly at weekends.

6. Take A London Christmas Lights Bus Tour

A Christmas lights bus tour is a fun way to see London’s festive decorations without having to walk between all the different areas. This can be particularly helpful when you’re visiting London with younger children, especially when little legs start to get tired! It’s also the perfect way to see the decorations while avoiding the crowded streets below.

You’ll get a great view of the Christmas lights from an open-top bus, and it’s a lovely way to see some of London’s most famous festive displays while staying warm and comfortable.

We’ve taken a London Christmas lights bus tour ourselves, and you can read about our experience, including our top tips for making the most of your trip, in our full guide: London Christmas Lights Bus Tour Review.

BOOK: OPEN-TOP CHRISTMAS BUS TICKETS HERE.

7. Visit Kew Gardens for the Christmas at Kew Light Trail

If you’re looking for a really magical Christmas experience, Christmas at Kew is definitely one to put on your list. Kew Gardens is transformed after dark with a spectacular trail of illuminated installations, colourful lights and festive displays throughout the gardens.

We haven’t visited Christmas at Kew with the kids yet, as it’s on the other side of London from us and the evening timings would mean a fairly late night for our children. However, it’s been on my list for a while, and I’m hoping 2026 will finally be the year we visit!

It’s worth bearing in mind that this is an evening experience, so it may not be the easiest choice with very young children. For older kids, or families who don’t mind a later bedtime for a special Christmas treat, I think it could be a wonderful way to spend an evening.

Top tip: Christmas at Kew is very popular, so if you know you’d like to go, it’s worth booking your tickets in advance.

8. Ride the Polar Express

If you’re looking for an unforgettable festive treat for the whole family, the Polar Express Train Ride has to be one for the Christmas bucket list.

Departing from London Euston, the experience brings the much-loved story of The Polar Express to life, with families boarding a beautifully decorated train for a magical Christmas journey. Children can enjoy hot chocolate, festive entertainment and a visit from Santa, making it feel like you’ve stepped straight into the story.

We haven’t experienced it yet, but this is very high on our Christmas bucket list. It looks like the perfect Christmas experience for families who want to do something really memorable rather than simply visit another Christmas attraction.

9. Visit a London Christmas Market

London has many Christmas markets. While they’re not as spectacular as other European Christmas markets, wandering through the festive stalls is a lovely way to spend a December afternoon or evening with the family.

Personally, I wouldn’t go too out of my way to see any of London’s Christmas markets; you’ll likely pass some when enjoying other London Christmas activities. Here are some of the best Christmas markets to visit in London:

• Southbank Centre Winter Market: Set along the River Thames, this popular market has wooden chalets selling gifts, food and festive drinks, with lovely views towards the London Eye.
• Leicester Square Christmas Market: A smaller but very central Christmas market, with festive stalls and a performance area. Its location makes it easy to combine with the Christmas lights around the West End and Covent Garden.
• London Bridge Christmas Market: The area around London Bridge and Borough Market is particularly atmospheric at Christmas, with festive stalls, seasonal food and beautiful views along the Thames. It’s a great option for families because you can combine the market with a walk along the river, Tower Bridge and the surrounding sights.
• Trafalgar Square Christmas Market: I always find this one slightly disappointing. But it is in a lovely location, close to other Christmas lights and decorations.

10. See a Christmas Show, Musical or Pantomime

Seeing a show is another wonderful thing to do in London at Christmas, particularly if the weather isn’t on your side. From traditional Christmas performances and West End musicals to family theatre and pantomimes, there are plenty of options for families.

A pantomime is especially worth considering if you’re visiting from outside the UK. With comedy, music, audience participation and plenty of festive fun, it’s a very British Christmas tradition and something children tend to love.

Here are some family Christmas shows worth considering:

• The Nutcracker: A classic Christmas ballet and a lovely introduction to ballet for older children. The Royal Opera House and London Coliseum are both beautiful venues to experience it.
• The Snowman: A wonderful choice for younger children. This much-loved Christmas story is brought to life on stage and is specifically designed with families in mind.
• West End musicals: Christmas is a great time to see a West End show, and there are plenty of family-friendly productions to choose from. Shows such as Wicked and other popular musicals can make a lovely festive treat, even though they aren’t necessarily Christmas-themed.
• London pantomimes: From the famous London Palladium pantomime to smaller productions at theatres across the city, a panto is one of the most fun and quintessentially British Christmas experiences you can have with children. Look out for productions at venues including the London Palladium, Hackney Empire, Richmond Theatre and Lyric Hammersmith.

11. Go Christmas Shopping in London

One of our favourite things to do when visiting somewhere new is to buy a Christmas decoration as a little memento of the trip; now we need to buy two as my kids like to pick out one each! Luckily, London is a particularly good place to do this at Christmas.

London’s department stores go all out for the festive season, with beautiful Christmas departments alongside their spectacular window displays. It’s also a fun activity to combine with seeing London’s Christmas lights, particularly around Regent Street, Oxford Street and Mayfair.

Some of the best places to look for Christmas decorations and gifts include:

• Harrods, Knightsbridge
• Liberty London, Regent Street
• Selfridges, Oxford Street
• Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly
• The Christmas Shop at St Christopher’s Place, near Oxford Street
• Hamleys, Regent Street. This one is particularly worth visiting with children

You’ll also find Christmas decorations, gifts and festive treats at many of London’s Christmas markets, which makes it easy to combine Christmas shopping with some of the other activities in this guide.

Tips for Visiting London at Christmas With Kids

Visiting London at Christmas with kids is magical, but it can also be busy and tiring, particularly in the weeks leading up to Christmas. A little planning can make your trip much more enjoyable.

Here are some of my top tips for making the most of Christmas in London with children:

Book Popular Christmas Experiences in Advance

Many of London’s most popular Christmas experiences sell out, particularly at weekends and during the school holidays. If there’s something your family really wants to do, such as visiting Santa, ice skating or seeing a Christmas show, I’d recommend booking as early as possible.

Visit the Christmas Lights After Dark

London’s Christmas lights are at their best once it gets dark, but remember that sunset comes very early in December. This means you don’t necessarily have to keep the kids up until late in the evening to see them.

If you’re travelling with younger children, you can often plan a Christmas lights walk for around 4pm, before heading somewhere warm for dinner. Alternatively, consider seeing them from the comfort of an open-top Christmas lights bus. I packed my son a hot water bottle to keep him extra cosy!

Don’t Try to Do Everything

There are so many Christmas activities in London that it’s tempting to try to fit everything into one trip. I’d resist the urge!

Instead, choose a few experiences that your family will really enjoy and leave some time to simply wander around London’s festive streets, stop for a hot chocolate or explore the shops.

Dress for the Weather

London can be cold, wet and windy in December, so come prepared. Layers, warm coats, hats and waterproof shoes are a good idea, particularly if you’re planning to spend time walking between the Christmas lights and markets.

It’s also worth having a plan for somewhere indoors where you can warm up if the weather takes a turn.

FAQ’s About Visiting London at Christmas With Kids

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Final Thoughts on Spending Christmas in London as a Family

Christmas in London with kids really is something special. From the spectacular Christmas lights and beautifully decorated streets to ice skating, Christmas markets, Santa experiences and festive afternoon teas, there are so many ways to enjoy the city during the festive season.

You certainly don’t need to do everything on this list. In fact, I think the best family trips are often the ones where you leave a little time to wander, stop for a hot chocolate and simply enjoy the atmosphere of London at Christmas.

Whether you’re visiting for a festive day out, a weekend or a longer family holiday, I hope this guide has given you plenty of ideas for making your trip magical and hopefully a little easier to plan!

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Thank you for reading our guide on spending Christmas in London as a family. I hope we’ve helped you to plan your trip!