There’s nothing quite like Christmas in London with kids. From sparkling lights and extravagant decorations to shopping at festive markets, the city turns into a magical winter wonderland every November and December. Whether you’re here for a day trip, a weekend getaway or a family holiday, London offers an incredible mix of seasonal traditions and unique experiences.
Families will find plenty of child-friendly Christmas activities. I have two little boys, so I will also share lots of tips on the best things to do in London at Christmas with kids, including where to visit Santa!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
PLANNING YOUR FIRST FAMILY TRIP TO LONDON
A PERFECT 4 DAYS IN LONDON ITINERARY
OR READ ALL OUR GUIDES ON THINGS TO DO AT CHRISTMAS WITH KIDS
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The Ultimate Guide to Christmas in London with Kids
Below, I’m going to share everything you need to know about spending Christmas in London with kids. From where to stay, to the best festive activities and tips to make sure your visit extra special.
Where to Stay in London at Christmas with Kids
Some hotels in London go all out with their Christmas decorations. Staying at one of these would make your trip extra special, especially if you’re visiting London as a family.
Most of these will allow you to visit the lobby even if you’re not a guest. If you’re not staying, you can also consider a drink at the bar or eating in their restaurant. I will give more details below.
Hotels in London that decorate 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’s 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.
Where to See the Best Christmas Decorations in London
There are so many fabulous Christmas decorations in London to see. Shops put up extravagant displays, and many streets get covered in twinkling lights. Below, I will share all the best spots; these are the ones my kids love!
While you can walk around London and see all these decorations for free, taking a London Christmas lights bus tour is a popular activity. This is a fun way to see the best of London’s Christmas lights while relaxing!
New Bond Street
This is my absolute favourite place to see Christmas decorations in London. The luxury stores, such as Cartier, Dior, Tiffany & Co. and Chanel, all put up amazing displays that are simply magical to see!
Extravagant Christmas Displays at Dior and Cartier on New Bond Street
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.
The giant Christmas tree and life-size sleigh in Covent Garden.
Belgravia & Chelsea
Chelsea is a beautiful borough 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.
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!
Peggy Porschen in Chelsea and the festive display in Duke of York Square
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 from 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
Take A London Christmas Lights Bus Tour
This is such a good way to see London’s Christmas lights while avoiding the crowds. You get such a good view from an open-top bus as well. You can read more about this and our top tips for enjoying your tour in our guide: London Christmas Lights Bus Tour Review.
BOOK: OPEN-TOP CHRISTMAS BUS TICKETS HERE.
Where to Buy Christmas Decorations in London
I love to buy a Christmas decoration as a memento from my travels. You’ll be spoilt for choice in London as there are so many Christmas Shops!
All of London’s department stores will have a Christmas Section, these include:
- Harrods in Knightsbridge
- Liberty London on Regent Street
- Selfridges on Oxford Street
- Fortnum and Mason in Picadilly
- The Christmas Shop at St Christopher’s Place (near Oxford Street) – open year-round
- Hamleys on Regent Street – a must-visit for families
You will also find stalls selling Christmas decorations at all of London’s markets, which I will share more about in the section below!
Looking at the Christmas window displays at Fortnum & Mason and the giant Advent calendar on display inside.
Visit London’s Christmas Markets
London is known for its festive Christmas markets. Wandering through these is a great thing to do in London in December.
I’m going to list your options for London’s Christmas markets below:
- Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park – The biggest and most famous Christmas market in London. Along with the market, you’ll find funfair rides, ice skating, Bavarian-style chalets and festive food and drinks. Note: You need a ticket to enter Winter Wonderland. Ticket prices vary depending on the time of your visit. Find out more information on the Winter Wonderland Website here.
- Southbank Centre Winter Market – A Christmas market situated along the bank of the River Thames with wooden chalets selling gifts, food, drinks, and great views of the London Eye.
- Leicester Square Christmas Market – Small but central, great for families; festive stalls, a performance tent, and ice skating nearby.
- Greenwich Christmas Market – Historic market with artisan gifts, food stalls, and a festive atmosphere.
- King’s Cross Christmas Market / Coal Drops Yard – Modern, creative market with designer gifts, food, and Christmas light installations.
- South Kensington Christmas Market – Near museums and exhibition spaces, perfect for combining with a festive day out.
- Trafalgar Square Christmas Market – Traditional Norwegian market with wooden chalets, gifts, food, and a massive Christmas tree from Oslo.
- Canary Wharf Winter Lights Market – Evening market with festive food and drinks, plus the Winter Lights art installations in the area.
- Covent Garden Christmas Market – The area itself is beautifully decorated, and the market adds artisan gifts and festive stalls.
- Marylebone Village Christmas Market – Boutique-style, with designer gifts, decorations, and seasonal treats.
London Bridge City Christmas market and some of the London-themed decorations on display.
Go Ice Skating in London at Christmas with Kids
There is nothing more Christmassy than ice skating! Of course, in London, you have a large choice of venues. I have listed them below; all of these require tickets. Purchase in advance to avoid disappointment! This is another fun activity to do in London at christmas as a family, but note, most rinks reccomed being age 3 and above.
- Somerset House – One of the most famous rinks, with a beautiful 18th-century courtyard, covered in twinkling lights.
- Canary Wharf Ice Rink – A modern riverside location, great for evening skating and city lights.
- Alexandra Palace Ice Rink – Large rink, family-friendly, with views across London.
- Queen’s House, Greenwich – A rink with stunning views of The Royal Old Naval College and the River Thames.
- Battersea Power Station Glide Ice Rink – a huge ice rink, opened in 2025, located between the iconic Battersea Power Station and the River Thames.
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink – Part of Winter Wonderland that I previously mentioned.
- Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink – Historic palace setting, gorgeous for photos. Located just outside London, so often less busy than central rinks.
See a Christmas Show
Another great Christmas thing to do in London is to see a show, musical or pantomime. There are so many to choose from, so I have listed the best options below.
Classic Christmas Performances
- The Nutcracker (Royal Opera House) – A London Christmas tradition with the Royal Ballet. Beautiful sets and music, great for first-time ballet-goers.
- English National Ballet’s Nutcracker (London Coliseum) – Another magical version of the classic, perfect for families.
- Handel’s Messiah (Royal Albert Hall) – A powerful festive performance in a stunning venue.
- Christmas Concerts at St Martin-in-the-Fields – Traditional carols and candlelit concerts in Trafalgar Square.
Christmas West End Shows & Musicals
- Elf the Musical – A family favourite, usually staged at the Dominion Theatre.
- A Christmas Carol – Classic Dickens tale, often adapted in different venues (Old Vic’s version is particularly loved).
- Disney’s Frozen: The Musical (Theatre Royal Drury Lane) – Magical for kids, and extra festive at Christmas.
- Wicked (Apollo Victoria) – Not Christmas-specific, but a West End favourite for families during the holidays.
Theatre and Pantos (Pantomimes) to Watch at Christmas in London with Kids
- London Palladium Pantomime – The biggest, glitziest panto in London, full of celebrity performers.
- Hackney Empire Panto – Known for its fun, traditional East London vibe.
- Lyric Hammersmith Panto – Always creative, funny, and great for kids.
- Richmond Theatre Panto – Another classic with a family-friendly atmosphere.
- The Peacock Theatre – See The Snowman, a classic Christmas tale, specially designed for families.
- The Unicorn Theatre – shows especially designed for children, see their website for current performances.
Other Things to do in London at Christmas as a Family
Kew Gardens Christmas Lights Trail
One of the most magical Christmas activities in London is the Kew Gardens Christmas lights trail. This is a perfect event for families or couples.
Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour
The Harry Potter Studio Tour is a favourite thing for Potter fans year-round. At Christmas, it becomes extra special with magical touches, such as the Great Hall being fully decorated with giant Christmas trees and other festive touches. This is a great activity for older kids.
Where to Visit Santa in London
Of course, for children, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Santa’s Grotto! This has to be the best thing to do in London at Christmas with kids.
- Hamleys Toy Store, Regent Street – One of the most magical places to meet Father Christmas inside London’s most famous toy shop. We did this last year and would highly recommend it! Read our full review here.
- Winter Wonderland Santa Land, Hyde Park – great for little ones – Santa’s grotto here is free (though it gets very busy), and children usually receive a small gift.
- The Queens House, Greenwich – new for 2025. I have booked this one, so I will report back!
- Museum of London Docklands, Canary Wharf – Santa’s Victorian Grotto. A cosy grotto set in the museum’s atmospheric Sailortown gallery — a real hidden gem.
- London Transport Museum, Covent Garden – Children will love the Transport Museum; they also have their own Santa!
- Battersea Power Station Christmas Grotto, Battersea – A newer addition, children can meet Santa in a cool setting with fun activities for children.
Hamleys toy store at Christmas and visiting the Elf in Santa’s Magical Grotto
Ride the Polar Express
An ultimate festive activity for families in London. Depart from London Euston station and go on a magical experience, based on the book The Polar Express. This is still on our Christmas bucket list!
Thank you for reading our guide on the best things to do when spending Christmas in London with kids. I hope we’ve helped you to plan your trip!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
PLANNING YOUR FIRST FAMILY TRIP TO LONDON
A PERFECT 4 DAYS IN LONDON ITINERARY
OR READ ALL OUR GUIDES ON THINGS TO DO AT CHRISTMAS WITH KIDS
Happy Exploring,
