The festive season is upon us, and with this extra magic in the air, Santa’s visit on the cards, and the school holidays fast approaching, the kids in your life are probably buzzing with excitement. Make the most of family time and check out some of the fantastic things to do with kids in London this Christmas.
Whether it’s stepping into a bewitching new world, meeting a jolly man with a red suit, or getting their happiness fix at a dopamine-boosting museum, you can cram their days with festive fun and adventure. We’ve pulled together a few ideas to get you started…
1-10. Pay Santa a visit at his grotto
Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without Santa, and no doubt your kids have got a long list of wishes to pass on to the big man himself. Luckily, while there’s only one bearded man in the red suit, there’s plenty of Santas Grottos dotted around the city.
🎅🏻 Hamleys Regent Street
🧝🏻 Eltham Palace
🎅🏻 Kenwood
🧝🏻 Winter Wonderland
🎅🏻 Noir Kringle
🧝🏻 Vauxhall City Farm
🎅🏻 London Transport Museum
🧝🏻 Camden Market
🎅🏻 St Pancras International
🧝🏻Natural History Museum
11. Get lost in the magical story of a West End Show
Yes, pantos may be the classic Christmas shows we typically go for, but the chorus of “He’s behind you” has a tendency to haunt a parent’s dreams. One way to skip the sleepless nights will be to direct your attention to a West End show.
There’s a handful of fantastic festive shows gracing the city this winter, including The Snowman, Elf! The Musical, and Frozen The Musical, not to mention some timeless classics like Matilda The Musical and Mary Poppins. Sounds supercalifragilisticexpialidocious if you ask me.
12. Experience a magical after-dark adventure at Kew Gardens’ annual Christmas light trail
This spectacular event transforms the botanical gardens into a winter wonderland, featuring stunning light installations, sparkling tunnels, and mesmerising projections. As you stroll along the illuminated path, you’ll encounter glowing waterside reflections, a dazzling Fire Garden, and the iconic Palm House beautifully lit up.
Kids will be delighted by the chance to spot Father Christmas and his elves along the way. The event also offers festive food and drink from independent vendors, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.
13-17. Indulge in a festive treat for all the family
This holiday season, why not introduce your little ones to the delightful tradition of afternoon tea with a festive twist? A Christmas-themed afternoon tea is a perfect way to create magical memories, indulge in sweet treats, and spend quality time together during this special time of year.
☕️ Straits Kitchen, Pan Pacific London. Available from November 13 to January 5 – Thursday to Monday between 1pm and 4pm. More info here.
🫖 Lanes of London, London Marriott Hotel Park Lane. Available from November 21 to January 3, daily between 12pm – 4pm. More info here.
🍪 Wellington Lounge, InterContinental Park Lane. Available from November 1 to January 1, Wednesday – Sunday between 1pm – 5pm. More info here.
🍰 RAILS Restaurant, Great Northern Hotel. Available from November 14, Thursday – Sunday from 1pm – 5pm. More info here.
🧁 JW Marriott Grosvenor House. Available from November 19 to January 2 from between 1.00 pm and 6.00 pm. More info here.
18. Step into a festive fairytale in South London
Once upon a time, at a Grade II-listed mansion in Dulwich, there was a multi-sensory experience for all the family to enjoy. Once Upon A Kingswood Christmas is a 50-minute immersive experience where families are encouraged to step into an enigmatic fairytale. As the tale goes, you need to help the character of Bella find the Fairytale Alliance to aid in rescuing Father Christmas; you’ll journey through a maze of rooms and heed many Christmas traditions on your way.
The experience, which is aimed at little ones aged 3–11 years old, runs daily between December 14 and December 24.
19. Climb aboard a sleigh this Christmas at London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum offers a unique Christmas experience for families, combining festive cheer with the city’s rich transportation history. During the holiday season, the museum hosts special events where kids can meet Santa and his elf in a magical winter garden.
Families can climb aboard a Routemaster-inspired interactive sleigh and participate in festive craft workshops. The museum’s location in Covent Garden makes it easy to combine your visit with exploring the area’s festive decorations and Christmas market.
20-23. Enjoy an immersive experience for all the family
London’s immersive experiences can transport the whole family for a few hours; into our history books, into optical illusions, and even into a fun world inspired by bubbles! The below exhibitions have specific Christmas-themed activations for the Christmas holidays too, so embrace the festive cheer, and cool decor, and forget the real world for an hour or two.
🎟️ Bubble Planet. A world inspired by different types of bubbles, including ballpits, VR, and traditional blowing bubbles, in Wembley.
🎟️ Paradox Museum. Over 50+ mind-bending, fun optical illusions under one roof in Knightsbridge.
🎟️ The Gunpowder Plot. An immersive look at the historical events of 1605, with live actors, virtual reality, and impressive sets, located in the Tower Hill Vaults. Please note, this experience is suitable for children aged 10+.
🎟️ Jeff Wayne’s The War Of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience. Survive a Martian invasion near Aldgate, brought to life with special effects, actors, and VR. Please note, this experience is suitable for children aged 10+.
24. Glide (or shuffle) around an ice rink
There is no shortage of ice skating rinks scattered around London during Christmas. There’s something about gliding around on the ice (or clutching those handy penguins for support) that gets us feeling the festive spirit. Not to mention, it’s perfect if you’re hoping to burn off some of that seemingly bottomless pit of energy children seem to have.
Whether it’s a fun first-time experience or a much-loved tradition, kids of all ages are ensured a magical time whizzing around under the twinkling lights at ice rinks located at the likes of Somerset House, Alexandra Palace, and Canary Wharf.
25-29. Marvel at some of the biggest Christmas trees in the city
As part of your festive adventures in London with kids this Christmas, don’t miss the opportunity to marvel at some of the city’s most spectacular Christmas trees. Here’s a quick roundup of some must-see trees that will enchant children and adults alike:
🌲 Covent Garden. Home to London’s largest hand-picked Christmas tree, standing 60 feet tall with over 30,000 lights.
🎄 St. Pancras International. Features a unique ‘Wicked’-themed “tree” resembling Emerald City from the film.
🌲 Westfield London. Boasts Europe’s tallest LED Christmas tree, surrounded by an ice rink where families can skate.
🎄 Leadenhall Market. This magical market, which doubled as Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, is illuminated by a dazzling tree.
🌲 Hay’s Galleria. Near London Bridge, this tree features 7,200 LED lights and 750 recycled decorations under a Victorian-style glass roof.
30. Take them Christmas shopping at Hamleys
Like seeing your kids’ eyes fill with wonder and excitement? Hamleys promises that with jingle bells on. This toy heaven is an ever-popular choice, especially if you’re at a loss for what to get them for a gift.
It may be a giant unicorn plush, a science kit, or a lego car; whatever the case you can cross off some Christmas shopping while giving the kids a special day to remember.
31. See the spellbinding flurries of snow in Covent Garden
Don’t want to take the gamble on whether it will, or won’t, snow? If your kids are gazing out the window, adorned in woolly hats and looking at the high heavens with expectant eyes, make a beeline for Covent Garden. The area hosts their very own snow showers!
In 2022, the 115,000 twinkling lights, traditionally decorated sleigh, and London’s largest hand-picked Christmas tree were accompanied by daily magical snow flurries, once an hour, and the experience is back from December 1, 2023. Find out more about the Covent Garden flurries here.
32. Hear heartwarming tunes at a Candlelight Christmas concert
Children over the age of 8 can fall under the spell of enchanting songs from some of the most beloved Christmas movies and more. From “All I Want for Christmas Is You” to “Jingle Bell Rock”, skilled musicians will ring in the holiday season with uplifting melodies, all under the glow of countless candles. Discover all upcoming Candlelight Christmas concerts in London here.
40. Feast on a festive menu
London’s festive season offers a delightful array of Christmas dining experiences that can be enjoyed with the whole family. Many restaurants across the city create special holiday menus featuring traditional British Christmas fare as well as innovative seasonal dishes.
Some venues offer Christmas brunch and dinner with a visit from Santa, adding an extra touch of magic for children. Popular family-friendly restaurants often create themed experiences, transforming their spaces into winter wonderlands or offering interactive elements like cookie decorating.
🍽️ Fallow
🍷 The Savoy Grill
🍽️ The Camberwell Arms
🍷 Berenjak
🍽️ Dalloway Terrace
🍷 Sunday in Brooklyn
🍽️ LIMIN Winter Lodge
🍷 The Table Cafe