It’s starting to really feel quite a bit 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 children. 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 recollections – in case you’re questioning ho ho how to decide on, take a look at my decide of the perfect this Christmas in London with children.
With some occasions nonetheless to be introduced, I’ll even be updating this publish so preserve an eye fixed 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 virtually assured to identify some twinkling decorations wherever you go.
Verify the switch-on dates for a number of the greatest and greatest 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, so that you’re assured some attractive shows to see.
Plenty of the malls get in on the motion too, with festive facelifts for retailers like Fortnum & Mason, which has reworked itself into an enormous creation calendar, or this eagerly awaited window shows at Selfridges to see what is going to substitute final yr’s rock’n’roll-inspired show.
And in case 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 – some of the 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 number of the metropolis’s Christmas lights, with a playlist of Christmas classics, enjoyable commentary and different hits – dancing technically optionally available, however let’s face it, who can resist?
Or save your ft 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 nicely.
Observe 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 decide of the perfect illuminated trails in London with children for extra particulars
One of many latest mild trails within the capital can be coming to Fulham Palace with the London Illuminated Mild Path opening on November 28, whereas the ever-popular Christmas at Kew Backyard is again from November 13.
A couple of 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 selection 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 searching for conventional items, Santa’s grotto, workshops or rides, there’s a string of nice Christmas markets in London with children to select from – most have their very own twist relatively than the kind of conventional Christmas market you’ll discover in Europe, however it 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 beautiful Southbank Centre Christmas market and winter pageant, with some fabulous pop-up meals stalls, illuminations on the Queen’s Stroll and a conventional carousel.
For extra issues to do on the South Financial institution with children, in addition to the Southbank Centre winter market, take a look at my ideas
Additional east, there’s Christmas by the River close to London Bridge; quieter and smaller than a number of the different markets, there are sometimes workshops in addition to stalls.
On the different finish of the dimensions, 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, an ice rink, circus and lots extra probabilities to spent your cash, together with at picket chalets promoting meals and items.
Again from November 21, entry is ticketed so it’s not free to enter, though in case you e book £25 value of points of interest, your entry payment is included
Or within the coronary heart of London, you possibly can normally discover a conventional Bavarian-style market at Leicester Sq. Christmas market, with over 30 stalls and meals, though there are not any plans for a Santa’s Grotto and no confirmed family-friendly occasions this yr.
For extra issues to do round Leicester Sq. with children, take a look at my high picks
And also you’ll additionally discover a small market in Trafalgar Sq. with round 20 stalls promoting items, Christmas ornaments, jewelry and meals.
For extra Christmas markets, together with Greenwich, Battersea Energy Station and Kingston, take a look at my publish on the perfect Christmas markets in London with children for extra particulars.
See Santa
If you wish to see Santa in London, that you must transfer early, particularly for a number of the massive identify 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 pink (scroll up for extra strategies) though keep in mind you might 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 beautiful 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 youngster. Should be prebooked.
You may 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 revel 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 beautiful grotto.
For different locations to fulfill Father Christmas, preserve an eye fixed 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 children, take a look at my high picks
Board a Santa Steam prepare
Discover Santa taking a time without work from the sleigh, with one of many two Santa steam trains working in London this yr.
For 3 years, the Steam Desires Santa Steam Categorical trains have been London’s solely Santa steam prepare, however it’s being joined by the Polar Categorical this yr.
The Santa Steam Categorical can 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 adorned 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 nicely for mulled wine (adults solely!) and extra spacious seats, in case you fancy giving your self an early Christmas current.
Try our evaluation of a visit on the Santa Steam Categorical
Or the most recent UK Polar Categorical to depart can 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 individual personalised Polar Categorical pair), you’ll meet well-known characters from the film in addition to the person in pink 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 technique 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 an expert information.
This two-hour family-friendly Christmas tour additionally takes in a number of the metropolis’s Christmas lights in addition to promising some festive anecdotes.
Or be part of a Dickensian Christmas stroll – this personal tour is themed round A Christmas Carol. Working for 2 to a few hours, it’s higher with older children, though tailor-made to your group, and can present you the town that Ebeneezer Scrooge might need recognised.
Go ice skating
The looks of London’s pop-up ice skating rinks at all times indicators the beginning of Christmas for me – set in a number of the metropolis’s most iconic areas, it’s at all times tempting to tug on some skates earlier than warming up with scorching chocolate and mulled wine.
For those who can’t wait, the Canary Wharf Ice rink is the primary to open on October 26, whereas Skate at Somerset Home can be again from November, with the courtyard remodeling for winter.
The ice rink at Hampton Courtroom 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, in case 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 could possibly 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 children, together with year-round choices, take a look at my high picks
See a pantomime or Christmas theatre
It’s not Christmas and not using a pantomime (oh no, it’s not!) plus you too can discover some great London theatre reveals together with conventional Christmas productions and different family-friendly performances.
For my full record of the perfect Christmas theatre in London with children, take a look at this publish
It’s value checking what ages are allowed earlier than you e book: regardless of being geared toward households, some theatres received’t settle for youngsters beneath 5 (take a passport or some type of ID in case your children 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 geared toward age 8+.
There’s one other traditional story with Hansel and Gretel on the Globe Theatre – geared 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 brilliant 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 children 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 too can hear carols at St Paul’s Cathedral which normally has a sequence of free occasions throughout December – unsurprisingly standard, 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 youngsters, whether or not you’re a classical music aficionado or seeking to be taught.
They usually get a festive twist from November 16-December 31, with an entire sequence of magical music from totally different intervals and locations, some standard festive tales, singalong carols and a sprinkling of sleigh bells.
Two youngsters go free for each grownup, and dressing up is inspired. Prebooking is strongly really useful, with venues in areas round London.
Battersea Arts Centre festive expertise
For some of the 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 relies round an previous 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 significantly 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.
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 value from £5.50 for entry (with various charges of tremendous off-peak, off-peak and customary, in addition to early fowl reductions) with extra prices for various points of interest. There have been restricted tickets for the ice skating, ice expedition and circus, and it ran from December 8-January 7.
Go to the Tower of London
Certainly one of my favorite locations to go to in London with children, the Tower of London will get dressed up for Christmas as nicely.
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 Courtroom, plus you possibly can pose on a throne in 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, study 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 in case you purchase through tiqets utilizing my low cost code ‘MUMMYTRAVELS6‘ utilizing this hyperlink.
Uncover Christmas previous on the Museum of the Dwelling
For those who’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 Dwelling.
The houses from Winter Previous remodel the rooms by time shows with a makeover to point out varied festive scenes from by historical past (and relatively 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 too can uncover how Boxing Day obtained its identify, plus there are normally 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 youngsters and Santa since 1964 (and a few of his replies).
The Mail Rail – the underground prepare as soon as used for transporting publish – can even be getting its personal festive makeover, with the very first King’s Speech as a part of the audio performed through the experience.
Plus there are usually a string of different household actions happening – earlier years have included every part from interactive storytelling for youthful children to the prospect to make a particular festive cookery e book. There are additionally normally 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 should 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 films get a festive transformation – count on 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 can 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 too can e book tickets together with transport from central London on the tiqets web site – there’s a reduction utilizing my code MUMMYTRAVELS6 in case you e book 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
Drink scorching chocolate
When there’s a nip within the air, particularly in case you’re out on ice rinks or wandering round Christmas markets, you’ve obtained the right excuse for warm chocolate (although I’m first within the queue as quickly as autumn rolls round).
And overlook the odd on a regular basis scorching chocolate, as a result of London specialises in some indulgently extravagant drinks to strive.
For traditional variations with added deal with issue, head to conventional favourites like Venchi in addition to Lodge 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 identified 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 children, take a look at my picks
Rococo has a string of bizarre flavours so as to add to its prime quality chocolate – suppose white chocolate and cardamom, for instance, in addition to ultra-dark chocolate and child-friendly milk chocolate.
Or Knoops guarantees a selection of twenty-two totally 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 in case you’re in east London – or joyful to journey for the final word scorching chocolate – head to Darkish Sugars on Brick Lane or Nelson Street in Greenwich, which additionally has some incredible flavours and chocolate shavings galore to high your drink.
Discover the Gingerbread Metropolis on the Museum of Structure
2024 TBC For those who’ve ever made a gingerbread home for Christmas together with your children, it pales by comparability to the astonishing Gingerbread Metropolis from the Museum of Structure, which moved to its new residence of Westfield White Metropolis in 2023.
Reasonably than a number of bits of biscuit glued along with icing and splodged with Smarties, this annual exhibition sees architects, designers and engineers create an intricate and inventive show, with an entire metropolis of gingerbread.
For those who’re feeling impressed, there are normally gingerbread-making workshops for households on the Museum in Belgravia too – not included with tickets to the exhibition, it’s important to e book these individually and have to be prebooked.
Ran from early December early January final yr, priced from £12.50. Mixed Gingerbread home workshop and exhibition tickets value from £90 for 2 individuals (single particular person tickets accessible for adults solely). Tickets have to be prebooked.
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 which means of Christmas and save the magic of Lapland.
Assembly magical characters and passing by enchanted rooms, you’ll get to get pleasure from performances and storytelling earlier than lastly assembly the person in pink himself. There’s a present as a thanks for serving to, and loads of probabilities to take photographs.
A stunning various to a grotto expertise, it’s excellent for reminding everybody of the true which means of Christmas too. Should be prebooked, and there’s a reduction for English Heritage members, together with an additional early fowl deal in case you e book 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.
For those who’ve obtained youthful children, this opportunity to see Father Christmas at Morden Corridor Park is geared toward infants as much as youngsters 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 great conventional Christmas tree, and crafts for youths to get pleasure from.
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 location’s gardens and grounds to discover, it’s not onerous to search out some enjoyable methods burn off these mince pies. You’ll additionally discover wreath-making workshops for age 12+.
Be 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 an amazing festive interval and a good 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 preserve them secure, with challenges to sort out alongside the way in which.
Included in customary entry in case you e book tickets on-line to go to from December 7-24.
For extra issues to do in London with children, together with uncommon issues to do with children in London and the perfect locations to remain in London with children, 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 publish comprises paid promotion and affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Kew at Christmas: Jeff Eden/RBG Kew; Trafalgar Sq./scorching chocolate photos courtesy of Depositphotos; Snowman statues courtesy Fleet Road Quarter; all others copyright MummyTravels
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