If you are thinking of spending Christmas in London with the children, prepare to experience an unforgettable holiday.
In London you’ll find something to do for all the family this time: some of Europe’s best Christmas markets, festive lights, Christmas shopping and plenty of places to meet Santa.
During the holidays, in fact, the English capital, with the sparkling lights that adorn the streets, the traditional markets and themed events, offers visitors a truly unique atmosphere. Having lived in London for seven years, I can assure you that there is no better place to experience the magic of Christmas.
In this article, I have collected several fun family activities and some themed events that you could participate in to make your Christmas trip to London with children unforgettable.
If it’s your first time visiting London, check out my guide to visiting the city.
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Table of contents
London with kids
Before listing the best things to do at Christmas in London with children, have you already started planning your trip?
About this I recommend you read:
- How to best organise a trip to London with children
- How to get around London: Oyster Card, Travel Card or Contactless?
For meals, get a London-themed coloring kit or a booklet with stickers. My kids love the Top Trumps card game – did you know there’s also a London themed one?
These are some of the best attractions in London that we recommend for children:
- London Eye (read my review of the London Eye here) – Check out London Eye new openings for Christmas
- Natural History Museum and Science Museum
- Madame Tussauds
- Shrek’s Adventure (this year there will be a Shrek Santa Grotto – more in this post).
- London Transport Museum (where there’s always something special at Christmas – More in this post)
Admire the Christmas lights in London with children
When you think of Christmas in London with kids, one of the first things that come to mind are the festive lights along the city.
There are many Christmas decorations in the English capital, they change every year and are lit between early November and early December.
Most of the lights are up already in November. In fact, you can enjoy the magical Christmas atmosphere by simply walking through the streets of the center with your children.
These are my recommendations for this year.
You shouldn’t miss, first of all, the Oxford Street Christmas lights, which from 2 November 2023 will be visible until the beginning of January 2024. In fact, the iconic A Sky Full of Stars exhibition returns here, with thousands of hanging stars .
This year, the decorations will be renewed in Covent Garden and there will also be a LEGO installation. By popular demand, the large Christmas tree and a hand-painted sleigh dating back to 1884 are also returning.
Carnaby Street’s Christmas lights will be switched on from 8 November 2023 and are made up of vibrant balls of color and waves of light, creating a moving vortex along the famous shopping street.
On Regent Street, from 9 November 2023 until 2 January 2024, the iconic The Spirit of Christmas returns, with over 50 luminous angels floating above the street.
Did you know, then, that every year since 1947, the city of Oslo has given away the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, as a sign of Norwegian gratitude to the people of London for their help during the war years 1940-1945. It awaits you from 7 December 2023 to 6 January 2024.
Ti potrebbe interessare anche: London Christmas Festive Tour
London lights tour by bus
Let’s face it: we adults drive Christmas lights crazy, but children don’t appreciate them as much as we do…
If the children are tired of walking, I suggest some bus tours:
- London Christmas lights from the bus tour
- Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour
- Christmas Lights Private Taxi Tour
- Christmas Eve London Bus Tour with dinner e Midnight Mass
Diciamocelo: a noi grandi le luci di Natale fanno impazzire, ma i bimbi non apprezzano quanto noi…
Se i bimbi sono stanchi di camminare, ti suggerisco alcuni tour con il pullman:
Admire London from London Eye
Experience longer opening hours (10am – 8.30pm) every weekend leading up to Christmas on London Eye.
As the nights draw in, hop aboard the London Eye to see the London come alive at night.
Experience the glittering landscape of lights in the capital and spot iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, House of Parliament and more from 135m high.
See the London Eye like never before decorated with garlands and twinkly lights! It’s the perfect location to capture that all important Instagram shot this festive season.
Plus from December 15-25, the London Eye will wow guests with a bespoke Christmas light up design that you definitely don’t want to miss!
Ice skating in London
Ice skating is one of the most fun things to do as a family at Christmas in London. If you have children aged 4 and up, it is possible to plan this activity to do together (in fact, there are often penguins that small children can lean on to move on the ice).
Here is a list of the best places to ice skate in London this year.
PS: unfortunately there is no longer an ice skating rink at the Natural History Museum
The Queen’s House Ice Rink
Picture by RMG
Would you like to ice skate in a UNESCO Heritage site? This year, from 23 November to 7 January 2024, you can do it on the outdoor rink at the Queen’s House in Greenwich.
The track is set in a stunning setting, overlooking Greenwich Park to the south and the twinkling lights of Canary Wharf to the north.
Somerset House Ice Rink
Another unmissable rink, this time in the heart of London, a stone’s throw from Covent Garden, is the Somerset House Ice Rink.
From this year there are also evening skating opportunities – after 8pm.
If you can go there when it starts to get dark, because with the magic of the lights it’s a completely different reason.
And in London in winter it’s already dark at 4pm so…
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink 2023
From 17 November to 7 January 2023 (excluding Christmas Day), you could skate on the splendid outdoor ice rink at Hampton Court Palace.
The timeless charm of this historic building will make the experience magical for adults and children.
You could also visit Henry VIII’s famous house, which will be decorated for the holidays.
Copyright Historic Royal Palace
Canary Wharf ice rink
Located in the heart of Canary Wharf, you’re ideally placed to do a bit of Christmas shopping afterwards. Tickets from £17.95 for adults and £13.50 for children. All the info here.
ICE at Kensington Palace
It is said to be the largest ice rink in the Kingdom, the size of a football pitch! Tickets from £19.00 for adults and £16.00 for children. Info here for the Kensington ice rink
Ice rinks are generally available until the first week of January (January 6-7 – but check the websites to be sure).
Among the ice skating rinks there are also:
- Glide at Battersea Power Station
- Inside Winter Wonderland
- Tra le piste di pattinaggio sul ghiaccio ci sono anche:
Christmas events in London for children
There are many events in London at Christmas for children. I would like to recommend some that you could consider during your stay in the city to take the most of the experience with your little ones.
Christmas at Kew Gardens
Not to be missed, if you are in London at Christmas with children, is Christmas at Kew Gardens, one of the most anticipated events of the London holidays.
From November 15th to January 7th, the famous botanical park is filled with luminous tunnels and dancing reflections. An exciting journey awaits you!
To find out more you can read my article dedicated to Christmas at Kew Gardens.
Christmas with kids at the London Transport Museum
An unmissable stop for those who are in London at Christmas with children is the London Transport Museum, a true paradise for children where, during the holidays, you can breathe in a wonderful atmosphere.
From November 24 to December 23, children also have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus and ride aboard his sleigh to light the headlights and ring the bell.
On the program, there are also various themed activities, including Christmas stories, Christmas crafts and a narrative journey.
To get an idea of the experience, you can read my article dedicated to Meet Santa at the London Transport Museum at Christmas.
Christmas at the Tower
This year, a unique Christmas experience awaits you at the Tower of London, with magical coronation-themed displays. The magic of Christmas and history come together for the occasion and make the visit to the Tower, during the festive period, even more pleasant.
Christmas trail at Hillsborough Castle
At Hillsborough Castle this festive season Raymond Briggs’ much-loved ‘Snowman’ comes to life on a trail around the beautiful gardens.
Get ready for a Christmas journey with your children: there are 12 gigantic “Snowman” sculptures to discover, each hand-painted by a different artist and inspired by the timeless Christmas classic “12 Days of Christmas”. Will you be able to find them all?
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
If you are in London at Christmas with children, more precisely from 17 November to 1 January 2024, you absolutely cannot miss Winter Wonderland, the city’s biggest Christmas event, now in its 16th edition. Christmas markets, rides, the largest ice rink in the UK and lots of fun await you!
Here you can also book SantaLand to meet Santa Claus.
Copyright Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Christmas at the London Zoo
Experience the magic of Christmas with your children at the London Zoo! A Christmas trail, a giant Advent calendar and themed events await you.
Don’t miss, in particular, the “Meet Santa at London Zoo” event! Little ones will learn what it takes to become one of Santa’s helpers in the elf school. They will then have the opportunity to meet him in person in his magical cave in the heart of the zoo.
Christmas at Seal Life
Go on a journey to find the missing gifts scattered around the SEA Life aquarium, whilst learning a thing or two about the world’s oceans and the creatures that call it home. Keep your cool as locate each of the missing presents, and waddle through to Penguin Point to get up close to London’s cutest colony of Gentoo Penguins.
Once you have found all the gifts, reveal the secret message for your chance to win special prize!
Where to find Santa Claus in London
In addition to the above mentioned Winter Wonderland, here is a selection of opportunities to meet Santa around London.
Meet Father Christmas at Hamley’s
Who doesn’t know Hamley’s, the very famous toy shop? It is precisely here that Santa Claus has decided to set up his shop for the festive season! From November 12th to Christmas Eve, children will be able to meet Santa. For the occasion, the Hamleys Elves created games and activities. The little ones will also receive a gift to take home.
Entry for three people costs £50. Each additional person will have to pay £15 (with a maximum of six people allowed in each slot).
Shrektacular Cave in Shrek’s Adventure
For fans of the green ogre, there will be the Shrektacular Cave in Shrek’s Adventure, where children can delve into the swamp to meet Shrek Santa Claus in his Christmas clothes and take a souvenir photo together.
The Grotto is only open on selected days throughout December and is included in the normal entry price of £30 for adults and £24 for children.
Where: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London
When: Admission to the Shrek Santa Christmas experience is included on December 3, 4, 10, 11 and 17-24, 2023.
Santa Steam Express
Santa’s only steam train in London, the Santa Steam Express, sets off on a festive journey from Victoria Station, with the chance to meet Santa himself right on board.
The journey lasts 75 minutes and everything takes place on a classic steam train. The children, in addition to tasting many delicacies on board, will also return home with a little gift.
Where to find Santa’s Grotto in London:
- Santa’s Grotto at St. George St. Pancreas: booking information here
- Fulham Palace – we lived nearby and it was super, because everything takes place inside a historic building
- Selfridges
- Museum of London Docklands
- On board at Alexandra Palace
- Fortnum and Mason (sold out – check back next year)
- Harrods Christmas Shop
Christmas at the Natural History Museum with kids
Christmas T-Rex at NHM
For those in London with children, the Natural History Museum is an unmissable stop. This year, you could take part to the Storytelling with Santa to listen to a special Christmas story and have your photo taken with him!
Also, don’t miss the T-Rex decorated for Santa Claus!!
Christmas show for kids in London
Pick a Christmas-themed show at one of London’s many theatres. There are plenty of Christmas events for kids to choose from. Here are just a few ideas.
Rapunzel at the Theatre Peckham
For its now iconic Christmas show, from 5 to 24 December, Theatre Peckham offers a modern view of the tale of Rapunzel.
Rapunzel and her friends will take you on a journey of self-discovery and overcoming adversity. In a world where material wealth is coveted, this story is a reminder that true wealth comes from within.
A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic Theatre
It’s not Christmas in London without Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol”, playing at the Old Vic Theater for the festive season, from 11 November 2023 to 6 January 2024. There’s no better way to get into the spirit Christmas!
The Nutcracker (at London Coliseum)
In Edwardian London, a little girl receives an enchanted nutcracker as a gift. Together they discover a magical world. The Nutcracker is an amazing ballet, a true classic and a lovely family Christmas tradition. From 14 December to 7 January 2024.
Horrible Christmas
Characters from every era (Oliver Cromwell, Charles Dickens, Henry VIII) come together to save Christmas. 29 December 2023. Tickets from £16.50.
Elf
Elf is at the Dominion Theater from 15 November 2022 to 6 January 2024. Ticket prices from £20.
Snowman
This is the perfect show for a family visiting London at Christmas and wanting a classic Christmas show that is also good for little ones.
Snowman is almost just music, therefore perfect even for a little Italian.
The Night Before Christmas Mayfair
An interactive storytelling in the footsteps of The Night Before Christmas at the Mercato Metropolitano: the experience lasts 40 minutes and combines interactive storytelling with the possibility of meeting Santa Claus and receiving a gift.
Set on a cold and snowy Christmas Eve in Mayfair, a family is preparing for a fairy tale in their small apartment, only to discover that this night will prove more magical than anyone expects.
Tickets cost from £21.29 for children and one accompanying adult, including booking fees. Additional adult tickets cost £11.55 including booking fees. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to finance visits to children in local hospitals and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The company also works with local charities and special needs schools in the Westminster area to accommodate disabled children and wheelchair access is available at certain times
Where: Mayfair Metropolitan Market, North Audley Street, between Marble Arch and Bond Street tubes – save some time to browse before or after the show for food, drink and other handmade goods.
Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall
At the Royal Albert Hall we saw one of the best Christmas shows for us. Exciting, exciting and fun too. Other events at the Hall from this period include:
I also recommend:
- A great classic like Frozen
- The Nightmare before Christmas in Concert – Arena Wembley (with Disney)
You might be interest also in: How to get cheap tickets for theatres in London
Children’s Nutcracker Adventure Tour
If what you would like your children to experience during your Christmas holiday in London is a unique experience, I would like to point out that, from 6 December to 5 January, you could take them to the Royal Opera House where they can take part in a enchanting journey behind the scenes of the Nutcracker.
The event is designed for children aged between 5 and 12.
Copyright Royal Opera House
Christmas at Capel Manor Gardens
The Christmas period could be the ideal time to visit Capel Manor Gardens with your family. Children will be able to look for the hidden elves along the themed route and will receive a little gift to take home.
New this year is that the Georgian house dating back to the 17th century will open its doors to the public. Inside, children will be able to meet Santa Claus. You can then enjoy the singing of the Christmas choirs together at 11.30 am and 1.30 pm.
Christmas Markets in London
- Winter Wonderland Christmas Market – with over 200 traditional wooden chalets selling Christmas gifts, decorations and sweets, there’s something for everyone at the Winter Wonderland Christmas Market.
- Southbank Center Christmas Market: You’ll find traditional wooden chalets with Christmas decorations, including many food stalls along the riverside walkway and under the impressive London Eye on Southbank.
- Leicester Square Christmas Market – The market is much smaller than the others but offers charming handmade toys, delicious food, ornaments and is close to theaters if you’re seeing a show.
- Old Spitalfields Christmas Market.
In short, the UK capital is filled with magic during the Christmas period. In fact, there is no shortage of activities and experiences to enjoy as a family. In this regard, I recommend you also read the article with the top 10 things to do in London at Christmas with children under 5.
Finally, if you want some advice on accommodation, read my guide Where to stay in London with children.
Francesca
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