During Christmas, London is one of the most beautiful cities in the world! It’s magical with the Christmas lights and decorations everywhere and it’s a perfect destination for a family. In this post you will find a selection of top 10 things to in London during Christmas season with a toddler, suggested by a local mum.
If you are planning a trip to London, you may also want to read what to do the first time in London with kids, and how to get around town and what form of subscription to choose between Oyster, Travel card and contactless.
Table of contents
Christmas lights
During Christmas season, London changes its character and in my opinion becomes one of the most romantic cities of the world. All the most important landmarks of the city are enriched by a multitude of lights to ogle. What about taking a double decker bus for best enjoying them? According to this article the best bus routes for seeing London’s Christmas lights are the 10, the 23 and the RV1. And the cost is really affordable, only 1,50£ per ticket.
Christmas at Kew Garden
Kew Gardens is a stunning botanical park (a must see visit all around year) where you can see beautiful light sculptures, a Christmas village and visit Father Christmas in his grotto. We went to Christmas at Kew last year and we simply loved it! There are timed entrance between 5pm and 8.15pm. This park is a little far from the centre of London; in case you have chosen an accommodation in west London it will be very easy to reach. It’s important to book in advance to get the chance to go in. Whether the dates are sold out, you can anyway try to go without reservation, every day there are 100 tickets available for brave parents. Nearest Tube Station: Kew Gardens Station (District Line — Richmond branch and London Overground). The main entrance is the Victoria Gate that is 400 metres far from the station. Entry: Child (4-16): 10£ – Adult: 18£
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
A little corner of paradise for the little ones is Winter wonderland, a six-weeks fair in the heart of the capital, that celebrates its 11 year anniversary. There is the UK’s largest outdoor Ice Rink and some bookable attractions (Giant Wheel, Nutcracker on ice), restaurants and a lot of leisures activities. Best to go in the morning or during the day to avoid crowds. Nearest tube stations: Hyde Park Corner, Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch. Entry: Free. 
Lego Store
The world’s largest Lego Store opened in Leicester Square last year. It’s spread over 2 floors and has the largest LEGO constructed Big Ben. There’s also a tube train with a seat for you to get the picture with William Shakespeare, David Beckham and the Queen. A world exclusive of the store is also the Mosaic Maker which scans the face like in a passport photo booth, and then converts the image into a LEGO pixels. Nearest tube stations: Leicester Square. Entry: Free.
Meet Father Christmas
What to do in London during Christmas season with a toddler? You can choose among lots of locations where meet Santa: Leicester square, Hampleys toys shop, Sutton House, Hampton Court, Kensington Palace, Museum of London Docklands, Royal Albert Hall. You can read also our post Meet Santa at the London Transport Museum. Check on their website for the bookings.
Zoo
The zoo during Christmas season has a new one-mile after-dark light trail Kew Gardens and it’s a good choice for a day out with a toddler and you can also meet there Father Christmas in a area dedicated to fun activities (pre-booking required). It’s not very convenient (25 £ per person) but it worths the visit. Nearest Station: Camden Town. Entry times: from 10am to 4pm (last visit at 3pm) – closed on the 25th of December.
London Eye and South bank Christmas market
This is another spot of the city where spend some hours in, especially because far from traffic and perfect for kids that can run and families with buggies. You can walk along the Themes and watching the gorgeous Christmas decoration by the river, or from the London Eye that could be crowded, in case you want to do it is better to pre-book online. Nearest station: Westminister.
Credit: VisitLondon
Christmas carol
A Christmas tradition for Londoner and for the whole family, that you shouldn’t miss to do in London during Christmas season. Check local newspaper listings for Carol concerts in your area and you will get you in the perfect Christmas spirit.
Ice Rinks
The are many in the capital during Christmas. just to name a few, Natural History Museum, the Somerset House, the Tower 0f London, Winter Wonderland, Hampton Court Palace, and also the John Lewis’ rooftop in Oxford street.
Somerset House ice rink
- Trafalgar Christmas Tree – it comes to light on Thursday 6 December at 6pm.
I hope you enjoyed this post.
With love,
Francesca
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