Christmas in London with kids is genuinely one of the most enchanting experiences you can give your family. The entire city transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights covering every street, Christmas markets on every corner, ice skating rinks in historic locations, festive shows, and enough yuletide cheer to make even the Grinch smile.
From the best Christmas lights and markets to ice skating, festive theatre shows, Santa experiences, and seasonal activities, here’s the perfect holiday adventure your family will remember for years.
When to Visit: Timing Your Christmas in London with Kids
Best Time for Christmas in London with Kids:
Mid-November to Early January: London’s official Christmas season runs roughly from mid-November (when lights turn on) through early January (when decorations come down).
Peak Season (December 15-January 1):
- Pros: Most festive atmosphere, all events running, genuine Christmas spirit
- Cons: Most expensive, extremely crowded, accommodation scarce, many things fully booked
- Best for: Families who must travel during school holidays, want Christmas Day/Boxing Day experience
Sweet Spot (Late November – Mid-December):
- Pros: All Christmas activities open, less crowded than peak, better prices, easier booking
- Cons: Not quite Christmas yet, some events just starting
- Best for: Flexible families, budget-conscious travelers, those who hate crowds
Early Season (Mid-November):
- Pros: Christmas lights just turned on, least crowded, best prices
- Cons: Some events not yet open, not full festive atmosphere
- Best for: Bargain hunters, crowd avoiders
Post-Christmas (December 26-January 5):
- Pros: Sales shopping, still festive, slightly less crowded
- Cons: Christmas itself over, some events closing
- Best for: Sale shoppers, those who want festive atmosphere without Christmas Day
Best recommendation for Christmas in London with kids: Late November or first two weeks of December offer the best balance of festive atmosphere, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices.
Christmas Lights: Illuminating Your Christmas in London with Kids
Oxford Street and Regent Street: The Classic Light Displays
Why They’re Essential for Christmas in London with Kids: Oxford Street and Regent Street feature London’s most famous Christmas lights – massive displays covering entire streets that genuinely take your breath away, especially for children who’ve never seen anything like it.
Oxford Street:
- Length: Over 1.5 miles of lights
- Theme: Changes annually – recent years featured forests, starry themes, angels
- Best viewing: Early evening (5-7 PM) before theatre crowds
- Access: Multiple tube stations (Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Bond Street, Marble Arch)
Regent Street:
- Style: “Spirit of Christmas” angels spanning the curved street
- Iconic view: Standing at Piccadilly Circus looking up Regent Street – spectacular
- Shopping: Combines lights viewing with Hamley’s toy store, Liberty, other shops
- Access: Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus tubes
What Makes Them Great for Kids:
- Completely free
- Lights are on 24/7 once switched on (usually mid-November)
- Overwhelming scale impresses kids
- Can combine with shopping, dining, theatre
- Classic London Christmas experience
Tips for Families:
- Visit early evening before dinner for best atmosphere
- Weekend afternoons get incredibly crowded – weekday evenings better
- Don’t try to walk the entire lengths – pick sections
- Watch for pickpockets in crowds (especially Oxford Street)
- Use lights viewing as walk between attractions rather than dedicated activity
- Photography difficult in crowds – be patient
Other Major Light Displays:
Covent Garden:
- Massive mistletoe chandelier and decorations throughout market
- Beautiful Victorian-style lights
- Street performers add atmosphere
- Combine with shopping and dining
Carnaby Street:
- Quirky, colorful displays (often themed)
- Less crowded than Oxford/Regent
- Independent shops underneath
- Great for photos
King’s Cross:
- Modern light displays
- Less traditional but impressive
- Near Harry Potter Platform 9¾
- Good if staying in this area
Trafalgar Square:
- Giant Norwegian Christmas tree (gift from Norway since 1947)
- Tree lighting ceremony (early December)
- Free carol singing some evenings
- Classic Christmas photo opportunity
Bond Street, Sloane Street, Knightsbridge:
- More upscale, elegant displays
- Less crowded than Oxford Street
- Combine with window shopping
Kew Gardens (separate admission):
- “Christmas at Kew” light trail
- Not street lights but spectacular botanical garden illuminations
- Requires tickets and travel to Kew
Best Strategy: Choose 2-3 light areas rather than trying to see all. Combine Regent Street + Covent Garden in one evening, or Oxford Street + Carnaby in another.
Christmas Markets: Festive Shopping and Food
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park: The Mega Christmas Market
Why It’s Central to Christmas in London with Kids: Winter Wonderland is London’s largest Christmas event – a massive combination of Christmas markets, ice skating, rides, shows, and attractions that defines Christmas in London with kids for many families.
What It Includes:
- Christmas markets: Bavarian village with wooden chalets selling gifts, decorations, food
- Ice skating: UK’s largest outdoor ice rink
- Rides and attractions: Ferris wheel, roller coasters, log flume (yes, in winter!)
- Circus shows: Zippos Christmas Circus
- Ice Kingdom: Ice sculpture walk-through
- Santa Land: Santa grottos and festive experiences
- Food: German bratwurst, pretzels, churros, mulled wine, hot chocolate
- Bar Ice: Ice bar made entirely of ice
Dates: Typically mid-November through early January
Admission: FREE entry to walk around, but individual attractions cost money (rides £5-10 each, ice skating £12-18, shows £15-30)
What Makes It Great for Kids:
- Overwhelming festive atmosphere
- Carnival rides for all ages
- Ice skating in Hyde Park
- German Christmas market food (kids love bratwurst and pretzels)
- Santa experiences
- Something for every age
- Can spend 1 hour or all day
What Parents Should Know:
- Gets VERY crowded, especially weekends and evenings
- Can be expensive if doing multiple activities (easily £100+ for family)
- Food and drinks quite pricey
- Queues for popular attractions can be 30-60 minutes
- Some rides scary for young kids (check before queuing)
- The “free entry” is misleading – you’ll spend money once inside
Tips for Visiting Winter Wonderland with Kids:
- Go weekday afternoons for smallest crowds
- Book ice skating online in advance (cheaper and guaranteed spot)
- Set budget before entering and stick to it
- Bring cash (some stalls don’t take cards)
- Wear warm clothes – it’s outdoors
- Young kids (under 8) probably won’t do many rides – manage expectations
- The Magical Ice Kingdom is beautiful but cold (dress warmly)
- Food is expensive but fun experience
- Don’t feel pressured to do everything – walking around is free and festive
Best For: Families who want mega Christmas atmosphere, kids who love carnival rides, full Christmas market experience
Time Needed: 2-4 hours minimum
Access: Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, or Green Park tubes
Southbank Centre Winter Market: Riverside Festive Charm
Why It’s One of the Best Christmas Markets for Christmas in London with Kids: Southbank Centre’s Winter Market offers a more relaxed alternative to Winter Wonderland – smaller, less overwhelming, beautifully located along the Thames.
What It Offers:
- Wooden chalet market stalls (gifts, crafts, decorations, jewelry)
- Food stalls (German, British, international)
- Hot drinks (mulled wine, hot chocolate, mulled cider)
- Thames riverside location with London Eye views
- Free to walk around
- Weekend performances and activities
What Makes It Great for Kids:
- More manageable size than Winter Wonderland
- Beautiful riverside setting
- Can combine with South Bank walk, Tate Modern, London Eye
- Less commercial feel than Hyde Park
- Better quality artisan goods
Admission: FREE
Dates: Typically November through early January
Tips:
- Combine with Thames walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge
- Less crowded than Winter Wonderland
- Great for families who want festive atmosphere without carnival vibe
- Food quality generally better than Winter Wonderland
- Evenings especially beautiful with lights reflecting on Thames
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Access: Waterloo or Embankment tubes, or Thames boats to Embankment Pier
Leicester Square Christmas Market: Central Location
Why It Works for Christmas in London with Kids: Small, central market in Leicester Square – perfect for combining with other central London activities.
What It Offers:
- Alpine-style wooden chalets
- Christmas gifts and crafts
- Food and drink stalls
- Central Trafalgar Square location
- Free entry
Best For: Families already in central London who want quick festive atmosphere
Time Needed: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Other Notable Christmas Markets:
Greenwich Market Christmas Lights:
- Covered market with Christmas stalls
- Less touristy than central markets
- Combine with Greenwich attractions
- Quieter, more local feel
Covent Garden Christmas Market:
- Small market in Covent Garden Piazza
- Very central and convenient
- Can combine with street performers
- Gets extremely crowded
Kingston Christmas Market:
- Southwest London (20 minutes from central London)
- Less touristy, more local
- German-style market
- Good if staying in Kingston area
Ice Skating: Gliding Through Christmas in London with Kids
Ice skating is one of the most magical activities for Christmas in London with kids. Multiple outdoor rinks pop up in spectacular locations throughout the city.
Somerset House Ice Rink: Historic Courtyard Magic
Why It’s Special: Somerset House’s neoclassical courtyard transforms into one of London’s most beautiful ice rinks – elegant, historic, and magical.
Details:
- Location: Somerset House courtyard, Strand
- Dates: Mid-November through mid-January
- Cost: Adults £12-18, Children £10-15
- Sessions: 1 hour including skate hire
- Booking: Book online in advance
What Makes It Great for Kids:
- Beautiful historic setting
- Slightly larger rink than Natural History Museum
- DJ sessions some evenings (fun atmosphere)
- Can combine with Covent Garden, river walks
- Fortnum’s Lodge (cafe) for treats after
Tips:
- One of London’s most popular rinks – book early
- Evening sessions have DJ and lights (lively atmosphere)
- Daytime quieter for nervous skaters
- Slightly more expensive than some other rinks
- The courtyard is stunning – worth visiting even if not skating
Best For: Families wanting elegant atmosphere, older kids/teens who enjoy DJ sessions
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink: Royal Skating
Why It’s Special: Skating in front of Henry VIII’s palace offers historic grandeur for Christmas in London with kids willing to travel 30 minutes from central London.
Details:
- Location: Hampton Court Palace (30 minutes from central London)
- Dates: November through early January
- Cost: Adults £12-16, Children £10-14
- Sessions: 45 minutes
- Booking: Book online
What Makes It Great for Kids:
- Spectacular palace backdrop
- Less crowded than central London rinks
- Can combine with palace visit
- Beautiful grounds for exploring
- More relaxed atmosphere
Tips:
- Requires train journey from Waterloo (35 minutes)
- Less crowded than central rinks (advantage!)
- Combine with palace Christmas decorations tour
- Easier parking if driving
Best For: Families doing Hampton Court day trip, those avoiding central London crowds
Canary Wharf Ice Rink: Modern Skyscrapers
Why It’s Worth Considering: Free ice skating! The only catch – limited sessions and you need to book.
Details:
- Location: Canary Wharf
- Dates: November-February typically
- Cost: FREE (some sessions) or cheap (£5-8)
- Booking: Essential despite being free
What Makes It Great for Kids:
- FREE skating (amazing value)
- Modern setting surrounded by skyscrapers
- Less touristy than central rinks
- Good size rink
Tips:
- Free sessions book up immediately when released – set calendar reminder
- East London location means extra travel for most tourists
- Not as “Christmassy” as historic building rinks but free makes up for it
Ice Skating Tips for Christmas in London with Kids:
- Book weeks in advance – popular rinks sell out
- Bring gloves – required at all rinks
- Dress warmly – you’ll be outside in December/January
- Request skate aids for beginners (usually free, subject to availability)
- Choose session times carefully – daytime less crowded, evening more atmospheric
- Budget £10-20 per person for most rinks
- 50 minutes-1 hour is standard session length
- Very young kids (under 5) may struggle – consider if it’s worth the cost
Festive Theatre: West End Christmas Shows
Christmas in London with kids isn’t complete without a West End show. Some shows are perfect for the festive season, and special Christmas productions appear only during holidays.
Year-Round Shows Perfect for Christmas
These shows run all year but feel especially magical during Christmas in London with kids:
The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre):
- Perfect any time but extra magical during Christmas
- “Circle of Life” with full theatre decorations is spectacular
- Book months in advance for Christmas season
- Ages 3+, £25-150
Matilda (Cambridge Theatre):
- Empowering, funny, brilliant for families
- “Revolting Children” gets kids excited
- Celebrates reading (great gift idea: tickets + Roald Dahl books)
- Ages 6+, £25-135
Frozen (Theatre Royal Drury Lane):
- Perfect Christmas timing (it’s literally about ice and snow)
- “Let It Go” transformation spectacular
- Young kids (3+) love it
- Can be pricey, book ahead
Wicked (Apollo Victoria):
- Better for older kids/tweens (8+)
- “Defying Gravity” is breathtaking
- Empowering story for girls
- Very popular during Christmas – book early
Christmas-Specific Shows
These shows appear only during Christmas season:
The Nutcracker (Various venues – Royal Opera House, Coliseum):
- Classic Christmas ballet
- Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music
- Royal Opera House production is spectacular
- Best for ages 6+ who can sit still for 2+ hours
- Book very early (September/October for Christmas performances)
- Expensive (£30-150+) but iconic
A Christmas Carol (Various venues):
- Dickens’s classic Christmas story
- Multiple productions each year (check what’s on)
- Great for older kids (8+) who know the story
- Genuinely Christmassy
Pantos (Pantomimes – Various London theatres):
- British Christmas tradition (unique to UK)
- Interactive comedy shows based on fairy tales
- Audience participation (“It’s behind you!”)
- Silly, loud, fun for kids 4-12
- Adults often find them bizarre (cultural thing)
- Cheaper than musicals (£15-50)
- Dozens of different pantos across London
The Snowman (Peacock Theatre):
- Based on beloved Christmas picture book
- No dialogue – told through dance and music
- Perfect for young children (2-7)
- Beautiful, gentle, magical
- Short runtime (1 hour – perfect for little ones)
- Tickets £15-50
- Books up quickly
Tips for Booking Christmas West End Shows:
- Book 2-6 months ahead for Christmas season (September-November for December shows)
- Weekday matinees often cheaper and less crowded
- Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s have performances but book far ahead
- Panto is quintessentially British Christmas – try one even if it seems odd
- Avoid last-minute booking during Christmas – prices spike and availability disappears
Santa Experiences: Meeting Father Christmas
Winter Wonderland Santa Land: Multiple Santa Options
Within Hyde Park Winter Wonderland:
- Several different Santa experiences
- Prices vary (£15-35)
- Easier to book last-minute than department stores
- Can combine with other Winter Wonderland activities
- Variable quality – read reviews
Free Santa Visits:
Garden Centres and Shopping Centres:
- Many shopping centers offer free Santa visits
- Westfield (Stratford and White City) usually have free Santa queues
- Photo typically costs (£10-15)
- Less elaborate but free
Tips for Santa Experiences:
- Book ahead – popular grottos sell out months early
- Manage expectations about gifts (won’t be exactly what child wants)
- Prepare young kids – some get scared of Santa
- Alternative: Skip organized grottos, see free Santas, save money
- Photography: Some grottos include photo, others charge extra (£10-20)
Christmas Events and Activities
Christmas at Kew Gardens: Botanical Winter Wonderland
Why It’s Worth the Trip for Christmas in London with Kids: Kew Gardens’ Christmas light trail transforms the botanical gardens into an illuminated wonderland – one of London’s most magical Christmas experiences.
Details:
- Location: Kew Gardens (30 minutes from central London)
- Dates: Mid-November through early January
- Cost: Adults £25-30, Children £12-15 (varies by date)
- Duration: 1.5-2 hour trail
- Booking: Must book timed entry online in advance
What You’ll See:
- Illuminated trees and plants
- Light tunnels
- Laser show over lake
- Fire garden
- Projection mapping
- Interactive installations
- Lit-up Palm House
- Christmas market
What Makes It Great for Kids:
- Spectacular lights in unique setting
- Walking keeps kids engaged
- Not too long (1.5-2 hours perfect)
- Hot chocolate and food available
- Memorable and different from typical Christmas activities
- Educational (botanical gardens) disguised as fun
Tips:
- Book weeks ahead – sells out, especially weekends
- Weekday evenings less crowded than weekends
- Dress warmly – you’re outside walking for 2 hours in December
- Bring strollers for little ones – lots of walking
- Go after dark (4-5 PM onwards) for best light experience
- Mid-week in early December offers best value and smallest crowds
- Expensive but worth it – genuinely spectacular
Best For: Families wanting unique Christmas experience, nature lovers, photographers, kids 4+
Time Including Travel: Plan 4-5 hours total (travel + experience + buffer)
Christmas Carol Concerts and Singing
Trafalgar Square Carol Singing:
- Free carol singing around Norwegian Christmas tree
- Select evenings in December
- Bring warm clothes and join in
- Completely free, very traditional
- Best for families who enjoy singing
St. Martin-in-the-Fields:
- Beautiful church near Trafalgar Square
- Christmas carol concerts
- Some free, some ticketed
- Candlelit services magical
- Ages 6+ who can sit quietly
Royal Albert Hall Carols:
- Spectacular venue
- Multiple Christmas concerts
- Book ahead
- More formal but beautiful
Southbank Centre:
- Free and ticketed Christmas events
- Family-friendly festivals
- Carol singing, markets, activities
Christmas Day Services and Events:
If spending Christmas Day in London:
Christmas Day Church Services:
- Westminster Abbey (ticketed, apply early)
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Various churches (free but arrive early)
- Beautiful traditional Christmas
Restaurants Open Christmas Day:
- Many hotels serve Christmas lunch (expensive, £80-150 per person)
- Some restaurants open (book months ahead)
- Traditional British Christmas dinner available
Attractions Open Christmas Day:
- Most attractions CLOSED Christmas Day
- Some open: London Eye (limited hours), Thames cruises (check)
- Boxing Day (Dec 26): Most reopen
Christmas Window Displays: Free Festive Fun
Why They’re Perfect for Christmas in London with Kids: Elaborate animated window displays at major department stores provide free Christmas entertainment.
Best Window Displays:
Harrods:
- Elaborate, theatrical windows
- Different theme annually
- Knightsbridge
- Free to view
- Beautiful Christmas shop inside
Selfridges:
- Creative, artistic displays
- Oxford Street
- Multiple windows telling story
- Excellent Christmas food hall
Fortnum & Mason:
- Elegant, traditional displays
- Piccadilly
- Famous for Christmas hampers
- Beautiful traditional Christmas decorations inside
Liberty:
- Quirky, distinctive style
- Regent Street
- Tudor-style building looks Christmassy
- Unique decorations
Hamleys:
- Toy-focused windows
- Regent Street
- Kids love toy displays
- Can go inside to see 7 floors of toys
Tips:
- Completely FREE
- Best evening viewing when lit up
- Can be crowded weekends
- Combine multiple in one walk (Regent St has Hamleys, Liberty; Piccadilly has Fortnum’s)
- Photography difficult in crowds
Christmas Food and Dining
Traditional Christmas Meals for Christmas in London with Kids
Christmas Day Lunch/Dinner:
If staying in London over Christmas and wanting traditional Christmas dinner:
Hotels Serving Christmas Lunch:
- Most major hotels serve Christmas Day lunch
- Traditional turkey, trimmings, Christmas pudding
- £80-200 per adult, £40-100 per child
- Book months in advance
- Examples: The Savoy, The Ritz, Claridge’s (very expensive); Premier Inn, Holiday Inn (more affordable)
Restaurants Open Christmas Day:
- Limited options (most closed)
- Book 2-3 months ahead
- Typically expensive
- Search “Christmas Day lunch London” in October for options
Alternative: Rent apartment with kitchen, cook Christmas dinner yourselves (traditional British option involves turkey, roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts, stuffing, pigs in blankets, Christmas pudding)
Festive Foods to Try During Christmas in London with Kids
Mince Pies:
- Tiny sweet pies filled with dried fruit mixture
- Traditional Christmas treat
- Available everywhere (supermarkets, cafes, markets)
- Kids either love or hate them
Christmas Pudding:
- Dense fruit pudding, often set alight
- Very British, very traditional
- Not to everyone’s taste
- Try small portion first
Mulled Wine (adults) and Hot Chocolate (kids):
- Available at all Christmas markets
- Overpriced but festive
- Kids love hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows
Roasted Chestnuts:
- Vendors roast chestnuts on street corners
- Very atmospheric and traditional
- Warm snack for cold days
German Market Foods (Winter Wonderland, markets):
- Bratwurst (German sausages)
- Pretzels
- Stollen (German Christmas fruit bread)
- Lebkuchen (gingerbread)
- Kids typically love bratwurst and pretzels
Afternoon Tea Christmas Special:
- Many hotels do Christmas-themed afternoon tea
- Festive sandwiches, Christmas cakes, seasonal treats
- £30-80 per person
- Book ahead
- Formal but fun experience
Practical Planning for Christmas in London with Kids
Accommodation Booking
When to Book:
- 6-12 months ahead for Christmas week (Dec 20-Jan 2)
- 3-6 months ahead for early/mid-December
- Prices spike during Christmas week
- Availability limited closer to dates
Best Areas:
- South Kensington: Near museums, Christmas ice rink, parks
- Covent Garden: Central, near theatre, Christmas atmosphere everywhere
- King’s Cross: Modern, excellent transport, near Christmas markets
- Greenwich: Quieter, village feel, Christmas market, less expensive
Budget Tips:
- Apartment with kitchen saves money on meals
- Stay slightly outside central London (Greenwich, Richmond)
- Avoid December 23-26 (most expensive dates)
- Book early for best rates
Transport During Christmas
Public Transport:
- Reduced service Christmas Day and Boxing Day
- Free travel for under-11s year-round
- Oyster cards or contactless payment
- Extra crowded during Christmas shopping season (weekends especially)
Walking:
- Central London very walkable
- Christmas lights make evening walks magical
- Watch for busy Oxford Street/Regent Street crowds
Taxis/Uber:
- Surge pricing during Christmas
- Hard to get Christmas Eve/Day
- Budget accordingly
Weather and What to Pack
London December/January Weather:
- Cold: 2-8°C (35-46°F) typical
- Rainy: Frequent drizzle/rain
- Dark early: Sunset around 4 PM
- Occasional snow: Rare but possible
What to Pack for Christmas in London with Kids:
- Warm layers (thermals, sweaters, fleece)
- Waterproof jackets (essential)
- Warm hats, gloves, scarves (required for ice skating)
- Waterproof boots for kids
- Umbrella
- Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll walk miles)
Budgeting Christmas in London with Kids
Sample 5-Day Christmas Budget (Family of 4):
Budget Christmas:
- Accommodation: £500-800 (budget hotel/apartment)
- Food: £400-600 (mix of markets, supermarkets, some restaurants)
- Transport: £100-150 (Oyster cards)
- Activities: £200-400 (one paid ice rink, Christmas lights free, markets free, window displays free)
- Total: £1,200-1,950
Mid-Range Christmas:
- Accommodation: £800-1,200
- Food: £600-900 (restaurants, some markets)
- Transport: £150-200
- Activities: £500-800 (multiple ice skating, Kew Gardens, Winter Wonderland activities, one show)
- Total: £2,050-3,100
Splurge Christmas:
- Accommodation: £1,500-2,500
- Food: £1,000-1,500 (nice restaurants, afternoon teas, Christmas Day lunch)
- Transport: £200-300
- Activities: £1,000-1,500 (multiple shows, Harrods Santa, Kew Gardens, premium experiences)
- Total: £3,700-5,800
Money-Saving Tips:
- Christmas lights and window displays: FREE
- Most museums: FREE year-round
- One splurge activity (ice skating or show), rest free/cheap
- Supermarket picnics save hundreds vs. restaurants
- Book everything advance for better prices
- Avoid Christmas week (Dec 23-26) for better accommodation rates
- Free Santa visits at shopping centers vs. paid grottos
Advance Booking Timeline
6 Months Ahead (July for Christmas):
- Accommodation for Christmas week
- Popular West End shows
- The Nutcracker at Royal Opera House
3 Months Ahead (September-October):
- Harrods/Selfridges Santa grottos
- Ice skating at popular rinks (Natural History Museum, Somerset House)
- Kew Gardens Christmas
- West End shows if not booked yet
- Christmas Day restaurant reservations
1 Month Ahead (November):
- Any remaining show tickets
- Double-check ice skating bookings
- Restaurant reservations
- Plan daily schedule
1 Week Ahead:
- Check weather forecast
- Reconfirm all bookings
- Print tickets/confirmations
- Final packing list
Sample Christmas in London with Kids Itinerary (5 Days)
Day 1: Arrival and Christmas Lights
- Morning: Arrive, check in, settle
- Afternoon: Trafalgar Square Christmas tree, quick National Gallery if energy
- Evening: Regent Street and Oxford Street Christmas lights, dinner Covent Garden
- See: Street performers in Covent Garden
Day 2: Museums and Ice Skating
- Morning: Natural History Museum (dinosaurs and decorations)
- Lunch: South Kensington cafes or picnic
- Afternoon: Science Museum
- Evening: Ice skating at Natural History Museum rink (pre-booked)
- Hot chocolate after skating
Day 3: Winter Wonderland and West End
- Morning: Kensington Gardens and Diana Memorial Playground
- Lunch: Picnic or Winter Wonderland food
- Afternoon: Winter Wonderland Hyde Park (ice skating, markets, carousel)
- Evening: West End show (The Lion King, Matilda, or Frozen – pre-booked)
Day 4: Tower of London and Christmas Markets
- Morning: Tower of London (Crown Jewels especially sparkly at Christmas)
- Lunch: Borough Market
- Afternoon: Tower Bridge, walk to Southbank Centre Winter Market
- Evening: South Bank walk with Christmas lights, London Eye lit up
Day 5: Kew Gardens and Shopping
- Morning: Sleep in, leisurely breakfast
- Afternoon: Christmas at Kew Gardens (pre-booked timed entry)
- Evening: Return to favorite Christmas light area, souvenir shopping, farewell dinner
This itinerary balances:
- Major attractions (Tower, museums)
- Christmas-specific activities (lights, ice skating, Kew, Winter Wonderland)
- Free activities (lights, window displays, parks)
- Paid experiences (ice skating, show, Kew)
- Indoor and outdoor
- Busy and relaxed days
Spending Christmas in London with Kids
Christmas in London with kids is genuinely magical if you plan strategically, book ahead, and pace yourselves. The city transforms into a winter wonderland with spectacular lights covering every major street, Christmas markets offering festive foods and gifts, ice skating rinks in historic locations, world-class theatre shows, and enough yuletide atmosphere to create memories that last lifetimes.
The key to successful Christmas in London with kids is balancing the free experiences (lights, window displays, parks, most museums) with a few splurge activities (ice skating, West End show, Kew Gardens, maybe one special Santa experience). You don’t need to do everything – choose what aligns with your family’s interests and budget.
Book popular activities months in advance (shows, ice skating, Kew Gardens, Santa grottos), but know that tons of Christmas magic is completely free and spontaneous – walking under twinkling lights, watching street performers in Covent Garden, seeing kids’ faces light up at Harrods windows, drinking hot chocolate at Christmas markets.
My family’s Christmas visits to London have created our most treasured memories – skating in front of the Natural History Museum while snow fell gently, the moment my daughter gasped at Regent Street’s angels, watching The Lion King with Christmas decorations throughout the theatre, walking through Kew’s illuminated gardens holding hands, riding the London Eye at night with the city sparkling below.
Christmas in London with kids requires planning, costs more than off-season visits, and involves crowds. But the magic is real, the experiences are genuinely special, and the memories you create are priceless. Book early, dress warmly, embrace the crowds, try a mince pie, sing along with carol singers, and let London’s Christmas magic enchant your family.
The lights are twinkling. The ice rinks are ready. The shows are waiting. Go experience Christmas in London with kids and create your own perfect holiday story!
