Itโs starting to really feel rather a lot like Christmasโฆ And from sparkly lights to markets, festive occasions and ice rinks, there are some magical issues to do for Christmas in London with youngsters. Up to date for 2024
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And Christmas 2024 is pulling out the stops to get everybody feeling festive, from gentle trails to Christmas markets and midwinter sights in London.
Thereโs are Christmas reveals and conventional pantomimes, some free issues to do in London at Christmas, and loads of locations to make unforgettable recollections โ in case youโre questioning ho ho how to decide on, take a look at my decide of one of the best this Christmas in London with youngsters.
With some occasions nonetheless to be introduced, Iโll even be updating this put up so maintain a watch out for brand new Christmas occasions too
See the London Christmas lights
Londonโs festive lights begin showing across the metropolis throughout November, so that youโre virtually assured to identify some twinkling decorations wherever you go.
Test the switch-on dates for a few of the largest and greatest right here, in addition to my London Christmas lights strolling route
Earlier years have seen all the things from peacock feathers in Bond Avenue to the planets glowing over Carnaby Avenue, in addition to angels in Regent Avenue, so that youโre assured some beautiful shows to see.
Quite a lot of the shops get in on the motion too, with festive facelifts for outlets like Fortnum & Mason, which has remodeled itself into an enormous introduction calendar, or this eagerly awaited window shows at Selfridges to see what’s going to substitute final yrโs rockโnโroll-inspired show.
And in case you donโt fancy wandering aimlessly to identify one of the best, there are some nice Christmas excursions in addition to my very own self-guided Christmas lights strolling tour โ probably the most 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 few of the metropolisโs Christmas lights, with a playlist of Christmas classics, enjoyable commentary and different hits โ dancing technically non-compulsory, however letโs face it, who can resist?
Or save your toes 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’ll be able to hop aboard this barely longer open-top doubledecker tour as nicely.
Observe a lightweight path
Youโll discover extra lights than simply these over Londonโs purchasing streets, with a string of festive gentle trails, some working into the New Yr.
Try my decide of one of the best illuminated trails in London with youngsters for extra particulars
One of many latest gentle trails within the capital shall be coming to Fulham Palace with theย London Illuminated Mild Pathย opening on November 28, whereas the ever-popular Christmas at Kew Backyard is again from November 13.
Just a few favourites, together with Christmas at Kenwood and Enchanted Eltham Palace have been changed by different Christmas occasions this yr โ thereโs a brand new occasion,ย The Spirit of Christmas at Elthamย on the latter โ so thereโs much less alternative this yr.
And the free lights at Canary Wharf and Battersea Energy Station donโt usually gentle up till after the New Yr.
Go to a Christmas market
Whether or not youโre searching for conventional presents, Santaโs grotto, workshops or rides, thereโs a string of nice Christmas markets in London with youngsters to select from โ most have their very own twist quite than the form of conventional Christmas market youโll discover in Europe, however it additionally means you’ll be able to go to a number of with out becoming bored.
A few of my very own favourites are on the banks of the Thames, together with the beautiful Southbank Centre Christmas marketย and winter competition, with some fabulous pop-up meals stalls, illuminations on the Queenโs Stroll and a conventional carousel.
For extra issues to do on the South Financial institution with youngsters, in addition to the Southbank Centre winter market, take a look at my ideas
Additional east, thereโsย Christmas by the Riverย close to London Bridge; quieter and smaller than a few 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, Santaโs grotto, an ice rink, circus and many extra probabilities to spent your cash, together with at wood chalets promoting meals and presents.
Again from November 21, entry is ticketed so itโs not free to enter, though in case you guide ยฃ25 price of sights, your entry price is included
Or within the coronary heart of London, you’ll be able to often discover a conventional Bavarian-style market atย Leicester Sq. Christmas market, with over 30 stalls and meals, though there are not any plans for a Santaโs Grotto and no confirmed family-friendly occasions this yr.
For extra issues to do round Leicester Sq. with youngsters, take a look at my high picks
And also youโll additionally discover a small market in Trafalgar Sq. with round 20 stalls promoting presents, Christmas ornaments, jewelry and meals.
For extra Christmas markets, together with Greenwich, Battersea Energy Station and Kingston, take a look at my put up on one of the best Christmas markets in London with youngsters for extra particulars.
See Santa
If you wish to see Santa in London, it’s worthwhile to transfer early, particularly for a few of the large title occasions like Hamleys as many get booked up quick.
However thatโs not the one place to search out Santaโs Grotto in London: lots of the Christmas markets have an opportunity to satisfy the person in crimson (scroll up for extra ideas) though keep in mind you might want a separate timed ticket for some.
Santa additionally makes an look at a number of of Londonโs museums and galleries too. We noticed him on the London Transport Museum, which is a beautiful relaxed occasion for teenagers who may get shy or overwhelmed, and heโs anticipated to be again once more for 2024.
Or take heed 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 possibly can typically discover Santa at London Zoo in December, in addition to a Santa with a definite distinction at Shrek the Halls, the place the massive inexperienced ogre will get a festive makeover โ enterprise inside Shrekโs grotto between November 30 and December 24, and luxuriate in a deal with from the elves in addition to the same old enjoyable of Far Far Away. Or head out to Alexandra Palace the place thereโs a beautiful grotto.
For different locations to satisfy Father Christmas, maintain a watch out for on the Museum of London Docklands, whereas heโs 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 youngsters, take a look at my high picks
Board a Santa Steam practice
Discover Santa taking a break day from the sleigh, with one of many two Santa steam trains working in London this yr.
For 3 years, the Steam Goals Santa Steam Categorical trains have been Londonโs solely Santa steam practice, however itโs being joined by the Polar Categorical this yr.
The Santa Steam Categorical shall 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 embellished Nineteen Seventies carriages.
Thereโs a drink and a candy deal with for teenagers (plus a heat drink and mince pie for grown-ups), plus a present from Father Christmas as he passes by means of the practice โ you’ll be able to 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 overview of a visit on the Santa Steam Categorical
Or the most recent UK Polar Categorical to depart shall 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’ll be able to even get your personalย personalised Polar Categorical pair), youโll meet well-known characters from the film in addition to the person in crimson 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 solution to market? Or who invented the Christmas card? There are some nice Christmas strolling excursions of London to reply the questions โ this two-hour Christmas stroll is led by an expert information.
This two-hour family-friendly Christmas tour additionally takes in a few of the metropolisโs Christmas lights in addition to promising some festive anecdotes.
Or be part of a Dickensian Christmas stroll โ this personal tour is themed round A Christmas Carol. Working for 2 to 3 hours, itโs higher with older youngsters, though tailor-made to your group, and can present you the town that Ebeneezer Scrooge may need recognised.
Go ice skating
The looks of Londonโs pop-up ice skating rinks all the time indicators the beginning of Christmas for me โ set in a few of the metropolisโs most iconic places, itโs all the time tempting to drag on some skates earlier than warming up with scorching chocolate and mulled wine.
Should you canโt wait, the Canary Wharf Ice rink is the primary to open on October 26, whereas Skate at Somerset Home shall 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.
Youโll additionally discover an ice rink at Winter Wonderland from November 21-January 5, in case youโre visiting the Christmas market or Santaland (or having fun with the rides) there.
Donโt make plans to go to the rink on the Pure Historical past Museum โ 2021 was the ultimate time you may mix skating and dinosaurs โ whereas the rink within the Tower of London moat has additionally been completely closed, whereas the rink on the Queenโs Home in Greenwich can be not returning.
For extra particulars and concepts of the place to ice skate in London with youngsters, together with year-round choices, take a look at my high picks
See a pantomime or Christmas theatre
Itโs not Christmas and not using a pantomime (oh no, itโs not!) plus you may also discover some fantastic London theatre reveals together with conventional Christmas productions and different family-friendly performances.
For my full record of one of the best Christmas theatre in London with youngsters, take a look at this put up
Itโs price checking what ages are allowed earlier than you guide: regardless of being aimed toward households, some theatres gainedโt settle for youngsters below 5 (take a passport or some type of ID in case your youngsters are 5 plus however look youthful than their age).
This yrโs 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 Previous Vic to see A Christmas Carol, additionally aimed toward age 8+.
Thereโs one other basic story with Hansel and Gretel on the Globe Theatre โ aimed toward age 5+, it runs from November 29-January 5, 2025. Or for youthful theatregoers, thereโs one other witch in ,ย Room on the Broomย 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 youโll additionally discover a deliciously humorous various to all issues merry and vibrant as Horrible Histories takes on the festive season withย Horrible Christmas at Alexandra Palace from December 12-January 4, 2025.
Hear some carols
One in every of my favourites components of Christmas in London with youngsters is listening to carols sung whilst youโre out and about โ 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 โ 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 can even hear carols at St Paulโs Cathedral which often has a sequence of free occasions throughout December โ 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 โ 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 college age youngsters, whether or not youโre a classical music aficionado or trying to study.
They usually get a festive twist from November 16-December 31, with a complete sequence of magical music from completely different durations 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 advisable, with venues in places round London.
Be a part of Snowyโs Conservation Crew on the SeaLife Aquarium
Head to SeaLife London this winter to hitch Snowy, whoโs on a mission to attempt to assist the animals of the North Pole have an ideal festive interval and a good higher, safer future.
Thereโs an opportunity to find extra in regards to the animals which reside on the Arctic, together with the colony of Gentoo Penguins, in addition to how one can assist maintain them secure, with challenges to sort out alongside the best way.
Included in normal entry in case you guide tickets on-line to go to from December 7-24.
Battersea Arts Centre festive expertise
For probably the most 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 Kingย relies round an previous Celtic folks story, the place the ruler of winter, snow and darkness battles the king of summer time, heat and light to see which season will reign supreme โ however one significantly lengthy winter, the Holly Kingโs chilly defeats the Oak Kingโs warmth, plunging the world right into a deep freeze.
Can the Oak King restore stability to the seasons? This magical journey appears to be like on the stability of nature and the weather. For ages 3+, from November 29 to December 24.
Go to the Tower of London
One in every of my favorite locations to go to in London with youngsters, the Tower of London will get dressed up for Christmas as nicely.
This yr, thereโs an opportunity to see how the wealthy and highly effective would have celebrated the festive season in centuries passed by.
Thereโll be specifically created shows that present how kings and queens loved Christmas, together with Edward Iโs lavish medieval feast to the entertainments of the Tudor Courtroom, plus you’ll be able to pose on a throne on 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 Iโs lavish medieval Christmas feast, uncover the spectacle of festive leisure on the Tudor court docket, and sit upon a throne for a regal household portrait. From November 29-January 5, 2025
Evens are included in admission (free for members) โ thereโs a reduction in case you purchase by way of tiqets utilizing my low cost code โMUMMYTRAVELS6โ utilizing this hyperlink.
Uncover Christmas previous on the Museum of the House
Should youโre trying to learn how Christmas has been celebrated over the centuries โ to not point out winter festivals from different cultures and religions, head to the Museum of the House.
The properties from Winter Previous rework the rooms by means of time shows with a makeover to indicate numerous festive scenes from by means of historical past (and quite much less festive scenes within the case of a Puritan Christmas) โ final yr this ran from late November to early January.
Free to enter, you may also uncover how Boxing Day bought its title, plus there are often celebrations of different winter festivals together with Diwali and Hanukkah, in addition to workshops going down. TBC for 2024.
See the primary Christmas card on the Postal Museum
See the worldโs first Christmas card on show with the same old 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 โ the underground practice as soon as used for transporting put up โ will even be getting its personal festive makeover, with the very first Kingโs Speech as a part of the audio performed throughout the trip.
Plus there are usually a string of different household actions going down โ earlier years have included all the things from interactive storytelling for youthful youngsters to the possibility to make a particular festive cookery guide. There are additionally often 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 have to 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 โ anticipate snow within the Forbidden Forest once more, in addition to on the cobbled stones of Diagon Alley, over Hagridโs Hut and on the Hogwarts Fort Mannequin.
This yr the Nice Corridor shall 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 โ and a tree topped with witches on miniature broomsticks โ 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 itโs one to snap up early. You can even guide tickets together with transport from central London on the tiqets website โ thereโs a reduction utilizing my code MUMMYTRAVELS6 in case you guide utilizing my hyperlink. Hogwarts within the Snow runs from November 16 to January 19, 2025.
For extra Harry Potter places in London, take a look at my high picks for followers
Drink scorching chocolate
When thereโs a nip within the air, particularly in case youโre out on ice rinks or wandering round Christmas markets, youโve bought the proper excuse for decent chocolate (although Iโm first within the queue as quickly as autumn rolls round).
And neglect the bizarre on a regular basis scorching chocolate, as a result of London specialises in some indulgently extravagant drinks to attempt.
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 โ higher identified for its ice cream, when temperatures drop, they change to scorching chocolate with charred marshmallow fluff on high.
For extra of one of the best scorching chocolate in London with youngsters, take a look at my picks
Rococo has a string of surprising flavours so as to add to its top quality chocolate โ assume white chocolate and cardamom, for instance, in addition to ultra-dark chocolate and child-friendly milk chocolate.
Or Knoops guarantees a alternative of twenty-two completely different ranges, from creamy white proper as much as 100% darkish chocolate. Began in Rye, the place itโs 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, itโs all of the indulgent sugar hit you want.
And in case youโre in east London โ or completely happy to journey for the final word scorching chocolate โ head to Darkish Sugars on Brick Lane or Nelson Highway in Greenwich, which additionally has some implausible flavours and chocolate shavings galore to high your drink.
Discover the Gingerbread Metropolis on the Museum of Structure
2024 TBC Should youโve ever made a gingerbread home for Christmas along with your youngsters, it pales by comparability to the astonishing Gingerbread Metropolis from the Museum of Structure, which moved to its new dwelling of Westfield White Metropolis in 2023.
Moderately 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 a complete metropolis of gingerbread.
Should youโre feeling impressed, there are often gingerbread-making workshops for households on the Museum in Belgravia too โ not included with tickets to the exhibition, it’s a must to guide these individually and have to be prebooked.
Ran from early December early January final yr, priced from ยฃ12.50. Mixed Gingerbread home workshop and exhibition tickets value from ยฃ90 for 2 individuals (single individual tickets accessible for adults solely). Tickets have to be prebooked.
Winterโs Tail at Chessington World of Adventures
Thereโs some particular festive enjoyable coming to Chessington World of Adventures this winter on the new 2024 Christmas Village, full with Father Christmasโ grotto and the elvesโ toy workshop within the Enchanted Hole, in addition to reindeer in a snowy winter wonderland.
Thereโs additionally particular leisure together with a Christmas panto, in addition to the same old rides and sights, plus greater than 1,000 animals to identify within the zoo and aquarium. Thereโs a feed the reindeer expertise as an non-compulsory additional too, if you wish to stand up near Rudolph and associates.
Winterโs Tail takes place on November 23-24 & 30, December 1, 7, 8 and 13-31, with early reserving costs from ยฃ29 per individual and festive quick breaks from ยฃ49 per individual.
The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace
Thereโs 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 that means of Christmas and save the magic of Lapland.
Assembly magical characters and passing by means of enchanted rooms, youโll get to get pleasure from performances and storytelling earlier than lastly assembly the person in crimson himself. Thereโs a present as a thanks for serving to, and loads of probabilities to take pictures.
A beautiful various to a grotto expertise, itโs excellent for reminding everybody of the true that means of Christmas too. Should be prebooked, and thereโs a reduction for English Heritage members, together with an additional early chicken deal in case you guide 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 satisfy Santa.
Should youโve bought youthful youngsters, this opportunity to see Father Christmas at Morden Corridor Park is aimed toward infants as much as youngsters aged 8. Youโll begin the go to by writing or drawing your Christmas wishlist earlier than posting it and heading in to the enchanted grotto to satisfy 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 fantastic conventional Christmas tree, and crafts for teenagers 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 outside on the London Nationwide Belief websites too.
With a pure play space within the woodland at Osterley Home in west London, plus the locationโs gardens and grounds to discover, itโs not onerous to search out some enjoyable methods burn off these mince pies. Youโll additionally discover wreath-making workshops for age 12+.
Head to Kingdom of Winter
2024 TBC New final yr, Kingdom of Winter is because of return once more and pack Londonโs Excel Centre with festive enjoyable.
Final yrโs 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 food and drinks galore โ plus itโs indoors, if the climate is feeling lower than festive. 2023 Tickets value from ยฃ5.50 for entry (with various charges of tremendous off-peak, off-peak and normal, in addition to early chicken reductions) with extra prices for various sights. There have been restricted tickets for the ice skating, ice expedition and circus, and it ran from December 8-January 7.
For extra issues to do in London with youngsters, together with uncommon issues to do with youngsters in London and one of the best locations to remain in London with youngsters, 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 put up accommodates paid promotion and affiliate hyperlinks โ any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Kew at Christmas: Jeff Eden/RBG Kew; Trafalgar Sq./scorching chocolate photographs courtesy of Depositphotos; Snowman statues courtesy Fleet Avenue Quarter; all others copyright MummyTravels
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