London during Christmas is a magical sight to behold, with the city’s iconic landmarks dressed in festive lights, seasonal markets popping up across its streets, and family-friendly events filling up the calendar. Whether you’re looking for a winter wonderland experience or a unique festive outing, London offers a wide range of activities for families to enjoy together. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top 10 Christmas activities in London for families, ensuring that your holiday season is filled with joy and excitement.
1. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
One of London’s most famous Christmas events is Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. Open from early November to early January, this winter extravaganza offers a mix of ice skating, fairground rides, Christmas markets, and a magical circus. Families can enjoy a ride on the giant observation wheel, sip hot chocolate while browsing the markets, or skate on the outdoor ice rink, making it a perfect outing for the whole family.
Why it’s great for families: Winter Wonderland offers activities for all ages, including child-friendly rides, a family circus show, and various themed events, ensuring everyone in the family can enjoy a festive experience.
2. Christmas at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens transforms into a sparkling winter landscape during the festive season, with over a million twinkling lights illuminating the gardens. The famous Christmas trail offers a breathtaking walk through a spectacularly lit forest, and there are seasonal activities for children, such as making their own Christmas crafts.
Why it’s great for families: The magical light display and interactive children’s activities make Kew Gardens a memorable Christmas outing. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce your little ones to nature while enjoying the seasonal decorations.
3. Ice Skating at Somerset House
Located in the heart of London, Somerset House’s ice skating rink is one of the city’s most iconic winter attractions. The rink is set against the backdrop of the grand 18th-century building, creating a stunning setting for skating. Families can rent skates and glide across the ice to festive music.
Why it’s great for families: Somerset House offers a range of skating sessions suitable for beginners and families, making it ideal for skaters of all skill levels.
4. Christmas Markets at Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre Christmas Market is a charming riverside market that stretches along the Thames, filled with festive stalls selling handmade gifts, seasonal treats, and warming drinks. It’s perfect for families to explore, with plenty of opportunities to grab unique gifts and enjoy traditional Christmas snacks like roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.
Why it’s great for families: The Southbank Centre market features lots of child-friendly stalls, from gingerbread cookies to festive toys, so your kids will never get bored. The riverside setting also offers beautiful views of London’s landmarks.
5. Covent Garden Christmas Lights
Covent Garden is known for its stunning Christmas lights, which transform the area into a sparkling festive spectacle. The Christmas tree in the piazza is one of the largest in London, and the surrounding streets are adorned with festive lights, creating a charming atmosphere for families to enjoy.
Why it’s great for families: The area is filled with street performances, shop windows decorated for the season, and family-friendly restaurants. Children will love exploring the festive displays and taking photos in front of the giant tree.
6. The Christmas Grotto at Hamleys
A visit to Hamleys, the world-famous toy store on Regent Street, is a must during the Christmas season. The Christmas Grotto, located on the store’s fourth floor, is a magical experience where children can meet Santa, explore themed areas, and receive a special gift.
Why it’s great for families: Hamleys offers an enchanting, interactive experience for children, and families can enjoy shopping for toys and gifts in one of the most famous toy stores in the world.
7. Harry Potter Christmas Tour at Warner Bros. Studio
For Harry Potter fans, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour offers a special Christmas experience. The studio is decked out with festive decorations, including a massive Hogwarts castle model covered in snow and holiday-themed exhibits showcasing how Christmas was celebrated in the magical world.
Why it’s great for families: Kids and adults alike will be thrilled by the immersive Christmas experience, and the tour offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Harry Potter films.
8. Christmas Lights Tour by Bus
If you want to take in London’s Christmas lights from the comfort of a warm bus, consider booking a Christmas Lights Tour. This guided bus tour takes you around the city’s most beautifully lit streets, including Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Carnaby Street. It’s a great way to see all the festive displays without walking around in the cold.
Why it’s great for families: A bus tour is a great way to relax and enjoy the lights while keeping warm, especially with young children who may get tired of walking.
9. Dickensian Christmas at The Charles Dickens Museum
Step back in time and experience a traditional Victorian Christmas at The Charles Dickens Museum. The museum celebrates Christmas as Dickens would have known it, with period decorations, festive readings, and a glimpse into the author’s holiday traditions.
Why it’s great for families: Children can enjoy interactive exhibits and take part in seasonal activities, all while learning about the history of Christmas in Victorian London.
10. Christmas at London Zoo
For animal-loving families, London Zoo offers a festive experience where you can meet Santa’s reindeer and enjoy seasonal activities like face painting and animal encounters. The zoo is decorated for the holidays, and the family-friendly atmosphere makes it a fun outing for kids of all ages.
Why it’s great for families: The zoo’s festive activities, along with the chance to meet reindeer and other animals, make it a fun and educational holiday experience for children.
London is a city full of festive joy during Christmas, and these 10 activities ensure that your family will have a memorable holiday season. From ice skating and Christmas markets to magical light displays and unique experiences, there’s something for every age and interest. So, bundle up, head out, and make the most of the Christmas magic in London!