Family-Friendly Christmas Events In London

• Location: Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3EG
• When: November and December
• Price: non-member adult: off peak £27.50; peak £34; children £18 off-peak; £22 peak (under fours go free)
• Why we recommend: we think that if you're looking for a magical family outing this festive season, Christmas at Kew is unmissable. Wander through the world-famous gardens transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland with larger-than-life illuminations from artists around the globe, including new creations making their UK debut

For a truly magical experience in the city this winter, book tickets to Christmas at Kew. As you follow the trail, keep an eye out for Father Christmas, enjoy festive street food from hot dishes to sweet treats and spiced winter warmers, and take a break at the Pavilion Bar & Grill, which serves a special seasonal menu.

Look forward to twinkling lights, magical installations, and delicious food; we feel like this is the perfect way to welcome the festive season with your family. 

• Locations: Ham House & Garden, Rainham Hall and Osterley Park & House, and more
• When: November to January
• Price: varies based on location
• Why we recommend: from twinkling lights and beautifully decorated historic houses at Ham House to craft fairs, wreath-making workshops, and fun outdoor trails, there's something magical for every member of the family at one of the National Trust's locations in London

At the National Trust this winter, explore cosy reading nooks, festive spotter trails, and interactive crafting rooms for little ones, or simply soak up the wintery atmosphere with a hot chocolate in one of its charming cafés.

Whether you're hunting for unique Christmas gifts, enjoying seasonal treats, or creating your own festive wreath, these events are the perfect way to make family memories.

• Location: Hyde Park, SW1X 7LY
• When: 19th November 2026 - 3rd January 2027
• Price: entry from £1 (early bird), and then £5.50 (standard)
• Why we recommend: with cosy fire pit bars, stunning festive lights, and breathtaking views from the Giant Wheel, we think that Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a perfect way to experience Christmas in the capital 

From thrilling rides and immersive icy attractions to carnival games, live shows, and delicious street food, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland this Christmas. 

Wander through the Magical Ice Kingdom with over 500 tonnes of ice and snow, glide across the UK's largest open-air ice rink, or take on the Real Ice Slide for some high-energy fun. Little ones will love Justin's Christmas Singalong and Zippos Christmas Circus, while teens and adults can test their skills in ice sculpting workshops or sip festive cocktails at Bar Ice. Don't forget to visit Santa's Grotto to meet the man himself.

• Location: Covent Garden Tube Station, 41 Longacre, WC2E 9JT
• When: November and December
• Price: from £16.50 per child, £27.50 per adult
• Why we recommend: this is a brilliant way to explore London at Christmas while taking part in a quirky activity. Don your high-tech headphones, get dressed up in your snuggliest, festive jumper and enjoy some family-friendly fun 

Anyone aged ten or over can join the whole family for the festive edition of Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Party.

Setting off in the West End, the immersive dance tour brings you feel-good tunes from the 70s to the 00s, including Christmas classics, flash mobs and some secret surprises, making it one of the best things to do at Christmas in London with children.

• Location: 35 Charles Street, Mayfair, W1J 5EB
• When: November to January 
• Price: £55 per child, from £90 per adult
• Why we recommend: The Chesterfield Mayfair always pull off a fantastic, quintessential afternoon tea, and its Winter Wonderland affair is no different. It's enchanting, magical, and full of fun treats that are absolutely delicious if you ask us

Whether you fancy yule logs and gingerbread cupcakes or a classic turkey sandwich with cranberry, this Winter Wonderland afternoon tea at The Chesterfield promises a whole host of festive favourites for the whole family. There's even a Christmas tree chocolate, how fancy. 

Book tickets now from £90 per adult, or £100 if you fancy including a glass of Champagne with your treats, and £55 per child. It's a really special way to spend a winter's day with your loved ones. 

• Location: various pubs
• When: November and December
• Price: from free
• Why we recommend: Youngs put on a host of brilliant events across the UK for families, and their London ones are a great shout if you're looking for somewhere to go with your little ones, especially the breakfast with Santa - it's not every day you get to have eggs alongside the boss of Christmas 

From making your own gingerbread house to having breakfast with Santa and wreath workshops, you can rely on Young's to put on a whole host of Christmas events for kids in London. There's even a cosy festive market, bonus.

For activities like craft workshops, you'll find all the materials provided and included in your ticket. We're particularly looking forward to berakfast with Santa at The Leather Bottle.

• Locations: Haggerston and Tooting
• When: every day 
• Price: from £32.40 per person
• Why we recommend: if you've ever dreamed of entering a baking competition without the high stakes, this is your chance to whisk, mix and decorate your way to victory at East and South London's award-winning experience

Fancy some Christmas fun with the kids? Check out The Big Bakes. With all the prep work already done, you and your little ones can get stuck into creating a mouthwatering masterpiece. Accessible for all ages, this is the perfect way to get festive as a family. 

With just 90 minutes on the clock, teams of two race to create show-stopping bakes based on a surprise monthly theme.

• Location: 8 Northumberland Avenue, St James's, WC2N 5BY
• When: November and December 2026
• Price: from £18.70 for students, £27.50 for adults 
• Why we recommend: you'll get to cruise past Oxford Street, Harrods, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, and other glittering spots that are part of Christmas tradition

Hop on a classic open-top Routemaster bus and experience the sparkle of London like never before. This Christmas Lights Tour is your ticket to a glittering journey through the city's most iconic festive spots - think Oxford Street's glowing displays, the dazzling windows of Harrods, and the merry madness of Winter Wonderland.

Decked out with Christmas décor (yes, the bus too), this vintage ride from the 1960s adds a nostalgic twist to your holiday sightseeing. Grab your scarf, soak in the fairy lights, and feel that Christmas cheer as London lights up around you. 

• Locations: Battersea Power Station, Somerset House, and more 
• When: from November onwards (some are open all year round)
• Price: varies 
• Why we recommend: skating is such a fun activity to do at Christmas with the family, especially to tire the kids out. You can get little ones used to the ice with extra support, or watch them zoom around the rink while you sit on the side with a prosecco or mulled wine - there's something for everyone 

If you're on the hunt for family things to do in London for Christmas, then how about having a go at ice skating together at one of the city's many pop-up rinks? You'll find plenty to choose from November onwards, like Glide at Battersea Power Station, which features fairground games, a carousel, and a helter-skelter. 

There's also Skate at Somerset House, featuring a 40-ft Christmas Tree, Hampton Court Palace (which is absolutely stunning and is a great spot for a hot chocolate), and Alexandra Palace Ice Rink - this one happens to be open all year round. 

• Locations: Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Belgravia, Spitalfields Market and more 
• When: from November onwards 
• Price: free
• Why we recommend: there's something incredibly magical about seeing the city lit up at Christmas, and we love how creative these displays can be. They're great for family photos and igniting a sense of wonder

You don't have to spend too many pennies to do something festive with the family, and catching the Christmas light switch-ons is one of the many free activities the city has to offer. And if you miss the big reveal? Don't worry - they'll be illuminating the capital throughout the winter months until January.

• Location: Sheraton Grand Park Lane, Piccadilly, London, W1J 7BX
• When: December
• Price: from £64.80
• Why we recommend: this night of world-class magic is sure to be merry, magnificent and mighty memorable

Be wowed into the festive season by Sonic, the Sheraton Grand Park Lane's resident magician. Having entertained the likes of Penn & Teller, Sir Roger Moore and KSI, he's here to blow your mind with sleight of hand, merry mind-reading and many more outright impossibilities. 

As well as Christmassy conjuring, you'll be treated to a welcome drink and a choice of light bite as the entertainment unfolds. This night of festive fun is suitable for anyone over the age of eight, and tickets start from just £64.80.

The Hard Rock Cafe is bringing the Christmas magic this season with their Breakfast With Santa on 6th December. For one morning only, they're hosting an all-you-can-eat American buffet that involves a visit from the man in red.

Fill up your plates as you fill your child's day with joy – it's a family affair that's sure to be a highlight of the year for all in attendance. The event will also include festive entertainment and games to get the kids extra excited for the big day.