Family-Friendly Christmas Events In London

Picture the scene; the whole lot of you have made it to winter without getting slapped onto Santa's naughty list and it's a huge cause for celebration. So, it's the most wonderful time of year to wrack your brains for ways of keeping everyone distracted as you wait for the big man to squeeze down the chimney. Stuck for things to do to keep everyone from grumpy granddads to toddling tots entertained? That's where we come in. Read on to uncover the best London Christmas events for families in 2024.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 12th December 2024




A Dickensian Christmas

@ Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church on Saturday 14th and Saturday 21st December 2024

Get set to jingle and mingle at A Dickensian Christmas, a candle-lit festive soirée at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church. This magical event will transport you back in time with enchanting Christmas carols and readings from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Let the Covent Garden Carollers Vocal Quartet take you on a musical journey through Dickens's era, and join in the merry singing with beloved carols like O Come! All ye Faithful, Once in Royal David's City, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

Rivoli Pop up Cinema

Rivoli Pop-up Cinema is hosting a number of kid-friendly screenings in their Crofton Park venue, some of the best family Christmas events in London 2024. You can catch a classic such as Home Alone or Elf in this cosy spot, with a food stall serving all your favourite sweet and savoury snacks. 

West End Musical Christmas

@ Lyric Theatre on Mon, 16th Dec 2024 @ 19:30 - 21:30

This December, prepare for an all-singing, all-dancing theatrical delight at the Lyric Theatre as West End Musical Christmas hits the stage on the 16th with its cast of superstars. Expect classics and anthems to belt out, plus fancy dress is encouraged. Tickets start from £20 per person and the concert will be hosted by West End and Broadway star Trevor Dion Nicholas, who's currently starring in the West End production of Next to Normal.

Top Deck London Christmas Lights Tour

@ 8 Northumberland Avenue on Various dates from Friday 13th December 2024

Experience the magic of Christmas in London like never before with the Top Deck Christmas Lights Tour, departing from the heart of the city at 8 Northumberland Avenue. Step aboard a vintage double-decker bus adorned with festive cheer, and prepare for an enchanting journey through London's most dazzling Christmas light displays.

As the city sparkles with seasonal glow, you'll pass iconic landmarks illuminated with twinkling decorations, from the magical lights of Oxford Street to the grandeur of Regent Street and beyond. 

LondonSwedes' Lucia 2024 - Special Performance by Peter Jöback

@ Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall on Sat, 14th Dec 2024 @ multiple start times (see ticket info)

This historic custom is celebrated every December, marking the Swedish tradition of Lucia, or St Lucy's Day. This year, the Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall is hosting a performance by Peter Jöback, one of Sweden's best singers and actors.

He'll be accompanied by the LondonSwedes Choir,  led by Choir Director Michaela Lundin. There's both an afternoon and an evening show to choose from, with tickets starting from £35 per person. 

Biscuiteers: Various Sites

A family Christmas in London 2024 isn't complete without getting messy with the kids. Biscuiteers' baking events and activities get a yuletide makeover come the festive season, offering the chance to ice biscuits in the shape of plump puds, crackers and even well-loved characters.

BucketRace Scavenger Hunts

One for the older (and big) kids of the group, BucketRace sees you take off across London to compete against other teams, ticking a range of tasks off the list as you go. With a festive theme and huge prizes to be won, this may just be one of the best family Christmas events.

Breakfast with Santa at art'otel Battersea

@ Art'otel London Battersea on Saturday 14th December 2024 and 3 other dates

Your little ones can enjoy the magic of Christmas over at art'otel Battersea, when they host their Breakfast with Santa experience every weekend from the 30th November to the 22nd of December, with tickets available for £35 per child.

From 9am to 11am, the whole family will get to indulge in a delicious breakfast buffet in a beautifully festive space. Plus, Santa will of course be heading along too; not only will he be greeting each child and giving them a special gift, but there will also be a story reading and the chance to get a cute photo with him. 

Ginger Bread House Decoration

@ The Marlborough on Mon, 23rd Dec 2024 @ 12:00 - 15:00

Nothing says Christmas like an imaginatively decorated gingerbread house, which is why The Marlborough is running a class where you and your kids can create your own, with tickets starting from as little as £5. 

Head down on Monday the 23rd of December from midday for a lovely afternoon getting stuck in with delicious festive treats and icing. 

The Hawk's Nest Christmas Market & Carols

@ The Hawk's Nest on Sunday 15th December 2024

Get into the festive spirit at The Hawks Nest Christmas Market in West London. This charming market is the perfect place to kick off your holiday season, offering a curated selection of unique gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious seasonal treats for you and the kids. 

Whether you're looking for the perfect Christmas present, festive decorations, or just a cosy spot to enjoy mulled wine and mince pies, this place has everything you need to make your holidays extra special.

Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Tours

Anyone aged 10 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 feelgood tunes from the 70s to the 00s, including Crimbo classics, flash mobs and some secret surprises, making it one of the best things to do at Christmas in London with children.

Youngs

From making your own gingerbread house to festive cinema events 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.

The Stick Man Experience with Afternoon Tea

@ The Montague on The Gardens Hotel on Wed, 4th Dec 2024 - Sun, 5th Jan 2025

Join the Stick Man adventure this festive season with an exclusive Afternoon Tea at The Montague on the Gardens. Enjoy a delectable spread of festive delights, with a special gift bag for children.

Plus, if you're attending the nearby performance at the Bloomsbury Theatre, you can snag a 10% discount on the afternoon tea when you quote 'stick man'. Afternoon tea tickets start from £24.50 per child - perfect for creating holiday memories in Central London.

London Christmas Lights Tour - With Christmas Music

@ Marquis Of Granby on Various dates from Friday 13th December 2024

Taking place around the Soho area, Silent Disco Walking Tours' Christmas party Tour is a great way to see the city this festive season. They'll be playing all the best seasonal tunes while you take in the sights and the pretty lights, with hilarious commentary from your hosts. Tickets start from £19 for kids and £22 for adults, and everyone over six years old is welcome.

Club Curling

@ Coal Drops Yard on Various dates from Friday 13th December 2024

Club Curling is a great option when you need family-friendly activities in London this Christmas, as it's got a load of icy lanes for groups of up to six to enjoy the fun sport. Get competitive all together at this must-visit winter event in Coal Drops Yard, where their setup is fully sustainable and you can play for as little as £9 per session. Plus, there's plenty of hot chocolate, tea and coffee to keep you warm.

The Magic Hour

Celebrate the magic of Christmas with a different kind of mystical experience altogether. Nab the whole family tickets to Magic Hour and you'll see a close-up show in the style of old Victorian masters, which has been frequented by happy critics and celebrities alike. Or, grab tickets to Magic at The Temple for a truly dazzling evening of sorcery which shows you just how deep the rabbit hole goes.

Celebrating Festive Film: 70 Years of 'White Christmas'

@ The Soho Hotel on Sun, 15th Dec 2024 @ 15:30 - 18:30

It's time to celebrate the film that defined Christmas for generations: White Christmas. This year marks its 70th anniversary, and The Soho Hotel is celebrating with a very special screening that brings the magic of this timeless classic to life on the big screen.

Join them for a cosy, festive evening filled with holiday cheer, as Bing Crosby's smooth crooning and the iconic White Christmas tune fill the air. Whether you're looking for a heartwarming tradition or a way to kick off your holiday season, this special event is guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit.

Best Tours

Founded in 2009, Best Tours infuses fun storytelling into every adventure. From cupcake tours to royal strolls, they prioritise safety, local support, and enjoyment. With over 15 years of experience, they reveal hidden treasures for locals and vacationers alike with their guided tours offering a captivating and educating experience. We'd recommend Harry Potter's Magical London to follow in the footsteps of the world's most famous wizards or The Beatles London Walk to learn all about the historical band.

The Big Bakes

If you're after Christmas events for kids in 2024, 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. 

Christmas Day Sightseeing Cruise

@ Westminster Pier on Wed, 25th Dec 2024 @ 9:45 - 10:45

This Christmas Day, step onto a modern riverboat at Westminster Pier and embark on a sightseeing cruise that promises a view of London's very best landmarks. Entry is free for children under five, or £30 for the rest of the family.

The open upper deck allows for the very best viewing, and there'll be live commentary from the crew as well - with recorded options available in eight different languages. What's more, you can enjoy mulled wine and mice pies too.

The Snowman

@ Peacock Theatre on Various dates from Friday 13th December 2024

The West End's Peacock theatre is yet again home to The Snowman this festive period, a family show that returns for its 27th year. See the iconic story, a much-loved picture book by Raymond Briggs and a motion picture directed by Dianne Jackson, come to life before your very eyes - complete with a live orchestra, songs like Walking in the Air, and spellbinding storytelling.