Family-Friendly Christmas Events In London

• Location: 350 Brockley Road, Crofton Park, SE4 2BY
• When: 20th and 21st December 2025
• Price: from £6.60 per person
• Why we recommend: whether you're taking the kids to see Kevin McCallister's antics or catching Buddy the Elf, there's a screening for everyone

Rivoli Pop-up Cinema is hosting several kid-friendly screenings in their Crofton Park venue, and they're some of the best things to do at Christmas in London with kids.

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, plus the bar will be open for adults to enjoy a festive-themed tipple or two. 

• Location: Duo Clapham, 113-115 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UG
• When: 23rd November 2025
• Price: from £26.40
• Why we recommend: Head to Santa's Grotto at Duo Clapham for a magical family experience full of festive cheer

Bring the whole family for a magical Christmas feast with Santa and his team of helpers.

Kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy laughter, holiday spirit, and a chance to meet the man in red himself. A perfect way to make Christmas memories together in South London.

• Location: 150 Old Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 1QZ
• When: 7th December 2025
• Price: from £8.74 per toddler, £16.44 per child, and £25.24 per adult
• Why we recommend: if you're looking to kick off the festive season with a memorable family experience, we think that the Breakfast with Santa at Hard Rock Cafe London is a must, as it offers a delightful blend of holiday cheer and classic American breakfast favourites

Hard Rock Cafe London is spreading festive cheer with an unlimited all-American buffet breakfast fit for Old Saint Nick himself. Enjoy holly-jolly entertainment, festive games, and a very special visit from Santa, all set against the iconic rock 'n' roll backdrop of Mayfair.

It's the perfect way for families to kick off the festive season, with food, fun, and plenty of Christmas spirit to go around. Book your spot and get ready to Jingle Bell Rock with the whole family.

• Locations: The Bull, 129 High Street, Wanstead, E11 2RL
• When: 7th December
• Price: free
• Why we recommend: the warm and welcoming traditional pub vibes of The Bull are the perfect place for a carol concert without catching a Christmas chill

What's Christmas without carols? Fortunately, you don't need to find out. Get on down to The Bull on Thursday 4th December for a feast of festive classics from Wanstead's Upbeat Choir. 

While the sounds of yuletide cheer fill the air, you can tuck into festive bites and buns or traditional Christmas dinners, plus light bites for the little ones like mac & cheese and mini roasts. To keep holiday spirits high throughout the night, there's bottles of bubbly, winter wines and group drinks packages from £25 per person.  

• Location: 8 Northumberland Avenue, St James's, WC2N 5BY
• When: 15th November - 30th December 2025 
• 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: Sheraton Grand Park Lane or Andaz London
• When: Fridays
• Price: from £52.92 per person 
• Why we recommend: from jaw-dropping sleight of hand to mind-reading mysteries, this intimate show keeps both kids and adults mesmerised from start to finish

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.

• 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: Covent Garden Tube Station, 41 Longacre, WC2E 9JT
• When: 15th November - 21st December 2025
• Price: from £11 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: 14th November 2025 - 6th January 2026
• 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: 190 Railway Arches, Goldhawk Road, Shepherd's Bush Market, W12 8DF
• When: 14th December 2025
• Price: free
• Why we recommend: we love The Hawk's Nest at the best of times, but there's something extra special about it at Christmas. Tucked away in the heart of Shepherd's Bush, this hidden garden transforms into a festive haven filled with twinkling lights, local makers, and the smell of mulled wine in the air

Christmas shopping just got a whole lot cosier. The Hawk's Nest is transforming into a festive haven on Sunday the 14th of December 2025 (from 1pm 'til 6pm), with stalls selling stocking fillers, art, homeware, ceramics and sweet treats.

When the market winds down, the real magic starts – carols under the arch with a live band, warming mulled wine and plenty of mince pies from 6pm to 7pm. It's free to attend, so grab your mates, sip a cocktail and soak up those Christmassy vibes in Shepherd's Bush.

• Location: Coal Drops Yard, Stable Street, N1C 4DQ
• When: 7th November 2025 - 1st March 2026
• How much: from £9 per person
• Why we recommend: Club Curling is the perfect seasonal, family-friendly activity to get stuck into, plus it's super affordable too, and you can make a day of it 

This festive season, swap screens for stones at Club Curling, returning to Coal Drops Yard with a flurry of family fun. Curling sessions are open to all ages (and kids under 12 go free), with bright, sustainable lanes and plenty of laughs guaranteed.

After the match, head into the vintage-style Club Curling Lounge for interactive sensory play and festive experiments. It's wholesome, active, and brimming with Christmas cheer.

• Locations: Notting Hill and Belgravia
• When: 13th November - 23rd December 2025 
• Price: from £59.40 per person
• Why we recommend: from snow globes and Nutcracker scenes to Christmas villages and gingerbread houses, each session lets you decorate your own biscuit masterpieces under the guidance of Biscuiteers' expert icers

A family Christmas in London 2025 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 puddings, crackers and even gingerbread houses.

Whether you're icing with little ones or gathering grown-up friends for a seasonal treat, these workshops are designed to be joyful, relaxed, and beautifully festive. Not only do you leave with your own hand-iced creations (almost too pretty to eat), but also plenty of photo-worthy moments.

• Locations: Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall, Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2BS
• When: 13th December
• Price: from £38.50
• Why we recommend: what better way to brighten up December than a celebration of light, warm Swedish hospitality and a cinnamon bun or two?

The LondonSwedes celebration of Lucia serves up festive folklore for all the family. Under the famous high arches of Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall, local choirs and Swedish music royalty bring you a stunning candlelit procession with choral arrangements and music from the hall's legendary golden organ.

Tickets start from just £38.50 with front row seats up for grabs from £85. Get down early for mulled wine and cinnamon buns for a little extra Christmas cheer.

• Location: The Forester, 2 Leighton Road, Ealing, W13 9EP
• When: 13th December 2025
• Price: from £17.60 per person
• Why we recommend: a festive, immersive theatre experience where families can enjoy music, puppetry, and interactive fun in a beautiful garden setting

Join The Elves and the Shoemaker in the Garden this December at The Forester for a magical Christmas performance. Watch as the classic Brothers Grimm tale comes to life with lively puppets, music, and audience participation.

Perfect for kids and adults alike, the show pairs heartwarming storytelling with festive treats like mince pies and mulled wine, creating a memorable holiday outing for all. Can't make this? There's also a performance at The Queen's Head in Kingston on the 4th of December.

• Location: various pubs
• When: 1st - 22nd December 2025 
• 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 Santa's Grotto at The Alma Wandsworth.

• Locations: All The Ivy Collection restaurants, excluding The Original Ivy and The Ivy Market Grill
• When: Sunday 14th, 21st and 23rd December 2025
• Price: £22 for children, £32.50 for adults 
• Why we recommend: enjoy a magical, mischievous morning with The Ivy's Naughty Elves Breakfast - where festive dining meets playful fun for the whole family

This Christmas, The Ivy Collection is sprinkling a little extra magic across its restaurants with the Naughty Elves Breakfast, a joyful celebration packed with festive food, cheeky elf entertainment, and seasonal surprises for kids and grown-ups alike.

Tuck into a delicious breakfast featuring favourites like Santa's Workshop Pancakes, Smoked Salmon with Scrambled Eggs, and freshly baked croissants dusted with pine sugar, while The Ivy's mischievous elves bring laughter and holiday cheer to your table. Each family will also leave with festive goodies, from a cuddly Ivy Bear and Santa letter-writing kit for the little ones, to a beautiful Ivy bauble for the adults. 

• Locations: Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Belgravia, Spitalfields Market and more 
• When: from 6th 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.

This year, Carnaby will be going with the theme 'All Is Bright', featuring 60,000 energy-efficient LEDs, while Kenwood House sports an immersive winter wonderland from 21st November. 

• Location: London Coliseum, 33 St Martin's Lane, Leicester Square, WC2N 4ES
• When: 11th December 2025 - 11th January 2026
• Price: from £19 per person
• Why we recommend: with snowflakes, toy soldiers, sugarplums and magical realms, The Nutcracker embodies the enchantment of the season and makes for a perfect holiday-time spectacle

This Christmas, treat your family to the magical experience that is The Nutcracker. This iconic ballet is set on Christmas Eve in Edwardian London, following the tale of Clara and the mystical nutcracker doll that she finds in a sweetshop.

This spectacular show is taking place at the London Coliseum throughout December, costing as little as £19 per person. This promises music, dance and plenty of wonder.

• Location: Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Kingsway, Holborn, WC2A 2HT
• When: 22nd November 2025 - 4th January 2024 
• Price: from £23 per person
• Why we recommend: featuring the hauntingly beautiful Walking in the Air and a full orchestral score, the musical elements elevate every moment; it's truly a festive must-see in the city 

A classic Christmas tale that has been entertaining families for generations, The Snowman is being performed at Peacock Theatre this winter for its 28th year. This magical stage adaptation is based on the book by Raymond Briggs, as well as the film directed by Dianne Jackson.

Watch in awe as a young boy builds a snowman that comes to life one night, before they set off on an adventure across the world. Meet the enchanting cast of international snowmen, complete with amazing set design and music by Howard Blake - including the iconic Walking In The Air.

• Location: Hyde Park, SW1X 7LY
• When: 14th November 2025 - 1st January 2026
• Price: entry from £5
• 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: Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3EG
• When: 14th November 2025 - 4th January 2026
• 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: 29th November 2025 - 4th January 2026
• 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.

From the Star of Wonder season at Ham House to the Marigold Festival at Osterley Park, Christmas at the National Trust in London combines history, creativity, and festive cheer for a truly magical holiday outing. You can even get stuck in with The Great Reindeer Hunt Trial at Modern Hall Park, or join Elf for storytime. 

• Locations: Battersea Power Station, Somerset House, and more 
• When: from 4th 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.