You’ll find December in London bursting with festive magic for families. Visit enchanting Christmas markets like Trafalgar Square’s 40 alpine stalls or Southbank Centre’s riverside wonderland. Glide across ice rinks at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland or Somerset House’s scenic backdrop. Enjoy special museum experiences like the British Museum’s Magical Midwinter Tales or Transport Museum’s Santa’s Routemaster bus. Meet Santa at London Eye’s skyline experience or explore Kew Gardens’ spectacular light trail for unforgettable holiday memories that await your discovery.
Winter Wonderlands and Christmas Markets
While London’s winter chill might send you indoors elsewhere, December transforms the city into a magical wonderland that’ll captivate kids and adults alike. The city’s Christmas markets create perfect family adventures, each offering unique experiences.
At Trafalgar Square, you’ll find 40 alpine-style stalls nestled beneath the iconic Christmas tree, selling Norwegian knitwear and festive treats.
The Southbank Centre Winter Market stretches along the Thames, where kids can sample global cuisine while enjoying river views.
Leicester Square’s intimate pop-up market features exclusive shops, while Covent Garden dazzles with hundreds of twinkling lights and street performers.
For riverside charm, visit London Bridge City’s market near Tower Bridge, where Hays Galleria’s magical decorations create Instagram-worthy moments for the whole family. Most markets remain open until early January, giving families plenty of opportunities to experience the festive magic throughout the holiday season.
Ice Skating and Outdoor Winter Adventures
As December’s frost settles over London, the city’s outdoor ice rinks transform into glittering playgrounds where families can glide beneath twinkling lights and towering Christmas trees. You’ll find Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers the UK’s largest open-air rink with live music, while Canary Wharf’s covered rink runs longest through February.
For spectacular backdrops, try Hampton Court Palace’s Tudor setting or Somerset House’s neoclassical courtyard. The historic venue is celebrating its 25th year as a cultural destination with special seasonal programming this winter.
If you’re bringing younger children, book JW3’s penguin stabilizers ahead of time. Westfield London provides quiet sessions for neurodiverse kids and wheelchair accessibility.
Don’t miss Battersea Power Station‘s three interlinked rinks beside the Thames, complete with vintage fairground rides. Most venues serve hot chocolate and kid-friendly snacks, making these perfect winter adventures for the whole family.
Museum Adventures and Story Experiences
London’s museums come alive with magical December programming that transforms learning into enchanting adventures for curious young minds. You’ll discover festive role-play sessions at London Museum’s Little City on December 7, plus sensory journeys on The Imagination Train to the North Pole for ages 0-5.
The British Museum offers free Magical Midwinter Tales storytelling on December 3, featuring Nordic adventures through icy landscapes.
Young V&A, ranked as London’s top children’s museum, provides hands-on design activities with trollies and shape-building materials.
The Transport Museum runs Next Stop Christmas events with winter trails and Santa’s sleigh inspired by London’s iconic Routemaster bus.
Don’t miss the Foundling Museum’s Festive Rhymes with Michael Rosen on December 13 for memorable literary experiences. The V&A South Kensington hosts a Design Baby event on December 3rd, where little ones can explore sculpture through tactile art activities like pushing soft pom-poms and building shapes.
Santa Meet-and-Greets and Festive Theatre Shows
December transforms London into a magical wonderland where children can meet Santa face-to-face and experience enchanting theatrical adventures that’ll create lasting holiday memories.
The London Eye‘s Santa in the Sky (1-24 December) offers spectacular skyline views during a 30-minute pod rotation with personalized stories and gifts, starting from £78.
For budget-friendly options, attend Tower Bridge Collective’s free meet-and-greet on December 22nd.
Westfield’s Good Factory (6-24 December) provides an immersive £12.50 journey where kids help restart the Great Dream Machine with elves before meeting Santa. The adventure concludes with families capturing a memorable photo alongside Santa at the grand control panel.
Anya’s grotto in Chelsea features wintry wonderlands with candy cane forests.
Hobbledown’s Santa’s Secret Village (29 November-24 December) combines a private meet-and-greet experience with full theme park access from £31.50 per child.
London’s Famous Attractions With Christmas Magic
Beyond magical Santa encounters, the capital’s most beloved landmarks don spectacular holiday dress that’ll leave your family spellbound. Regent Street’s iconic angel wings sparkle above red buses, while Carnaby Street dazzles with elaborate displays near Liberty London. Covent Garden steals the show with its towering 60-foot Christmas tree adorned with 30,000 lights, giant baubles, and festive market stalls.
For Harry Potter fans, Hogwarts transforms into a winter wonderland at the Studio Tour, featuring the Great Hall’s Christmas trees and snow-covered Forbidden Forest. Meanwhile, Kew Gardens offers a magical 2.6km light trail through botanical wonderland. Don’t miss Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, where you’ll find traditional German Christmas markets, ice skating, and Bavarian treats that’ll transport your family straight to a European holiday celebration. For a truly spectacular view of London’s illuminated landmarks, consider taking an open-top bus tour through the festively lit streets to see Big Ben and Trafalgar Square from a unique nighttime perspective.
The Sum Up
You’ll create magical December memories exploring London’s festive offerings with your kids. From twinkling Christmas markets to enchanting ice rinks, you’ve got countless adventures waiting. Don’t miss the theatrical performances that’ll captivate young imaginations, or the chance to meet Santa in iconic London settings. Bundle up for winter wonderlands, plunge into interactive museum experiences, and watch your children’s eyes light up at famous attractions draped in Christmas splendor. London’s December magic awaits your family’s discovery.
