12 Best Christmas Events in London for Families

You’ll find London’s best family Christmas experiences at Winter Wonderland’s 350-acre festive playground with free off-peak entry, Kew Gardens’ spectacular 2.6km light trail featuring 300,000 twinkling displays, and the magical Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Don’t miss the Natural History Museum’s free Christmas programming, Covent Garden’s dazzling decorations, budget-friendly markets at Old Spitalfields, and family theatre shows like The Snowman. These destinations offer unforgettable memories while keeping costs manageable for every family budget.

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park

When you’re planning London’s ultimate family Christmas adventure, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park delivers everything from gentle carousel rides to heart-pounding rollercoasters across its massive 350-acre site.

You’ll find Santaland’s grotto perfect for younger kids, while teens can tackle the world’s largest portable coasters. The Giant Observation Wheel offers stunning city views that’ll please everyone.

Book timed entry slots in advance – off-peak admission’s free, but standard tickets start at £5. Here’s a money-saving tip: spend £25+ per person on attractions when booking to get free entry.

Don’t miss the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink surrounding the Victorian bandstand, or the Magical Ice Kingdom‘s 500-tonne sculpture experience. The new Luminarie Lane offers a premium lit shopping experience for families seeking festive gifts. With 2.5 million visitors over six weeks, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable Christmas experience.

Christmas at Kew Gardens

Since Christmas at Kew Gardens transforms London’s UNESCO World Heritage Site into a magical 2.6km light trail, you’ll want to book your timed entry slots early – this botanical wonderland sells out fast.

Running 14 November–4 January (closed Christmas Day), this evening event offers eight new installations including the stunning “Christmas Orchestra” and 100 illuminated lilies at Palm House Pond.

Your family will love the Fire Garden, Christmas Cathedral, and festive funfair rides. The 2-hour trail works perfectly for all ages, with children under 4 entering free.

Adult tickets start at £27.50, with family passes from £81.

Special quiet sessions accommodate children with sensory needs. Food stations provide seasonal treats throughout your journey.

Use public transport – parking’s limited and requires advance booking. The event supports Kew’s conservation mission, with all generators running on renewably sourced biofuel as part of their commitment to environmental sustainability.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour – Hogwarts in the Snow

For nine magical weeks from 15 November 2025 to 18 January 2026, Warner Bros. Studio Tour transforms into a winter wonderland with “Hogwarts in the Snow.” You’ll discover the Great Hall decorated with towering Christmas trees and flaming puddings, while the Gryffindor Common Room sparkles with festive decorations from the films.

Your kids will love seeing the snowy Hogwarts Castle model and frost-covered Diagon Alley.

The experience includes fascinating demonstrations of film-making snow effects and special fires used in the movies. You can even learn choreography from the Yule Ball scenes, adding an interactive element to your visit. Your standard ticket covers all Christmas features—no extra cost needed.

Book several weeks ahead, especially for weekends and school holidays, as demand’s incredibly high. The three-to-four-hour visit offers excellent value for Harry Potter fans seeking Christmas magic.

Oxford Street and Regent Street Christmas Lights

After experiencing movie magic, you’ll want to see London’s most spectacular free Christmas display along Oxford and Regent Streets.

Oxford Street, Europe’s longest shopping street, features 5,000 stars made from 300,000 LED bulbs suspended overhead. The lights switch on November 3rd and support Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.

Regent Street showcases 30 shimmering winged angels called “Spirits of Christmas,” extending through Piccadilly and surrounding streets. These lights activate November 6th.

Both displays operate 4pm to midnight daily until early January. Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds, and arrive after dark for ideal viewing.

The displays cost nothing to enjoy, making them perfect budget-friendly family entertainment. For an even earlier start to the festive season, head to the West End where Christmas lights illuminate Piccadilly, Leicester Square, and St Martins Lane from November 1st.

Don’t miss the Wishing Tree at St James’s Market supporting The Felix Project.

Natural History Museum Christmas Programming

Where else can your family meet a T. rex wearing a Christmas jumper? The Natural History Museum’s fifth annual Christmas display features their animatronic dinosaur sporting a supersized festive knit in the Dinosaurs Gallery. This free attraction draws families from their 6 million annual visitors.

You can take home matching knitwear – adult jumpers cost £45, children’s £30, and there’s even a dog version for £25. Made from organic cotton, purchases support the museum’s research and education programs. The knitwear is produced entirely within the UK by NOTJUST, a social enterprise committed to ethical and sustainable manufacturing.

Book tickets for Storytelling with Santa (1-21 December), where Father Christmas “drops down the museum chimney.” Families can also enjoy festive silent discos and Christmas-themed tours with afternoon tea in the elegant Anning Rooms on 12 and 19 December.

Covent Garden Christmas Displays and Entertainment

Moving from South Kensington to central London, Covent Garden transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland that’ll captivate your little ones without costing a penny to explore. Over 300,000 sparkling lights illuminate the entire area, including the stunning 55-foot British-grown Christmas tree in West Piazza.

Your children will marvel at the Market Building’s 40 gigantic gold bells, 12 giant baubles, and 8 spinning mirror balls creating a festive spectacle overhead.

Don’t miss Seven Dials’ elegant golden net lighting featuring 150,000 LED lights cascading over cobbled streets. The entire display runs through December, giving you plenty of flexibility for family visits. The festivities embrace The Theatre of Christmas theme, celebrating rich theatrical and performance traditions with immersive festive experiences throughout the season.

Evening strolls work best when little ones can fully appreciate the twinkling lights against the dark winter sky.

London Ice Skating Rinks

While London’s Christmas lights dazzle from above, you’ll find equal magic gliding across the city’s festive ice rinks with your family.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers the UK’s largest outdoor rink around a Victorian bandstand, perfect for combining with Bavarian Village treats.

Somerset House provides iconic skating beneath a 40-ft Christmas tree, with Skate School sessions ideal for beginners. Most rinks operate from early November through early January, giving families plenty of opportunities for festive outings.

For central convenience, Skate Leicester Square puts you amid theatre buzz—book early evening midweek slots to avoid crowds.

Queen’s House Greenwich delivers tranquil morning sessions in a UNESCO World Heritage setting.

If weather worries you, Winter Funland Olympia‘s indoor rink eliminates cancellation concerns while entertaining little ones with rides and seasonal shows.

Southbank Winter Market

The Southbank Winter Market transforms Queen’s Walk into a festive wonderland where you’ll discover Alpine-style chalets brimming with independent craft traders and global street food from November 3rd through January 4th.

You’ll love that entry’s completely free – you only pay for what you buy.

Your kids will be thrilled by the festive lights, music, and treats like Dutch pancakes and churros. Visit Fire And Fromage for marshmallow toasting and hot chocolates that’ll keep little hands warm.

Browse gifts, jewelry, and decorations while sampling truffle burgers and duck wraps. The market showcases work from independent creatives curated by South London’s SoLo Craft Fair.

Plan your visit for weekday mornings to avoid crowds. The market’s open 11am-10pm daily (closed December 25th and 31st), with easy access from Waterloo or Embankment stations.

Old Spitalfields Christmas Market

Another fantastic free-entry market awaits you at Old Spitalfields, where wooden chalets filled with artisan makers create the perfect Christmas shopping atmosphere from November 12th through December 24th.

You’ll find budget-friendly treasures at Charity Super.Mkt and enjoy mulled drinks while kids explore themed stalls selling everything from clothes to art.

Don’t miss the special Santa Saturdays on December 6th, 13th, and 20th from 1pm-4pm – it’s first come, first served, so arrive early! Your children can meet Santa’s elf helper on the 6th, then Father Christmas himself on the 13th and 20th. The market will be open until 5pm on Christmas Eve for any last-minute shopping needs.

The BIG Sing choir performs festive carols on December 6th from 11am-12:30pm, adding a magical soundtrack to your family adventure near Liverpool Street Station.

Santa Experiences at London Transport Museum

If you’re seeking a unique Santa experience beyond traditional grottos, London Transport Museum transforms into a festive wonderland from November 27th through December 23rd with their “Next stop, Christmas” programme. Santa greets children from a Routemaster bus-inspired interactive sleigh, complete with flashing headlights and bells to ring.

Your kids can share Christmas wishes and receive festive gifts while exploring hands-on activities. The experience includes a family trail highlighting 200 years of seasonal transport stories and Christmas craft activities.

Costumed historical characters appear on weekends, bringing London’s transport past to life. The festive activities continue running until January 4, extending the Christmas magic well into the new year.

Children go free with adult tickets, which include 12-month return entry.

Special SEND Early Explorer sessions run Saturday, December 6th with reduced noise and limited visitors.

Family Christmas Theatre Shows

While London’s Christmas theatre scene offers dozens of shows, focusing on tried-and-tested family favourites will give you the best value and happiest kids.

The Snowman at Peacock Theatre remains the gold standard – its wordless storytelling and “Walking in the Air” sequence captivate all ages from 22 November through 4 January.

For preschoolers, Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show at Theatre Royal Haymarket (5 December–4 January) offers shorter performances perfect for first theatre visits.

Julia Donaldson adaptations like Stick Man and The Gruffalo’s Child provide excellent value for book-loving families, with multiple daily showings and accessibility options.

The classic Nutcracker ballet delivers festive magic for ages 5+ with significant savings available this season.

These productions consistently appear in “must-see” Christmas lists, ensuring quality experiences that justify West End ticket prices while keeping young audiences thoroughly entertained.

Hamleys and Leicester Square Toy Destinations

After securing your theatre tickets, head to Regent Street where Hamleys transforms into London’s most magical toy wonderland each Christmas season. The seven-floor flagship becomes Jingle Town Fair from early November through December, featuring 20,000+ toys and daily entertainment that’ll keep kids aged 1-16 captivated for 2-3 hours.

You’ll catch free daily opening ceremonies at 10am (12pm Sundays) with Hamley Bear, plus parades, puppet shows, and character meet-and-greets throughout the day. The store operates extended holiday hours with Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm and Sunday 12pm-6pm, giving families flexibility to visit when convenient. Since general entry’s free, you control your spending on actual purchases.

For evening plans, book the Hamleys Christmas Lights bus tour from £27. These vintage Routemaster tours departing Embankment showcase Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and Piccadilly’s festive displays with live commentary and carols—perfect after your daytime Hamleys adventure.

The Sum Up

You’ve got incredible Christmas options across London that’ll create magical memories without breaking the bank. Start with free activities like Oxford Street’s twinkling lights and window shopping at Hamleys, then splurge on one special experience like Kew Gardens or a theatre show. Book popular attractions early for better prices and shorter queues. Mix indoor and outdoor activities to keep everyone happy, and remember – London’s festive atmosphere makes even simple walks feel extraordinary.