12 Christmas Activities in London for Families

You’ll discover magical Christmas experiences across London, from Kew Gardens’ illuminated 3km trail and Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland with ice skating to the enchanting Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Explore festive markets at Covent Garden and Old Spitalfields, watch Sleeping Beauty On Ice at Alexandra Palace, or try ice sculpting workshops. Don’t miss Zippos Christmas Circus, Wembley Park’s artisan markets, and unique experiences like Black Santa’s Grotto in Shoreditch. These adventures offer something special for every family member to enjoy this holiday season.

Christmas at Kew Gardens Night Trail

Since its debut in 2013, Christmas at Kew Gardens has transformed into London’s most magical winter experience, where families can explore a spectacular 3km illuminated trail through the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You’ll discover eight new world premiere installations alongside seasonal favorites like the Fire Garden and Christmas Cathedral.

Kids will love the festive funfair, visiting Father Christmas, and toasting marshmallows while you enjoy spiced warmers and hot chocolate. For the first time ever, visitors can witness The Great Pagoda illuminated as part of this year’s spectacular display.

The trail runs from November 14 to January 4, opening at 4:20pm with varying last entry times.

Adult tickets cost £27.50-£34, with family options available.

Plan for over two hours to complete the route, and dress warmly for outdoor terrain.

Book early—this popular event sells out quickly!

Winter Wonderland Hyde Park

Over 2.5 million visitors flock to Winter Wonderland each year, making it London’s ultimate free Christmas destination that transforms Hyde Park into a festive paradise from November 14 to January 4.

You’ll find the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink wrapped around a Victorian bandstand, glowing candyfloss pink under 100,000 twinkling lights.

Your kids will love the world’s largest portable rollercoaster with five heart-stopping loops, plus the Giant Observation Wheel offering breathtaking London views.

Don’t miss Santa Land’s magical grotto where children receive presents, or the thrilling 45-meter Real Ice Slide.

Evening entertainment includes Cirque Beserk shows and live music, while the Bavarian Village serves mulled wine around crackling fires. Explore the new Luminarie Lane, a premium lit shopping area that adds an extra touch of magic to your Christmas market experience.

Entry’s free during off-peak hours, with standard tickets from £5. Book online for guaranteed entry during popular times.

Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros. Studio Tour

The magical world of Harry Potter becomes even more enchanting during Hogwarts in the Snow, running from November 15, 2025 to January 18, 2026 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. You’ll discover the Great Hall transformed with Christmas trees and flaming puddings, plus the stunning Yule Ball setup where kids can learn authentic dance steps.

Diagon Alley’s cobbles sparkle under filmmakers’ snow, while the massive Hogwarts Castle model hides delightful snowman figures throughout its snowy landscape.

Your three-to-four-hour visit includes exploring the frost-covered Forbidden Forest, decorating Christmas cards at Platform 9¾, and watching Hagrid’s animatronic head demonstration. The event provides a festive holiday experience that encompasses the full Christmas period for families seeking magical winter entertainment. Book tickets several weeks ahead—they’re required and sell quickly.

Special dinner experiences run December 5th, 8th-10th for an unforgettable after-hours adventure.

Covent Garden Christmas Markets

After exploring magical movie sets, you’ll find real-world Christmas enchantment right in central London at Covent Garden’s festive markets. From November 12, 2025, through early January, this historic market transforms into a winter wonderland with hundreds of twinkling lights and Christmas trees.

Your family can browse three daily markets featuring handmade crafts, unique gifts, and holiday decorations. Kids will love watching street performers while you shop for stocking stuffers and artwork from emerging artists.

Don’t miss the mulled wine stations and street food for warming treats. The venue is open year-round but takes on special Christmas decorations and features during the festive season.

The markets run Monday-Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday until 10pm, and Sunday 12pm-5pm. Best of all, admission’s completely free! Located near Covent Garden Underground station, you can easily combine your visit with nearby attractions like Somerset House ice skating.

Sleeping Beauty On Ice at Alexandra Palace

Where else can your family watch a beloved fairy tale unfold on ice beneath a glittering Christmas tree? Alexandra Palace’s historic East Court ice rink transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland for Sleeping Beauty on Ice from December 4-8, 2025.

You’ll witness graceful choreography, sparkling costumes, and timeless storytelling performed by talented local skaters and adorable young performers.

This heartwarming adaptation creates the perfect festive atmosphere with twinkling lights surrounding the rink. Your children will be captivated by the dreamy choreography and magical fairytale elements. The venue also hosts festive ice skating sessions throughout the Christmas season for families wanting to try the ice themselves.

Tickets are family-friendly at £16 for adults and £13 for under-16s. Located at Alexandra Palace Way, you can easily reach the venue via Wood Green station or the W3 bus.

Book through their website or call 020 8365 4343.

John Lewis Oxford Street Santa’s Grotto

How can you give your children a truly magical Christmas experience in the heart of London’s shopping district? John Lewis Oxford Street’s Santa’s Grotto offers the perfect blend of tradition and innovation through their partnership with The LEGO® Group.

Your adventure begins with an imaginary flight to Santa’s Post Office, based on an exclusive LEGO® set. You’ll enjoy festive story sessions with elves before journeying through a magical world to meet Santa himself.

Your children can share their Christmas wishes while creating special keepsakes to take home.

Running from 27 November to 24 December 2025, Father Christmas appears 12pm-4pm on weekends leading up to Christmas.

At just £5 per adult plus booking fees, it’s an affordable festive tradition. For comparison, other London experiences like Anya Hindmarch’s grotto offer a 30-minute experience at £50 for one adult and one child.

Book early through John Lewis’s official site when portals open in September.

Black Santa’s Grotto Experience

While West End department stores offer classic Christmas magic, East London’s Shoreditch district provides something truly special for families seeking diverse representation during the holidays. Noir Kringle’s Black Santa’s Grotto Experience transforms the historic Old Railway Ticket Hall into a magical Christmas wonderland celebrating Black British culture.

Your children will meet Black Father Christmas and his team of elves in an immersive experience filled with festive sounds, smells, and traditions. Mr Kringle enjoys rum coke and sorrel, bringing authentic cultural touches to the grotto visit. This alternative Santa experience offers a refreshing departure from traditional Christmas storytelling.

Running December 17th-22nd, 2025, this inclusive pop-up has sold out annually since launching in 2018.

Tickets start from £35 for one child and adult, offering positive representation that makes every family feel welcome during the Christmas season.

Chiswick House Storytelling With Santa

Step into Georgian grandeur at Chiswick House & Gardens, where Father Christmas hosts an enchanting storytelling session inside an authentic 18th-century grotto. Your children will be captivated as Santa shares festive tales in this historically-inspired setting, complete with dramatic installations and bespoke sculptures.

This magical experience runs from November 29th through January 4th, 2026, as part of The Twelfth Night of Christmas celebration. You’ll explore the imagined world of Duchess Georgiana of Devonshire through peep chambers and festive tableaux before reaching Santa’s charming grotto. The celebration marks Chiswick House’s first-time Christmas opening, bringing Georgian holiday traditions to life in an unprecedented way.

Each child receives a special gift, making this visit extra memorable. You can book the storytelling session separately or bundle it with the full Twelfth Night experience. Tickets start from £14, offering exceptional value for this unique Georgian Christmas adventure.

Old Spitalfields Christmas Market

The historic Old Spitalfields Christmas Market transforms into a festive wonderland from November 12th through Christmas Eve, offering your family an authentic London holiday experience in the heart of East London. You’ll find wooden chalets filled with artisan makers, handmade crafts, and unique Christmas gifts your children will love exploring.

Visit on Santa Saturdays (December 6th, 13th, and 20th) between 1pm-4pm for free meet-and-greets with Santa and his elf helper—no booking required, just arrive early. Your kids can pose at the present-filled phone box beneath giant wreaths for perfect holiday photos.

Don’t miss the BIG Sing choir‘s carol performance on December 6th at 11am.

Located at Liverpool Street Station, the market stays open until 6pm most days, with festive food stalls and cosy drink chalets keeping everyone warm. The market will be fully closed on Christmas Day, so plan your final holiday shopping for Christmas Eve when it remains open until 5pm.

Wembley Park Festive Market

Wembley Park’s spectacular Christmas market brings festive magic to northwest London from December 6th-21st, where your family can explore over 50 artisan stalls beneath a towering 50-foot Christmas tree adorned with 500+ glittering baubles.

You’ll discover handmade gifts, jewelry, decorations, and gourmet treats while kids enjoy free concerts by Guildhall School brass ensembles each weekend.

Don’t miss Santa’s Grotto at London Designer Outlet, plus the Ultimate Kids’ Christmas Party with Fresh Arts.

Children can complete the Winter Trail for Lindt treats or experience Fireside Tales storytelling sessions for ages 7-11. The market also features live music performances that add to the festive atmosphere throughout the event.

The venue’s dog-friendly and conveniently located near Wembley Park tube station.

With free entry and festive workshops at Bread Ahead Bakery School, it’s perfect for creating magical family memories.

Zippos Christmas Circus at Winter Wonderland

Where can your family experience world-class circus magic alongside traditional Christmas festivities? Zippos Christmas Circus at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland delivers exactly that from November 14, 2025, to January 1, 2026.

You’ll watch amazing acrobats and dazzling trapeze performers in a cozy big top, plus lovable comic characters who’ll have your children giggling throughout the 45-minute show.

The real highlight? Father Christmas makes a surprise appearance with inflatable polar bears that kids absolutely love.

Shows run at 14:30 and 16:15 daily, with additional evening performances on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Tickets start at £8.50 for children, with family packages available. The circus is part of Winter Wonderland’s impressive lineup of over 150 rides and attractions throughout the season.

There’s no age or height restrictions, making it perfect for toddlers through teens.

Book morning shows for a more relaxed family experience.

Ice Sculpting Workshops and Family Activities

Beyond the magical performances, London’s winter scene offers hands-on creative experiences that’ll spark your children’s artistic side. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland‘s ice sculpting workshops provide 40-minute sessions where UK’s finest ice artists guide participants aged 12+ through creating their own masterpieces.

Standard tickets cost £61.50 and include access to the Magical Ice Kingdom featuring over 500 tonnes of ice and snow.

For younger children, Putney Winter Wonderland offers family-friendly alternatives with 18 hand-carved sculptures throughout the town centre. This free event welcomes families to explore the festive installations without any admission charges.

You’ll find live music, street performers, and Santa Grotto visits from 10am to 4pm on November 29th.

Don’t miss the giant snow globe photo opportunity with the #PutneyIceTrail contest offering a £50 voucher prize.

The Sum Up

You’ll create magical Christmas memories exploring London’s festive offerings with your kids. From wandering through Kew’s twinkling light trail to watching your children’s eyes light up at Hogwarts in the Snow, there’s something special for every family. Don’t forget to sample treats at the Christmas markets and let the little ones try ice sculpting. Book early – London’s Christmas activities fill up fast, and you won’t want to miss out!