Things To Do at Christmas in London for Kids and Teens | Family Festive Fun 2026

Updated for 2026: London at Christmas is pure KidRated magic. The city transforms into a twinkling playground of lights, laughter and festive chaos. Whether your kids are still into Santa or mostly into selfies, there’s something for everyone.

From skating beneath the Christmas tree at Somerset House to exploring a snow-covered Hogwarts, meeting Father Christmas or tackling London’s biggest festive fairground rides, here’s our ultimate guide to the best Christmas days out in London for kids, teens and grown-ups who still believe in magic (and mince pies).

We’ve included plenty of FREE Christmas activities, some brilliant new experiences for 2026 and those annual family favourites that make Christmas in London so special.

Bundle up, grab the hot chocolate and explore London’s glow-up season. All sparkle, no Scrooge.

FREE THINGS TO DO IN LONDON THIS CHRISTMAS

We feel rather strongly that Christmas has become ridiculously expensive. Whatever happened to the days when a tangerine, a handful of nuts and the occasional lump of coal were considered perfectly respectable stocking fillers? These days, it’s not unusual to hear about some lucky little sprog waking up to a brand-new PlayStation at the end of the bed.

Well, we say enough is enough! Christmas isn’t a competition, and if you find yourself in one, it might be time to have a quiet word with yourself.

In fact, here’s a radical thought. If you’re planning to spend a small fortune on Christmas this year, why not halve the budget and give the other 50% to a charity that could really use it? The kids might get fewer presents, but they’ll learn something far more valuable about what Christmas is supposed to mean.

Now, we appreciate the slight irony of saying all this when we’ve just listed a load of festive experiences that can cost an arm and a leg. But Christmas magic doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

So, for anyone who fancies a little perspective (and giving their bank balance a well-earned breather), here are some of the best FREE things to do in London this Christmas.

Our favourites include:

• See the Christmas angels above Regent Street.
• Explore Covent Garden’s enormous Christmas tree and festive decorations.
• Watch Greenwich’s Christmas lantern parade on 18 November.
• Browse the Southbank Winter Market.
• Wander through Winter by the River with views of Tower Bridge.
• Listen to Christmas carols around Trafalgar Square.
• Explore London’s Christmas window displays.
• Enjoy the new London Museum at Smithfield.
• Take a winter walk around Greenwich Park, Hampstead Heath or Richmond Park.
• Visit the free galleries at the National Maritime Museum.

And here’s a link to Shelter – if you fancy spreading some festive cheer…

MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS – LONDON’S BEST SANTA EXPERIENCES

Because it’s not really Christmas until they’ve made a wish, spotted an Elf or been cross-examined by the Big Man.

• Santa’s Grotto at the Queen’s House, Greenwich: An enchanting new experience inspired by The Snow Queen. Follow a magical, actor-led adventure through the icy world of Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale before meeting Santa. 14 November – 24 December 2026. Best for children aged 9 and under. Book tickets.
• Santa’s Winter Garden, Fulham Palace: A wonderful new addition for 2026. The historic walled gardens are being transformed into a snowy North Pole adventure with special effects, magical surprises and a private meeting with Father Christmas. Find out more.
• Meet Santa at London Zoo: Combine a fantastic day out spotting lions, penguins and other animals with Christmas crafts, Santa’s grotto and a special gift. Zoo Christmas activities run 21 November 2026 – 3 January 2027. Santa requires a separately booked ticket, with standard grotto visits priced at £19.50 per child. London Zoo.
• Father Christmas at Kenwood House: Meet Santa in the beautiful historic surroundings of Kenwood. 28–29 November and selected weekends, 5–20 December 2026. English Heritage Christmas Events.
• Father Christmas at Eltham Palace: Enjoy seasonal storytelling, meet Father Christmas and take home a traditional present. Weekends, 5–20 December 2026. Book through English Heritage.
• Father Christmas at Marble Hill: A more traditional Santa experience in a lovely historic setting in Twickenham. Weekends, 5–20 December 2026. English Heritage.
• Wundrful World of Christmas at Immerse LDN: A high-tech North Pole adventure featuring live performers, digital magic, festive storytelling and Santa. 13 November – 24 December 2026. Particularly appealing to primary-school-aged children. Immerse LDN.
• Santa at Hamleys: London’s most famous toy shop is a Christmas experience in itself. Look out for the store’s Santa activities and festive entertainment at its Regent Street flagship. Check directly for 2026 booking details. Hamleys.
• • • Father Christmas at Fulham Palace’s Historic Library: Children can make a Christmas keepsake, meet Santa in the decorated library and leave through a secret bookcase door. A wonderful option for families looking for something different. Fulham Palace.

KidRated Top Tip: Santa experiences often sell out before December even begins. Book the grotto first, then plan any other activities around it. Also check whether adults need paid tickets and whether admission to the attraction is included.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, TRAILS, WALKS & FESTIVE ADVENTURES

London looks spectacular at Christmas, and some of its best festive experiences won’t cost you a penny. From enormous illuminated angels to magical after-dark trails, here are our favourites.

• Christmas Lights Tour of London – FREE: Start at Oxford Circus and explore Regent Street’s magnificent angels, Carnaby Street’s colourful Press Play on Christmas display and Covent Garden’s giant Christmas tree. Carnaby’s lights switch on 4 November, Regent Street 5 November and Covent Garden 12 November 2026. A brilliant free family adventure.
• Christmas at Kew Gardens: One of London’s most spectacular light trails returns with enormous illuminated installations, glowing tunnels, projections, music and festive treats. 13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027, on selected dates. Book tickets.
• Christmas in Covent Garden – FREE: Over 300,000 sparkling lights, the famous golden bells, a huge Christmas tree and festive entertainment. This year’s theme is The Theatre of Christmas, with celebrations beginning 12 November 2026. Find out more.
• Hogwarts in the Snow: Step inside the actual Harry Potter film sets, dressed for Christmas, with the Great Hall decorated for a festive feast and the Hogwarts castle model covered in snow. An absolute winner for Potter-loving kids and teens. 14 November 2026 – 17 January 2027. Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
• Winter Palace at Hampton Court: New for Christmas 2026, explore Henry VIII’s palace transformed into an enchanted world of mythical beasts and a magical royal ball. 28 November 2026 – 3 January 2027. Included with palace admission. Find out more.
• Christmas at Eltham Palace: Festive activities, Christmas trails and seasonal fun inside one of London’s most unusual historic attractions. Weekends, 5–20 December 2026. There’s also a Christmas Fair on 5–6 December. English Heritage.
• Greenwich Christmas Lights & Lantern Parade – FREE: Head to Greenwich on 18 November 2026 for a magical lantern procession, the Christmas lights switch-on and the extraordinary sight of Cutty Sark’s masts illuminated like a giant Christmas tree. Royal Museums Greenwich.
• Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree – FREE: The enormous Norwegian Christmas tree is one of London’s most famous festive traditions, with carol singers adding to the atmosphere throughout December. The 2026 switch-on date is still to be confirmed.
• Harrods & London’s Christmas Window Displays – FREE: Wander around Knightsbridge, Selfridges and the West End to see spectacular seasonal window displays. Perfect for a little Christmas magic without spending a fortune.
• • • Christmas Day Walk in Richmond Park – FREE: Swap the crowds and Christmas shopping for fresh air, wide-open spaces and deer spotting. Just remember to keep your distance from the deer.

KidRated Top Tip: Our favourite free Christmas outing is a weekday evening walk from Regent Street through Carnaby Street to Covent Garden. You’ll get several of London’s best light displays in one go, without paying for a ticket

LONDON’S BEST ICE RINKS

It’s time to grab a penguin skate aid and unleash your inner Torvil and Dean….

• Skate at Somerset House – London’s iconic courtyard rink returns with its enormous 40ft Christmas tree, festive music and special skating sessions. New for 2026 are K-pop parties and extended sessions, while younger skaters can join the Kids’ Club. 11 November 2026 – 10 January 2027.
• Glide at Battersea Power Station – Three interconnected rinks beneath those famous chimneys, plus a new 200-metre skating trail with spectacular Thames views. Add fairground rides and festive food, and you’ve got a brilliant family outing. 6 November 2026 – 3 January 2027.
• On Ice at Brent Cross – North London’s popular pop-up rink returns to the John Lewis car park with twinkling lights, helpful ice marshals and penguin skate aids for beginners. Skate hire is included. 23 October 2026 – 3 January 2027.
• Queen’s House Ice Rink, Greenwich – Skate in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful views across Greenwich. There’s a handy skate-off pit lane, toddler-friendly sessions and quieter skating options. 18 November 2026 – 3 January 2027.
• Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink – Glide beside Henry VIII’s magnificent Tudor palace, surrounded by festive lights and centuries of history. There are also reduced-capacity sessions with gentler music, ideal for younger or noise-sensitive children. 20 November 2026 – 3 January 2027.
• Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink – Skate around the Victorian bandstand on the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, surrounded by Christmas lights, music and London’s biggest festive fairground. 19 November 2026 – 3 January 2027.
• Skate Leicester Square – A circular outdoor rink right in the heart of the West End, surrounded by festive markets, hot chocolate stalls and Christmas lights. Perfect for combining skating with shopping or a family theatre trip. 31 October 2026 – 3 January 2027.
• Alexandra Palace Festive Skate – Ally Pally’s famous indoor ice rink gets its Christmas makeover with a giant tree, festive tunes, twinkling lights and even a sprinkling of artificial snow. The rink itself operates all year. Festive Skate: 9 December 2026 – 4 January 2027.
• The Winter Gardens, Beckenham Place Park – A festive outdoor rink surrounded by fairy lights, with penguin skate aids, quieter sessions and DJ skate nights for older kids. There’s also a funfair, food stalls and a Christmas circus. Weekends 21 November – 13 December, then daily 17 December 2026 – 3 January 2027.
• Lee Valley Ice Centre, Leyton – Two Olympic-sized indoor rinks with public skating, lessons, polar bear skate aids for little ones and Friday and Saturday ice discos. Particularly good for families who want to spend more time skating and less time queuing for festive attractions. Open year-round.
• Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre – South London’s Olympic-sized indoor rink offers family skating, lessons and penguin and snowman skate aids for beginners. A great all-weather alternative, particularly for younger children learning to skate. Open year-round.

KidRated Top Tip: Book daytime sessions for younger children and evening skating for teens who want the full festive atmosphere. Gloves are essential at most rinks, and skate aids often need to be reserved separately.

FESTIVE SHOWS, PANTOS & CHRISTMAS THEATRE

From Scrooge to Sherlock, London’s stages are bursting with festive cheer including the obligatory pantos. Here’s a few highlights but See Our Panto & Performances guide for the capital’s best pantomimes and family shows, complete with recommended ages, theatre details and KidRated reviews.

For toddlers and pre-schoolers: Santa’s First Christmas at the Unicorn Theatre, Dear Santa at Battersea Arts Centre, Christmas Lights at Polka Theatre, Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at the Lyric Hammersmith or Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show.

For younger primary-school kids: Stick Man at the Bloomsbury Theatre, Room on the Broom in the West End, The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre, Huddle at the Unicorn Theatre or Peter Pan at Polka Theatre.

For older primary-school kids: Cinderella at the Lyric Hammersmith, Jack and the Beanstalk at Hackney Empire, Dick Whittington and His Cat at the King’s Head Theatre or The Wind in the Willows at the Rose Theatre, Kingston.

For teenagers: Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas at Alexandra Palace, Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella at Sadler’s Wells, Ebony Scrooge at Sadler’s Wells East or Fly, You Fools! at Southwark Playhouse.

For a big traditional pantomime: Cinderella at the London Palladium, Jack and the Beanstalk at Hackney Empire, Peter Pan at New Wimbledon Theatre or Sleeping Beauty at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley.

For something a bit different: Robin Hood and the Merry Mandem at Stratford East, The Magic Flute at Woolwich Works, Ebony Scrooge or A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic.

For families looking for something closer to home: Don’t overlook the brilliant local pantomimes, including Cinderella at Dartford’s Orchard Theatre, Jack and the Beanstalk at Richmond Theatre and Cinderella at the Broadway Theatre in Catford.

LONDON’S BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Explore London’s best Christmas markets where you can pick up a bargain for yourself or the family or watch the kids have fun whilst you kickback with a hot chocolate or something stronger.

• A Toast Festive Market (Shoreditch) – 40 makers, workshops, Jolene bakes. (5–7 Dec 2025)
• Battersea Power Station Christmas Markets – Independent makers, riverside sparkle. (7 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026)
• Borough Market at Christmas – Festive foodie heaven. (28 Nov 2025 – 9 Jan 2026)
• Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair – 100+ stands in a magical garden. (23–26 Nov 2025)
• Christmas in Leicester Square – Bavarian-style stalls + shows. (1 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026)
• Covent Garden at Christmas – Giant tree, lights, pop-ups. (12 Nov 2025 – early Jan 2026)
• Crafty Fox Christmas Market (King’s Cross) – Indie designers & kids’ Crafty Cub. (16–17 Dec 2025)
• Fulham Palace Christmas Fair – 65+ stalls, choir, kids’ fun. (2–3 Dec 2025)
• Greenwich Christmas Market – Lanterns, carols, 200+ makers. (19 Nov 2025 – early Jan 2026)
• Hackney Christmas Market (Bohemia Place) – Local makers, street food, workshops. (Dates TBC 2025)
• Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre – Artisan food & gifts in royal courtyards. (5–7 & 12–14 Dec 2025)
• King’s Cross Christmas Markets (incl. Christmas Under the Canopy) – Makers, music, mulled everything. (22 Nov – 22 Dec 2025)
• Kingston Christmas Market – Alpine cabins, carousel, mulled wine. (16 Nov – 31 Dec 2025)
• Leake Street Miracle Market (Waterloo) – One-day arts & crafts market + party. (7 Dec 2025)
• Maltby Street Night Market – Festive Fridays: carols, bites, vibes. (Dates TBC Dec 2025)
• Southbank Centre Winter Market – Riverside chalets, food, lights. (3 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026)
• Trafalgar Square Christmas Market – Ornaments, treats, famous tree. (9 Nov 2025 – 2 Jan 2026)
• West Handyside / King’s Cross Canopy Market – Independent designers, festive food & drink. (23 Nov – 23 Dec 2025)
• Winter by the River (London Bridge City) – Thames-side stalls with Tower Bridge views. (13 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026)
• Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park – Mega festive fairground + market. (14 Nov 2025 – 1 Jan 2026)

MUSEUMS, LATES & CULTURE

Need something indoors? Or looking for an activity that doesn’t involve shopping, queuing for Santa or spending another afternoon in the cold?

London’s museums and attractions have plenty to offer over the holidays.

• The New London Museum, Smithfield: One of the capital’s biggest new attractions opens on 28 November 2026, with extraordinary objects, fascinating London stories and family activities. Best of all, general admission is FREE. London Museum.
• Christmas at the Queen’s House & National Maritime Museum: Enjoy festive trails, free galleries and seasonal activities in Greenwich. There’s also a special Winter Solstice Family Festival on 19 December 2026. Royal Museums Greenwich.
• The Science Museum – A brilliant option for curious kids and teens, especially when you want to escape the cold. Check its What’s On programme for seasonal events and exhibitions.
• The Postal Museum – Discover the history of London’s postal system and ride the famous underground Mail Rail. A great all-weather family outing during the school holidays.
• London Transport Museum – Explore historic buses, trains and trams, with plenty of hands-on activities for younger children. Check the museum’s seasonal programme for Christmas activities.
• Royal Albert Hall – A wonderful place for a Christmas concert or festive family performance. Its seasonal programme includes music and entertainment suitable for different ages.
• • Natural History Museum – Dinosaurs, enormous skeletons and fascinating exhibitions provide a fantastic free or low-cost option between the big Christmas outings.

KidRated Top Tip: Combine a free museum with one paid festive experience nearby. The Southbank, South Kensington and Greenwich are particularly good areas for creating a full family day out.

ADVICE FOR YOUR NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATIONS

Book early: Christmas at Kew, Hogwarts in the Snow, popular Santa grottos and weekend ice-skating sessions can sell out quickly.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks – The official display is ticketed, but you can catch great free views from along the Thames.

Choose your timings carefully: Weekdays and earlier sessions are generally better for younger children. Teens may prefer the atmosphere after dark.

Don’t underestimate the cold: Gloves, warm socks, waterproof coats and plenty of layers are essential.

Set a spending limit: Particularly at Winter Wonderland, where rides, games and food are often charged separately.

Check Christmas opening hours: Not everything runs on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day.

Plan your journeys: Central London can be incredibly busy. Public transport is often easier than driving.

• Make the most of free London: Christmas lights, museums, markets and parks can be every bit as memorable as expensive attractions.

AND FINALLY….

Whether you’re planning a magical first meeting with Santa, looking for the best place to skate or simply trying to find something your teenagers will actually enjoy, London really is a fantastic place to spend Christmas.

Happy Christmas from everyone at KidRated!