Things To Do at Christmas in London for Kids and Teens | Family Festive Fun 2025

London at Christmas is pure KidRated magic — the city transforms into a twinkly playground of lights, laughter, and festive chaos. Whether your kids are still into Santa or mostly into selfies, there’s something for everyone. From ice skating at Somerset House to snow-covered Hogwarts, here’s our ultimate guide to London’s best Christmas days out for kids, teens, and grown-ups who still believe in magic (and mince pies).

LIGHTS, TRAILS & WINTER WALKS

Bundle up and explore London’s glow-up season — all sparkle, no Scrooge.

• Christmas Lights Tour of London – See Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Carnaby Street’s Into the Light display. Hop on a bus tour or walk it for free.
• Harrods & London’s Window Displays – Wander through luxury sparkle for free.
• Christmas at Kew Gardens – The dazzling light trail returns with tunnels, glowing trees, and music.
• Winter Lights at Canary Wharf – Free outdoor art and light installations, perfect for teens’ Instagram feeds.
• Kenwood House Light Trail – Beautiful illuminations set in historic gardens.
• Sparkle in the Park, Greenwich – Twinkling lights, live music, and street food.
• Christmas at Eltham Palace – A festive wonderland of colour and history.
• Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree – London’s iconic Norwegian spruce, complete with carols.
• Christmas Day Walk in Richmond Park – Swap shopping for deer spotting.

MEET SANTA & FAMILY FUN DAYS OUT

Because it’s not Christmas until someone’s sat on Santa’s knee or met a reindeer.

• Santa at Hamleys – Meet the big man himself in the world’s most famous toy shop.
• Father Christmas at Museum of London Docklands – Santa meets storytelling and history.
• Santa at the London Transport Museum – From 23 Nov–23 Dec, ride Santa’s sleigh and meet the elves. Kids go free!
• Christmas at ZSL London Zoo – Animal-themed festive fun for the whole family.
• Battersea Park Children’s Zoo – Adorable, smaller-scale Christmas activities.
• Christmas Tree Maze at Vauxhall Skate – 500 sparkling trees and a selfie wall (£4).
• Vauxhall & Other City Farms – Meet animals, shop markets, and visit Santa’s grotto.
• Christmas in Covent Garden – Huge tree, “snowfall”, and free street performances.

LONDON’S BEST ICE RINKS

Hot chocolate in one hand, penguin skate aid in the other 

• Skate at Somerset House – Iconic courtyard rink with a 40ft tree. (12th Nov 2025 – 11th Jan 2026)
• Glide at Battersea Power Station – Triple interlinked rinks under the famous chimneys. (7th Nov 2025 – 4th Jan 2026)
• Skate Brent Cross – North London pop-up at the shopping centre. (31st Oct 2025 – 4th Jan 2026)
• Ice Rink Canary Wharf – Covered rink among the skyscrapers. (25th Oct 2025 – 22nd Feb 2026)
• Queen’s House Ice Rink, Greenwich – UNESCO-backdrop with a handy “pit lane.” (21st Nov 2025 – 4th Jan 2026)
• Winter Funland at Olympia – Giant indoor rink included with entry. (13th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2026)
• Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink – Skate beside Henry VIII’s Tudor palace. (21st Nov 2025 – 4th Jan 2026)
• Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink – UK’s largest open-air rink around the bandstand. (14th Nov 2025 – 1st Jan 2026)
• Skate Leicester Square – Brand-new central London rink with festive market vibes. (1st Nov 2025 – 4th Jan 2026)
• Alexandra Palace Ice Rink – Iconic indoor rink with winter tunes. (Year-round)
• The Winter Gardens, Beckenham Place Park – Indoor rink at a new festive hub. (15th Nov 2025 – 4th Jan 2026)
• ICE: Bussey Rooftop Bar, Peckham – Sky-high skating with skyline views. (17th Nov 2025 – 1st Jan 2026)

FESTIVE SHOWS, PANTOS & CHRISTMAS THEATRE

From Dickens to Dumbledore, London’s stages are bursting with festive cheer.

• Stick Man (Bloomsbury Theatre) – Julia Donaldson’s beloved stick returns for puppetry, songs and laughs for ages 3+.
• The Snowman (Peacock Theatre) – The magical, musical tale of a boy and his snowman — complete with “Walking in the Air.”
• Peppa’s Big Family Show (Theatre Royal Haymarket) – Peppa and pals hit the zoo and the beach for songs, giggles and muddy puddles galore.
• Bluey’s Big Play (Royal Festival Hall Southbank Centre) – Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli return to our stage in a live show packed with music, laughter, brilliantly created puppets and fun for the whole family.
• Ebony Scrooge (Sadler’s Wells East) – Hip hop, Caribbean beats and Christmas spirit in this fierce, funny re-imagining of Dickens’ classic.
• Jack and the Beanstalk (Lyric Hammersmith) – A giant West London panto packed with chaos, charm and cheeky laughs.
• Punchdrunk’s Fireside Tales (Wembley Park) – Immersive storytelling magic for kids 5+ — twinkling lights, tall tales and wonder.
• Neverland (Kenwood House) – Follow Peter Pan and the Lost Boys through a glittering outdoor forest adventure.
• Elf the Musical (Aldwych Theatre) – Buddy’s back with big songs, snow, and Santa-sized silliness.
• The Gruffalo’s Child (Lyric Theatre) – Julia Donaldson’s classic sequel brought to life with songs and laughter for kids 3+
• Cirque du Soleil: OVO (Royal Albert Hall) – High-flying circus brilliance and dazzling acrobatics for a spectacular festive night out.
• AND MANY MORE – See Our Panto & Performances guide.

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

Discover London’s museums, lates and cultural gems this Christmas includinf festive science and after-hours adventures – perfect for curious kids, teens and culture-loving families.

• Museum Lates – After-hours events with festive twists at the Science Museum, V&A, and more.
• Natural History Museum Christmas Party – Celebrate under the whale in Hintze Hall.
• Royal Albert Hall & Cultural Hotspots – Classical concerts, films, and festive performances for families.

NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATIONS

End the year with a bang!

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

TOP KIDRATED TIPS

• Book early! The best events (like Kew or The Nutcracker) sell out fast.
• Dress for the weather — London’s festive season = cold fingers + hot chocolate.
• Avoid the crowds — Weekday mornings are your best bet for light trails.
• Bring snacks & layers — Especially if you’ve got smaller kids in tow.
• Plan your travel — Some events are Zone 1 madness; others worth the extra Tube ride.