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Things to Do at Christmas in London for Kids and Teens

girl reviews the christmas lights at kew gardens london kidrated

 

London at Christmas is a KidRated favourite, transforming into a magical wonderland perfect for families with kids and teens. From sparkling lights on Oxford Street to ice skating at Somerset House and Winter Wonderland, there’s festive fun for everyone. With Christmas shopping, carols, pantomimes, markets, and grottoes, KidRated’s guide helps you create unforgettable holiday memories together.

 

Horrible Histories presents
A Horrible Christmas

Horrible Histories Live on Stage is back, spreading holiday cheer with a delightfully twisted take on their fan-favourite, Horrible Christmas!

Starting December 12th and running until January 4th, this extended version of the hit show lights up the stunningly restored Victorian treasure, Alexandra Palace Theatre in London N22. Book here for a KidRated special offer….

Price: from £15

 

 

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park

Experience the ultimate Christmas fairground at Winter Wonderland with thrilling rides, markets, ice skating, and festive shows that will delight visitors of all ages.

 

 

To save both money and time, book your ride tickets online when buying your entry tickets. Opt for off-peak times with smaller kids, to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.

Layer up warmly and if you’re planning to sit inside Bar Ice or The Magical Ice Kingdom, stay extra cosy by wearing a heating pad inside your jacket.

If arriving by tube, Hyde Park Corner is the closest. For a more relaxed experience, visit Winter Wonderland on weekdays or Saturday and Sunday afternoons to avoid the bigger crowds.

 

Free to enter

 

 

Visit Hamleys and Santa’s Grotto

Take the kids to meet Santa at everyone’s choice of Christmas toy shop – Hamleys, where holiday dreams come true!

 

 

Visit a Christmas Market

Enjoy seasonal treats, mulled wine, and artisan crafts along the Thames – try Southbank and then use our handy guide for the others….

 

 

London's Best Christmas Markets

Free

 

 

Christmas at Kew Gardens

 

Christmas at Kew is the ultimate light trail experience and a must for any family’s festive calendar. The 300-acre botanic garden transforms into a mesmerising spectacle with glistening lights and illuminations. Follow this year’s route past glass houses decorated with kaleidoscopic projections, explore shimmering tunnels of light, and wander through trees glowing in the brightest colours.

 

The paid light trail is popular, but the gardens are free to visit during the day with beautiful winter foliage.

 

 

 

 

 Hogwarts in the Snow

 

Step into a magical, snowy Hogwarts and experience the enchanting Christmas magic from the Harry Potter series.

 

 

 Christmas in Covent Garden

Visit Covent Garden and marvel at the giant Christmas tree, stunning lights, and festive displays that create a winter wonderland atmosphere.

 

Snow fall at London’s Covent Garden

Free

 

 

 Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree (& others)

 

Admire London’s iconic tree in Trafalgar Square, a gift from Norway, and enjoy carol singing and a few wooden Christmas market stalls in this historic location.

 

Free

 

 

 Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Ritz

Indulge in a luxurious festive afternoon tea at The Ritz that’s perfect for celebrating the season in style.

 

 

 

 Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall

Attend festive concerts and shows at the beautiful Royal Albert Hall, including performances of The Nutcracker ballet that will enchant audiences young and old. Film buffs can get into the family festive spirit with Home Alone in Concert with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra on 7th December.

 

 

 

 The Nutcracker (London Coliseum)

Enjoy the classic Nutcracker Christmas ballet performance at the London Coliseum – from 12 December – 12 January – which brings this beloved story to life on stage.

 

Price: from £15

 

 

 Christmas at the Charles Dickens Museum

Step back in time to enjoy festive Victorian traditions that will transport you to another era at the Charles Dickens Museum in WC1.

 

Price: £20 adult, £10 children

 

 

 Take a tour of London’s Christmas lights

on is one of the best places to enjoy beautiful Christmas lights. Drop by to gaze, or check for details about when lights will be switched and best of all it’s FREE! There’s everything from classic displays to quirky ones. So plan a walk around Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, Covent Garden, and Leicester Square, to see London at its sparkly best.

 

Or why not treat the kids to a tour of the lights by bus? Christmas Lights London by Night Tour comes with a live guide and provides a 90-minute tour of the spectacular Christmas lights. The Hop on Hop Off open top bus is another option which gives you that added flexibility.

 

This year, Carnaby Street’s ‘Into The Light’ display is shining down over the area. Sparkle in the Park in Greenwich has a light trail with twinkling trees, art installations and interactive elements, plus live music, street food and drinks.. King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard will be packed with cool installations, and The Shard will have its annual Christmas lights show, Shard Lights.

Be transported to a world of light, colour and sound at Christmas at Eltham Palace, or check out the instagrammable light installations at Kenwood House.

 

 

Free

 

 

Christmas Tree Maze at Vauxhall Skate

With over 500 Nordmann fir Christmas trees sparkling with twinkly lights, covering almost 500 square metres of the Pleasure gardens, work your way through this urban magical Christmas tree maze and take your picture in their photo wall at the heart of the maze!

Price: £4

 

 

 Browse Harrods & check out the window displays

Wander through beautifully decorated halls and shop for luxury gifts in one of London’s most famous department stores.

 

 

 

Free

 

 

 

 Catch a Christmas Panto

Enjoy a traditional British Christmas panto full of laughs and magic that will keep everyone entertained. Check out our guide for more details…

 

Kidrated's top london pantos and performances

 

 

 

Christmas at ZSL London Zoo

Meet Santa and enjoy festive animal-themed activities that make for a fun family outing.

 

 

 

 

Meet Father Christmas at the Museum of London Docklands

Experience a unique Santa visit combined with historical storytelling that’s both fun and educational.

 

Father Christmas at docklands

 

Christmas Light Trails at Kenwood House

Walk through stunning light displays set against the backdrop of this historic estate.

 

 

Meet Santa at the London Transport Museum 

From 23 November to 23 December, Santa will be making special stops at the Museum to meet families. Step into a winter wonderland at the Transportorium Garden, where little ones can climb onto Santa’s interactive sleigh decked out with lights, bells, and buttons. His friendly elves will be there to greet you and capture that perfect holiday photo.

You can also cosy up for heartwarming tales or embark on a digital family trail through the Museum’s galleries. Weekends and school holidays are extra special with appearances from costumed characters from London’s transport history.

All festive activities are included with your Museum ticket—and remember, kids go free!

Free-ish

 

Christmas at Alexandra Palace

Experience skating, fairs, and family-friendly entertainment in this iconic venue.

 

 

Christmas Dining Experience at The Shard

Dine with panoramic views of London while enjoying delicious seasonal cuisine – it’s dining elevated!

 

 

 

Christmas at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo

Join in on festive events designed especially for young children and families during this joyful time of year.

 

 

Enjoy Christmas Street Performances in Covent Garden

Catch free, festive street shows perfect for all ages while soaking up the holiday atmosphere.

 

Free

 

Christmas Party at the Natural History Museum

Celebrate in iconic Hintze Hall surrounded by festive lights – it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!

 

 

Catch a festive film with Luna Cinema
or at The Prince Charles

Enjoy festive screenings in stunning outdoor locations with Luna…and catch the always wonderful Christmas program down in Leicester Sq with The Prince Charles Cinema

 

Explore Christmas in Chelsea Physic Garden

Participate in seasonal plant displays, wreath-making workshops, and enjoy festive cheer throughout this beautiful garden

 

Winter Lights at Canary Wharf

 

Explore the free outdoor light installations scattered around Canary Wharf. Perfect for Instagram-loving teens!

 

Free

 

 

Christmas at the Sky Garden

 

Free

 

 

Vauxhall and other City Farms in London

Highlight’s at Vauxhall include

  • Winter Light Trail switch on with a well known celeb!*
  • Santa’s grotto with a gift for each child
  • Annual Christmas Market – 14th and 15th December, 10:30am – 4pm. No need to book, just turn up!
  • Macramé Wreath workshops for adults
  • Real Christmas tree sale with Pines and Needles

Click here for details and check out our City Farm guide for your nearest venue…

 

London's Best City Farms

London’s Best City Farms Guide

Free

 

 

Catch a Performance of
A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic

Experience Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol‘ at The Old Vic starring John Simm.

 

 

 

Christmas Day Walk in Richmond Park

Take a peaceful stroll through beautiful Richmond Park on Christmas Day – it’s a lovely way to enjoy nature during the holidays!

 

 

10-family-friendly-post-xmas-walks

Free

Museum Lates

 

Many museums offer free late openings with festive themes. Check individual museum websites for details. Check out our guide to the best museum’s for older kids and teens.

 

KidRated's Guide to London's Best Museums for Older Kids and Teens

 

Free

 

 

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

 

​While the official New Year’s Eve firework display requires tickets, find a good vantage point along the Thames for a free view.​

Free

 

 

 

    Other  Christmas Guides 

 

 

Kidrated's top london pantos and performances

 

 

KidRated's Guide to London's best ice rinks at Christmas

 

 

The best Stocking fillers for Older Kids and teenagers - KidRated Guide

 

 

London's Best Christmas Markets

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