Christmas in London with Kids 2024

Christmas Events for Families London

Looking for ideas to celebrate Christmas in London with kids? In this guide, you’ll find a list of 2024 festive events and activities for kids in London, the best Christmas lights and decorations in London, and where to book tickets to meet Father Christmas.

Christmas Events for Kids in London

Christmas 2024 event tickets are now available to book for Christmas at Kew, WB Studio Tour Hogwarts in the Snow and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

Save money and book your tickets in advance for London pantomimes and Christmas shows! Tickets available to book for Odd and the Frost Giants at Unicorn Theatre, Aladdin Panto and Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith, My Christmas Orchestral Adventure at Royal Albert Hall, Beauty and the Beast Panto at Richmond Theatre and Robin Hood & the Christmas Heist at Rose Theatre.

Christmas Days Out in London

Bookings are now open to meet Father Christmas at Santa’s Grottos in London at John Lewis Oxford Street, Museum of London Docklands and Chelsea Physic Garden. Santa’s Story Time sessions are available to book at the Natural History Museum, and at select John Lewis locations around London, including Peter Jones Sloane Square and John Lewis Westfield White City.

Read on for more details on Christmas events, Santa’s Grottos and pantomimes in London available to book now. [Updated 13 November 2024]

Christmas activities for kids in London

Table of Contents

Christmas in London Map

I am also pinning the top places in London to visit for Christmas shopping, festive lights and decorations and ice skating rinks in the “London Christmas Lights and Decorations” Google Map Guide. For a direct link to the map to bookmark, click here. To explore the map, click on the door sign with an arrow just before the map title.

Christmas Events for Kids in London

This list is currently being updated for Christmas 2024. I will continue to add to the list as more family events and activities are announced ahead of the festive season.

Christmas at Kew

13 November 2024 – 5 January 2025

Kew Gardens has one of the most magical winter trail lights to visit at Christmas in London with kids. The panoramic Palm House light display was one of our favourite parts of the Christmas at Kew trail.

Christmas at Kew Lights

There are also sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections, flickering flames in the Fire Garden, and the chance to see Father Christmas. Independent street food vendors offer tasty festive delights, from hot food and sweet treats to spiced winter warmers and hot chocolate.

Tickets: Trails start between 4.20pm and 8.20pm and the Gardens close at 10pm. Standard adult tickets are Off peak £25.50/ Peak £32. Child (ages 4 – 15) tickets start from £16. Child under 4 enter free.

Book your tickets for Christmas at Kew

WB Studio Tour: Hogwarts in the Snow

16 November 2024 – 19 January 2025

Christmas in London with Kids

One of our favourite places to visit during the festive season is Warner Bros. Studio Tour, just outside London in Leavesden, for the annual Hogwarts in the Snow feature. In addition to seeing the Great Hall dressed up for Christmas with amazing details, the Forbidden Forest will also undergo a wintery transformation.

Hogwarts in the Snow London

It is an amazing and unique experience seeing the areas of the Harry Potter set, and the Hogwarts castle model, decorated as it was during the winter and Christmas scenes in the movies. Read more about this annual Christmas feature in my Harry Potter Studio Tour review: Hogwarts in the Snow London

Tickets: Adult tickets from £53.50. Child (ages 4+) tickets from £40. Under 4s enter free. Tickets now on sale for Hogwarts in the Snow 2024.

Book your tickets at WB Studio Tour London: Making of Harry Potter

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

21 November 2024 – 5 January 2025

Located in the heart of London, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of the top places to visit for Christmas in London with kids, offering a wide variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food and drinks.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

There’s an ice skating rink, Magical Ice Kingdom, Zippos Christmas Circus and over 100 fairground rides for all ages.

Book tickets for Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Santa’s Grottos in London

Santa’s Grotto at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

21 November 2024 to 5 January 2025

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of the top places to visit for Christmas in London with kids, offering a wide variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food and drinks.

Santa Land for young children offers various kids’ rides plus the change to meet Santa himself! It is free to enter the Santa’s grotto and run on a first come, first served basis.

Book tickets for Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Victorian Santa’s Grotto at the Museum of London Docklands

22 November – 23 December 2024, selected dates

Santa is waiting for you in his Sailortown Grotto at the Museum of London Docklands with a festive gift. Afterwards, experience the museum’s Sailortown gallery, transformed with festive decorations and the sound of Victorian carols being sung in the distance. Personal photography is now permitted at the Santa’s Grotto.

Tickets cost from £14.

Book tickets for Santa’s Grotto at Museum of London Docklands

Meet Santa at London Zoo

23 November – 24 December 2024

In addition to fun festive family activities during Magic of Christmas at the London Zoo, there will be an opportunity to Meet Santa on selected dates in late November and December.

Tickets will be available in coming weeks. Register your interest on the London Zoo website to be one of the first to know when Meet Santa tickets are available for 2024.

Register your interest to Meet Santa at London Zoo

Christmas at the London Transport Museum

23 November – 23 December 2024

Meet Santa and join in the festive activities at the London Transport Museum. Since the London Transport Museum is located in Covent Garden, planning a visit at the museum is one of our favourite ways to make a full family day out of enjoying the festive atmosphere of the area.

Christmas in London with Kids

Step into a magical winter scene in the museum’s Transportorium Garden where little ones can climb aboard Santa’s interactive sleigh adorned with buttons, bells and lights for imaginative play. Santa’s helpful elves will be on hand to welcome families and help them take the perfect festive family photo.

Tickets: Adult tickets are £24 and valid for one year. Children and young people under 17 enter free. All visitors, including children, are required to have a timed entry slot booked in advance.

Book tickets for the Christmas at London Transport Museum

The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace

23 November – 23 December 2024, selected dates

Enjoy an hour-long immersive and theatrical journey through enchanted rooms in Eltham Palace to help Father Christmas restore the true meaning of Christmas.

This extraordinary family adventure includes interactive storytelling, captivating performances and plenty of photo opportunities, all leading to an encounter with Father Christmas himself. Every child will receive a gift from Father Christmas as a token of gratitude for helping to rekindle the Christmas spirit.

Child (2 to 15 years) tickets from £30 and adult (16+) tickets from £25, plus booking fees. Under 1s enter free. The experience lasts 60 minutes.

Book tickets for The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace

Santa’s Grotto at John Lewis Oxford Street

28 November – 19 December 2024, selected dates

Settle in for a festive story session with Santa and join his team of merry elves to create a Christmas keepsake to take home. Then head in to meet Santa to share your Christmas wishes and receive a special gift.

Tickets cost £20 per child plus a £2 booking fee, and £3 per adult plus a 30p booking fee. Professional photos will be available to purchase separately.

Santa Paws Experience is also available to book at John Lewis Oxford Street. Explore Santa’s Grotto with your four-legged friend! The Santa Paws experience costs £20 per dog (includes a gift), £15 per child (includes a gift) and free for adults. Professional photos will be available to purchase separately.

Book tickets for Santa’s Grotto at John Lewis Oxford Street

Father Christmas at Marble Hill

30 November – 22 December 2024, selected dates

Join Father Christmas at Marble Hill for a magical way to start the festive season. Father Christmas will be telling some of his favourite seasonal stories around the Christmas tree a group storytelling session.

Tickets cost £9.50 per child. After the storytelling session, you and your children will have the chance to meet Father Christmas and take photographs. Father Christmas will also give every child a traditional present.

Book tickets for Father Christmas at Marble Hill

Father Christmas Storytelling at Chelsea Physic Garden

30 November – 22 December 2024, selected dates

Enjoy a special storytelling experience with Father Christmas at Chelsea Physic Garden’s greenhouse-themed grotto.

Each child will receive a special gift from Father Christmas and have the opportunity to capture this magical moment with a photo. Tickets are £13 per child (includes gift) and £11 for accompanying adults. Tickets include entry to the Garden on that day.

Book tickets for Father Christmas Storytelling at Chelsea Physic Garden

Afternoon Tea with Santa at Fenwick Kingston

30 November – 24 December 2024, selected dates

Complete your Christmas calendar with a delicious Afternoon Tea with Santa at Fenwick Kingston. Santa’s elves will be waiting to greet you at Restaurant on Three, and little ones will receive an elf hat to wear.

Once the children’s plates are cleared, they’ll be invited up by Santa’s elves for a picture moment and an early Christmas gift to take home. Visit the Fenwick Kingston website for the full afternoon tea menu.

Tickets are £29.50 per person and will be available to purchase from 10 October 2024.

Check for updates to book Afternoon Tea with Santa at Fenwick Kingston

Storytelling with Santa at the Natural History Museum

1 – 15 December 2024

Visit Santa in his wintery wonderland this festive season at the Natural History Museum. Santa will be telling a special Christmas story, and there will be the opportunity to have a photo taken with him afterwards. Each child’s ticket includes a gift from Santa.

Make sure to also stop by the dinosaur gallery to see the animatronic T-Rex decked out in its Christmas jumper and Santa hat, throughout November and December!

T Rex Christmas Jumper Natural History Museum

Tickets cost £17 per child (or £13.60 for members) and free for adults.

Book tickets for Storytelling with Santa at the Natural History Museum

Santa’s Storytime at Peter Jones Sloane Square

4 – 24 December 2024, selected dates

Join Santa and his elves for an enchanting craft and story session at Peter Jones Sloane Square. Create a beautiful Christmas keepsake to take home with you, then settle down for a festive tale read by Santa himself. Children will receive a special gift to take away too.

Tickets cost £17.50 per child plus a £1.75 booking fee and £3 per adult plus a 30p booking fee.

Book tickets for Meet Santa at Peter Jones Sloane Square

Santa’s Storytime at John Lewis Westfield White City

5 – 24 December 2024, selected dates

Join Santa and his elves for an enchanting craft and story session at Peter Jones Sloane Square. Create a beautiful Christmas keepsake to take home with you, then settle down for a festive tale read by Santa himself. Children will receive a special gift to take away too.

Tickets cost £17.50 per child plus a £1.75 booking fee and £3 per adult plus a 30p booking fee.

Book tickets for Meet Santa at John Lewis Westfield White City

Father Christmas at Gunnersbury

2024 Dates TBA

Victorian Father Christmas, dressed in his traditional green robes, will be at Gunnersbury Park Museum for the first three weekends on December.

Help Lizzie the kitchen maid make decorations to take home with you and see Father Christmas in his festive study. Children will receive a traditional wooden toy as a gift.

Tickets cost £15 to secure your timeslot and covers payment for one child. You may bring other children to the same timeslot (up to 4 maximum children). Additional children must be paid for on arrival at £15 each.

Book tickets to meet Father Christmas at Gunnersbury Park Museum

Finding Father Christmas at the Charles Dickens Museum

2024 Dates TBA

Meet Father Christmas himself at a wonderful family event at the Charles Dickens Museum, the former home of Charles Dickens. Follow a family trail, full of clues and puzzles to help you discover Santa’s Grotto.

On the way you’ll learn loads about how the Victorians celebrated Christmas, and what inspired Charles Dickens to write A Christmas Carol.

Tickets cost £15 for adults and £10 for children under 16. Note that every group must have at least 1 adult and 1 child.

Book tickets to meet Father Christmas at the Charles Dickens Museum

Santa’s Grotto at Hamley’s

2024 SOLD OUT

Hamley has a festive Santa’s Grotto experience at their Regent Street store over Christmas. Meet the enchanted Hamleys Elves, receive a special gift bag and have a meet and greet with Santa himself. Tickets are now SOLD OUT for the 2024 festive season.

Sign up for updates about Santa’s Grotto at Hamley’s

Christmas Pantomimes in London

Aladdin at Lyric Hammersmith

16 November 2024 – 5 January 2025

Soar above the streets of Hammersmith with panto heroes Aladdin and Jasmine for an adventure you won’t forget. Enjoy chart-topping tunes, side-splitting comedy and a fresh yet familiar Lyric twist on the story we all know and love.

Running time: 120 minutes. Recommended for ages 6+. Tickets from £10. Book now to save 30% off tickets for a limited time only.

Book tickets for Aladdin at Lyric Hammersmith

Dick Whittington and His Cat at Greenwich Theatre

22 November 2024 – 5 January 2024

Join Dick Whittington and his Cat as they seek fame and fortune in an adventure through good old London Town!

Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes including interval. Recommended for all ages. Tickets from £32 for adults and £16.50 for children (under 16). Restricted view tickets from £16.50; concession tickets from £26.

Book tickets for Dick Whittington and His Cat at Greenwich Theatre

Beauty and the Beast at Richmond Theatre

7 December 2024 – 5 January 2025

Featuring spectacular special effects, beautiful costumes and scenery, Beauty and the Beast will be an enchanting production for all the family.

Running time: TBC. Tickets from £13.

Book tickets for Beauty and the Beast at Richmond Theatre

Christmas Shows in London

The Nutcracker at Polka Theatre

16 November 2024 – 26 January 2025

When Clara receives a super-cool enchanted Nutcracker toy, one thing’s for sure – she doesn’t want her accident-prone little brother, Fritz, anywhere near it. But with rumours of an evil, seven-headed Mouse King trying to ruin Christmas, Clara might just need the help of Fritz to save the day!

Join Olivier award-winning Little Bulb (“Wolf Witch Giant Fairy”) andPolka Theatre for a brand-new magical, musical quest inspired by the story of ‘The Nutcracker’. Full of surprising rodent singalongs and featuring a sleigh-load of familiar festive bangers that’ll have you dancing in your seat.

Running time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including 20 minute interval). Recommended for ages 5 – 12. Tickets from £10.

Book tickets at Polka Theatre

Odd and the Frost Giants

19 November – 31 December 2024

This Christmas, follow unlikely hero Odd on an epic journey as he meets Norse Gods Odin, Loki and Thor, stuck in animal form in the human world. They are in trouble so Odd must use all his cunning to save them, and stop the invading Frost Giants from plunging the world into endless winter.

Combining extraordinary magic and humour, this spectacular festive tale is about finding friends in unlikely places, and the courage you never knew you had.

Running time: 120 minutes, including an interval. Recommended for ages 7+. Tickets from £12.50 – £31.50 for adults and from £10.50 – £22.50 for under 18s.

Book tickets for Unicorn Theatre

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith

20 November – 28 December 2024

Join Santa as he awakes from a dream of sun, sea and sand only to find it is the busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve. Watch as he prepares for his Christmas deliveries, feeds his reindeer and finally takes flight into the snowy night.

Running time: 50 minutes. Recommended for ages under 6. Tickets from £14.

Book tickets at Lyric Hammersmith

Robin Hood & the Christmas Heist

30 November 2024 – 5 January 2025

As winter’s first snow falls, there’s little Christmas cheer in Sherwood. Cupboards are bare, the nights are cold, and the cruel Sheriff of Nottingham squeezes his citizens for every penny they’re worth.

But deep in the forest, in the heart of the Major Oak, legendary outlaw Robin Hood plots an audacious scheme to bring some festive joy to all. Find out what happens when the Rose Theatre brings a new chapter of Robin’s adventures to the stage.

Running time: 2 hours, including interval. Recommended for ages 5+. Younger ages welcome at parental discretion. Tickets from £15

Book tickets at Rose Theatre Kingston

Royal Albert Hall Presents: My Christmas Orchestral Adventure

8 December 2024

My Christmas Orchestral Adventure returns this December for more family festivities. Father Christmas is due at the biggest Christmas concert in the whole world but conductor Tim has lost his Christmas spirit.

Join his brother Tom, Albert’s Orchestra and a cast of special guests as they take Tim through Christmas’s past, present and future to try and bring his Christmas cheer back in time to meet Father Christmas.

Performance times are at 12:30pm and 4.30pm.

Book tickets at the Royal Albert Hall

Christmas in London Activities TBA

The following family events, activities and Santa’s Grottos are typically on every Christmas in London. I will update the 2024 dates and pricing details once they are made available.

Gingerbread Decorating at Fenwick Kingston

28 November – 23 December 2024

In this one hour workshop, children decorate their own gingerbread creations to take home. Colourful icings, sprinkles and decorations will be provided. Each child will also enjoy a charming Mini Tea, complete with a choice of ham or cheese finger sandwich, a fresh fruit pot, crunchy crudités and a juice.

Adults can indulge in a relaxing Sparkling Cream Tea, with sparkling wine, two homemade fruit scones and a choice of tea of coffee.

Tickets are priced at £15 each for both adults and children and are available to purchase from 10 October. Children under 2 go free.

Check latest updates about Gingerbread Decorating at Fenwick Kingston

Festive Fayre at Hampton Court Palace

6 – 8, 13 – 15 December 2024

Hampton Court Palace courtyards will be transformed into a food-lover’s Christmas wonderland, full of delicious artisan food and drink, as well as perfect gifts to pick up for loved ones. Eat, drink, shop and be merry, all whilst soaking up the atmosphere and spirit of the season, with festive entertainment from the East Front bandstand.

Entry to the Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre is included in your Hampton Court Palace admission ticket.

Book tickets for Hampton Court Palace

Magic of Christmas at ZSL London Zoo

2024 Dates TBA

Experience the Magic of Christmas on a festive family day out at London Zoo. There will also be the opportunity to meet Santa himself throughout December.

Book tickets to visit ZSL London Zoo

Christmas at the Tower of London

2024 Dates TBA

This Christmas, see coronation-themed installations at the Tower of London, with the famous fortress transformed like never before with magical festive displays. Uncover the Tower’s regal coronation traditions in a dazzling display crafted to commemorate the King’s coronation year.

Embark on a journey through a radiant procession, unravel the mystery of which king was bestowed the crown on Christmas Day and bask in the majesty of a splendid coronation throne. Complete a perfect festive day out with an indulgent mince pie and warming hot chocolate from the café.

Book tickets for the Tower of London

The Gingerbread City at Westfield White City

2024 Dates TBA

The Gingerbread City is an annual exhibition by the Museum of Architecture where 50+ architects and designers create a whole city entirely from gingerbread, candy and frosting.

Gingerbread City Exhibition London

Gingerbread City Exhibition Tickets: Adult tickets for ages over 12 are £18.50, and tickets for ages 3 to 12 are £12.50. Under 3s go free, maximum 2 per parent or guardian.

Gingerbread Workshops: There will be several Gingerbread workshops taking place every day during the exhibition that are approximately 1 hour long. Your experience starts with a visit to The Gingerbread City Exhibition, followed by the Gingerbread Workshop.

London Gingerbread City Exhibition

The Exhibition + Gingerbread Workshop Experience for One costs £65 and is valid only for adults over 18s. The Exhibition + Gingerbread Workshop Experience for Two costs £90 and is valid for one adult and one child under 18, or for two adults. The workshop tickets cover the cost of all materials for making one gingerbread house.

Book tickets for the Gingerbread City Exhibition

Ice Skating Rinks in London

Note: The Queen’s House Ice Rink in Greenwich will not be open in 2024. Opening days for the 2024 festive season are TBA for ICE at Kensington Palace and Skate at Somerset House.

Glide at Battersea Power Station

8 November 2024 – 5 January 2025

Enjoy unrivalled views of the Thames as you spin around three interconnecting rinks at Battersea Power Station, surrounded by twinkling lights and a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree.

Tickets: Adult tickets start from £16. Child (ages 12 and under) tickets start from £10.50. Adult and toddler (4 or under) tickets from £13 valid on select weekday sessions, which includes a free drink (mini hot-chocolate, soft drink, tea or coffee).

Skate Aids: Skate aids for children are available.

Book tickets for Glide at Battersea Power Station

Ice Rink at Westfield London

15 November 2024 – 5 January 2025

Get into the festive spirit with a spot of ice skating at the new open-air Ice Rink at Westfield London. Skate around Europe’s tallest Christmas tree, towering nearly 65 ft, at the centre of the ice rink.

Tickets: Adult tickets start from £15 (off peak) to £18 (peak). Child tickets (ages 3 – 12) start from £11 (off peak) to £13 (peak). Family ticket options available.

Skate Aids: Skate aids, which are allocated on a first come, first served basis, cost £5 each to hire and can be purchased as an add-on when booking your ticket online. There are a limited number of skate aids at each rink, and skaters must be under 120cm (127cm max including skates) to use them.

Book tickets for the Ice Rink at Westfield London

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink

21 November 2024 – 5 January 2025

Skate at the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink in the heart of London’s Hyde Park at Winter Wonderland this Christmas season. Set under a canopy of twinkly lights and built around the iconic Victorian bandstand, you can hit the ice from 10:00am to 10:00pm daily. Open to all ages and abilities – wheelchairs too.

Tickets: Adult ice rink tickets from £11.50 (off peak) to £16.50 (peak). Children (12 and under) ice rinks tickets range from £8.50 (off peak) to £11.50 (peak). Advance bookings are required for Winter Wonderland. Ice rink tickets are in addition to the Winter Wonderland general admission costs.

Skate Aids: Winter Wonderland have a limited supply of penguin skate aids which cost £5 and are available on a first-come first served basis from the skate hire counter. They also have children’s bob skates (twin bladed skates that fit over a child’s shoes) available free of charge. Please speak to any member of Ice Rink staff if you wish to hire a skate aid or require bob skates.

Book tickets for Winter Wonderland Ice Rink

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

22 November 2024 – 5 January 2025

The beautiful, open-air Hampton Court Palace ice rink offers you the chance to glide across the ice under a star-covered sky while surrounded by spectacular views of the historic Tudor palace.

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

Tickets: Prices vary depending on day: Adults/teens from £18; Child aged 3 – 12 years from £13

Skate Aids: The children’s skate aids at the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink cost £5. Limited skate aids are available per session and must be booked in advance when purchasing the ice rink tickets online. The skate aids measure at approximately 78 cm high and are exclusively for children aged 10 and under.

Book tickets for the Hampton Court Palace ice rink

Skate at Somerset House

2024 Dates TBA

This festive season, Somerset House’s neoclassical courtyard will be transformed into the essential winter destination with Switzerland Tourism.

Skate at Somerset House London

Tickets: Adult skate ticket prices range from from £10 – £22 Child (12 years or under) prices start from £8.50.

Skate Aids: Skate aids are available for children aged age 8 or under. There are a limited number of skate aids that will be available on a first-come-first-served basis and cannot be pre-booked. Please ask one of the Skate at Somerset House ice marshal staff when starting your session if you would like a skate aid.

Book tickets for Skate at Somerset House

ICE at Kensington Palace

2024 Dates TBA

With its historic location, festive food and shopping and fun activities, ICE at Kensington Palace is set to become a new tradition for Londoners during the festive season.

Tickets: Adult (ages 15+) tickets start from £19 and child (ages 3 to 14) tickets start from £16. Skating sessions are 45 minutes long. Access to the grounds/VIP lounge are in three daily sessions: 0930 – 1330, 1330 – 1730 and 1730 – 2130.

Skate Aids: Skate aids cost £5 and are only suitable for 120cm or under. Available to book online with a child ticket; the option will show up as an add-on after you select the number of tickets you want to purchase and click continue.

Book tickets for ICE at Kensington Palace

London Christmas Markets

Kingston Christmas Market

14 November 2024 – 5 January 2025 | Kingston Christmas Market

Christmas Market set in the traditional market town of Kingston-upon-Thames, featuring over 40 festive market vendors in traditional wooden cabins, an Alpine Village with a fire pit and a vintage carousel.

Kingston Christmas Market

Feast on a hog roast roll, warm up with a mug of mulled wine and enjoy live entertainment under twinkling fairy lights.

Southbank Centre Winter Market

2024 Dates TBA | Southbank Centre Winter Market

Stroll along the Thames under twinkling lights and sample indulgent drinks, scrumptious street food and seasonal goodies from the traditional alpine-style chalets along the Queen’s Walk on London’s South Bank. Open from 11am to 10pm on Sundays to Thursdays, and 11am to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

London Bridge City Winter by the River

2024 Dates TBA | London Bridge City Events

With stunning views of Tower Bridge, The Tower of London and the iconic City skyline, Winter by the River is London’s most scenic Christmas market. Discover an array of boutique vendors, themed karaoke rooms and delicious pop-up food and drink stalls at London Bridge City.

Christmas Lights in London

One of our favourite things to do at Christmas in London with kids is to take a walk in central London to see the festive lights and decorations. Best places to see Christmas lights in London include Regent Street, Carnaby, Bond Street, Oxford Street, Covent Garden, King’s Road Chelsea and South Molton Street.

Christmas in London for Kids

Bookmark this post for the latest information of when the Christmas lights will be switched on around London! Details still TBA for the 2024 festive season.

Covent Garden Christmas

2024 Dates TBA | Christmas in Covent Garden

In early November, Covent Garden’s world-famous Christmas lights will be switched on with a new installation with over 40 gigantic bells with bows, 12 giant baubles and 8 spinning mirror balls, all displayed in our iconic Market Building.

Covent Garden Christmas Decorations

Along with the Christmas lights, enjoy mulled wine at the Winter Warmer Festival throughout November. The beautiful Wonder Wood display will be up until the beginning of January.

Christmas Trees Covent Garden London

Visit Christmas in Covent Garden for latest information on upcoming events for the 2024 festive season.

Carnaby Christmas Lights

2024 Dates TBA | Carnaby Universe

Carnaby is one of London’s most iconic places to see Christmas lights and decorations. This festive season, Carnaby are launching an exciting new Carnaby Universe installation, where you’ll be immersed in vibrant neon sphere’s of colour and light waves creating a moving vortex on Carnaby Street.

The immersive Christmas at Carnaby installation will be illuminated in early November with a big shopping and dining party. Details TBA for the 2024 switch-on event at Carnaby London.

Regent Street “The Spirits of Christmas”

2024 Dates TBA | Regent Street

Regent Street’s famous “Spirits of Christmas” display, 45 spirit angels covered in thousands of LED lights, will be switched on this festive season from early November.

Christmas Lights Regent Street London

The stunning spirit light displays will be on from 2pm to midnight everyday for a more sustainable display.

Christmas in London with Kids 2021

Mayfair Christmas Lights

2024 Dates TBA | Mayfair Christmas Lights

Mayfair always has the best Christmas lights and decorations in London, with over 60,000 sparking lights, extravagant Christmas trees and fantastic window displays to see around the neighbourhood. See Mayfair being transformed into a magical wonderland from mid-November when its Christmas lights are switched on.

Christmas in London with Kids

The top spots in Mayfair to enjoy the festive atmosphere and decorations are along New Bond Street, South Molton Street and Mount Street.

Christmas Decorations Mayfair London

Chelsea at Christmas

2024 Dates TBA | Chelsea at Christmas

The Chelsea at Christmas Lights switch on will be on from mid-November. From midday, expect an afternoon of entertainment for all the family, with mulled wine, mince pies and even an appearance of Santa and his reindeer.

London Christmas Lights 2021

The Chelsea Christmas Lights Switch-On will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display, light show and even a fresh sprinkling of snow.

I hope you found this guide to Christmas in London with kids helpful! I’ll keep adding to the Christmas Events 2024 list and updating the London Christmas lights and decorations list for this festive season so do check back for more updates.

This post was updated on 20 September 2024 with upcoming Christmas kids theatre shows and more festive things to do in London for kids.

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