Christmas in London with Kids 2025

Christmas Events for Families London

Looking for ideas to celebrate Christmas in London with kids? In this guide, you’ll find a list of 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 2025 event tickets are now available to book for Christmas at Kew and WB Studio Tour Hogwarts in the Snow.

Save money and book your tickets in advance for London pantomimes! Tickets now available for Jack and the Beanstalk at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Peter Pan at Greenwich Theatre, Cinderella at Hackney Empire, Cinderella at Richmond Theatre, Cinderella at Rose Theatre.

Christmas Days Out in London

Many top London Christmas show tickets are available to book now. Christmas shows on this festive season include Raymond Brigg’s Father Christmas, Carols and The Nutcracker at Royal Albert Hall, A Christmas Carol at New Wimbledon TheatreThe Snowflake at Polka Theatre.

Read on for more details on Christmas events, Santa’s Grottos and pantomimes in London available to book now. [Updated 14 February 2025]

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 2025. I will continue to add to the list as more family events and activities are announced ahead of the festive season.

Christmas at Kew

14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

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 £27.50/ Peak £34. Child (ages 4 – 15) tickets start from £18. Child under 4 enter free.

Book your tickets for Christmas at Kew

WB Studio Tour: Hogwarts in the Snow

15 November 2025 – 18 January 2026

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 £56. Child (ages 5+) tickets from £45. Childred aged 4 and under enter free. Tickets now on sale for Hogwarts in the Snow 2025.

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

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

2025 dates TBA

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. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is usually open from the third week of November to the beginning of January. Opening dates for 2025 will be confirmed soon!

Book tickets for Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Christmas in Chelsea

2025 dates TBA

Christmas in Chelsea transforms the iconic Royal Hospital Chelsea into an ultimate festive Christmas experience.

Stroll through a beautiful light trail in the historic Ranelagh Gardens, explore a festive market, indulge in delicious food and drink, rejoice with daily pop up choirs and join in seasonal workshops.

Book tickets for Christmas in Chelsea

Christmas Pantomimes in London

Jack and the Beanstalk at Lyric Hammersmith

15 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

Join Jack and his trust cow on an adventure of gigantic proportions, a festive treat for the whole family in Lyric’s 2025 panto!

Running time: 120 minutes. Recommended for ages 6+. Tickets from £10.

Panto Early Bird Offer: Book early and save 30% on tickets, available until 31 May.

Book tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk at Lyric Hammersmith

Cinderella at Hackney Empire

22 November – 31 December 2025

Cinderella dreams of a life full of love and adventure, and free from the clutches of her wicked Ugly Stepsisters and evil Stepmother. When an invitation to the party of the year arrives, it might be just the ticket she needs.

The magic of Cinderella comes to Hackney Empire this festive season, featuring all your favourite pantomime ingredients!

Running time: TBC. Tickets from £10 – £46. All ages welcome. Children 3 years and under may sit on the lap of an adult; children 4+ require their own ticket.

Book tickets for Cinderella at Hackney Empire

Cinderella at Rose Theatre

28 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

When 16-year-old Ella finds herself spending Christmas at dad’s house, she wishes she could be anywhere else. She’s expected to help out and forced to spend family time with her new stepmum. Worse still, her bedroom has been turned into a nursery for the noisiest, smelliest twin stepsisters you’ve ever seen.

Wishes are answered and Ella is whisked away to a magical world of castles, balls, and handsome princes. Yet it soon becomes clear that all is not quite as it seems. And, perhaps this isn’t the happily-ever-after ending Ella thought it would be?

Running time: approximately 2 hours, including interval. Tickets from £26.50 for adults and £16.50 for child. Recommended for ages 5+.

Book tickets for Cinderella at Rose Theatre

Peter Pan at Greenwich Theatre

28 November 2025 – 11 January 2026

More details to come. Tickets are available to purchase for this festive season’s Peter Pan pantomime at Greenwich Theatre London.

Recommended for all ages. Tickets from £36 for adults and £18.50 for children (under 16).

Book tickets for Peter Pan at Greenwich Theatre

Cinderella at Richmond Theatre

6 December 2025 – 4 January 2026

Join Cinderella as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her Prince Charming.

Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients Richmond audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.

Running time: TBC. Tickets from £15.

Book tickets for Cinderella at Richmond Theatre

Christmas Shows in London

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith

19 November – 27 December 2025

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 Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith

The Snowflake at Polka Theatre

29 November 2025 – 25 January 2026

Based on the timeless Christmas story by Benji Davies, The Snowflake tells the tale of a snowflake, a little girl and her Pappie, who are all longing for their own special place in the world.

Unwrap the magic at Polka this festive season and find out how everyone can find their way to shine like a star!

Running time: 40 minutes. Recommended for ages 3 – 6. Tickets from £16.

Book tickets for The Snowflake at Polka Theatre

A Christmas Carol at New Wimbledon Theatre

1 – 6 December 2025

Two of Dicken’s closest theatrical companions find themselves trapped in the footlights’ glare. With the rest of the cast stuck on the train, actress Frances Ternan and Dickens’ faithful tour manager George Dolby take on the daunting challenge of portraying over 30 characters. But who will play Scrooge?

Dickens Theatre Company are back this festive season at New Wimbledon Theatre with their joyously authentic staging of this Victoria classic.

Running time: 1 hour 15 minutes with no interval. Tickets from £22.

Book tickets for A Christmas Carol at New Wimbledon Theatre

Carols at Royal Albert Hall

14 – 24 December 2025

Join the Royal Albert Hall for 15 magical performances over six days, featuring a mix of traditional and modern festive favourites.

With an orchestra, choir, presenter, soloist and plenty of sing-along moments, it’s the ultimate way to celebrate the festive season.

Tickets from £20.

Book tickets for Carols at the Royal Albert Hall

The Nutcracker at Royal Albert Hall

29 – 31 December 2025

Created exclusively for the Royal Albert Hall, with gorgeous period costumes and dazzling projections, this Christmas classic is brought to life by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s world-class ballet dancers and orchestra, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.

Experience the true magic of Christmas, as Clara’s toys come to life at the stroke of midnight. Journey through a fantastical winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes to the kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Tickets from £15. Recommended for ages 5+.

Book tickets for The Nutcracker at Royal Albert Hall

Christmas in London Activities

The following family events, activities and Santa’s Grottos are typically on every Christmas in London. Dates and pricing details are currently being updated for the 2025 festive season.

Gingerbread Decorating at Fenwick Kingston

2025 dates TBA

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. More details and ticket information to come.

Check latest updates about Gingerbread Decorating at Fenwick Kingston

Christmas at the Tower of London

2025 dates TBA

This Christmas, explore a royal celebration at the Tower of London with specially created displays that showcase how kings and queens of the past celebrated the festive period.

Learn about King Edward I’s lavish medieval Christmas feast, discover the spectable of festive entertainment at the Tudor court and explore a display showcasing iconic frost fairs.

From 27 – 31 December, experience the spirit of a Victorian Christmas at the Tower of London, with festive music played by the Southwark Walts musicians (weather permitting).

Book tickets for the Tower of London

The Gingerbread City at The Gaumont Chelsea

2025 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.

This year, the Gingerbread City London will be located at The Gaumont, 196 – 222 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 5XP (2nd floor with lift access).

Gingerbread City London

Gingerbread City Exhibition Tickets: Adult tickets for ages over 12 are £13, and tickets for ages 3 to 12 are £8. Under 3s go free, maximum 2 per parent or guardian.

London Gingerbread City Exhibition

Gingerbread House Making Workshops [SOLD OUT]: The Gingerbread House-making workshops will be held every weekend until 22 December. Make your own take-home gingerbread house. The gingerbread house making kits are freshly handmade and each kit is ordered only after your confirmed booking.

Book tickets for the Gingerbread City Exhibition

Festive Fayre at Hampton Court Palace

2025 dates TBA

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

Santa’s Grottos in London

Santa’s Grotto at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

2025 dates TBA

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

2025 dates TBA

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.

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

Christmas at the London Transport Museum

2025 dates TBA

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

2025 dates TBA

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

Magic of Christmas at ZSL London Zoo

2025 dates TBA

Experience the Magic of Christmas on a festive family day out at London Zoo. Enjoy eco-friendly festivities and magical experiences, including Christmas crafts, festival animal talks and a recycling challenge.

Keep your eyes peeled as Santa will be popping up around the Zoo throughout the day to feed some of the animals!

Book tickets to visit London Zoo

Santa’s Grotto at John Lewis Oxford Street

2025 dates TBA

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

2025 dates TBA

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

2025 dates TBA

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

2025 dates TBA

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

2025 dates TBA

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

2025 dates TBA

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

2025 dates TBA

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

2025 dates TBA

Victorian Father Christmas, dressed in his traditional green robes, will be at Gunnersbury Park Museum ahead of Christmas.

Bring the whole family to experience the charm of a bygone era as you visit Father Christmas in his seasonal study. Each child will receive a traditional wooden gift.

Tickets cost £13.70 to secure your timeslot for the number of children in your ticket. You may bring other children to the same timeslot (up to 4 maximum children).

Book tickets to meet Father Christmas at Gunnersbury Park Museum

Santa’s Grotto Experience at London Museum of Water & Steam

2025 dates TBA

Santa and Mrs Claus will be visiting the London Museum of Water & Steam this December. Meeting in the Museum’s shop, you will follow Mrs. Claus to find Santa in the Museum. During the Santa’s Grotto experience, families will sing a song or two, take pictures and receive a special present from Santa!

Tickets cost £10 for adults, £12 for child ages 12 and under. All tickets include museum admission, and child tickets include a gift from Santa.

Book tickets for Santa at London Museum of Water & Steam

Santa’s Grotto at Hamley’s

2025 dates TBA

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

Meet Santa at London Zoo

2025 dates TBA

In addition to fun festive family activities during Magic of Christmas at the London Zoo, there is an opportunity to Meet Santa on selected dates in late November and December. Meet Santa at London Zoo is now sold out for 2024.

Sign up for updates about Meet Santa at London Zoo

Ice Skating Rinks in London

Note: The Queen’s House Ice Rink in Greenwich and ICE at Kensington Palace will not be open in 2024.

Ice Rink at Canary Wharf

2025 dates TBA

London’s longest running seasonal ice rink returns to Canada Square Park this October, offering skaters a magical experience in the heart of Canary Wharf.

Tickets: Adult and child (ages 4 – 12) tickets start from £13.95. Each session lasts 45 minutes, with a 15-minute interval between sessions to resurface the ice. Skaters must be between 4 and 12 years old.

Skate Aids: Skating aids are available for hire, 30 minutes prior to your booked session, from the customer services desk at the venue on a first-come, first-served basis, at a cost of £5.95 per aid per single session. Only children with a maximum height of 1.5m (in skates) are eligible to use a skating aid.

See latest updates at Canary Wharf Ice Rink

Glide at Battersea Power Station

2025 dates TBA

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.

Glide Ice Rink Battersea Power Station London

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.

See latest updates at Glide at Battersea Power Station

Skate at Somerset House

2025 dates TBA

One of London’s favourite winter experiences, Somerset House’s neoclassical courtyard is transformed over the festive period with a lively ice rink, contemporary music and tasty food and drink.

Skate at Somerset House London

Tickets: Adult skate ticket prices range from from £15 – £26.50; Child (12 years or under) prices start from £10 – £15.

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.

See latest updates at Skate at Somerset House

Ice Rink at Westfield London

2025 dates TBA

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.

See latest updates at Westfield London

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink

2025 dates TBA

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.

See latest updates at Winter Wonderland Ice Rink

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

2025 dates TBA

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.

See latest updates at Hampton Court Palace ice rink

London Christmas Markets

Southbank Centre Winter Market

2025 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.

Kingston Christmas Market

2025 dates TBA | 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.

London Bridge City Winter by the River

2025 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 Christmas lights and decorations to see around London!

Carnaby Christmas Lights

from early November 2025 | Carnaby Christmas

Carnaby is one of London’s most iconic places to see Christmas lights and decorations. Previous festive installations have included the immersive ‘Into the Light’ and the vibrant “Carnaby Universe”.

Regent Street “The Spirits of Christmas”

from early November 2025 | Regent Street

Regent Street’s famous “Spirits of Christmas” display, 45 spirit angels covered in thousands of LED lights, are switched on for the 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

Covent Garden Christmas

from mid-November 2025 | 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 2025 festive season.

Mayfair Christmas Lights

from mid-November 2025 | 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

from mid-November 2025 | 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

Make sure to stop by Duke of York Square to see their stunning ’12 Days of Christmas” decorations. Follow the trail and read more about their magic beside each creation.

Duke of York Square Chelsea Christmas decorations

I hope you found this guide to Christmas in London with kids helpful! I’ll keep adding to the Christmas Events 2025 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 14 February 2025 with upcoming Christmas kids theatre shows and more festive things to do in London for kids.

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