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 2024 event tickets are now available to book for Christmas in Chelsea, 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 Dick Whittington and His Cat at Hackney Empire, 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.
Bookings are now open to meet Father Christmas at Santa’s Grottos in London at London Museum of Water & Steam, Gunnersbury Museum, 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 11 December 2024]
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Christmas in Chelsea
4 – 29 December 2024
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 in London Activities
The following family events, activities and Santa’s Grottos are typically on every Christmas in London. Dates and pricing details have been updated for the 2024 festive season.
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
Christmas at the Tower of London
29 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
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
30 November – 29 December 2024
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 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.
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
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
Christmas Carol Singalong at London Barbican
22 December 2024
Enjoy family fun for the whole family at the Christmas Carol Singalong at London Barbican, part of the Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival. Kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy the chance to sing with a live orchestra and chorus at the iconic Barbican.
Featuring traditional Christmas carols and classic Christmas hits, with a beautiful candlelit setting, the singalong is a special way to celebrate the holiday season. Performances are at 2:30pm and 5:15pm, each running for approx 120 minutes, including a 20 minute interval.
Book tickets for the Christmas Carol Singalong at London Barbican
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
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.
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
Magic of Christmas at ZSL London Zoo
23 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
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
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!
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
7 – 22 December 2024, selected dates
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
14 – 15, 21 – 22 December 2024
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
2024 Dates 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
Meet Santa at London Zoo
2024 Dates SOLD OUT
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
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
Dick Whittington and His Cat at Hackney Empire
30 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Get ready for a joyful reimagining of this classic rags to riches tale, featuring all your favourite pantomime ingredients. Join Dick on his search for fortune, fame and new beginnings.
Along the way, Dick will experience the adventure of a lifetime, battling rats, falling in love an finding himself on the path to becoming the Mayor of London.
Running time: approx 2 hours 30 minutes, including a 20 minute interval. Tickets from £10 – £45. 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 Dick Whittington and His Cat at Hackney Empire
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 at Unicorn Theatre
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 at Rose Theatre
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
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
26 October 2024 – 23 February 2025
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.
Book tickets for the Canary Wharf Ice Rink
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
Skate at Somerset House
13 November 2024 – 12 January 2025
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.
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.
Book tickets for Skate at Somerset House
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.
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
London Christmas Markets
Southbank Centre Winter Market
1 November – 26 December 2024 | 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
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.
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
12 November 2024 – 5 January 2025 | 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.
Bookmark this post for the latest information of Christmas lights and decorations to see around London!
Carnaby Christmas Lights
from 7 November 2024 | Carnaby Christmas
Carnaby is one of London’s most iconic places to see Christmas lights and decorations. This festive season, Carnaby are launching an exciting new ‘Into the Light’ immersive light installation.
Regent Street “The Spirits of Christmas”
from 7 November 2024 | 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.
The stunning spirit light displays will be on from 2pm to midnight everyday for a more sustainable display.
Covent Garden Christmas
from 12 November 2024 | 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.
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.
Visit Christmas in Covent Garden for latest information on upcoming events for the 2024 festive season.
Mayfair Christmas Lights
from 15 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.
The top spots in Mayfair to enjoy the festive atmosphere and decorations are along New Bond Street, South Molton Street and Mount Street.
Chelsea at Christmas
from 16 November 2024 | 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.
Make sure to stop by Duke of York Square this festive season to see their stunning ’12 Days of Christmas” decorations. Follow the trail and read more about their magic beside each creation.
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 11 December 2024 with upcoming Christmas kids theatre shows and more festive things to do in London for kids.
Pin for Later – Christmas in London with Kids
