It’s starting to really feel rather a lot like Christmas… And from sparkly lights to markets, festive occasions and ice rinks, there are some magical issues to do for Christmas in London with youngsters. Up to date for 2023
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After the restrictions of latest years, Christmas 2023 is pulling out the stops to get everybody feeling festive, from mild trails to Christmas markets and midwinter points of interest in London.
There’s are Christmas reveals and conventional pantomimes, some free issues to do in London at Christmas, and loads of locations to make unforgettable recollections – should you’re questioning ho ho how to decide on, take a look at my choose of the perfect this Christmas in London with youngsters.
With some occasions nonetheless to be introduced, I’ll even be updating this put up so hold a watch out for brand spanking new Christmas occasions too
See the London Christmas lights
London’s festive lights begin showing across the metropolis throughout November, so that you’re nearly assured to identify some twinkling decorations wherever you go.
Verify the switch-on dates for a number of the greatest and greatest right here
Earlier years have seen all the pieces from peacock feathers in Bond Avenue to butterflies over Carnaby Avenue, in addition to angels in Regent Avenue, so that you’re assured some attractive shows to see.
A variety of the shops get in on the motion too, with festive facelifts for outlets like Fortnum & Mason, which has remodeled itself into an enormous introduction calendar, or this eagerly awaited window shows at Selfridges to see what’s going to exchange final yr’s Season’s Feastings.
And should you don’t fancy wandering aimlessly to identify the perfect, there are some nice Christmas excursions too – one of the vital festively enjoyable needs to be the Christmas Silent Disco stroll.
The tour begins close to Marble Arch and Hyde Park earlier than taking you previous a number of the metropolis’s Christmas lights, with a playlist of Christmas classics, enjoyable commentary and different hits – dancing technically non-compulsory, however let’s face it, who can resist?
Or save your ft and go for a bus tour as a substitute. The Christmas lights tour from Tootbus lasts 45 minutes, and begins from November 17, or you may hop aboard this longer open-top doubledecker tour as properly.
Observe a light-weight path
You’ll discover extra lights than simply these over London’s buying streets, with an entire string of festive mild trails, some operating into the New Yr.
Take a look at my choose of the perfect illuminated trails in London with youngsters for extra particulars
One of many latest mild trails within the capital is again once more for 2023, with a redesigned route deliberate for Christmas at Kenwood Home in Hampstead from December 1, plus the ever-popular Christmas at Kew Backyard from November 15.
Some outdated favourites are anticipated to return too, together with Enchanted Woodland at Syon Home in west London (normally from round November 11), whereas Lightopia at Crystal Palace Park remains to be to be confirmed, as is the substitute for Palace of Gentle at Hampton Courtroom Palace.
Or in south-east London, the Enchanted Eltham Palace occasion normally lights up the gardens of the fantastic Artwork Deco mansion for Christmas too.
Without spending a dime occasions, hold a watch out for 2023 dates for Wembley Park’s Winterfest and Winter Lights at Canary Wharf, which frequently runs in January quite than at Christmas.
For extra concepts of issues to do at Wembley Park with youngsters, take a look at my suggestions
Go to a Christmas market
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for conventional presents, Santa’s grotto, workshops or rides, there’s a string of nice Christmas markets in London with youngsters to select from – most have their very own twist quite than the form of conventional Christmas market you’ll discover in Europe, but it surely additionally means you may go to a number of with out losing interest.
A few of my very own favourites are on the banks of the Thames, together with the beautiful Southbank Centre Christmas market and winter competition, with some fabulous pop-up meals stalls, illuminations on the Queen’s Stroll and a standard carousel.
For extra issues to do on the South Financial institution with youngsters, in addition to the Southbank Centre winter market, take a look at my suggestions
Additional east, there’s Christmas by the River close to London Bridge; quieter and smaller than a number of the different markets, there are sometimes workshops in addition to stalls.
On the different finish of the size, the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a blaze of color, enjoyable and noise: there are rides for all ages, together with an ice slide, Santa’s grotto, an ice rink, circus and lots extra possibilities to spent your cash, together with at picket chalets promoting meals and presents.
Again from November 17, entry is ticketed as soon as once more so it’s not free to enter, though should you guide £25 price of points of interest, your entry charge is included
Or within the coronary heart of London, you may normally discover a conventional Bavarian-style market at Leicester Sq. Christmas market, with over 30 stalls and meals, plus some years have included Santa’s Grotto and different occasions.
For extra issues to do round Leicester Sq. with youngsters, take a look at my prime picks
And also you’ll additionally discover a small market in Trafalgar Sq. with round 20 stalls promoting presents, Christmas ornaments, jewelry and meals.
Or for extra Christmas markets, together with Greenwich, Battersea Energy Station and Kingston, take a look at my put up on the greatest Christmas markets in London with youngsters for extra particulars.
See Santa
If you wish to see Santa in London, you’ll want to transfer early, particularly for a number of the huge title occasions like Hamleys as many get booked up quick.
However that’s not the one place to seek out Santa’s Grotto in London: most of the Christmas markets have an opportunity to satisfy the person in pink (scroll up for extra solutions) though keep in mind you could want a separate timed ticket for some.
Santa additionally makes an look at a number of of London’s museums and galleries too. We noticed him on the London Transport Museum, which is a stunning relaxed occasion for youths who would possibly get shy or overwhelmed, and he’s anticipated to be again once more for 2023.
You possibly can even discover Santa at London Zoo in December, in addition to a Santa with a definite distinction at Shrek’s Journey Christmas Grotto, the place the massive inexperienced ogre will get a festive makeover – enterprise inside Shrek’s Christmas cabin between December 1 and 24, and revel in a deal with from the elves in addition to the standard enjoyable of Far Far Away.
For different locations to satisfy Father Christmas, hold a watch out for Santa on the Nationwide Gallery though there was a particular Christmas efficiency as a substitute in 2022, on the Museum of London Docklands, whereas he’s usually on board a speedboat on the river too, with the Jingle Bell Blast from Thames Rockets.
For extra locations to see Santa in London with youngsters, take a look at my prime picks
Board the Santa Steam Categorical
Discover Santa taking a day without work from the sleigh, aboard the Steam Desires Santa Steam Categorical trains – because of return for the third yr in 2022, it’s London’s solely Santa steam practice.
Departing from Victoria on chosen dates in December, there are three trains per day chuffing out of the town on a 75-minute journey round London, with Santa and his merry helpers additionally boarding the festively embellished Seventies carriages.
There’s a drink and a candy deal with for youths (plus a heat drink and mince pie for grown-ups), plus a present from Father Christmas as he passes via the practice – you may improve to First Class as properly for mulled wine (adults solely!) and extra spacious seats, should you fancy giving your self an early Christmas current.
Take a look at our evaluate of a visit on the Santa Steam Categorical
Take a Christmas strolling tour
Have you learnt why turkeys wore boots on their strategy to market? Or who invented the Christmas card? There are some nice Christmas strolling excursions of London to reply the questions – this two-hour Christmas stroll is led by an expert information.
This two-hour family-friendly Christmas tour additionally takes in a number of the metropolis’s Christmas lights in addition to promising some festive anecdotes.
Or be a part of a Dickensian Christmas stroll – this non-public tour is themed round A Christmas Carol. Operating for 2 to a few hours, it’s higher with older youngsters, though tailor-made to your group, and can present you the town that Ebeneezer Scrooge might need recognised.
Go ice skating
The looks of London’s pop-up ice skating rinks at all times indicators the beginning of Christmas for me – set in a number of the metropolis’s most iconic places, it’s at all times tempting to drag on some skates earlier than warming up with scorching chocolate and mulled wine.
However Skate at Somerset Home will probably be again from November, with the courtyard reworking for winter, in addition to the ice rink at Hampton Courtroom Palace from November 17 to January 7, with the grand facade of the palace lit up within the background.
You’ll additionally discover an ice rink at Winter Wonderland from November 17-January, should you’re visiting the Christmas market there.
In fairly Greenwich, one of many latest London ice rinks sits subsequent to the Queen’s Home, with skating anticipated to beginning up once more in November.
Don’t make plans to go to the rink on the Pure Historical past Museum – 2021 was the ultimate time you might mix skating and dinosaurs – whereas the rink within the Tower of London moat has additionally been completely closed.
For extra particulars and concepts of the place to ice skate in London with youngsters, together with year-round choices, take a look at my prime picks
See a pantomime or Christmas theatre
It’s not Christmas and not using a pantomime (oh no, it’s not!) plus you may as well discover some great London theatre reveals together with conventional Christmas productions and different family-friendly performances.
For my full checklist of the greatest Christmas theatre in London with youngsters, take a look at this put up
It’s price checking what ages are allowed earlier than you guide: regardless of being aimed toward households, some theatres received’t settle for youngsters beneath 5 (take a passport or some type of ID in case your youngsters are 5 plus however look youthful than their age).
When you’re unsure the place to begin, Seatplan has this nice round-up of Christmas reveals in London (plus the prospect to verify seat view images from fellow theatregoers).
This yr’s choice consists of Peter Pan on the London Palladium and Cinderella on the Lyric Hammersmith, plus Aladdin on the Hackney Empire and Elf the Musical on the Dominion Theatre.
Look out for classics too together with the Nutcracker, on on the London Coliseum in addition to the Snowman on the Peacock Theatre. Or head to the Previous Vic to see A Christmas Carol, additionally aimed toward age 8+.
And whereas Frozen isn’t a Christmas present, what higher story for midwinter than a go to snowy Arendelle – the present on the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is strictly for age 4+.
Older youngsters will love The Witches, a musical model of Roald Dahl’s story, aimed toward age 8+, taking part in on the Nationwide Theatre? In the meantime there’s one other witch and a basic story with Hansel and Gretel on the Globe Theatre – aimed toward age 5+, it runs from December 8-January 7, 2024.
And the youngest theatre-goers will love seeing Stick Man, on on the Leicester Sq. Theatre from October 21.
For a Christmas present with a distinction, take a look at Peter Pan on Ice at Alexandra Palace this December.
For now, there’s no phrase on whether or not the favored turn-of-the-century Circus 1903 will probably be again in London celebrating the Golden Age of Circus, with puppetry in addition to the standard circus thrills.
Hear some carols
One in every of my favourites components of Christmas in London with youngsters is listening to carols sung whilst you’re out and about – however to ensure a rendition of some favourites, there are some organised occasions to take a look at too.
Trafalgar Sq. has carol teams fundraising for various charities within the weeks operating as much as Christmas, singing by the massive Christmas tree – a present from Norway yearly since 1947.
Or there are carol performances among the many sell-out occasions for Christmas on the Royal Albert Corridor.
You too can hear carols at St Paul’s Cathedral which normally has a collection of free occasions throughout December – unsurprisingly well-liked, be ready to get there early and queue to get a seat.
Go to the Tower of London
One in every of my favorite locations to go to in London with youngsters, the Tower of London normally will get dressed up for Christmas as properly.
Final yr, the historic fortress had shows of decorations on its historical stone partitions, whereas the Tower grounds have been additionally remodeled to carry the 12 Days of Christmas to life.
2022 noticed a particular path to trace down the varied sights together with your true loves, together with a Christmas tree for every of Henry VIII’s wives and 9 rowdy ravens, though 2023’s occasions are nonetheless to be confirmed.
Maintain a watch out for animal statues dotted round – the polar bear ought to really feel proper at residence! – with this festive twist on the Tower. The one query is whether or not it’s going to outsparkle the Crown Jewels…
Evens are included in admission (free for members) – there’s a reduction should you purchase by way of tiqets utilizing my low cost code ‘MUMMYTRAVELS6‘ utilizing this hyperlink.
Uncover Christmas previous on the Museum of the Residence
When you’re trying to learn how Christmas has been celebrated over the centuries – to not point out winter festivals from different cultures and religions, head to the Museum of the Residence.
The properties from Winter Previous rework the rooms via time shows with a makeover to point out numerous festive scenes from via historical past (and quite much less festive scenes within the case of a Puritan Christmas) – final yr this ran from late November to early January.
Free to enter, you may as well uncover how Boxing Day acquired its title, plus there are celebrations of different winter festivals together with Diwali and Hanukkah, in addition to mild installations and workshops with occasions operating via to January 2024.
See the primary Christmas card on the Postal Museum
See the world’s first Christmas card on show with the standard winter makeover on the Postal Museum, which features a show of magical letters exchanged between youngsters and Santa since 1964 (and a few of his replies).
The Mail Rail – the underground practice as soon as used for transporting put up – normally will get its personal festive makeover, with the very first King’s Speech as a part of the audio performed in the course of the journey.
Final yr noticed a collection of Festive Household Enjoyable Days on Saturdays in December, with arts and crafts classes, plus the Festive Tibs Path – spot Tibs the postal cat hidden via the museum’s exhibitions, in addition to studying what jobs animals have carried out to assist the postal service.
2022’s occasions ran from the beginning of November to early January, included in your ticket.
Add some magic at Hogwarts within the snow
A go to to the Warner Bros Studio Tour is enchanting at any time of yr for Harry Potter followers, however head there within the winter and also you get the added magic of Hogwarts within the snow.
The units from the films get a festive transformation – anticipate snow within the Forbidden Forest once more, in addition to on the cobbled stones of Diagon Alley, over Hagrid’s Hut and on the Hogwarts Fortress Mannequin.
This yr the Nice Corridor will probably be bedecked within the gold decorations from the primary movie, plus a blanket of filmmaking snow over the Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley.
Earlier winter touches have included wreaths and garlands within the Nice Corridor – and a tree topped with witches on miniature broomsticks – whereas the desk is prepared for the Christmas feast, together with flaming Christmas puddings and prop meals.
December dates get booked in a short time so it’s one to snap up early. You too can guide tickets together with transport from central London on the tiqets website – there’s a reduction utilizing my code MUMMYTRAVELS6 should you guide utilizing my hyperlink. Hogwarts within the Snow runs from November 11 to January 14, 2024.
For extra Harry Potter places in London, take a look at my prime picks for followers
Drink scorching chocolate
When there’s a nip within the air, particularly should you’re out on ice rinks or wandering round Christmas markets, you’ve acquired the right excuse for decent chocolate (although I’m first within the queue as quickly as autumn rolls round).
And neglect the abnormal on a regular basis scorching chocolate, as a result of London specialises in some indulgently extravagant drinks to strive.
For traditional variations with added deal with issue, head to conventional favourites like Venchi in addition to Resort Chocolat, which each have branches throughout the town together with in Covent Backyard.
Look out for Rabot 1745 at Borough Market as properly, named for the St Lucia plantation the place Resort Chocolat’s cocoa is grown.
For extra of the perfect scorching chocolate in London with youngsters, take a look at my picks
Rococo has a string of bizarre flavours so as to add to its top quality chocolate – assume white chocolate and cardamom, for instance, in addition to ultra-dark chocolate and child-friendly milk chocolate.
Or Knoops guarantees a selection of twenty-two totally different ranges, from creamy white proper as much as 100% darkish chocolate. Began in Rye, the place it’s a favorite of ours, there are six branches in London now too.
Chin Chin Labs is healthier identified for its ice cream, however when temperatures drop, they change to scorching chocolate with charred marshmallow fluff on prime.
Ruby Violet in Kings Cross, one other favorite cease for ice cream, additionally has some fabulously wealthy scorching chocolate: served in a small gold cup, it’s all of the indulgent sugar hit you want.
Copperhouse Chocolate in Islington’s Chapel Market permits you to select totally different origin cocoa should you’re severe about your scorching chocolate tasting expertise, plus it’s vegan too.
And should you’re in east London – or completely happy to journey for the final word scorching chocolate – head to Darkish Sugars on Brick Lane or Nelson Street in Greenwich, which additionally has some incredible flavours and chocolate shavings galore to prime your drink.
Discover the Gingerbread Metropolis on the Museum of Structure
When you’ve ever made a gingerbread home for Christmas together with your youngsters, it pales by comparability to the astonishing Gingerbread Metropolis on the Museum of Structure, because of return for 2023.
Relatively than a couple of bits of biscuit glued along with icing and splodged with Smarties, this annual exhibition sees architects, designers and engineers create an intricate and inventive show, with an entire metropolis of gingerbread.
When you’re feeling impressed, there are gingerbread-making workshops for households on the Museum in Belgravia too – not included with tickets to the exhibition, you need to guide these individually and have to be prebooked.
Watch the snow
You’re unlikely to discover a white Christmas in London so for the previous few years Covent Backyard have stepped in to the breach, with some assured snow as a part of its festive celebrations.
2022 noticed flurries each hour between midday and 7pm across the Christmas tree, with the snow falling till December 27 as a part of the Covent Backyard Christmas celebrations.
In any other case, the closest you’ll come is should you go to Hogwarts within the Snow (scroll up for extra) or on one of many London ice rinks!
Observe the Nationwide Belief’s winter wander path
If all of the crowds and over-indulgence are catching up with you, a go to to one of many Nationwide Belief properties in London is the right strategy to tempt everybody outdoor this winter – excellent for youthful youngsters.
The London Nationwide Belief websites get a festive makeover, so anticipate to see all the pieces from fantastically embellished timber to the occasional look from the person in pink, should you’re hoping to satisfy Santa himself.
Maintain a watch out for particular winter household trails at numerous Nationwide Belief properties throughout December – earlier occasions have taken place at Osterley Home in west London and Ham Home, which has its personal great conventional Christmas tree.
Trails have additionally run at Morden Corridor Park with different actions to burn off these scorching candies.
Secret Christmas Wonderland at Kidzania
There’s a normally festive makeover at KidZania London – earlier years have seen new actions for Secret Christmas Wonderland in addition to the prospect to go to Elf College.
Visits in December have included a path via the town with Christmassy clues which allow you to get a particular password to enter Elf College, with six actions to strive within the VIP space.
Children may discover the remainder of the immersive metropolis’s experiences as regular, usually with a couple of further festive touches. Aimed toward youngsters aged 4 to 14.
Plus, in case your little one is aged eight or above, you’re allowed to drop them off when you’ve booked them in, and head off to get on with the remainder of your Christmas checklist in Westfield Buying Centre.
Included in entrance, you will get a reduction on entry should you guide utilizing my hyperlink and code MUMMYTRAVELS6 on tiqets.
Have fun Fishmas on the SeaLife Aquarium
Head to SeaLife London this winter to assist Father Christmas save ‘fish-mas’ by discovering all of the lacking presents Santa has misplaced across the aquarium.
In addition to exploring all of the totally different zones from the world’s oceans – and studying concerning the creatures who dwell there – you may meet the colony of Gentoo Penguins at Penguin Level, discover a Christmas Starfish on the hands-on Rockpool and extra.
When you’ve tracked down all of the presents scattered round, you may reveal a secret message for an opportunity to win a particular prize. Included in customary entry should you guide tickets on-line to go to on dates in December.
For extra issues to do in London with youngsters, together with uncommon issues to do with youngsters in London and the perfect locations to remain in London with youngsters, take a look at a few of my different posts
PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST THINGS TO DO AT CHRISTMAS IN LONDON WITH KIDS
Disclosure: This put up accommodates paid promotion and affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Kew at Christmas: Jeff Eden/RBG Kew; Trafalgar Sq./scorching chocolate photos courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels