London transforms into an endless playground for families during the most magical time of the year: Christmas. The city’s historic fabric, luxurious markets, and pop-up art installations turn the dark winter days into moments filled with joy, adventure, and warm memories. Here are the unmissable experiences you absolutely have to try with children this winter in London:
Ice and Lights: The Peak of Winter Fun
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without ice-skating rinks, which pop up in London’s most spectacular venues. Glide across the ice in the grand courtyards of Somerset House, Queen’s House Greenwich, or Hampton Court Palace. These rinks offer special skate aids for little ones learning balance, and afterwards you can warm up with mulled wine (for adults) or hot chocolate in cosy cafés.
The city is wrapped in a festival of lights this season. Christmas at Kew feels like a fairy-tale realm with music-synchronised illuminations and laser shows, while the Neverland light trail at Kenwood offers a child-friendly fantastical journey. If little legs get tired, hop on the upper deck of a bus for a budget-friendly yet magical tour of the city’s Christmas lights.
History, Mythology and Gingerbread
Even London’s historic sites surrender to the Christmas spirit:
Storybook Christmas (Tower of London): This year’s theme is “A Storybook Christmas”. The ancient grounds sparkle with decorations and special performances that bring to life legends of kings and queens, plus monster tales from the Tower’s former royal menagerie.
The Twelfth Night of Christmas (NEW!): Chiswick House is transformed into an interactive Georgian-era wonderland inspired by 1780s Christmas carols. The highlight for kids? An 18th-century grotto where Father Christmas waits to tell stories.
Gingerbread City 2025: Architects and engineers build an entire scaled city out of gingerbread and sweets. This year it has a new home in King’s Cross—a deliciously creative family treat.
Theatre, Dance and Cinema Escapes
London stages are packed with shows for every age:
Pantomime Season: Classic pantos like Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella are back (just remember some are cheekily adult-oriented!).
The Snowman: The heart-melting ballet adaptation at the Peacock Theatre—a timeless Christmas classic.
The Polar Express: Board the real Polar Express train from Euston and enjoy live performances by chefs and conductors straight out of the film.
Disney On Ice: Running after Christmas at The O2, this ice spectacular brings together Mirabel from Encanto, Elsa from Frozen, and many more Disney heroes.
Non-Christmas Alternatives: If the kids need a break from carols, hits like Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre or the brand-new Paddington The Musical make perfect festive escapes.
Santa and Brand-New Discoveries
Wundrful World of Christmas (NEW!): This brand-new mixed-reality attraction lets children take a special lift to the North Pole to meet Santa and his elves.
The Winter Gardens (NEW!): A family-friendly “Rascals” zone inside Beckenham Place Park where under-18s can sip mocktails, watch Christmas movies, and feel deliciously grown-up.
Snoopy Sculpture Trail: A free, fun art-discovery route with giant Snoopy statues scattered around Fleet Street.
With this guide, you can turn London’s winter bustle into one great magical adventure.
Happy Christmas in London!
