Visiting London at Christmas with children is definitely a wise decision, as they will surely never forget it. London is one of the best cities to spend Christmas, and on many occasions, children are the protagonists of Christmas in London.
London is not only filled with wonderful Christmas lights, but there are numerous Christmas markets as well as ice skating rinks and cabins to go to meet Santa Claus…
What will you find in this article?
What to do in London at Christmas with children
Here is a list of things you cannot miss if you are planning a trip to London at Christmas with children:
Go to Winter Wonderland
If you come to London at Christmas with children, you should dedicate an afternoon at least to visit the Winter Wonderland Christmas fair which is installed in Hyde Park every year. Christmas is magical here, and it is undoubtedly one of the favorite places to visit with children in London at Christmas. In addition to the Christmas markets, there are attractions for children of all ages, with an area for younger children and attractions for older children and adults. Here we also find one of the most beautiful Christmas ice rinks in London, but there is also a circus as well as takeaway stalls and even restaurants in huge wooden cabins. You can easily spend half a day visiting Winter Wonderland and they will surely want to come back! I usually recommend going in the evening – night, when all the Christmas lights are on, since the Christmas atmosphere is usually spectacular. If possible, I also recommend going during the week,
Visit Hamleys, the most famous toy store in London
Although Hamleys toy store is open all year round, if you are going to visit London with children this toy store is a must. It is the most famous toy store in London and the largest in the world. It is located on Regent Street, one of the most important shopping streets in London, and its seven floors full of toys will leave you speechless!
Meet Santa Claus
Have you met Santa Claus yet? London has numerous Santa’s Grottos every year , cabins inside which we can meet Santa Claus. He normally spends a few minutes with each child, asking them what they want for Christmas and giving them a little gift. As a general rule, there is usually one in each shopping center (for example, brent cross, westfield shopping centre), and there is also one in Winter Wonderland, in the southbank flea market (next to the London Eye), Harrods, Selfridges, Hamleys toy store… In the most famous, such as Harrods and Hamleys, you have to book in advance on their website.
» Meet Santa Claus aboard a cruise on the Thames
Take a 1-hour cruise on the Thames, departing from Tower Pier (next to the Tower of London). Includes a glass of typical mulled wine and a mince pie for adults, and a drink and a cookie for children. Each child will be able to meet Santa Claus and will also receive a little gift, as well as being able to take a photo with him. On the boat there is also a bar on board. Without a doubt, this is an unforgettable way to meet Santa Claus!
- Dates: 2021 dates to be confirmed.
» Meet Santa Claus in Winter Wonderland
In the magical Winter Wonderland Christmas fair we find an area called Santa Land, a spectacular place for the little ones in the house. There are carnival rides for young children here, and they can also meet Santa Claus in his cabin. It is not necessary to book, but there is usually a queue and on weekends in the afternoon it is almost impossible, so I would recommend going in the morning. Santa will have a little gift for each child who comes to see him, and you can take a picture with him.
- Dates: November – January.
- Price: Free.
» Meet Santa at Hamleys
Meet Santa Claus in none other than London’s most famous toy store, Hamleys . Children will take a short tour with Santa’s elves, pretending to be elves themselves, until they reach Santa’s cabin to meet him. Along the way there will be songs and games. This experience lasts about 40 minutes. It costs £39.99 per child, and each child can accommodate two adults. It is very important to book in advance on the official website, since tickets usually sell out quickly!
- Dates: November – December.
- For children from 2 to 8 years old.
- Official website: Hamleys
» Meet Santa Claus at the Royal Albert Hall
This year we will be able to take the children to meet Santa Claus in the magnificent Royal Albert Hall. Storytelling session lasting about 30 minutes in a corner of the Royal Albert Hall decorated with a Christmas atmosphere so that the little ones can enjoy this experience to the fullest.
- Dates: December 2 – 21, 2021.
- Price: £17.50 per child. You only have to buy a ticket for children, adults enter for free.
- Official website: Royal Albert Hall
» Meet Santa Claus at Harrods
Harrods is another one of the best places to take the kids to meet Santa, as the Christmas decorations and atmosphere are impressive, but unfortunately this year it is not possible to book, as you can only go by invitation if you are a client. frequent.
- Dates: 2021 dates to be confirmed.
- Official website: Harrods
Other Santa’s grotto in London:
- National Gallery
- Hard Rock Cafe
- rain forest cafe
Ice skating
In London at Christmas there are many ice skating rinks scattered throughout the city, and it is surprising how even the little ones learn to skate before the adults! In most ice skating rinks in London at Christmas there is a special area for younger children with supports for them to learn to skate without falling and monitors to help them, so it is a good option if you are planning to spend Christmas in London with children.
Go to a Christmas market
If what you miss are the Christmas markets, whether to buy gifts for the family or to find something special to decorate your home, there are not only the Winter Wonderland Christmas markets, but you will find several scattered around the city.
Go see a Christmas musical, pantomime, or play
In addition to the best musicals in London that are shown throughout the year, during these important dates it is an English tradition to take the children to see a Christmas pantomime, and in practically every town, no matter how small, every Christmas there is a play of theater or a pantomime to take the children. And London was not going to be less! During this time there are several special Christmas pantomimes and plays to take the kids to.
This year highlights The Snowman , Peppa Pig Live, and the Nutcracker Ballet .
Go to the circus
One of the things we can do with the little ones this Christmas in London is take them to the circus. In Winter Wonderland, the largest tent in the United Kingdom is installed, and there are two different circus shows.
Also, at the Royal Festival Hall we can go see Circus 1903 , an incredible show that takes us back to the golden years of the circus. We went to see it last year with our son and it was spectacular!
If you want to see our entire section on visiting London with children where we include what to do in London with children, where to eat in London with children, what to do for free in London with children, transport in London for children, etc…