The holidays are coming and what better place to spend Christmas than in London? Few cities can compare to the UK’s capital when it comes to Christmas cheer with lots of Christmas trees, Christmas lights, and a gazillion fun activities to do.
Tickets for many of the major attractions for the festive season are on sale now so it’s a good idea to get planning now.
Here is everything you need to know about planning Christmas in London but if you would like some help with your planning then consider the trip consultation service via the London with Kids Facebook group.
What’s open in London at Christmas?
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London doesn’t stop for long over the Christmas period but it’s worth knowing what is open and when. Here’s what you need to know.
The majority of sights, attractions and museums are closed on 25 December, Christmas Day. Some restaurants and pubs are open on Christmas Day and these are open to guests with reservations. Churches are open for services only. London’s Royal Parks are open – perfect for walking off your Christmas lunch!
- The Historic Royal Palaces including the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace, are closed from 24 – 26 December.
- Museums including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Imperial War Museum, V&A Museum, Churchill War Rooms, and the British Museum are closed 24 – 26 December.
- Borough Market is closed 25 – 27 December and 1 – 3 January 2025.
- The Diana Memorial Playground is closed Christmas Day.
- The Tower Bridge Exhibition is closed 24 – 26 December.
- Merlin Attractions including the London Eye, the London Dungeon, Sea Life London Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventures London, and Madame Tussauds are open on 24 and 26 December on reduced hours. Closed Christmas Day.
- The London Eye is closed Christmas Day and closes at 3pm on New Year’s Eve. Opening on New Year’s Day is dependent on firework clear up. Be aware that The London Eye closes every year for maintenance. In 2025 the eye will be closed from 6 – 19 January.
- Windsor Castle will be closed 24 – 26 December.
- Kew Gardens is closed 24 December (open for Christmas at Kew only) and 25 December 2024.
- Westminster Abbey will be open for sightseeing on the 24th of December from 9.00 am to 3.30 pm but has yet to announced their Christmas Day schedule.
- St Pauls is open for church services only on Christmas Day (free but you will need a ticket).
- Some tour buses run on Christmas Day but ticket prices are more expensive than other days.
- Winter Wonderland is open daily over the Christmas period except for Christmas Day.
- Shops tend to shut earlier on the 24th. December 26th marks the start of the Boxing Day sales.
- Public transport also comes to a stop on Christmas Day; buses, trams, London Underground and London Overground trains do not operate. A reduced service runs on Boxing Day.
The best things to do at Christmas in London with kids 2024
London is a magical place to spend Christmas. The capital is a lively city at the best of times but come Christmas and the city really springs to life. Thousands of Christmas lights decorate central London, the shop windows go all out with their festive displays and there are more Christmassy events taking place than you could possibly squeeze into your diary.
Christmas is a popular time to visit London so do make sure to book accommodation well in advance if you plan to be here over the holiday period.
Here are our top picks for things to do for Christmas in London with kids!
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Hogwarts in the Snow
Wands at the ready, it’s time to visit Hogwarts at Christmas. The annual Hogwarts in the Snow opens its doors on 16 November 2024 and welcomes wizards until 19 January 2025.
The Great Hall will be transformed with gold decorations from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and the tables will be set with a sumptuous banquet as it was to celebrate the end-of-term feast at Hogwarts. Learn the dance steps from the Yule Ball, step into the snowy Forbidden Forest, stroll down Diagon Alley and more.
Dates: 16 November 2024 to 19 January 2025. Book tickets now.
For more Harry Potter magic, take a look at this walking tour through central London.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
London’s home for festive fun, Hyde’s Park Winter Wonderland offers shows, rides, an ice rink, a magical ice kingdom, Santa Land and more.
As with previous years you’ll need to book your tickets in advance choosing what date and time you want to visit. Winter Wonderland does get very busy (although hopefully the ticketed entrance will keep numbers down) so you will want to take this into account when booking your tickets.
Dates: 21 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. Book tickets here.
Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre
Tuck into festive treats within the magnificent courtyards of Hampton Court Palace this Christmas. Held over two weekends in early December, this popular food festival is the best way to kick off the festive season – by eating lots of yummy food!
Dates: 6 – 8 December and 13 – 15 December 2024. Book tickets here.
Christmas at the Tower of London
Enjoy a very Royal Christmas with a trip to the Tower of London where visitors royal guests can learn about King Edward I’s lavish medieval feasts, discover the spectacle of festive entertainment at the Tudor court, and sit upon a throne for a regal family portrait.
Dates: 29 November 2024 – 05 January 2025 (excluding 24-26 December & 01 January). Book tickets here.
Christmas in Covent Garden
Christmas starts on 12 November in Covent Garden where the popular piazza will unveil its festive decorations. Last year, Covent Garden revealed its brand new decoration scheme and the 40 gigantic bells, 12 giant baubles and 8 spinning mirror balls will return this year to the iconic Market Building.
Previous years have seen snow flurries fall regularly in Covent Garden and although dates have yet to be announced for 2024 it seems highly likely that the forecast for Christmas in Covent Garden is snow.
Other festive treats to enjoy include the beautifully decorated traditional Santa sleigh that’s perfect for a Christmas photo shoot, the Winter Warmer Festival and the return of the Wonder Wood display.
Christmas at the Postal Museum
Head to the Postal Museum this Christmas and take a ride on the Mail Rail, decorated for Christmas. The subterranean ride takes visitors back in time to the heyday of the postal railway.
Also on display are letters to Santa, which includes official cards from Father Christmas sent to children between 1963 and 2010 (including some of his replies). The first commercial Christmas card will also be on display in the museum’s permanent exhibitions space.
Other festive treats include an interactive storytelling session with author and artist Ella Phillips when she brings her new children’s book ‘My Grandma’s Magic Recipes: Winter Warmth’ to life. Children are invited afterwards to create their own special recipe book.
Dates: 1 November 2024 – 2 January 2025. Activities are included in admission tickets (the Mail Rail needs to be booked separately). Book tickets here.
The magic of Christmas at ZSL London Zoo
Celebrate a very merry Christmas at London Zoo this year with eco-friendly festivities and magical experiences from 23 November to 5 January. This year, ZSL London Zoo are focusing on creating a greener Christmas with a host of fun-filled activities.
Included in your admission are Christmas crafts for kids that include making toilet roll stars and designing your own festive wrapping paper using recycled brown paper, stamps and ink pads.
Listen to the 12 Animals of Christmas special wildlife talks happening throughout the holiday season, take part in the zoo’s recycling challenge, meet Santa’s elves in the Elf Workshop, and take your festive photo under the zoo’s giant Christmas tree or next to their giant ‘animal of the day’ advent calendar.
Santa will be popping up to so keep an eye out for him as you enjoy a festive day out.
Dates: 23 November 2024 – 5 January 2025. Book tickets here.
The Spirit of Christmas at Eltham Palace
Can you help Father Christmas save the true meaning of Christmas? Enjoy an hour-long enchanting and immersive journey at Eltham Palace this festive season and enjoy interactive storytelling, colourful characters and even meet Father Christmas himself.
This charming Christmas experience takes place on select weekend from 23 November to 22 December 2024.
Dates: 23 November – 23 December 2024, selected dates. Book tickets here.
Christmas at the London Transport Museum
Join in the festive fun at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden this Christmas. Children can climb aboard the Routemaster-inspired sleigh (and set the Christmas cheer-o-meter!), enjoy Christmas stories in the den, get crafty with Christmas crafts inspired by TfL wintery posters, follow a festive story trail and much more.
All Christmas activities are free with museum admission and run until 4 January. Book tickets here.
Christmas at Battersea Power Station
Enjoy the towering Christmas tree, festive lights, outdoor ice rink, Christmas Markets and more festive fun this holiday season at London’s iconic Battersea Power Station.
You can even enjoy your very own ride up the chimney with a trip in Lift 109, a glass elevator that ascends 109 metres to the top of the power station’s north-west chimney for beautiful views of the London skyline.
Christmas at the Charles Dickens Museum
There are lots of Christmassy activities taking place in the home that once belonged to the celebrated author Charles Dickens.
Enjoy live performances of A Christmas Carol, told by actor James Swanton, take a tour with the Victorian housemaid and learn what life was like in Charles Dickens’s London home in 1838, and you can even visit on Christmas Eve and see what the holidays were like for Charles Dickens and his family.
Christmas events take place on selected dates, check the website for details. Book tickets here.
Visit the Victorian Santa’s Grotto at the London Museum
Stroll through Sailortown in the London Museum and London Museum Docklands, decked out in Christmas decorations and meet Santa in his grotto.
Santa will be in Sailor town from 22 November – 23 December. Book tickets here.
Christmas afternoon tea sightseeing bus tour with B’s Bakery
See the sights, soak up the Christmas lights and enjoy a fabulously festive afternoon tea on board a cherry-red London Routemaster bus, courtesy of B’s Bakery.
These traditional tours are a great option if visiting London with teens. In previous years, B’s Bakery has also run a Grinchmas themed Christmas tour bus but dates for 2024 have yet to be announced. If you are visiting London with young kids then the Peppa Pig themed bus tour is always a hit.
Dates: 11 November 2024 – 5 January 2025. Book tickets here.
Join Snowy’s Conservation Crew at the SeaLife Aquarium
Snowy the snowman is on a mission to try and help the North Pole animals have a happy Christmas and a safe future. Join Snowy this Christmas the SeaLife London Aquarium and learn all about the amazing arctic animals and what you can do to help keep them safe. Take on challenges, find the answers, learn all about the oceans and more.
Activities are included in standard entry.
Dates: 7 – 24 December. Book tickets here.
Discover Christmas past at the Museum of the Home
Discover how Christmas has been celebrated over the centuries – and across different cultures and religions – this festive season as the Museum of Home’s annual Winter Festival returns.
As before, the museum’s Rooms Through Time are dressed for winter and showcase how celebrations have evolved – you’ll notice that some periods of history enjoy more Christmas decorations than others! This year, for the first time, the rooms from 1878 to 2049 will be included.
Dates: From November 2024 – January 2025. Book tickets here.
The Holly King and the Oak King at Battersea Arts Centre
New this year is a fantastical interactive theatrical experience produced by award-winning immersive events company, Wild Rumpus, and held at the Battersea Arts Centre. Based around an old Celtic folk tale, The Holly King and the Oak King takes visitors on a magical journey across the seasons and explores the balance of nature.
Dates: 29 November – 24 December. Book tickets here.
Follow the penguin trail
Last year snowmen appeared around the city but this year a colony of penguins will be waddling into town, taking up residence in the Fleet Street Quarter. This new fun festive and free walking trail starts on 14 November and will last for eight weeks with a dozen of penguins – each individually designed by an artists – scattered around the city between Fleet Street, New Street Square and Chancery Lane.
Each penguin will come with a QR code that you can scan to learn more about these feathered creatures, the Fleet Street neighbourhood and to help support the WWF in their work protecting the penguins and their habitats.
Dates: From 14 November. A map will be available closer to the time, keep up to date here.
Christmas at Vauxhall City Farm
Father Christmas is heading to the farm this December and you can meet him! As well as meeting the Big Man himself, Vauxhall City Farm will be decorated for the holidays with a winter light trail, carol singers, a Christmas market (14 – 15 December), the farm’s very own cuddle corner with small animals and, of course, Santa’s Grotto.
Dates: 1 – 22 December. Book tickets here.
Festive Family Fun Day at the WWT London Wetland Centre
There’s plenty to celebrate at the London Wetland Centre this Christmas. Enjoy gospel choir performances, magical storytelling sessions and the chance to watch the resident otters play with their own unique Christmas gifts.
Other activities include toasting marshmallows and decorating Christmas cookies (additional charges apply).
The festive family fun day takes place on 21 December. Book tickets here.
The Gingerbread City at the Museum of Architecture
Forget your traditional gingerbread house and opt for a gingerbread city instead. The Gingerbread City is an annual exhibition where architects, designers and engineers create an entire city made of gingerbread. The fun – and hugely intricate display – aims to connect the public with architecture through a creative display created for the Christmas holidays.
The exhibition raises money to support the Museum of Architecture as a charity and helps to create programming, exhibitions and events.
Dates for 2024 have yet to be confirmed.
See the London Christmas lights
London sparkles over the Christmas period with lights appearing across the city from November. Festive favourites include the angels along the Regent Street and shooting stars along Oxford Street. Carnaby Street changes its display every year and, for the last couple of years, Bond Street has swapped its iconic peacock feathers to royal crowns.
London’s departments stores also get a festive makeover during the Christmas season; Fortnum & Mason transforms into a giant advent calendar, Selfridges always puts on an over-the-top display and the holiday window displays at Harrords are always hotly anticipated.
Check when London’s Christmas lights will be turned on here as well as my London Christmas lights walking route. If you would prefer to see the light while sitting down then you can enjoy the hour-long Christmas lights tour from Tootbus that starts from 17 November and runs until 2 January 2025.
London’s Christmas light trails
In addition to the Christmas light displays, London also enjoys some wonderful Christmas light trails.
London’s most famous light trail, Christmas at Kew, opens on 13 November and runs until 5 January. This really is one of the best Christmas light trails in London and tickets always sell out so do book yours now.
One of the newest light trails in the city is taking place at Fulham Palace. The London Illuminated Festive Lights will switch on from late November with dozens of magical light displays to ooh and aah over. Santa will also make an appearance alongside fire and stilt walkers, live music and marshmallow roasting. The light tail will run from 28 November to 22 December.
Christmas at Kenwood is not taking place this year sadly, nor is Enchanted Eltham Palace.
Carol concerts in London 2024
Warm up your vocal chords because carol season is nearly upon us. You may well hear carol singers while you are wandering around London at Christmas but for guaranteed Christmas songs you should check in to an organised event.
The Royal Albert Hall always hosts carol concerts including one aimed at families. My Christmas Orchestral Adventure takes place on 8 December at 12.30pm and 4.30pm and features all the family favourites performed by Albert’s Orchestra, National Youth Choir of Great Britain.
Trafalgar Square hosts carol groups throughout December who sing by the towering Christmas tree, an annual gift from Norway since 1947.
St Martin in the Fields hosts a number of carol services during December (make sure to book well in advance) as does St Paul’s Cathedral; these are free so make sure to get there early.
Ice skating in London at Christmas 2024
There are plenty of places to get your skates on this Christmas in London from the fantastic pop-up at Somerset House to the ice rink around the Victorian bandstand at Winter Wonderland.
The ice rink at Canary Wharf is always the first to open for the season, this year welcoming skaters from 26 Ocotober 2024 until 23 February 2025. Also returning this year is Glide, at Battersea Power Station. Hampton Court Palace ice rink is always a favourite and a great way to combine a twirl around the rink with a visit to Henry VIII’s palace.
For something a little more modern, head to the ice rink at Westfield London that opens on 15 December. The only ice rink open on Christmas Day is JW3 in Finchley, North London.
Not making an appearance this year is the ice rink at the Natural History Museum, Queen’s House Ice Rink or Skate West End.
See our full list of where to go ice skating in London at Christmas here.
London Christmas markets 2024
If it’s a traditional Christmas market that you’re after then there are a handful to choose from, each slightly different from the other.
The Southbank Centre Christmas market is one of the most popular with pop-up food stalls (everything from truffle burgers to Cajun fries), stalls selling traditional gifts, illuminations along Queen’s Walk and even a traditional carousel. This Christmas Market opens 1 November and runs until 26 December.
If you keep walking along the river side then you will find Winter by the River (previously known as Christmas by the River). Located near London Bridge, this market is a bit smaller but no less festive with stalls selling artisan gifts, delicious food and plenty of mulled wine. Winter by the River opens on 14 November and runs until 5 January.
In central London you will find small but busy market in Trafalgar Square with some two dozen stalls selling Christmas gifts alongside food and drink. Bigger and brighter is the traditional Bavarian-style Christmas market in Leicester Square. This opens from 6 November.
The biggest Christmas market of them all can be found in Hyde Park Winter Wonderland that comes complete with rides for all ages, Santa’s grotto in Santa’s Land, an outdoor ice rink, a giant ferris wheel and dozens of stalls selling food, gifts, drinks and more. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2024 opens on 5 November.
Christmas Pantomimes in London 2024
It’s not Christmas without a pantomime (oh yes it is!) and, as always, London has got some wonderful laugh-out-loud options to usher in the festive season.
London Palladium – Robin Hood
Join Robin Hood and his band of merry men this Christmas the London Palladium. As always, there’s a star-studded line up including Julian Clary as Robin Hood, Jane McDonald as Maid Marion, Nigel Havers as Friar Tuck and Charlie Stemp as Alan-a-Dale.
Saturday 7 December – Sunday 12 January. Book tickets here.
Hackney Empire – Dick Whittington and His Cat
Enjoy the rags to riches tail of Dick Whittington and His Cat this Christmas at the Hackney Empire, who just happens to be celebrating their 25th pantomime season. With a great cast, extravagant costumes and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this promises to be a fantastic Christmas Day out.
Dates: 23 November 2024 – 5 January 2025. Book tickets here.
Lyric Hammersmith – Aladdin
Flying into the Lyric Hammersmith this Christmas is Aladdin, a “local cheeky chance” who does nothing to help his mum out in her busy Wishy Washy Laundrette in Shepherd’s Bush Market. Until, that is, he has a chance encounter with a magic lamp….
Dates: 16 November 2024 – 5 January 2025. Book tickets here.
Stratford East Theatre – Pinocchio
Follow the adventures of Pinocchio as he goes on his quest to turn from a wooden puppet into a real boy. Helping him keep out of trouble are the Blue Rinse Fairy and Kirk Krak the cricket.
Dates: 23 November 2024 – 4 January 2025. Book tickets here.
Greenwich Theatre – Dick Whittington and His Cat
Dick Whittington and his cat are also taking to the stage in this “pantomime paved with gold” at the Greenwich Theatre. Watch as Dick outwits the evil King Rat, fights to marry beautiful Alice Fitzwarrens and tries to become the Lord Mayor of London.
Dates: 22 November 2024 – 5 January 2025. Book tickets here.
Wilton’s Music Hall – Potted Panto
Why see just one pantomime when you can see seven all at once?! The Oliver Award nominated Potted Panto combines seven pantomime favourites in 80 minutes, promising a madcap adventure through some family favourites.
See Aladdin’s lamp being rubbed, watch Dick Whittington roam London’s streets, and discover if Cinderella really does make it to the ball. It’s fun, funny and one of our favourite pantomimes in London.
Dates: 4 December 2024 – 4 January 2025. Book tickets here.
King’s Head Theatre – Cinderella
This tiny theatre in Islington is one of our favourites in London and is this year staging both a family-friendly version and adults’ only showing of Cinderella (make sure you book the right tickets!).
In the family-friendly re-telling of this popular tale, Cinderella is brought to life with songs, slapstick comedy, romance and some brilliant puppetry by the Little Angel Theatre.
Dates: 30 November 2024 – 5 January 2025. Book tickets here.
Christmas theatre in London 2024
London is a great place for theatre throughout the year but it really ups its game during the Christmas period. Here are the best Christmas theatre options for the whole family to enjoy.
A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic
The Old Vic’s annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol classic returns this season starring John Simm as Ebenezer Scrooge. Expect mince pies, music and plenty of Christmas cheer.
Dates: 9 November 2024 – 4 January 2025. Book tickets here.
Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas – Apollo Theatre
Perfect for younger children is this brand-new festive stage show that takes audiences on an adventure in Santa’s workshop.
Starring CBEEBIES and West End Star Jennie Dale as Mrs Claus, this festive production sees Maddie on work experience in winter wonderland where everything seems to be going wrong. The snow machine is out of control, the crackers have lost their bang and the Christmas lights won’t twinkle. Can Maddie save the day?
Dates: 6 December 2024 – 4 January 2025. Book tickets here.
Slava’s SnowShow – Harold Pinter Theatre
Returning to London in December is this multi award-winning theatre show that combines theatrical magic, humours antics, whimsical music, surrealists performances and a snowstorm like no other. This is the first time that Slava’s SnowShow has been performed in the UK for seven years.
Dates: 18 December 2024 – 12 January 2025. Book tickets here.
The Snowman – Peacock Theatre
Returning to the Peacock Theatre is everyone’s favourite flying snowman. Based on the much-loved picture book by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson, this tale of the young Boy and his Snowman who comes to life is filled with Christmas spirit.
Dates: 23 November 2024 – 4 January 2025. Book tickets here.
The Nutcracker – London Coliseum
This favourite family tradition is this year being performed at the London Coliseum. This new re-telling of The Nutcracker is choreographed by English National Ballet’s Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin and Olivier Award-winner Arielle Smith and promises to deliver plenty of Christmas cheer.
Dates: 12 December 2024 – 12 January 2025. Book tickets here.
Hansel and Gretel – The Globe Theatre
Discover this beautiful version of The Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel, at Shakespeare’s Globe this winter. Aimed at children aged 5+ the stage premier of this new production of Simon Armitage’s poem is filled with music, magic and song.
Dates: 29 December 2024 – 5 January 2025. Book tickets here.
A Sherlock Carol – Marylebone Theatre
Yet another version of Dickens’ classic is playing this Christmas, this time featuring acclaimed detective Sherlock Holmes who is hired to investigate the dead of Ebenezer Scrooge. A Sherlock Carol will be performed at the Marylebone Theatre
Dates: 29 November 2024 – 5 January 2024. Book tickets here.
Father Christmas Needs a Wee! – Arts Theatre
When you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go – and that applies to Santa too! Aimed at children aged 3+, this comical tale of Father Christmas has been brilliantly adapted for stage ands is the perfect Christmas show for younger children. Father Christmas Needs a Wee! takes place at the Arts Theatre.
Dates: 7 – 24 December 2024. Book tickets here.
Stick Man – Bloomsbury Theatre
Julia Donaldson’s and Axel Scheffler’s heart-warming tale Stick Man is back on stage in time for Christmas. Follow Stick Man as he goes for his morning jog only to be caught by a dog, used in a Swan’s nest and even throw on the fire.
Expect puppetry, songs, live music and more fun than you can shake a stick at.
Dates: 4 December 2024 – 5 January 2025. Book tickets here.
Room on the Broom – Lyric Theatre
Another Julia Donaldson favourite is being brought to life this Christmas. Find room on the broom with the witch, her cat and her very tall hat and enjoy a fun-filled adventure as the duo soar through the skies, picking up passengers along the way.
Expect magical puppetry, songs to singalong to and a (not-so-scary) dragon!
Dates: 22 December 2024 – 5 January 2025. Book tickets here.
Horrible Histories: Horrible Christmas – Alexandra Palace
Enjoy an alternative take on the Christmas season with this terrifically terrible tale brought to you by the team behind Horrible Histories. Join Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII and St Nicholas as they join forces to save the festive season.
Dates: 12 December 2024 – 4 January 2025. Book tickets here.
A Christmas Carol (ish) – Soho Place
Enjoy this comedy retelling of Dickens’s classic A Christmas Trail when the one muttering Ba-Humbug is Santa himself!
Featuring Emmy-award nominee Nick Mohammed (Taskmaster loser and Ted Lasso star) alongside Martha Howe-Douglas (Ghosts), this fun festive tale promises sequins, showtunes, popcorn and more. It’s perfect for older kids and teens (age recommendation 10+).
Dates: 16 November – 31 December. Book tickets here.
London is an amazing city. But at Christmas time it has a unique magical atmosphere! I miss visiting this city!
I couldn’t agree more, it really is such a special place during the Christmas holidays!