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 children.
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After restrictions meant occasions had been cancelled or scaled again final 12 months, Christmas 2021 is pulling out the stops to have a good time, from assured snowfalls to new mild trails and Christmas points of interest in London.
There’s a Christmas circus and conventional pantomimes, some free issues to do in London at Christmas, and loads of locations to make unforgettable recollections – for those who’re questioning ho ho how to decide on, try my choose of one of the best this Christmas in London with children.
With some occasions being introduced later than regular this 12 months, I’ll even be updating this submit so hold a watch out for brand new Christmas occasions too
See the 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 few of the greatest and finest right here
From peacock feathers in Bond Avenue to butterflies over Carnaby Avenue, in addition to angels in Regent Avenue, there are some beautiful shows to see.
Loads of the department shops get in on the motion too, with festive facelifts for retailers like Fortnum & Mason, which remodeled itself into an enormous introduction calendar for 2020, or this 12 months’s Christmas of Goals window show at Selfridges.
And for those who don’t fancy wandering aimlessly to identify one of the best, there are some nice Christmas excursions too – one of the festively enjoyable must be the Christmas Silent Disco stroll.
The tour begins close to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park earlier than taking you previous a few of the metropolis’s Christmas lights, with a playlist of Christmas classics, enjoyable commentary and different hits – dancing technically optionally available, however let’s face it, who can resist?
Or save your ft and go for a bus tour as an alternative. The Christmas lights tour from Tootbus lasts 45 minutes, and begins from November 19, or you’ll be able to hop aboard a classic doubledecker as properly.
Observe a light-weight path
You’ll discover extra than simply the lights over London’s buying streets, with a complete string of festive mild trails, some working into the New 12 months.
Take a look at my choose of one of the best illuminated trails in London with children for extra particulars
This 12 months sees three new mild trails coming to the capital, together with Christmas at Kenwood Home in Hampstead, Lightopia coming to Crystal Palace Park, and Palace of Stardust at Hampton Courtroom Palace, impressed by Henry VIII’s well-known Astronomical Clock.
Some outdated favourites are returning too, together with Enchanted Woodland at Syon Home in west London, plus Christmas at Kew.
Or in south-east London, the Enchanted Eltham Palace occasion lights up the gardens of the fantastic Artwork Deco mansion.
And free of charge occasions, try Wembley Park’s Winterfest and Winter Lights at Canary Wharf, which frequently runs in January quite than at Christmas.
Watch the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are coming to the Metropolis of London in December, with a particular mild set up, Borealis lighting up the skies over Guildhall Yard.
Designed to appear to be the Aurora Borealis, the multicoloured lights had a earlier outing in Greenwich earlier this 12 months, as a part of the Greenwich+Docklands Worldwide Competition.
However for those who missed them then, they’ll be shining within the London skies as soon as once more, accompanied by a soundtrack, from December 11-22, from 5.30 to 10pm (final entry 9.30pm).
It’s free however you want a ticket for entry (though some walk-up tickets could also be accessible on the day), with timeslots each half-hour – you’re really helpful to remain for round half-hour to benefit from the expertise.
Go to a Christmas market
Whether or not you’re in search of conventional presents, Santa’s grotto, workshops or rides, there’s a string of nice Christmas markets in London with children to select from.
A few of my very own favourites are on the banks of the Thames, together with the beautiful South Financial institution Christmas market and winter competition, with some fabulous pop-up meals stalls, illuminations on the Queen’s Stroll and a conventional carousel.
Additional east, there’s Christmas by the River close to London Bridge; quieter and smaller than a few of the different markets, there are sometimes workshops in addition to stalls.
On the different finish of the size, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park 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 many extra probabilities to spent your cash, together with on meals and presents.
For the primary 12 months, it’s now not free to enter, though for those who guide £20 value of points of interest, your entry price is refunded.
Or within the coronary heart of London, there’s one of many latest Christmas markets in London at Leicester Sq., with over 30 stalls and meals on the conventional Bavarian-style market, plus Santa’s Grotto and different occasions.
You’ll discover extra Christmas markets at Greenwich, Battersea Energy Station and Kingston – try my submit on the finest Christmas markets in London with children for extra particulars.
See Santa
If you wish to see Santa in London, you must transfer early, particularly for a few of the massive identify 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 crimson (scroll up for extra strategies) though keep in mind it’s possible you’ll 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 beautiful relaxed occasion for youths who may get shy or overwhelmed.
You can too meet Santa on the Nationwide Gallery, in addition to on the Museum of London and Museum of London Docklands.
You possibly can even discover Santa at London Zoo and on board a speedboat on the river, with the Jingle Bell Blast from Thames Rockets.
Take a Christmas strolling tour
Have you learnt why turkeys wore boots on their solution 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 knowledgeable information.
This two-hour family-friendly Christmas tour additionally takes in a few of the metropolis’s Christmas lights in addition to promising to take you down streets much less travelled.
Or be part of a Dickensian Christmas stroll – this personal tour is themed round a Christmas Carol. Working for 3 to 4 hours, it’s higher with older children, 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 rink all the time indicators the beginning of Christmas for me – set in a few of the metropolis’s most iconic areas, it’s all the time tempting to tug on some skates earlier than warming up with scorching chocolate and mulled wine.
Whereas the rink within the Tower of London moat isn’t making an look in 2021, you’ll be able to nonetheless skate within the shadow of the Pure Historical past Museum – this 12 months would be the last time.
Head to Skate at Somerset Home, the place the courtyard transforms for winter, in addition to the ice rink at Hampton Courtroom Palace, which is lit up within the background.
Or in fairly Greenwich, one of many latest London ice rinks sits subsequent to the Queen’s Home.
You’ll additionally discover an ice rink at Winter Wonderland, for those who’re visiting the Christmas market there.
For extra particulars and concepts of the place to ice skate in London with children, together with year-round choices, try my high picks
See a pantomime
It’s not Christmas with no pantomime (oh no, it’s not!) plus you can too discover some fantastic conventional Christmas reveals on in London’s theatres too.
It’s value checking what ages are allowed earlier than you guide: regardless of being geared toward households, some theatres received’t settle for kids below 5 (take a passport or some type of ID in case your children are 5 plus however look youthful than their age).
In case you’re unsure the place to begin, Seatplan has this nice round-up of Christmas reveals in London together with Pantoland on the London Palladium and Aladdin on the Lyric Hammersmith, plus the prospect to examine seat view photographs from fellow theatregoers.
Look out for classics too together with the Nutcracker, on on the London Coliseum and Nutcracker on Ice at Alexandra Palace this 12 months, plus the Snowman on the Peacock Theatre.
Or head to Greenwich to see A Christmas Carol within the Painted Corridor on the Previous Royal Naval School – certainly one of the memorable areas within the metropolis to listen to it.
And the youngest theatre-goers will love seeing Stick Man, on on the Leicester Sq. Theatre
For a Christmas present with a distinction, head to the Royal Competition Corridor for Circus 1903, celebrating the Golden Age of Circus, with puppetry in addition to the standard circus thrills – an important one to mix with a go to to the South Financial institution Christmas market.
Hear some carols
One in all my favourites components of Christmas in London with children 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 working as much as Christmas, singing by the large 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 can too hear carols at St Paul’s Cathedral which has a sequence of free occasions throughout December – unsurprisingly common, be ready to get there early and queue to get a seat.
Go to the Tower of London
One in all my favorite locations to go to in London with children, the Tower of London will get dressed up for Christmas as properly – the standard ice rink isn’t going down this 12 months, however there’s one thing new as a replacement.
The historic fortress has shows of decorations on its historical stone partitions, whereas the animal statues dotted across the Tower grounds are additionally being remodeled to create winter wonderland scenes – the polar bear ought to really feel proper at house.
Telling the story of the Tower by the animals which as soon as lived inside its partitions, it’s a festive solution to expertise it with children. The one query is whether or not it would outsparkle the Crown Jewels…
Runs from December 1-January 3, included in admission (free for members) – you’ll be able to generally discover reductions for those who purchase by the tiqets web site too.
Uncover Christmas previous on the Museum of the House
In case you’re seeking 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 House.
The Winter Competition celebrations run to February 2022, and the museum has given its rooms by time a makeover as a part of this.
Free to enter, you can too uncover how Boxing Day received its identify, plus there’s a light-weight set up and workshops.
See the primary Christmas card on the Postal Museum
See the world’s first Christmas card on show on the Postal Museum this winter, in addition to a show of magical letters exchanged between kids and Santa since 1964 (and a few of his replies).
The Mail Rail – the underground practice as soon as used for transporting submit – can also be getting a festive makeover, with new audio as a part of the journey, together with the very first King’s Speech.
There’s additionally a sequence of Festive Household Enjoyable Days on Saturdays in December, with arts and crafts periods, plus a Christmas Household Path – spot Tibs the postal cat hidden by the museum’s exhibitions, in addition to studying what jobs animals have carried out to assist the postal service.
Runs to January 2, 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 12 months 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 flicks get a festive transformation – count on snow within the Forbidden Forest for the primary time this 12 months, in addition to on the cobbled stones of Diagon Alley, over Hagrid’s Hut and on the Hogwarts Fort Mannequin.
Inside there are many winter touches too, together with 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 go in a short time so it’s one to snap up early. You can too guide tickets together with transport from central London. Hogwarts within the Snow runs to January 16.
For extra Harry Potter areas in London, try my high picks for followers
Drink scorching chocolate
When there’s a nip within the air, particularly for those who’re out on ice rinks or wandering round Christmas markets, you’ve received the right excuse for decent chocolate (although I’m first within the queue as quickly as autumn rolls round).
And overlook the bizarre 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 one of the best scorching chocolate in London with children, try my picks
Rococo has a string of bizarre flavours so as to add to its prime quality chocolate – suppose white chocolate and cardamom, for instance, in addition to ultra-dark chocolate and child-friendly milk chocolate.
Or Knoops guarantees a alternative 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 4 branches in London now too.
Chin Chin Labs is healthier recognized for its ice cream, however when temperatures drop, they swap to scorching chocolate with charred marshmallow fluff on high.
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 helps you to select totally different origin cocoa for those who’re severe about your scorching chocolate tasting expertise, plus it’s vegan too.
And for those who’re in east London – or glad to journey for the last word scorching chocolate – head to Darkish Sugars on Brick Lane, which additionally has some improbable flavours and chocolate shavings galore to high your drink.
Discover the Gingerbread Metropolis on the Museum of Structure
In case you’ve ever made a gingerbread home for Christmas together with your children, it pales by comparability to the astonishing Gingerbread Metropolis on the Museum of Structure.
Somewhat 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 a complete metropolis of gingerbread.
In case you’re feeling impressed, there are gingerbread-making workshops for households on the Museum in Belgravia too – not included with tickets to the exhibition, it’s a must to guide these individually.
Watch the snow
You’re unlikely to discover a white Christmas in London so Covent Backyard has stepped in to the breach this 12 months, with some assured snow as a part of its festive celebrations.
Be careful for flurries each hour between midday and 7pm across the Christmas tree, till December 27.
In any other case, the closest you’ll come is for those who 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, the Nationwide Belief has the right solution to tempt everybody outside this winter – good for youthful children.
Percy the Park Keeper’s Winter Wander trails run at numerous Nationwide Belief properties throughout December, together with Osterley Home in west London and Ham Home, which has its personal fantastic conventional Christmas tree.
The path can also be working at Morden Corridor Park, the place it’s on till early January as properly, with animal themed clues to identify and actions to burn off these scorching goodies.
Secret Christmas Wonderland at Kidzania
There’s a festive makeover at KidZania London this winter, with six new actions going down as a part of Secret Christmas Wonderland.
Aimed toward children aged 4 to 14, there’s additionally a uncommon alternative for adults to affix in, with a pre-recorded panto efficiency of Cinderella, the prospect to design a toy at elf faculty, adorning playing cards and baubles, in addition to dancing and music.
There’s additionally a path by the town with Christmassy clues which allow you to get a particular password from London’s naughtiest elf, plus the remainder of the immersive metropolis’s experiences are working as regular, with a couple of further festive touches.
Takes place most days from December 1 to January 9, included in entrance. Plus, in case your youngster 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 listing in Westfield Purchasing Centre.
For extra issues to do in London with children, together with uncommon issues to do with children in London and one of the best locations to remain in London with children, try a few of my different posts
PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST THINGS TO DO AT CHRISTMAS IN LONDON WITH KIDS
Disclosure: This submit incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
Kew at Christmas: Jeff Eden/RBG Kew; Trafalgar Sq./scorching chocolate photographs courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
