Ah, Christmas in London! The city transforms into a twinkling winter wonderland, packed full of family-friendly festive events, Christmas days out and magical things to do in London with kids.
If you’re searching for the best Christmas events in London for families in 2025, you’re in the right place! From dazzling Christmas lights seen from an open-top bus to ice skating under the stars, this guide brings you the top kid-friendly Christmas activities in London that parents love too.
Whether you’re planning a festive day trip, a weekend in the city or looking for ideas for where to take the kids in London at Christmas, here are eight brilliant Christmas events guaranteed to make magical memories.
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Between 16th November and 19th January, you can experience a very ‘Harry Christmas’ at the Studio Tour during Hogwarts in the Snow, the most magical time of year, when iconic Harry Potter sets are dressed for the festive season in a blanket of filmmaking snow.
Enter the Great Hall, bedecked in the gold decorations from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, you’ll find a mouth-watering banquet of roast potatoes, peas, turkeys, and puddings aflame set up as it was to celebrate the end-of-term feast at Hogwarts.
Christmas trees will tower over you in the Great Hall topped by authentic flying witches and inviting fireplaces will be adorned with festive holly, mistletoe, and wreaths.
The Hogwarts in the Snow experience is included within the general entry ticket for the Warner Bros. Studos Tour.
Transport from central London is also included in the tour price.
Images Copyright of Warner Brothers
Enjoy a festive family day out, whilst building lifetime memories with your little elves.
Start your day by snapping an (s)elfie in front of the giant DUPLO® Christmas Tree - the perfect spot to capture a family photo for the Christmas card.
If your little elves love discovery, then visit Miniland, where there will be lots of festive scenes hidden – don’t forget to write down your findings in your very own Jolly Journal!
Don’t miss the live entertainment, Christmas singalongs, characters to meet, plus a selection of awesome rides and attractions to enjoy.
The Christmas experiences are included in the normal admission ticket from 23rd November.
Opening times for Legoland are various weekends in November and early December, then it is open daily from 15th December.
Please note tickets to meet Santa are at an additional cost.
Images Copyright of LEGOLAND® Resort Windsor.
Catch a sparkling glimpse of Christmassy London with an open-top bus tour. See some of its most famous neighborhoods and landmarks, all done up for the festive season.
Make it a memorable Christmas with a festive tour of London’s top attractions.
A top of an open double-decker bus, you’ll have the best seats in the house for savouring panoramic views of the glowing streets.
Watch the city light up when the sun goes down, and see how London does Christmas. Set off from the illuminated London Eye, and onto the iconic Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. Marvel at the exquisite displays on Regent Street and Oxford Circus.
See one of the tallest Christmas trees in the city at Trafalgar Square and pass by Buckingham Palace. Cruise through the winding streets of London and feel dazzled by the merry décor. Learn some jolly facts about each location with your live tour guide.
Images Copyright of Get Your Guide
Glide into the festive season on the UK’s largest open-air ice rink. Trade in your shoes for skates and enjoy the fan-favourite attraction, set under a canopy of twinkly lights and around the charming Victorian bandstand in Hyde Park.
Ice skating is the perfect festive activity to kick off your experience at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland whether you’re there for first dates, play dates or with your best mates.
Each ice skating session will last 45 minutes.
Skates are included in the ticket price and available in minimum children’s size 8, maximum adult’s size 13 (Limited supply of skate size 14/15 available).
This activity is also wheelchair accessible.
Images Copyright of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
As one of the UK’s leading and most acclaimed illuminated trails, Christmas at Kew is an unmissable opportunity to herald the start of Christmas or welcome in the New Year.
It’s a botanical world brimming with seasonal cheer as twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air. Discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour.
Images Copyright of Kew Gardens
Children will love climbing aboard the Routemaster-inspired sleigh in the twinkling winter wonderland to flash the headlights, ring the bell and set the Christmas cheer-o-meter!
They are also running a range of exciting family activities right through to the New Year.
Cosy up for Christmas stories in the den, get creative with holiday crafts inspired by wintery posters from their collection, and weave through the galleries following a story trail.
All festive family activities are included for free with your tickets - and kids go free!
Images Copyright of London Transport Museum.
Don’t miss the London Palladium's pantomine for Christmas 2025 -Sleeping Beauty.
Expect laughs, music, special effect and some big names in the line up.
Featuring Catherine Tate and Julian Clary, this will sell out.
Step aboard the magical Snowman™ Afternoon Tea Bus and enjoy a festive sightseeing tour of London inspired by Raymond Briggs’ classic tale. This cosy one-hour experience blends an indulgent Christmas afternoon tea with the sparkle of London’s festive lights.
Guests can tuck into Snowman™-themed treats, including cupcakes, finger sandwiches, traditional scones and Snowball truffles, all while sipping hot chocolate, tea, or a deluxe marshmallow-topped upgrade.
Choose a departure from the London Eye or Aldwych and enjoy views of Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Regent Street’s iconic angels. Christmas carols and music from The Snowman™ play softly throughout, making it an enchanting choice for families, especially younger children.
Make a full day of it and book tickets for 'The Snowman Live' from just £20. You can find theatre tickets here
As the festive season sparkles into full swing, London becomes the ultimate playground for families, packed with Christmas events, shows, lights trails and things to do with kids in London at Christmas.
Whether you’re hunting for family-friendly Christmas days out, wondering what’s on in London for kids between Christmas and New Year, or simply want to soak up the festive atmosphere, there’s something for every age and budget.
From open-top bus light tours to pantomimes, ice skating, and magical winter trails, these Christmas London activities for kids will help you plan an unforgettable festive trip. So wrap up warm, grab the hot chocolate, and get ready to make Christmas 2025 in London extra special!
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