31 best Christmas activities for kids in London

• Step inside a winter wonderland as Hogwarts in the Snow arrives at the wizarding world of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. Dates TBC
• Follow a glittering trail made up of more than one million lights through the famous botanical gardens with Christmas at Kew. 16 Nov-8 Jan
• Book onto a special Christmas lights bus tour to see some of the capital's best festive displays and iconic attractions. 26 Nov-2 Jan
• Or hop on open-top bus tour to see the capital sparkle after dark with Christmas lights and decorations.  
• Take in the magic of Christmas Eve on the Illuminations of London tour, where you can see iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge lit up as night falls. 24 Dec
• See more of festive London and beyond over the holidays by taking your pick of Christmas tours and day trips, from spotting where the Queen lives, to cruising the river Thames or visiting mysterious Stonehenge.

Discover more fun activities this Christmas in London. 

• See Windsor Castle dressed for Christmas, including it's famous Christmas tree. Dates TBC
• See behind-the-scenes images from the Harry Potter films at the Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition, or follow in the footsteps of your favourite characters at Harry Potter film locations across the city.
• Pick up a money-saving sightseeing pass to use during the Christmas school holidays. Access more than 80 attractions with The London Pass, discover top attractions such as the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium and Madame Tussauds with the Merlin London Attractions Pass; or see the sights with the 30-day London Explorer Pass.
• Or let the kids learn something new during the holidays at KidZania, a dedicated children's city where they can try out an exciting range of careers. 
• Visit exciting exhibits at some of the best London museums for kids, or explore on a budget with these free museums and galleries. 

Explore more London attractions, including the top attractions for kids.

• Treat the family to a night at the theatre with a festive show, classic ballet or hilarious pantomime. 
• Be dazzled by a magical retelling of the classic ballet with The Nutcracker at the Royal Albert Hall. 28-31 Dec
• Book a spot for top musicals and favourite kids shows, from Matilda to the Lion King and Wicked.
• Grab some popcorn and get comfy for festive family film favourites at wintry pop-up cinemas across London. Check back nearer the time for confirmed events for 2022.

Find more kids shows in London.

• Book well ahead for a chance to meet the man himself at the popular Santa's Grotto at Hamleys, in Regent Street. Dates TBC
• Meet Father Christmas, explore a festive trail and stock up at the sweet shop as The Magic of Christmas arrives at ZSL London Zoo. Dates TBC
• Keep an eye out for appearances from Santa at top attractions and popular kids' attractions across London – check back nearer the time for more details.

• Let the kids explore seven floors of incredible toys and games in Hamleys.
• Little ones and not-so-little ones will love exploring the choctastic M&M's World. 
• Have some brick-filled fun at The LEGO Store London Leicester Square. It's the largest LEGO store in the world!   
• Browse the shelves for cute childrenswear, books and toys at Trotters in King's Road, Chelsea.
• Explore the toy-filled wonderland of Benjamin Pollock's Toyshop in Covent Garden. 
• Hunt for gifts on world-famous shopping streets, including Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street.
• Or pick up presents from some of the top shopping destinations in London, from Covent Garden and Carnaby to Camden.
• Get in the festive spirit with a visit to the Christmas shops at Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges and Liberty London.
• Finish off your Christmas shopping in one place at Westfield London or Westfield Stratford City.

Find more places to go Christmas shopping in London. 

• See the capital sparkle with dazzling displays of Christmas lights and decorations across the city, including Oxford Street, Carnaby, Regent Street, Bond Street and Covent Garden.
• Pose for family selfies in front of these Insta-worthy Christmas trees across London.
• Get your skates on and go for a twirl on one of London’s best ice-skating rinks.
• Explore fun and interactive light trails as part of light festivals throughout the city.

Check out more things to do outdoors in London.