Family-Friendly Christmas Events In London

Ealing's Fox & Goose hotel truly has an event for the whole family this Christmas as they bring you Santa Paws. This festive fundraiser is free to visit and sees your pups taking photos with Santa and eating doggy ice cream - with proceeds going towards a local animal shelter.

This December, prepare for an all-singing, all-dancing theatrical delight at the Lyric Theatre as West End Musical Christmas hits the stage on the 16th with its cast of superstars. Expect classics and anthems to belt out, plus fancy dress is encouraged. Tickets start from £20 per person and the concert will be hosted by West End and Broadway star Trevor Dion Nicholas, who's currently starring in the West End production of Next to Normal.

Whether you fancy yule logs and gingerbread cupcakes or a classic turkey sando with cranberry, this Winter Wonderland afternoon tea at The Chesterfield promises a whole host of festive favourites for the whole family. There's even a Christmas tree chocolate and coffee pot, how fancy.

This historic custom is celebrated every December, marking the Swedish tradition of Lucia, or St Lucy's Day. This year, the Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall is hosting a performance by Peter Jöback, one of Sweden's best singers and actors.

He'll be accompanied by the LondonSwedes Choir,  led by Choir Director Michaela Lundin. There's both an afternoon and an evening show to choose from, with tickets starting from £35 per person. 

Taking place around the Soho area, Silent Disco Walking Tours' Christmas party Tour is a great way to see the city this festive season. They'll be playing all the best seasonal tunes while you take in the sights and the pretty lights, with hilarious commentary from your hosts. Tickets start from £19 for kids and £22 for adults, and everyone over six years old is welcome.

Get set to jingle and mingle at A Dickensian Christmas, a candle-lit festive soirée at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church. This magical event will transport you back in time with enchanting Christmas carols and readings from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Let the Covent Garden Carollers Vocal Quartet take you on a musical journey through Dickens's era, and join in the merry singing with beloved carols like O Come! All ye Faithful, Once in Royal David's City, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

It's time to celebrate the film that defined Christmas for generations: White Christmas. This year marks its 70th anniversary, and The Soho Hotel is celebrating with a very special screening that brings the magic of this timeless classic to life on the big screen.

Join them for a cosy, festive evening filled with holiday cheer, as Bing Crosby's smooth crooning and the iconic White Christmas tune fill the air. Whether you're looking for a heartwarming tradition or a way to kick off your holiday season, this special event is guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit.

Promising fun speedboat experiences, Thames Late is the perfect Christmas experience for the kids. You can enjoy everything from festive firesides and twinkling tree lights to mash-up of classic hits and beautiful views of London during the holidays.

Rivoli Pop-up Cinema is hosting a number of kid-friendly screenings in their Crofton Park venue, some of the best family Christmas events in London 2024. You can catch a classic such as Home Alone or Elf in this cosy spot, with a food stall serving all your favourite sweet and savoury snacks. 

Anyone aged 10 or over can join the whole family for the festive edition of Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Party. Setting off in the West End, the immersive dance tour brings you feelgood tunes from the 70s to the 00s, including Crimbo classics, flash mobs and some secret surprises, making it one of the best things to do at Christmas in London with children.

Celebrate the magic of Christmas with a different kind of mystical experience altogether. Nab the whole family tickets to Magic Hour and you'll see a close-up show in the style of old Victorian masters, which has been frequented by happy critics and celebrities alike. Or, grab tickets to Magic at The Temple for a truly dazzling evening of sorcery which shows you just how deep the rabbit hole goes.

Nothing says Christmas like an imaginatively decorated gingerbread house, which is why The Marlborough is running a class where you and your kids can create your own, with tickets starting from as little as £5. 

Head down on Monday the 23rd of December from midday for a lovely afternoon getting stuck in with delicious festive treats and icing. 

Get into the festive spirit at The Hawks Nest Christmas Market in West London. This charming market is the perfect place to kick off your holiday season, offering a curated selection of unique gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious seasonal treats for you and the kids. 

Whether you're looking for the perfect Christmas present, festive decorations, or just a cosy spot to enjoy mulled wine and mince pies, this place has everything you need to make your holidays extra special.

One for the older (and big) kids of the group, BucketRace sees you take off across London to compete against other teams, ticking a range of tasks off the list as you go. With a festive theme and huge prizes to be won, this may just be one of the best family Christmas events.

Founded in 2009, Best Tours infuses fun storytelling into every adventure. From cupcake tours to royal strolls, they prioritise safety, local support, and enjoyment. With over 15 years of experience, they reveal hidden treasures for locals and vacationers alike with their guided tours offering a captivating and educating experience. We'd recommend Harry Potter's Magical London to follow in the footsteps of the world's most famous wizards or The Beatles London Walk to learn all about the historical band.

A family Christmas in London 2024 isn't complete without getting messy with the kids. Biscuiteers' baking events and activities get a yuletide makeover come the festive season, offering the chance to ice biscuits in the shape of plump puds, crackers and even well-loved characters.

Your little ones can enjoy the magic of Christmas over at art'otel Battersea, when they host their Breakfast with Santa experience every weekend from the 30th November to the 22nd of December, with tickets available for £35 per child.

From 9am to 11am, the whole family will get to indulge in a delicious breakfast buffet in a beautifully festive space. Plus, Santa will of course be heading along too; not only will he be greeting each child and giving them a special gift, but there will also be a story reading and the chance to get a cute photo with him. 

If you're after Christmas events for kids in 2024, check out The Big Bakes. With all the prep work already done, you and your little ones can get stuck into creating a mouthwatering masterpiece. Accessible for all ages, this is the perfect way to get festive as a family. 

Club Curling is a great option when you need family-friendly activities in London this Christmas, as it's got a load of icy lanes for groups of up to six to enjoy the fun sport. Get competitive all together at this must-visit winter event in Coal Drops Yard, where their setup is fully sustainable and you can play for as little as £9 per session. Plus, there's plenty of hot chocolate, tea and coffee to keep you warm.

Get the little ones into the festive spirit at The Heathcote & Star in Leyton with their fun and creative Christmas Card Making for Children event. This family-friendly activity is the perfect way to spend an afternoon getting crafty and preparing for the holidays. Kids can unleash their creativity as they design their very own Christmas cards, using a range of festive materials, colours, and decorations.

With a warm, welcoming atmosphere, this event offers a great chance for children to create personalised cards for loved ones, all while enjoying the Christmas cheer in a cosy pub setting.

From making your own gingerbread house to festive cinema events and wreath workshops, you can rely on Young's to put on a whole host of Christmas events for kids in London. There's even a cosy festive market, bonus.

This November, take your little ones to a festive book talk at Haymarket Hotel, close to Piccadilly Circus. Children's authors Lauren Child and Cariad Lloyd will be discussing their latest Christmas books: Clarice Bean: Think Like an Elf and The Christmas Wish-tastrophe.

There'll be a Q and A to follow the book conversation, so you'll get a chance to ask any questions. Plus, your £15 ticket includes hot chocolate and cookies for kids, plus mulled wine, tea and coffee for adults.

The West End's Peacock theatre is yet again home to The Snowman this festive period, a family show that returns for its 27th year. See the iconic story, a much-loved picture book by Raymond Briggs and a motion picture directed by Dianne Jackson, come to life before your very eyes - complete with a live orchestra, songs like Walking in the Air, and spellbinding storytelling.

This Christmas Day, step onto a modern riverboat at Westminster Pier and embark on a sightseeing cruise that promises a view of London's very best landmarks. Entry is free for children under five, or £30 for the rest of the family.

The open upper deck allows for the very best viewing, and there'll be live commentary from the crew as well - with recorded options available in eight different languages. What's more, you can enjoy mulled wine and mice pies too.