Family-Friendly Christmas Events In London

The Royal Hospital Chelsea light trail is a festive masterpiece, perfect for any holiday outing. With dazzling lights, twinkling trees, and enchanting Christmas installations, it's an experience that delights visitors of all ages, especially families looking for winter fun.

The holiday ambience is complemented by the sounds of carol singers and the tempting aromas of mulled wine and hot cocoa. At the festive market, discover beautifully crafted gifts and gourmet goodies to take home, while the scent of roasted chestnuts fills the chilly winter air. Plus, foodies will love the gourmet street food options, including bubbling raclette, hearty bratwurst, and delicious vegan creations.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

Join the Stick Man adventure this festive season with an exclusive Afternoon Tea at The Montague on the Gardens. Enjoy a delectable spread of festive delights, with a special gift bag for children.

Plus, if you're attending the nearby performance at the Bloomsbury Theatre, you can snag a 10% discount on the afternoon tea when you quote 'stick man'. Afternoon tea tickets start from £24.50 per child - perfect for creating holiday memories in Central London.

Experience the magic of Christmas in London like never before with the Top Deck Christmas Lights Tour, departing from the heart of the city at 8 Northumberland Avenue. Step aboard a vintage double-decker bus adorned with festive cheer, and prepare for an enchanting journey through London's most dazzling Christmas light displays.

As the city sparkles with seasonal glow, you'll pass iconic landmarks illuminated with twinkling decorations, from the magical lights of Oxford Street to the grandeur of Regent Street and beyond. 

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.

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.