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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. Up to date for 2023
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After the restrictions of current years, Christmas 2023 is pulling out the stops to get everybody feeling festive, from gentle trails to Christmas markets and midwinter sights in London.
There’s are Christmas reveals and conventional pantomimes, some free issues to do in London at Christmas, and loads of locations to make unforgettable reminiscences – for those who’re questioning ho ho how to decide on, take a look at my choose of the perfect this Christmas in London with children.
With some occasions nonetheless to be introduced, I’ll even be updating this publish so maintain a watch out for brand spanking new Christmas occasions too
See the London 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.
Examine the switch-on dates for among the largest and finest right here
Earlier years have seen every part from peacock feathers in Bond Avenue to butterflies over Carnaby Avenue, in addition to angels in Regent Avenue, so that you’re assured some beautiful shows to see.
A variety of the shops get in on the motion too, with festive facelifts for retailers like Fortnum & Mason, which has reworked itself into an enormous creation calendar, or this eagerly awaited window shows at Selfridges to see what is going to substitute final yr’s Season’s Feastings.
And for those who don’t fancy wandering aimlessly to identify the perfect, there are some nice Christmas excursions too – one of the crucial festively enjoyable must be the Christmas Silent Disco stroll.
The tour begins close to Marble Arch and Hyde Park earlier than taking you previous among the metropolis’s Christmas lights, with a playlist of Christmas classics, enjoyable commentary and different hits – dancing technically non-compulsory, however let’s face it, who can resist?
Or save your toes and go for a bus tour as an alternative. The Christmas lights tour from Tootbus lasts 45 minutes, and begins from November 17, or you possibly can hop aboard this longer open-top doubledecker tour as properly.
Comply with a light-weight path
You’ll discover extra lights than simply these over London’s purchasing streets, with an entire string of festive gentle trails, some working into the New 12 months.
Try my choose of the perfect illuminated trails in London with children for extra particulars
One of many latest gentle trails within the capital is again once more for 2023, with a redesigned route deliberate for Christmas at Kenwood Home in Hampstead from December 1, plus the ever-popular Christmas at Kew Backyard from November 15.
Some previous favourites are anticipated to return too, together with Enchanted Woodland at Syon Home in west London (often from round November 11), whereas Lightopia at Crystal Palace Park remains to be to be confirmed, as is the substitute for Palace of Mild at Hampton Court docket Palace.
Or in south-east London, the Enchanted Eltham Palace occasion often lights up the gardens of the wonderful Artwork Deco mansion for Christmas too.
At no cost occasions, maintain a watch out for 2023 dates for Wembley Park’s Winterfest and Winter Lights at Canary Wharf, which regularly runs in January fairly than at Christmas.
For extra concepts of issues to do at Wembley Park with children, take a look at my suggestions
Go to a Christmas market
Whether or not you’re searching for conventional items, Santa’s grotto, workshops or rides, there’s a string of nice Christmas markets in London with children to select from – most have their very own twist fairly than the type of conventional Christmas market you’ll discover in Europe, but it surely additionally means you possibly can go to a number of with out becoming bored.
A few of my very own favourites are on the banks of the Thames, together with the stunning Southbank Centre Christmas market and winter pageant, with some fabulous pop-up meals stalls, illuminations on the Queen’s Stroll and a standard carousel.
For extra issues to do on the South Financial institution with children, in addition to the Southbank Centre winter market, take a look at my suggestions
Additional east, there’s Christmas by the River close to London Bridge; quieter and smaller than among the different markets, there are sometimes workshops in addition to stalls.
On the different finish of the size, the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 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 lots extra probabilities to spent your cash, together with at picket chalets promoting meals and items.
Again from November 17, entry is ticketed as soon as once more so it’s not free to enter, though for those who guide £25 price of sights, your entry price is included
Or within the coronary heart of London, you possibly can often discover a conventional Bavarian-style market at Leicester Sq. Christmas market, with over 30 stalls and meals, plus some years have included Santa’s Grotto and different occasions.
For extra issues to do round Leicester Sq. with children, take a look at my high picks
And also you’ll additionally discover a small market in Trafalgar Sq. with round 20 stalls promoting items, Christmas ornaments, jewelry and meals.
Or for extra Christmas markets, together with Greenwich, Battersea Energy Station and Kingston, take a look at my publish on the finest Christmas markets in London with children for extra particulars.
See Santa
If you wish to see Santa in London, it’s good to transfer early, particularly for among 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: lots of the Christmas markets have an opportunity to satisfy the person in crimson (scroll up for extra solutions) 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 would possibly get shy or overwhelmed, and he’s anticipated to be again once more for 2023.
You’ll be able to even discover Santa at London Zoo in December, in addition to a Santa with a definite distinction at Shrek’s Journey Christmas Grotto, the place the large inexperienced ogre will get a festive makeover – enterprise inside Shrek’s Christmas cabin between December 1 and 24, and luxuriate in a deal with from the elves in addition to the same old enjoyable of Far Far Away.
For different locations to satisfy Father Christmas, maintain a watch out for Santa on the Nationwide Gallery though there was a particular Christmas efficiency as an alternative in 2022, on the Museum of London Docklands, whereas he’s usually on board a speedboat on the river too, with the Jingle Bell Blast from Thames Rockets.
For extra locations to see Santa in London with children, take a look at my high picks
Board the Santa Steam Specific
Discover Santa taking a day without work from the sleigh, aboard the Steam Goals Santa Steam Specific trains – attributable to return for the third yr in 2022, it’s London’s solely Santa steam prepare.
Departing from Victoria on chosen dates in December, there are three trains per day chuffing out of the town on a 75-minute journey round London, with Santa and his merry helpers additionally boarding the festively adorned Nineteen Seventies carriages.
There’s a drink and a candy deal with for youths (plus a heat drink and mince pie for grown-ups), plus a present from Father Christmas as he passes by the prepare – you possibly can improve to First Class as properly for mulled wine (adults solely!) and extra spacious seats, for those who fancy giving your self an early Christmas current.
Try our overview of a visit on the Santa Steam Specific
Take a Christmas strolling tour
Have you learnt why turkeys wore boots on their technique 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 among the metropolis’s Christmas lights in addition to promising some festive anecdotes.
Or be a part of a Dickensian Christmas stroll – this non-public tour is themed round A Christmas Carol. Working for 2 to a few 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 rinks all the time alerts the beginning of Christmas for me – set in among the metropolis’s most iconic places, it’s all the time tempting to tug on some skates earlier than warming up with sizzling chocolate and mulled wine.
However Skate at Somerset Home will probably be again from November, with the courtyard reworking for winter, in addition to the ice rink at Hampton Court docket Palace from November 17 to January 7, with the grand facade of the palace lit up within the background.
You’ll additionally discover an ice rink at Winter Wonderland from November 17-January, for those who’re visiting the Christmas market there.
In fairly Greenwich, one of many latest London ice rinks sits subsequent to the Queen’s Home, with skating anticipated to beginning up once more in November.
Don’t make plans to go to the rink on the Pure Historical past Museum – 2021 was the ultimate time you would mix skating and dinosaurs – whereas the rink within the Tower of London moat has additionally been completely closed.
For extra particulars and concepts of the place to ice skate in London with children, together with year-round choices, take a look at my high picks
See a pantomime or Christmas theatre
It’s not Christmas with no pantomime (oh no, it’s not!) plus you can too discover some fantastic London theatre reveals together with conventional Christmas productions and different family-friendly performances.
For my full record of the finest Christmas theatre in London with children, take a look at this publish
It’s price checking what ages are allowed earlier than you guide: regardless of being geared toward households, some theatres received’t settle for youngsters underneath 5 (take a passport or some type of ID in case your children are 5 plus however look youthful than their age).
For those who’re undecided the place to begin, Seatplan has this nice round-up of Christmas reveals in London (plus the prospect to examine seat view pictures from fellow theatregoers).
This yr’s choice contains Peter Pan on the London Palladium and Cinderella on the Lyric Hammersmith, plus Aladdin on the Hackney Empire and Elf the Musical on the Dominion Theatre.
Look out for classics too together with the Nutcracker, on on the London Coliseum in addition to the Snowman on the Peacock Theatre. Or head to the Outdated Vic to see A Christmas Carol, additionally geared toward age 8+.
And whereas Frozen isn’t a Christmas present, what higher story for midwinter than a go to snowy Arendelle – the present on the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is strictly for age 4+.
Older children will love The Witches, a musical model of Roald Dahl’s story, geared toward age 8+, taking part in on the Nationwide Theatre? In the meantime there’s one other witch and a basic story with Hansel and Gretel on the Globe Theatre – geared toward age 5+, it runs from December 8-January 7, 2024.
And the youngest theatre-goers will love seeing Stick Man, on on the Leicester Sq. Theatre from October 21.
For a Christmas present with a distinction, take a look at Peter Pan on Ice at Alexandra Palace this December.
For now, there’s no phrase on whether or not the favored turn-of-the-century Circus 1903 will probably be again in London celebrating the Golden Age of Circus, with puppetry in addition to the same old circus thrills.
Hear some carols
Considered one of my favourites components of Christmas in London with children is listening to carols sung when 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 may also hear carols at St Paul’s Cathedral which often has a collection 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
Considered one of my favorite locations to go to in London with children, the Tower of London often will get dressed up for Christmas as properly.
Final yr, the historic fortress had shows of decorations on its historic stone partitions, whereas the Tower grounds had been additionally reworked to carry the 12 Days of Christmas to life.
2022 noticed a particular path to trace down the varied sights along with your true loves, together with a Christmas tree for every of Henry VIII’s wives and 9 rowdy ravens, though 2023’s occasions are nonetheless to be confirmed.
Hold a watch out for animal statues dotted round – the polar bear ought to really feel proper at dwelling! – with this festive twist on the Tower. The one query is whether or not it would outsparkle the Crown Jewels…
Evens are included in admission (free for members) – there’s a reduction for those who purchase by way of tiqets utilizing my low cost code ‘MUMMYTRAVELS6‘ utilizing this hyperlink.
Uncover Christmas previous on the Museum of the Dwelling
For those who’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 Dwelling.
The houses from Winter Previous rework the rooms by time shows with a makeover to point out numerous festive scenes from by historical past (and fairly much less festive scenes within the case of a Puritan Christmas) – final yr this ran from late November to early January.
Free to enter, you can too uncover how Boxing Day bought its identify, plus there are celebrations of different winter festivals together with Diwali and Hanukkah, in addition to gentle installations and workshops with occasions working by to January 2024.
See the primary Christmas card on the Postal Museum
See the world’s first Christmas card on show with the same old winter makeover on the Postal Museum, which features a show of magical letters exchanged between youngsters and Santa since 1964 (and a few of his replies).
The Mail Rail – the underground prepare as soon as used for transporting publish – often will get its personal festive makeover, with the very first King’s Speech as a part of the audio performed throughout the trip.
Final yr noticed a collection of Festive Household Enjoyable Days on Saturdays in December, with arts and crafts periods, plus the Festive Tibs 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.
2022’s occasions ran from the beginning of November to early January, 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 yr 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 films get a festive transformation – anticipate snow within the Forbidden Forest once more, in addition to on the cobbled stones of Diagon Alley, over Hagrid’s Hut and on the Hogwarts Fortress Mannequin.
This yr the Nice Corridor will probably be bedecked within the gold decorations from the primary movie, plus a blanket of filmmaking snow over the Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley.
Earlier winter touches have included 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 get booked in a short time so it’s one to snap up early. You may also guide tickets together with transport from central London on the tiqets website – there’s a reduction utilizing my code MUMMYTRAVELS6 for those who guide utilizing my hyperlink. Hogwarts within the Snow runs from November 11 to January 14, 2024.
For extra Harry Potter places in London, take a look at my high picks for followers
Drink sizzling 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 bought the proper excuse for decent chocolate (although I’m first within the queue as quickly as autumn rolls round).
And overlook the peculiar on a regular basis sizzling 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 the perfect sizzling chocolate in London with children, take a look at my picks
Rococo has a string of surprising 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 selection of twenty-two completely 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 six branches in London now too.
Chin Chin Labs is best identified for its ice cream, however when temperatures drop, they swap to sizzling chocolate with charred marshmallow fluff on high.
Ruby Violet in Kings Cross, one other favorite cease for ice cream, additionally has some fabulously wealthy sizzling chocolate: served in a small gold cup, it’s all of the indulgent sugar hit you want.
Copperhouse Chocolate in Islington’s Chapel Market allows you to select completely different origin cocoa for those who’re severe about your sizzling chocolate tasting expertise, plus it’s vegan too.
And for those who’re in east London – or glad to journey for the final word sizzling chocolate – head to Darkish Sugars on Brick Lane or Nelson Highway in Greenwich, which additionally has some unbelievable flavours and chocolate shavings galore to high your drink.
Discover the Gingerbread Metropolis on the Museum of Structure
For those who’ve ever made a gingerbread home for Christmas along with your children, it pales by comparability to the astonishing Gingerbread Metropolis on the Museum of Structure, attributable to return for 2023.
Moderately 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 artistic show, with an entire metropolis of gingerbread.
For those who’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 important to guide these individually and should be prebooked.
Watch the snow
You’re unlikely to discover a white Christmas in London so for the previous few years Covent Backyard have stepped in to the breach, with some assured snow as a part of its festive celebrations.
2022 noticed flurries each hour between midday and 7pm across the Christmas tree, with the snow falling till December 27 as a part of the Covent Backyard Christmas celebrations.
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!
Comply with the Nationwide Belief’s winter wander path
If all of the crowds and over-indulgence are catching up with you, a go to to one of many Nationwide Belief properties in London is the proper technique to tempt everybody outside this winter – good for youthful children.
The London Nationwide Belief websites get a festive makeover, so anticipate to see every part from fantastically adorned bushes to the occasional look from the person in crimson, for those who’re hoping to satisfy Santa himself.
Hold a watch out for particular winter household trails at numerous Nationwide Belief properties throughout December – earlier occasions have taken place at Osterley Home in west London and Ham Home, which has its personal fantastic conventional Christmas tree.
Trails have additionally run at Morden Corridor Park with different actions to burn off these sizzling candies.
Secret Christmas Wonderland at Kidzania
There’s a often festive makeover at KidZania London – earlier years have seen new actions for Secret Christmas Wonderland in addition to the prospect to go to Elf Faculty.
Visits in December have included a path by the town with Christmassy clues which allow you to get a particular password to enter Elf Faculty, with six actions to strive within the VIP space.
Youngsters also can discover the remainder of the immersive metropolis’s experiences as regular, usually with a couple of additional festive touches. Aimed toward children aged 4 to 14.
Plus, in case your little one 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 record in Westfield Purchasing Centre.
Included in entrance, you will get a reduction on entry for those who guide utilizing my hyperlink and code MUMMYTRAVELS6 on tiqets.
Have a good time Fishmas on the SeaLife Aquarium
Head to SeaLife London this winter to assist Father Christmas save ‘fish-mas’ by discovering all of the lacking items Santa has misplaced across the aquarium.
In addition to exploring all of the completely different zones from the world’s oceans – and studying concerning the creatures who dwell there – you possibly can meet the colony of Gentoo Penguins at Penguin Level, discover a Christmas Starfish on the hands-on Rockpool and extra.
When you’ve tracked down all of the presents scattered round, you possibly can reveal a secret message for an opportunity to win a particular prize. Included in normal entry for those who guide tickets on-line to go to on dates in December.
For extra issues to do in London with children, together with uncommon issues to do with children in London and the perfect locations to remain in London with children, take a look at a few of my different posts
PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST THINGS TO DO AT CHRISTMAS IN LONDON WITH KIDS
Disclosure: This publish comprises paid promotion and affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
Kew at Christmas: Jeff Eden/RBG Kew; Trafalgar Sq./sizzling chocolate pictures courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
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