Estimated reading time: 5 minutes.
Experience the magic of Christmas in London with your family at festive events and attractions that are sure to delight both young and old. From the enchanting “Hogwarts in the Snow” at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour to the spectacular light displays at Kew Gardens and the festive fun found in the city’s museums, there’s plenty to explore. Discover creative workshops, delicious seasonal treats, and unique family outings fitting for every adventurer. With practical tips for a smooth visit, along with insider advice on where to stay for the best experience, you’re set for an unforgettable holiday season in the heart of the city.
Table of Contents:
– Hogwarts in the Snow: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
– Sparkling Nights at Christmas at Kew
– All Aboard! Afternoon Tea Bus and London’s Christmas Lights
– Magical Museum Days: London Transport Museum & The London Museum
– Beginner’s Adventures: Hobbledown Heath and Up at The O2
– Creative Fun: Smithfield Fayre, Serpentine Family Day, and Planetarium Magic
– Family Feasts and Festive Bakes
– Practical Tips for a Smooth Festive Visit
– Why Stay at Thistle London Bloomsbury Park for Christmas in London?
– FAQs: Christmas in London with Kids
When you step out from Thistle London Bloomsbury Park’s leafy doorstep, the world of Harry Potter isn’t far away. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, just outside the city, becomes a snowy wonderland during their popular “Hogwarts in the Snow” event. Here, the Great Hall dazzles with Christmas trees, festive props line Diagon Alley, and children can spot the famous Yule Ball decorations.
With interactive spell-casting, magical sets dressed for the season, and even lessons in wand technique, this is a can’t-miss treat for Potterheads of all ages. Trains run straight to Watford Junction from Euston (only a 15-minute taxi from our hotel), then hop on the free shuttle to the Studios. Tickets go fast for this annual highlight, so book well ahead, especially for weekends in December.
Before you go, read more about it on the Warner Bros Studio Tour website, here.
Every December, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is transformed into a glowing world of festive lights, fire gardens, and larger-than-life installations. Christmas at Kew is a stand-out among Christmas events in London, designed with children in mind.
Highlights for families include illuminated tunnels (perfect for energetic little legs), interactive sculptures, and warm street food stalls. Don’t miss the huge singing Christmas tree, which quickly becomes a family favourite. Book your tickets in advance, dress warmly, and consider a weekday evening for a quieter experience.
Getting to Kew from Hotel Thistle Bloomsbury is seamless: the Piccadilly line takes you straight from Russell Square to Kew Gardens. You can learn more about what makes this event special at Visit London, where you’ll find practical family travel tips.
There’s more to London’s winter than just markets and ice rinks. For a festive outing that’ll wow younger family members and delight the grown-ups, try a Christmas afternoon tea on wheels. Operators like B Bakery stage their famous double-decker tours each December, with vintage buses draped in tinsel and carols playing as you roll past London’s most sparkling light displays from Covent Garden to Regents Street.
Settle in with dainty sandwiches and bite-sized cakes, all while learning the stories behind the city’s xmas in London landmarks. Request a window seat if you can, and remember to reserve your table for early evening (just after sunset) to enjoy the twinkling lights as they flicker to life.
From Thistle Bloomsbury, the main departure points are a short walk or bus ride away, perfect for little tummies and tired feet. Planning advice and updates on new routes are regularly published by Visit London.
Even the most energetic children need a change of gears after too much fresh air, and two of London’s best museums go all-out for Christmas events in London.
London Transport Museum in Covent Garden offers hands-on play zones and historic buses decked in festive trim. The popular All Aboard exhibition lets kids hop into drivers’ cabs, ring real bells, and join special holiday scavenger hunts. Meanwhile, grown-ups can sample mini Christmas markets or join creative workshops.
Closer to the City, the new London Museum runs free drop-in play workshops during advent. Activities focus on upcycling, sustainable crafts, and the city’s festive folklore, a brilliant way to blend learning with yuletide fun. Workshops are first-come, first-served and are ideal for rainy days when you still want a dash of creativity.
Discover what’s on, here.
Some children wake up each morning bursting with energy, especially when fuelled by Christmas excitement. For them, getting outside and active is essential, and London has unique options.
Hobbledown Heath in Hounslow is a sprawling adventure playground and small animal park. Winter brings themed events: think treasure trails with elves, outdoor storytelling, and plenty of indoor soft play for colder days. It’s best suited to under-tens, and each ticket includes access to their festive workshops.
For older kids or teens seeking a thrill, Up at The O2 offers a real sense of achievement. Families don climbing suits and safety gear to scale the famous dome. Winter climbers are rewarded with the city’s Christmas lights twinkling below, an unbeatable introduction to London from above. There are age and height restrictions; check the requirements ahead.
If you plan a long day out, pack water, snacks, and spare gloves. Feeling inspired? There’s more on festive family adventures in the latest round-up from Visit London.
London’s cultural side flourishes in December with artsy family events. Three favourites stand out this season:
Serpentine South in Hyde Park throws a Family Day with creative crafts, storytelling, and live Christmas music. These drop-by workshops keep little hands busy while adults enjoy the surrounding art.
For a completely different festive experience, Peter Harrison Planetarium has space-themed Christmas shows featuring stories of far-away festive stars and the winter night sky. Shows are interactive and aimed at sparking curiosity, especially for primary-aged children.
Check programme times and ticket details on each venue’s website: Serpentine Galleries, Royal Museums Greenwich, and listed partners.
Christmas in London is as much about what you eat as what you see. Central London bursts with places where kids and adults can share a treat.
For something a little different from the usual turkey dinner, head to Covent Garden for pop-up hot chocolate stands and bakeries serving gingerbread men iced with Christmas jumpers. Neal’s Yard isn’t just for cheese, during xmas in London, it’s dotted with mince pie stalls and friendly chefs giving out samples.
Many family-friendly restaurants offer special kids’ menus and early seating, perfect for after a day of exploring. Ask the Thistle Bloomsbury Park London front desk for their current neighbourhood favourites, they’ll have an insider’s short list.
Keep an eye on new café openings and pop-up events by reading neighbourhood roundups in Time Out and Secret London—their December issues are packed with up-to-date food inspiration.
Keep an eye out for weekday events. If your schedule allows, midweek afternoons are quieter at most attractions.If travelling with extended family, pre-book a larger table (or ask for highchairs) at restaurants and tea rooms.
The team at Hotel Thistle Bloomsbury are always happy to print tickets, share route suggestions, or help you organise a mini itinerary, just ask at reception.
There’s no better launchpad for family adventures than the heart of Bloomsbury. Thistle Bloomsbury Park London blends the city’s bookish charm with warm, practical service, ideal when you’re juggling little ones, prams, and winter coats.
You’re walking distance from Covent Garden’s markets, the world-class museums of Russell Square, and magical light displays along Oxford Street. Warm up in inviting lounges or start your day with a hearty breakfast served family-style.
Those visiting London for Christmas events in London will love that you can get almost anywhere, West End pantos, riverside ice skating, twinkling Christmas markets, or Harry Potter tours, within 30 minutes by public transport or on foot. After a big day out, retreat to spacious family rooms or order a hot chocolate downstairs.
See what’s happening across the city using local guides and the friendly staff at Thistle London Bloomsbury Park, and book your perfect festive escape in the city.
Early weekdays (Monday–Wednesday) tend to have fewer crowds. The first or second week of December is often much calmer than the school holiday rush closer to Christmas day.
Absolutely! Enjoy Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree lighting, wander through beautifully decorated streets like Carnaby and Seven Dials, or catch free craft workshops at museums (the London Museum and V&A often run excellent ones).
London’s tubes and buses run with extended hours in December, but some holidays (like Christmas Day and Boxing Day) have limited or no service. Always check the latest updates via Visit London’s transport advice before you travel.
Yes! The hotel reception can book tickets for major attractions, provide up-to-date event guides, help organise taxis, or suggest neighbourhood gems if you’re after a quieter Christmas in London.
Go for waterproof jackets, woolly hats, mittens, a change of shoes, and a small umbrella. Include a charging brick for phones (for tickets and directions), and bring dressy layers for pantomime or afternoon tea outings.
Most major attractions (including museums, Kew Gardens, and festive bus tours) are wheelchair and buggy-friendly and offer step-free access. Always check specific access needs at each venue’s homepage before you set off.
