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Looking for festive things to do in London with kids? At the Thistle Bloomsbury Park Hotel, families can easily access the city’s most enchanting Christmas attractions. London transforms into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and immersive activities that create special memories for all ages. From exploring Hogwarts in the Snow to enjoying magical Christmas markets, this guide is packed with essential activities for parents and kids alike. Discover how to make the most of your festive adventure, including planning tips, a cozy family stay, and answers to your FAQs.
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Looking for festive things to do in London with kids? At the Thistle Bloomsbury Park Hotel, families and visitors are never far from the city’s most enchanting Christmas attractions. Whether you’ve travelled from down the road or across the world, you’ll discover that London transforms into a wonderland packed with twinkling lights, immersive activities, and special memories for every age. Let’s unwrap the season’s essentials for parents hunting Christmas things to do in London and locals hoping to spice up their annual traditions.
Step into the wizarding world just outside London for an experience the whole family can savour—even the adults can’t resist. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London decks out Hogwarts for the holidays, covering the Great Hall with sparkling snow, hanging icicles, and giant Christmas trees. Kids can stroll down Diagon Alley, marvel at the festooned Gryffindor common room, and uncover behind-the-scenes secrets.
Insider tip: Tickets do sell out weekly in December; book as soon as you know your dates.
From the city’s main Christmas activity listings to the official studio site, you’ll find plenty of reviews to get you inspired.
Find booking info at the official Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.
Every Christmas, Kew Gardens becomes London’s most dazzling winter trail, a glowing pathway of over a million lights, installations, fire gardens and illuminated tunnels. Young ones can follow twinkling trails through the trees (torch optional but fun!), ride the vintage carousel, and sample hot chocolate while you warm your hands at the fire pits.
Book timed-entry tickets online and wrap up warm; the path is mostly outside, and popular slots go quickly.
Find a review and full details on Travel Mad Mum’s guide to Christmas in London with kids.
More at Kew Gardens Christmas.
For train-mad little ones, the London Transport Museum’s annual winter programme weaves festive fun into London’s rich travel history. Follow a wintry family trail, try hands-on activities, and meet a friendly Santa in his vintage tram grotto.
Book tickets ahead, especially if you want a time slot with Santa. The museum is right in Covent Garden, so you can tie in some outdoor exploring too.
Full event line-up and advice from Visit London’s kid-friendly Christmas calendar.
Check seasonal times: LTMuseum Christmas Events.
No list of Christmas activities London offers for families is complete without Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. This epic festive fair pops up with funfair rides, Christmas markets, a huge open-air ice rink, Santa Land, and a circus designed for little thrill-seekers. Try your hand at carnival games or toast marshmallows after a twirl on the wheel.
Book early for skating, circus shows or ice sculpting, as prime slots (weekend evenings) go fast.
Winter Wonderland has rides for all ages, but you’ll want to check height limits before promising anything.
Details for planning your visit can be found alongside family highlights at Visit London’s festive round-up.
For tickets and safety advice: Winter Wonderland Official Site.
If your children’s dream Christmas involves giant trees, magical lights, and heaps of mince pies, Covent Garden is an unmissable spot. The famous piazza takes on a storybook charm, with the capital’s best-loved tree, regular pop-ups, and tons of street performers sure to inspire little eyes.
The central Christmas tree is a selfie-magnet, so early mornings are calmer for under-fives.
Wander through the stalls for last-minute stocking fillers, and look out for the interactive “snow” shows.
For detailed itineraries and insider tips, see Jou Jou Travels’ guide for things to do in London in December.
What’s on: Covent Garden Christmas.
Families looking for Christmas events for kids with an extra dash of riverside magic will love this market along the Thames. Set under the watchful beams of Tower Bridge, you’ll find a mix of artisanal cabin stalls, foodie treats, and live performances, from choirs to puppet shows.
Go for a late afternoon wander to see the stalls glow against the water, then grab supper by the riverside.
For a lively festive atmosphere, plan visits on Friday and Saturday nights.
To see how locals plan their riverside outings, browse Jou Jou Travels’ picks.
Event updates: London Bridge City Christmas.
A hop across the river, the Southbank Centre throws a bustling Winter Market that’s perfect for a family pit stop between museums or a show. There’s a tempting selection of chalet stalls offering street food, sweet treats, and quirky gifts, and plenty of seating for tired parents.
Enjoy riverside walks with the lights glowing on the Thames and take mini-breaks in the indoor “winter lodges” dotted along the market.
For special performances or kids’ theatre, check the Southbank’s events guide when you book.
Plan your route and book experiences in advance with trusted sources such as Jou Jou Travels for things to do in London with kids.
Market opening dates: Southbank Centre Markets.
For sheer childlike joy, few things rival seeing London’s famous shopping streets all lit up. Hop on a Christmas lights bus tour—an open-top double-decker that drifts through the glowing heart of the capital. Pass by Oxford Street, Regent Street, Buckingham Palace, and the riverside, with lively commentary suitable for all ages.
Booking tickets in advance is a must for prime evening slots. To get the best pictures, bring a scarf and gloves, even if you’re upstairs for only a half-hour!
For insider advice and up-to-date routes, check the Christmas activities section at Visit London.
Open-top tours: Golden Tours Christmas Lights Bus.
For families staying over Christmas—not everyone celebrates at home—a festive lunch cruise is a memorable way to spend the day itself. Book a seat for your family on a traditional holiday menu cruise, passing London landmarks while you tuck into all the trimmings.
Child-friendly menus and activities are usually included, but check the organisers’ FAQs to ensure it fits your party.
Cruises often fill up by late November; if you want a seat with a view, book as soon as possible.
Christmas cruises and city-wide festive lunch suggestions are regularly featured in Visit London’s official seasonal guide and Meg Ivorera’s seasonal picks.
More info: City Cruises Christmas Day Lunch.
Introduce children to the wonders of live theatre with a matinée of The Nutcracker—a tradition for many London families. Most productions are designed to delight, with colourful sets, magical storytelling, and dancers who bring the world of toys and sugar plum fairies to life.
The Royal Opera House is just a stroll from Bloomsbury; smaller theatres across the city also run shorter, child-friendly performances.
Check for “relaxed” or adapted shows if your child is sensitive to lights and sound.
For more on what’s on stage in London over Christmas, review Visit London’s Christmas listings for up-to-date family options.
Theatre info: Royal Opera House Nutcracker.
Booking: For ticketed venues (like Hogwarts in the Snow or the bus tours), book as soon as you nail your dates. Most Christmas things to do in London book up by early December, but you’ll still find spontaneous fun with street performances and festive markets any day.
Transport: If you stay at Thistle London Bloomsbury Park, you’re a short walk from local tube links, bus routes, and rail stations, making it easy to hop from Covent Garden to Southbank to Hyde Park. Consider an Oyster card or contactless for quick tap-and-go travel.
Dress code: London’s festive season is chilly and sometimes wet—pack layers for kids (wellies or waterproof boots are a bonus), hats for evening events, and some gloves if you’re braving outdoor markets at dusk.
Eating: Most sites and markets offer a mix of traditional and less adventurous snacks—think churros, roasted chestnuts, mince pies, and warming stews. For more substantial meals, central venues are usually happy to cater for younger diners or dietary requirements but booking ahead always helps during the festive rush.
Local’s Tip: Many museums and attractions offer late-night or quieter morning sessions for families with younger children or those with sensory sensitivities.
Choosing how and where to stay is just as important as picking your festive adventure. At the Thistle Bloomsbury Park Hotel, you’re truly at the centre of the action—between literary London and some of the city’s most loved seasonal hotspots. Our staff know families and understand what makes a trip feel effortless.
Make use of our practical perks:
Thistle Bloomsbury London puts you right in touch with Covent Garden, Oxford Street, Southbank, and King’s Cross festive events. You’re never more than a quick bus or tube ride from all the things to do in London with kids at Christmas.
Plan your London adventure with us at Thistle London Bloomsbury Park—book early to secure your preferred dates and wake up in the heart of the city’s Christmas cheer.
Absolutely. Markets like Covent Garden, Southbank Centre, and Christmas by the River are designed with families in mind—think easy access, fun performers, and goodies for little hands. Just be mindful that weekends near Christmas can get busy (and a bit crowded).
Most families with kids aged five and up have a brilliant time. The ballet is magical—wonderful music, beautiful sets, and lots to keep younger audiences entertained. Check the running time first, and look for “relaxed” performances if you’ve younger or more sensitive children.
Tube and bus are quick and reliable. From Thistle Bloomsbury Park Hotel, you’re near Russell Square and Holborn stations, so you can avoid long walks in the cold. For attractions like Kew Gardens, plan to leave a little early in case of crowds.
Walking the grounds is free if you book timed entry, but rides, shows and ice skating do need pre-booked tickets or paid entry. It’s worth planning ahead so there’s time for both spontaneous fun and your must-do activities.
Bring a reusable water bottle and a fold-up shopping bag for market finds. Many attractions have lockers for coats and shopping, so you can keep hands free for hot chocolates and holding little ones close. Always double check opening dates and times, especially for Christmas Day and Boxing Day when hours can shift.
