The best christmas things to do in london with kids
Best of all, you can find holiday cheer regardless of your budget. A simple stroll through the illuminated streets will feel like a magical experience for your little ones, while many of the iconic museums offer free entry and the big department stores' window displays feel like works of art.
Plus, at Greene King, our family-friendly London pubs guarantee a warm welcome and food and drinks at a price you'll love. So they're the perfect spot to wet your whistle as you venture through London's winter wonderland.
If you need a little inspiration for where to go on your festive trip to London, here’s our pick of the best spots that are sure to please the whole family.
Winter By The River
This lovely riverside market is perfectly positioned against the backdrop of London’s Tower Bridge and lets you enjoy the beauty of the city’s skyline as you explore the traditional themed wood cabins selling an array of goods.
Sample a delicious mulled wine while the kids enjoy a tasty hot chocolate topped with smooth whipped cream. You can even do a bit of Christmas shopping, with many traders selling festive trinkets and crafts and crowds can also enjoy a festive singsong with various London-based choirs putting on performances throughout the season. In previous years, they’ve hosted tons of free activities for kids, including becoming a Red Nosed Reindeer Detective to spot Santa.
If the fresh December air has you feeling a little chilly, take a short walk to the nearby Coach House at the George pub restaurant. It’s not only family-friendly but dog-friendly too, so your furry friend doesn’t have to miss out on the festive fun. Adults can enjoy a tipple from our well-stocked bar and the menu boasts all the pub classics. If the winter weather is a little mild, take your drink outside and enjoy views of the Shard from the Beer Garden.
Find the giant tree at Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a must-see all year round but especially so at Christmas. With the first historical record of the market dating back to 1200, stepping across the cobbled stones will feel like you’ve been transported back in time.The Historic Market Building & Piazza is often regarded as Covent Garden’s crown jewel and is home to some incredible dining spots but Neal's Yard is also a corner full of character and boasts a stunning choice of independent eateries and boutiques.
At Christmas, the space is fully decked out with giant bells and baubles, as well as an iconic 60-foot British-grown handpicked Christmas tree, which is perfect for a picture. See if the kids can find the giant sleigh, which is tucked away inside a woodland of Christmas trees.
There's also a great choice of themed toy stores in Covent Garden, including the Tintin shop, the Moomin shop and Benjamin Pollocks Toy Store.
Plus, Covent Garden’s Festive Thursdays offer late-night shopping, as well as a variety of events and performances.
Fancy ducking in somewhere for a quick drink? The Two Brewers pub is located in the Seven Dials district of Covent Garden on Monmouth Street, a buzzing spot filled with clothing boutiques and delicious coffee shops. Dating back to the 19th century, this family-friendly watering hole serves up classic cask ales and classic pub food to treat the whole family. Plus, the wood-panelled bar, open fireplace and upholstered leather seating retain a vintage charm.
Head to Winter Light at the Southbank Centre
Head to the city's Southbank Centre and explore the impressive collection of festive illuminations. The open-air exhibition is free and celebrates the amazing work of artists from around the world.
Previous exhibitions include a rainbow of colour coursing through the tree branches and last year's saw the windows of the Queen Elizabeth Hall illuminated with an inventive installation created by children from the local Oasis Academy Johanna.
Just a short walk away is the Sherlock Holmes pub, which will provide a cosy rest stop after a day of exploring. The pub is a total treat for fans of the iconic detective too, as the interior is a tribute to the famous novels and upstairs, you will find a recreation of Holmes' Baker Street flat with rare memorabilia. The pub's building dates back to 1736 and was previously a small lodging house that turned into a hotel. Originally named the Northumberland Hotel, it's thought this was the hotel named in the 1901 novel The Hound of The Baskervilles.
Discover the fluorescent lights of Carnaby Street
As the birthplace of Swinging London in the 60s and a stomping ground for Mods, Punks and New Romantics, Carnaby Street is one of the capital's coolest spots. So it's no surprise that the annual Christmas display is a psychedelic celebration of the area's revolutionary styles.
Every year has a distinctive theme that always goes big and bold. In 2023, the streets became illuminated with 'Carnaby Universe', a galactic light display, which saw a whole solar system fill the night sky.
Just a stone’s throw away from Carnaby Street is Hamleys, a famous and beloved toy store on Regent Street. The window displays are always toy-themed and the store has its own grotto, where kids can meet Santa and the Elves, discuss their Christmas wish list and leave with a goodie bag.
Need to recharge your batteries? Nestled within Carnaby’s Kingly Street is The Blue Posts pub.
The outdoor dining area is the perfect spot to watch the world go by on milder days. The building dates back to the 1700s and gets its name from blue posts, which provided boundary markers for the royal hunting grounds of Soho Fields.
Take a tour on a London bus
If there’s one mode of transportation that’s synonymous with the capital, it’s a double decker bus. And there are companies who run their own tours of the city’s magical light displays at Christmas.
The Christmas Lights London by Night open-top bus tour is led by an expert guide who offers amazing facts about the city. You'll get to drive by iconic landmarks, including the Regent Street Christmas lights, Piccadilly Circus, and Tower Bridge. The tour lasts 90 minutes and departs from near the London Eye on Belvedere Road, returning to the same location.
Just a short walk away from the bus stop is The Silver Cross pub, which first opened as a licensed pub in 1674. Despite its historical roots, it recently underwent a renovation and now boasts modern interiors throughout, as well as comfy booth seating, large screens showing TNT Sports and Sky Sports and ambient lighting.
Feel festive at Winter Wonderland
London is home to many Christmas markets but Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park has become the city’s most iconic. Not only can guests enjoy an array of delicious street food, festive crafts and unique gifts from the market stalls, but there’s also an ice-skating rink, mythical ice kingdoms and high-adrenaline rides.The event is open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm daily during the winter and entry is free during off-peak times. Hyde Park is also one of London’s royal parks and great for a scenic stroll.
South of Hyde Park is Knightsbridge, known as one of London's most exclusive spots. It’s a must-see at Christmas too, with the Harrods and Harvey Nichols department stores pulling out all the stops for their festive window displays.
Head to the nearby Rose and Crown pub for a bite to eat or a refreshing glass of something special. Conveniently located just a short walk from Hyde Park Corner tube spot, this family-friendly pub dates back to 1704 and was once known as Number 1 London - as it marked the spot where the countryside ended and London’s city centre began.
Soak up the history and heritage at the Natural History Museum
South Kensington is home to many free museums, including the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. But The Natural History Museum is one of the most visited and looks truly breathtaking at Christmas. Designed by architect Alfred Waterhouse, the building has been described as a 'cathedral to nature'.
The museum used to host an ice skating rink each year but that has since closed, with the space turning into a hub for urban wildlife. Visitors can still enjoy stunning decorations inside and purchase dinosaur-themed baubles from the gift shop. Last year, the museum's animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex even modelled a festive hat and jumper.
The nearby Stanhope Arms provides the perfect pitstop after a day exploring the exhibitions. The 19th-century pub boasts impressive high ceilings that celebrate its Victorian heritage and the pub menu is perfect for bite-size snacks or large lunches.
Ready to get the family festivities started? We have hundreds of pubs across the capital so whether you’re off to see Santa, exploring the city lights or embracing some culture in the museums, we’re always just around the corner.
Just enter your postcode to find your nearest Greene King pubs in London. Cheers to new discoveries and unforgettable moments in London's legendary pubs!