A baby’s first Christmas is sheer magic and while I wouldn’t overwhelm yourself taking them out to too many things, there are some wonderful sensory experiences available in London. For an energetic toddler there are also plenty of ways to get in the festive spirit. I have a much longer list of things to do with children of all ages here.
1. My absolute favourite thing to do at Christmas time is to check out the Christmas decorations around the streets of London covering the facades of shops, restaurants and hotels. This is a great thing to do and it’s absolutely free!
In Mayfair I recommend paying a trip to Bond Street where top designer stores have the best decorations check out Cartier, Dior, Tiffany’s, Louis Vuitton and Chanel.
On Regent Street you can see the famous angels which is a canopy of over 300,000 lights over the famous shopping street. On nearby Piccadilly, Fortnum and Mason is the star of the show and for the last few years has had a light up advent calendar as the star. Not too far away from Piccadilly you’ll get to Knightsbridge and see Harrods absolutely aglow with festive cheer! Covent Garden is a great place to check out decorations and there’s a massive Christmas tree plus the famous bells and sleigh. This year the Ever After Garden is in Chelsea, it’s stunning and all for charity!
One of the best facades is always famous private member’s club, Annabel’s in Berkeley Square so don’t forget to pay a visit! The colours and light will be an absolute sensory feast for your baby or toddler. You can walk around town pushing your pram or take a Christmas lights bus tour.
2. A London lights afternoon tea bus tour – Lots of the London’s afternoon tea buses don’t allow babies and toddlers but the Peppa Pig bus allows toddlers from age 2 and is the perfect way to see London while nibbling on Peppa Pig themed Christmas treats and singing along to Peppa’s favourite songs.
3. Visit a Museum – The Discover Children’s Centre is a great museum for babies and they are running Festive Baby Story telling including titles such as We’re Going on an Elf Hunt, Dear Santa and That’s Not My Penguin
Date: 24th Nov – 4th Jan
Age: 0 -2
Price: £2 in addition to usual entry
4. Singing and Carols – I love Bach to Baby Concerts and this year there’s a whole programme of Christmas themed concerts with favourites like The Nutcracker, The Snowman, and Vivaldi’s Winter. There are lots of different locations throughout London and various dates throughout the festive period. I love listening to the beautiful music with no worries that my toddler was disturbing people as this really is one for the whole family.
Date: 5th Nov – 4th Jan
Age: All ages
Price: Up to two children go FREE with every adult! Adult ticket £18
5. A Christmas Show – Some of the festive shows have restrictions on bringing babies and toddlers while others are intended for the tiniest tots. Here are a couple I have my eye on.
Peppa Pig’s Big Family – Theatre Royal Haymarket with an appearance from Baby Evie
Date: 5th Dec – 4th Jan
Age: All ages
Price: From £10
Bluey’s Big Play Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli in a live show at The South Bank Centre
Date: 18th Dec – 11th Jan
Age: All Ages
Price: Child £17
I took Noah to see The Snowman when he was about six months, it’s extremely sedate and won’t overwhelm a baby. It is two hours long but tiny Noah slept through a lot of it!
I would avoid longer shows or big West End productions with a baby or toddler so check out the Polka Theatre or the Little Angel Theatre for great shows for toddlers.
6. A Santa’s Grotto – The ultimate ‘they won’t remember it but you will’. The first time your baby meets Santa is a really special one. I have a full list of Santa’s Grottos in London. For a baby I would honestly keep it low key and low pressure as they might be scared! The grotto a the Transport Museum (it’s not extra charge) works well for this but the Natural History museum works well too. Try and visit during school school hours when the museums are quieter.
7. A light show – The sensory magic of a light show would work really well for a baby or toddler and most light trails take place in open space and are not too crowed. Kew Gardens is the best known light trail in London with illuminated trees, tunnels of light and installations inspired by nature however it is over two hours long. Neverland at Kenwood also promises to be an incredible light-filled adventure for families inspired by the world of Peter Pan. Another great option is the Chelsea Winter Village which has a more central London location and takes around 45 – 75 minutes.
8. A Trip to the Farm – One of our forever favourites, Vauxhall City Farm has a Santa’s grotto, light trail, market, and crafting. The farm is easily accessible for small children, babies and toddlers.
Date: Light trail is 30th Nov – 21st Dec
Age: All Ages
Price: £5 but under 10s are free
9. Visit the Zoo – in a similar vein, Battersea Children’s Zoo is an easily accessible option for younger children and are holding Christmas performances, mini feeding sessions and festive food and drink.
Dates: Saturday 6th, Friday 12th, Saturday 13th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st December. Time: 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Ages: All Ages
Price: Adults: £18.95 Children (aged 2-17): £16.95
London Zoo also has Christmas activities, festive animal talks, elf storytelling, festive food and drink and Meet Santa. There is also a Christmas quest with a Meet Santa Deluxe session in the new ZooTown play area.
Date: 22nd Nov – 24th Dec
Age: All ages
Price: £18.50 (prices vary depending on the experience)
10. Afternoon Tea – If you still have a newborn take advantage of their sleep, still nature and book a festive afternoon tea with a friend, there are lots of brilliant ones in London – for sheer indulgence check out The Dorchester, Claridges, The Ritz, Rubens at the Palace or for something more accessible there’s The Ivy, The Dalloway Terrace or Biscuiteers.
If they’re a little older, take the opportunity to share the tea with your little one and choose a delicious family friendly afternoon tea option that they will love!
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