I’ve always loved Christmas in London, but since having Oscar and Noah, it’s become even more special. There’s something wonderful about seeing the city through your children’s eyes at this time of year, whether it’s the excitement of spotting the Christmas lights, watching a festive show or meeting Father Christmas. We’re so lucky to have all these magical experiences where we live, and I love making the most of them as a family. I’ve put together this three-day London Christmas itinerary with kids in mind, focusing on primary-school children aged roughly 5–11.
Itinerary at a glance
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
| Magic in the Air | Covent Garden | The Snowman Show at the Peacock Theatre | Christmas Lights walking route |
| Shopping and Skating | Christmas Shopping at Hamleys Toy Store | Afternoon Tea at the Langham | Ice Skating at Glide at Battersea Power Station |
| Santa and Sparkles | Anya’s Grotto | Lunch in Belgravia | Christmas at Kew |
Before you Book
For this three-day itinerary, I’ve focused on festive experiences taking place in London throughout November and December 2026. Some attractions, including Christmas at Kew and ice skating at Battersea Power Station, continue into January, while others have more limited dates. Make sure you check the dates for each experience before planning your visit.
I’d recommend booking the main activities well in advance, especially Christmas shows, Santa’s grottos and Christmas at Kew, as tickets can sell out quickly. You can then plan meals and any optional extras around your bookings.
I’ve grouped the activities geographically where possible to minimise travelling across London. Day One can be completed entirely on foot, while Day Two involves a short Underground journey to Battersea Power Station. On Day Three, you’ll need to allow more time to travel from Belgravia to Kew Gardens. I’ve included directions throughout, but it’s always worth checking TfL for any service changes before setting off.
The itinerary is designed for primary-school children aged roughly 5–11, but you know your own children best and most of these are suitable for younger brothers and sisters to tag along too (I know what that’s like!) but if they do it may be advisable to stick to a slower pace. Christmas in London is just as much about enjoying the festive atmosphere as it is about ticking off attractions.
Christmas in London with Kids Day 1 – Magic in the Air! The Snowman and Christmas Lights
Morning: Christmas in Covent Garden
Start your Christmas adventure in Covent Garden, one of my favourite places in London during the festive season. The enormous 50ft Norwegian Spruce Christmas tree, beautiful decorations (including the famous bells) plus lots of photo opportunities, places to buy hot chocolate (we love Laduree, plus it’s a great place to people watch) and family-friendly shops.
Take some time to wander around the Market Building, enjoy the Christmas atmosphere – parents can sip Champagne from as Piper-Heidsieck Pop-Up as they stroll. It’s one of those places where you don’t need to book anything to have a wonderful time and there’s always lots on.
If your children are LEGO fans (or you are a fan yourself, like me), you could also pop into the LEGO Store in Leicester Square before stopping for an early lunch.
SilverSpoon Tip: Covent Garden gets incredibly busy in December, especially at weekends. I’d recommend arriving in the morning before the biggest crowds.
Lunch: The Ivy Market Grill
There are some great options for a festive lunch in Covent Garden. One great option is the Ivy Market Grill. The Ivy restaurant group always have a reasonably priced set menu and lots of decorations and festive cheer. Making this classic a great choice for lunch.
Afternoon: The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre
After lunch, it’s an easy walk to the Peacock Theatre on Portugal Street. Allow around 15 minutes to get there from Covent Garden, so there’s no need to faff about with the Underground with the children.
For me, no Christmas trip to London is complete without a festive show, and The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre is a wonderful choice for families.
Based on Raymond Briggs’ much-loved story, the production follows a young boy whose snowman magically comes to life on Christmas Eve. Beautiful music, dancing and the famous Walking in the Air bring this classic Christmas tale to the stage.
The 2026 production features brand-new staging, and I think it’s an amazing introduction to the theatre for younger children while still being magical for older children.
SilverSpoon Tip: Book a 2.30pm performance so you have time to explore Covent Garden beforehand and enjoy the Christmas lights afterwards.
Dates: 21 November 2026 – 3 January 2027.
Best for: All ages, especially primary-school children who love the book. I took Noah when he was a newborn so it really is suitable for all.
Duration: 90 minutes, including a 20-minute interval.
Price: From £18 per ticket, plus booking fees.
Getting there: Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street. Nearest tube is Holborn. Walking time is about 15 minutes.
Booking: Book here.
Evening: London’s Magical Christmas Lights Walking Route
After the show, it’s time for one of my absolute favourite things to do in London at Christmas: seeing all the beautiful lights and decorations adorning the streets, shops and hotels. And of course, it’s completely free!
I’ve put together a Christmas lights walking route taking in some of my favourite displays across central London, from the beautiful decorations around Seven Dials to the spectacular shop windows and illuminated façades of Mayfair.
From the Peacock Theatre, it’s around a 15-minute walk to Seven Dials, where you can join the route without needing to return to Covent Garden. You’ve already enjoyed the decorations there in the morning, so there’s no need go back.
Continue towards Carnaby Street to the vibrant displays before heading to Regent Street, where the famous Spirit of Christmas angels hang above the road. From here, make your way towards Piccadilly to admire the spectacular Advent Calendar on the front of Fortnum & Mason.
Then continue into Mayfair, taking in the designer displays around Bond Street (you’ll gasp with how amazing it is!) and finishing at Annabel’s in Berkeley Square, which always has one of London’s most incredible Christmas façades.
Stop for hot chocolate along the way and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Ralph’s on Bond Street is a iconic place for hot chocolate – though there are often large queues. There’s no need to rush or complete every stop, especially if the children are getting tired.
SilverSpoon Tip: There’s quite a lot packed into Day One, but you can take it at your own pace. I’d keep the morning relaxed and make the Christmas lights walk as long or short as you like. Even seeing just a few of the displays will make it a magical evening.
Christmas in London with Kids Day 2 – Shopping and Skating: Hamleys, Festive Afternoon Tea and Ice Skating at Battersea Power Station
Morning: Explore Hamleys Toy Store
No Christmas trip to London with children would be complete without a visit to Hamleys on Regent Street! Did you know it’s the oldest toy shop in the world? You can even hire the whole store privately for an event!
The famous toy shop is an experience in itself, especially during Christmas. With seven floors of toys and games, lots of demonstrations and plenty of Christmas decorations, it’s somewhere children can happily spend a couple of hours exploring.
I always think Hamleys is one of those places where children enjoy the experience almost as much as the toys themselves. Of course, getting them out without buying something is another matter!
Allow plenty of time to explore the different floors and watch some of the demonstrations before heading off for afternoon tea.
Also, look out for my SilverSpoon Christmas Toy Edit, which will include the top picks from the Hamleys toy buyer.
SilverSpoon Tip: Hamleys can get extremely busy in the run-up to Christmas. Visit earlier in the day if possible, particularly if you’re going at the weekend.
Lunch: Festive Afternoon Tea at the Langham
After a morning exploring Hamleys, it’s time for something a little more relaxing. Fortunately, The Langham is only a short walk along Regent Street, so you won’t need to travel far for your next stop.
I’ve opted for afternoon tea here rather than sightseeing because I think it’s important to have some downtime into the itinerary whilst still doing something Christmassy and typically London. You can relax, enjoy some delicious treats and give everyone a chance to recharge before the evening’s ice skating.
The hotel’s beautiful Palm Court is one of London’s most iconic afternoon tea venues, and during the Christmas season it’s given a festive makeover.
There’s a dedicated children’s afternoon tea, so younger guests can enjoy something special while the grown-ups relax over tea or a glass of champagne. Kids will love the build your own hot chocolate with Christmas sprinkles, chocolate flakes and mini marshmallows as well as the chocolate snowbear.
This is an afternoon tea where children feel just as much a part of the experience as the adults, making The Langham a wonderful addition to a Christmas day out. Talk about parent-pleasing!
SilverSpoon Tip: Request the children’s afternoon tea when booking. I’d allow plenty of time rather than rushing through the experience.
Dates: 9 November 2026 – 3 January 2027.
Best for: All ages but make sure your child is happy to sit for a bit to enjoy the tea.
Duration: Allow 1.5–2 hours. Book for around 12.30 to allow time for you evening activity.
Price: Festive afternoon tea and children’s menus are priced separately; Adults are £95, children £65
Getting there: The Langham, 1C Portland Place. Nearest tube is Oxford Circus.
Booking: Book here.
Early Evening: Glide at Battersea Power Station
After afternoon tea, head to Battersea Power Station for the final activity of the day. From Oxford Circus, take the Bakerloo line to Charing Cross and change onto the Northern line towards Battersea Power Station. I’d allow around 45 minutes for the journey, including walking and changing trains.
You’ll finish the day with ice skating at Glide, set against the spectacular backdrop of Battersea Power Station.
We always visit Glide, and it’s become a Christmas Eve tradition for our family. Which is also very useful as it’s the day Mr S does all his Christmas shopping. I think it’s one of the most beautiful ice rinks in London, with views of the Power Station and the River Thames making it a really iconic place to skate.
The rink features three interconnected skating areas and a riverside skating trail, while younger children can use penguin skating aids. And if you’d rather just watch your kids skate with their dad there’s a bar right next to the rink to grab a champagne (can you spot a theme here?).
There’s plenty to enjoy off the ice, too. Battersea Power Station has Christmas shopping, festive decorations, food stalls and vintage fairground rides, so you can spend a time exploring before or after your session. Oscar and Noah have always loved the fairground rides with the helter skelter being a particular favourite.
I love that this makes a complete festive outing without having to book lots of separate activities. You can skate, enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and lots of shopping before going home.
SilverSpoon Tip: I’d recommend an early evening session so you can enjoy skating beneath the Christmas lights. Leave time afterwards for a wander around Battersea Power Station. You don’t need to plan a formal dinner after afternoon tea, and the food stalls around Glide are ideal if anyone gets hungry. Or there’s the Arcade inside the Power Station.
Dates: 6 November 2026 – 3 January 2027.
Best for: Chidlren aged 3 + ; penguin skating aids are available for younger skaters
Duration: Allow 1.5–2 hours including skating and exploring the surrounding festive attractions.
Price: Tickets vary by date and session; skating aids and other attractions may cost extra.
Getting there: Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West. Nearest tube is Battersea Power Station.
Booking: Book here.
Christmas in London with Kids Day 3 – Santa and Sparkles
Morning: Anya’s Grotto in Belgravia
For the final day, we’re going to visit to Father Christmas! One of my favourite grottos in London is Anya’s Grotto in Belgravia, which we’ve visited several times
It’s much more than a traditional visit to Santa. Children enter Anya’s Village before being whisked away on an immersive festive adventure with cheeky elves, storytelling and Christmas activities.
Along the way, they complete special interactive tasks before finally meeting Father Christmas in a beautifully decorated winter wonderland, complete with the distinctive Anya Hindmarch touches that make the experience feel so special.
The experience lasts approximately 30 minutes, and every child receives a gift and they’re always beautiful traditional gifts not plastic tatt!
It’s a beautifully thought-out Christmas experiences that feels magical for children while having plenty of charm for grown-ups. Some thing I really like is that it takes you away from the crowds that you might experience at other grottos and it’s an intimate experience for a small group.
You can also enjoy browsing Christmas decorations both in Anya’s store and the shops around Belgravia before lunch.
SilverSpoon Tip: Book well in advance as this is a popular one! Before you could pop to the Anya Cafe which also has a festive tea. I love the immersive storytelling and beautiful details that make this grotto feel really special. And that’s why we’ve returned again and again.
Dates: 7 November – 24 December 2026.
Best for: Ages 2–8. For older primary-school children, consider choosing a grotto from my complete Christmas guide.
Duration: 30 minutes for the grotto experience; allow extra time to explore Anya’s Village.
Price: £65 for one adult and one child; additional adults or children £45 each.
Getting there: The Village Hall, 11 Pont Street, Belgravia. Nearest tube is Knightsbridge.
Booking: Book here.
Afternoon: Lunch
If you didn’t already enjoy a festive afternoon tea, you can try Anya’s Cafe which is a really great relaxed alternative compared to one of London’s fancy hotels. The afternoon tea here is really cute with signature Anya touches and a fun spinning stand.
Another great option in Belgravia is the Famous Peggy Porschen, a gorgeous pink cafe on Elizabeth Street which is always beautifully decked out for the season and offers a delicious brunch.
Evening: Christmas at Kew
For your final Christmas experience, I’ve chosen Kew Gardens in west London. From Knightsbridge, you can take the Piccadilly line to Hammersmith and change onto a Richmond-bound District line train for Kew Gardens.
I’d allow around an hour for the journey from Belgravia, including walking to the station and changing trains. Kew Gardens station is also a short walk from the gardens themselves, so check which entrance is printed on your ticket before setting off.
I’d book an early evening slot, but leave plenty of time between lunch and your entry time. You could even head back to your hotel for a rest before making your way to Kew.
Christmas at Kew transforms the beautiful botanical gardens into an illuminated wonderland filled with enormous light installations, glowing tunnels, music and colourful displays.
It’s a Christmas experiences that feels magical, with something new to discover around every corner. I’ve not actually been but I have it booked for this year!
The 2026 trail features brand-new installations alongside seasonal favourites, including the spectacular illuminated displays around the Palm House Pond.
There will also be traditional fairground rides, festive food stalls, hot drinks and plenty of opportunities to soak up the atmosphere.
I’d recommend booking an early evening entry time if you’re visiting with primary-school children, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the trail without making it too late a night.
SilverSpoon Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing. The gardens are huge, and you’ll want time to enjoy the installations, festive food stalls and fairground without rushing. Christmas at Kew has adult-only evenings on 3 and 9 December 2026, so avoid these dates for a family visit.
Dates: Selected dates, 13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027.
Best for: All ages.
Duration: Allow at least 2 hours for the illuminated trail, plus time for food and fairground rides.
Price: Adults £29.50–£37; children aged 4–15 £20–£24; under-4s free. Family tickets (two adults and two children) £89–£108.
Getting there: Nearest tube is Kew Gardens. Check your ticket for the correct entrance: Victoria Gate, Elizabeth Gate or Brentford Gate.
Booking: Book here. Use the code ANGIESILVER10 for 10% off.
Alternative: The Polar Express Train Ride
If your children are big fans of The Polar Express, you could swap Christmas at Kew for this incredible festive train ride. It’s really easy get here because the experience is right in Euston Station. If you’re starting from Belgravia, you can go to Victoria Station and get the Victoria Line straight to Euston.
Inspired by the much-loved Christmas story, The Polar Express experience brings the magic of the film to life with singing, dancing, characters and a journey inspired by the adventure to the North Pole. This was one of our favourite experiences last year!
It’s a wonderful alternative to Kew if you want an indoor theatrical experience rather than an outdoor light trail.
Choose either Christmas at Kew or The Polar Express don’t try to squeeze both into your three days.
SilverSpoon Tip: Wear pyjamas to add a bit more of the magic of the film to this experience. We chose evening tickets, which would allow you to make the most of the day and have a magical experience in the evening. Though do note they don’t serve substantial food, it’s a cookie and hot chocolate.
Dates: Selected dates during the Christmas 2026 season; check the booking calendar.
Best for: Families who love The Polar Express.
Duration: Allow approximately 1.5–2 hours overall, including arrival and boarding; confirm the journey duration when booking.
Price: Varies by date and ticket category.
Getting there: Departs from London Euston Station. Nearest tube is Euston.
Booking: Book here
More ideas for Christmas in London
I hope this itinerary has given you some ideas for making the most of Christmas in London with primary-school children. It’s such a magical time to explore the city, and there are so many wonderful festive experiences to enjoy as a family. You honestly don’t need to do everything. Choose the activities suit your children, but also justsoak up the Christmas atmosphere!
For more inspiration, I’ve rounded up the best things to do at Christmas in London with kids, including Christmas shows, Santa’s grottos, ice skating and festive days out. You can also follow my guide to the best Christmas lights in London with kids, or discover some of the city’s festive magic without spending a penny in my guide to the best free things to do in London with kids.
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