I’ve always loved Christmas in London, but since having Oscar and Noah, it’s become even more special. It’s really wonderful to experience the magic of Christmas through the eyes of your own children, from their joy at meeting Father Christmas to watching their faces light up at a festive show or spotting the Christmas decorations around the city. I’ve put together this London Christmas itinerary with toddlers, babies and preschoolers in mind, covering three festive days for children aged roughly 0–4. I’ve chosen experiences that are perfect for younger children, including their first Christmas show, a magical visit to Father Christmas and a Peppa Pig bus adventure.
I still remember the excitement of taking Oscar to his first Christmas experiences, and now we’re getting to enjoy that magic all over again with Noah. My children are 7 and 3 and I honestly think we might be at prime Christmas age.
For my full list of things to do in London with babies and toddlers you can click here.
Itinerary at a glance
| Day | Morning | Afternoon |
| Santa Stories | Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith | Lunch in Fulham Pier followed by Santa’s Winter Garden at Fulham Palace |
| A Christmas Adventure with Peppa | London Transport Museum | Peppa Pig Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus |
| Christmas at the Zoo | London Zoo and festive activities | Lunch at the Zoo |
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 continue into January, while others have more limited dates, so make sure you check when each experience is running before planning your visit.
I’d recommend booking the main activities well in advance, especially Christmas shows, Santa’s grottos and the Peppa Pig Christmas Bus, as popular sessions can sell out quickly. You can then plan meals, naps and any oher activities around your bookings.
I’ve grouped the activities geographically where possible to minimise travelling across London with little ones. Day One takes you from Hammersmith to nearby Fulham Palace, while Day Two focuses on Covent Garden and a Christmas bus tour. Day Three is spent at London Zoo, so there’s no need to travel between attractions. I’ve included practical directions throughout, but it’s always worth checking TfL for any service changes before setting off. Day one is the most full on day but there’s no pressure to do the whole thing.
The itinerary is designed for babies, toddlers and preschoolers aged roughly 0–4, although you know your own children best. Some activities are better suited to older toddlers, while others are perfect for even the youngest babies. Older siblings will also find plenty to enjoy with this itinerary though if you are travelling with slightly older ones, I have an alternative three day itinerary.
I’d always recommend allowing plenty of time for naps, snacks and breaks, and don’t feel you need to complete every activity. Christmas in London is about enjoying time together not ticking off attractions.
Christmas in London with Kids Day 1 – Santa Stories
Morning: Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith
Father Christmas wakes from a dream of sun, sea and sand. But it’s Christmas Eve, the busiest day of his year! Children watch as he gets ready for his big night, feeds his reindeer and prepares his presents. Finally, he takes flight into the snowy night sky.
Returning to the Lyric Hammersmith for another festive season, this much-loved show is a wonderful introduction to theatre for toddlers. We’ve seen this a few times and it’s a real hit with my boys with its beautiful staging and song.
SilverSpoon Tip: This show works really well for toddlers and preschoolers as there’s plenty of Christmas magic but a running time of only 50 minutes.
Dates: 18 November – 27 December 2026.
Best for: Babies, toddlers and preschoolers under 6. A wonderful introduction to theatre for little ones.
Duration: 50 minutes, with no interval.
Price: Tickets from £10–£22. A £2 booking fee applies. Children under 18 months do not require their own ticket if sitting on an adult’s lap.
Getting there: Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King Street, London W6 0QL. Nearest tube is Hammersmith, approximately 5 minutes’ walk.
Booking: Book here.
Lunch: Fulham Pier
After the show, head towards the river for lunch at Fulham Pier (around a thirty minute walk), a new riverside destination overlooking the Thames.
The Riverside Market food hall would work for families with small children, with a choice of food stalls offering everything from casual bites to international dishes.
If you fancy something more substantial, there’s also Constance, a restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Adam Byatt, with views across the Thames.
After lunch, you can enjoy a wander along the river and through Bishop’s Park before heading to Fulham Palace for Santa’s Winter Garden.
Afternoon: Santa’s Winter Garden at Fulham Palace
After lunch, head to Fulham Palace for Santa’s Winter Garden, a brand-new immersive Christmas experience for 2026. It takes place within the historic walled gardens of Fulham Palace.
The gardens are transformed into a magical winter wonderland, complete with falling snow, twinkling lights and festive surprises. Children step through a magical wardrobe, guided by the Guardians of the Winter Garden. They then follow a snowy trail in search of Father Christmas.
Special effects from the experts behind some of our favourite Christmas films bring the snowy scenes to life. It creates a wonderful North Pole atmosphere right here in London.
At the end of the adventure, children enjoy a private meeting with Father Christmas. There’s time for photographs, hugs and Christmas wishes.
I love the idea of an immersive grotto where little ones can explore rather than just queue to meet Santa. As this is a new experience for 2026, it’s one we haven’t tried ourselves yet.
SilverSpoon Tip: With a Christmas show in the morning, leave plenty of time for lunch and a break before visiting the Winter Garden. For younger toddlers, you might prefer to choose just one experience. However, the show is fairly short, so I think doing both is quite manageable.
Dates: 20 November – 23 December 2026.
Best for: Families with babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Recommended for ages 2–10, although all ages are welcome.
Duration: Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours for the full experience, including meeting Father Christmas.
Price: Children £38–£67, adults £20–£38, depending on the session. £5.50 booking fee per order. Babies under 12 months go free but don’t receive a gift unless booked on a paid child ticket.
Getting there: Fulham Palace, Bishop’s Avenue, London SW6. Nearest tube is Putney Bridge, approximately 10 minutes’ walk through Bishop’s Park. The event entrance is at Church Gate, SW6 3LF.
Booking: Book here.
Christmas in London with Kids Day 2 – A Christmas Adventure with Peppa
Morning: London Transport Museum
Start Day Two at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, one of my favourite museums for younger children. With historic buses, trains and interactive exhibits, there’s plenty to keep toddlers entertained. They’ll love the All Aboard play areas too!
At Christmas, the museum gets a festive makeover with seasonal activities, Christmas characters and special performances. From 26 November, children can meet Father Christmas and his elves in a transport-themed grotto, complete with an interactive sleigh where they can press buttons and ring bells. Slots need to be booked for visiting Santa.
There’s also the chance to meet some of the museum’s colourful characters, including Victorian passenger Mrs Rowdell and Charlie the Auxiliary Fire Service Fireman, who share stories about London’s transport history and its connections to Christmas.
(Our visit to the London Transport Museum’s Christmas grotto in 2020)
On selected dates, families can enjoy festive musical performances and the Christmas Early Explorer morning on 5 December has a more relaxed opening for children who like quieter environment.
The museum is a great way to start the day, as the museum can be taken at your own pace with no pressure to see the whole thing. You can check out the interactive exhibits, take part in some of the festive activities and then head out into Covent Garden to admire the Christmas decorations before afternoon tea.
If you arrive early you can get a breakfast / brunch so as not to fill up on food when you’ll be having afternoon tea later.
SilverSpoon Tip: Rather than buying a single admission ticket, you purchase an annual pass giving you access to the museum for 12 months. This is great value if you’re a London local and plan to return. The Off Peak Pass is cheaper but has restrictions on when you can visit, so check these before booking. If you’ve already booked Santa’s Winter Garden at Fulham Palace,you might not want to meet Father Christmas again here.
Dates: Christmas activities begin 26 November 2026. Festive family activities run daily from 21 December 2026 – 3 January 2027, with additional activities on selected earlier dates.
Best for: Babies, toddlers and preschoolers, especially children who love buses, trains and interactive play.
Duration: Allow 1.5–2 hours, although you could easily stay longer.
Price: Adults £27 for an Unlimited Annual Pass or £22.50 for an Off Peak Annual Pass. Children under 18 go free. Passes are valid for 12 months, and festive family activities are included with admission. Meeting Father Christmas requires an additional timed booking.
Getting there: London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB. Nearest tube is Covent Garden, just a few minutes’ walk.
Booking: Purchase your annual pass and book your visit here.
Lunch: Peppa Pig Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus
After exploring the London Transport Museum and enjoying Covent Garden’s Christmas decorations, head towards Temple Embankment for a festive adventure aboard the Peppa Pig Christmas Lights Bus!
Yes, I am suggesting the Peppa Pig bus yet again but it really ticks the boxes as an activity for toddlers and preschoolers. Festive treats, a chance to see the London lights, Peppa Pig (of course) and a brilliant activity with very minimal walking for your toddler and the chance for you to sit and have a coffee!
The Christmas version includes festive decorations, Christmas songs and plenty of Peppa Pig-coded surprises along the way.
During the 90-minute journey, children can enjoy a Peppa Pig-themed Christmas afternoon tea while taking in London’s famous landmarks. The route includes Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. You’ll also pass Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and some of the city’s best Christmas lights.
There’s lots to keep children entertained on board, from singalong songs and clips from their favourite Peppa Pig episodes to Christmas games, activity books and little surprises. Every guest also receives a Peppa Pig travel cup to take home.
SilverSpoon Tip: I’d recommend arriving when the zoo opens so you can enjoy the day without rushing. You’ll also get more value from your ticket! Check the Christmas entertainment timetable when you arrive. Some activities, including Mrs Claus’ storytelling and the Santa-Mobile, only take place on selected dates.
Dates: 11 November 2026 – 5 January 2027.
Best for: Children aged 2+ who are Peppa Pig fans, particularly toddlers and preschoolers.
Duration: 90 minutes.
Price: From £45 per adult and £37 per child. Prices vary by date, time and seat selection.
Getting there: Temple Embankment, Bus Stop N, near Temple Underground station. Approximately 15–20 minutes’ walk from Covent Garden.
Booking: Book here. Code ANGIESILVER10 for a 10% discount.
Christmas in London with Kids Day 3 – Christmas at the Zoo
Christmas in London Day 3 – Christmas at the Zoo!
Morning: The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo
For the final day of our Christmas itinerary, I suggest spending a whole day at London Zoo, enjoying the animals, Christmas activities and festive fun!
London Zoo is always a brilliant day out with kids, but at Christmas there’s loads on. From 21 November 2026, the zoo is transformed with a magical Christmas forest, festive decorations and a special North Pole HQ packed with activities for children.
Children can write their own letters to Father Christmas, decorate Christmas cards, make festive crackers complete with party hats and jokes, or try their hand at Christmas origami.
There are also cheeky elves hosting games, festive animal talks and, on selected dates, storytelling with Mrs Claus and live Christmas music.
One of the highlights is Santa’s very own Santa-Mobile, which travels around the zoo at lunchtime with Father Christmas and Mrs Claus waving to visitors. It sounds like a fun opportunity for kids to see Santa without having to book another grotto!
Lunch: London Zoo
I’d recommend staying at the zoo for lunch rather than heading elsewhere. There are places to grab a sandwich or a quick bite within the grounds, as well as a restaurant serving hot food if you’d prefer to sit down.
On selected dates, there’s even live Christmas music around lunchtime, adding to the festive atmosphere.
With babies and toddlers, I much prefer staying in one location for the day rather than having to pack everything up and travel to another attraction.
Afternoon: More Animals and Festive Fun
After lunch, continue exploring the zoo at your own pace. You could visit the penguins, look out for the big cats or enjoy some of the children’s play areas.
The zoo’s keepers are also giving some of their animal talks a Christmas twist, including festive sessions about the Humboldt penguins, capybaras and otters.
Optional Extra: Meet Father Christmas at London Zoo
If you decided not to book Santa’s Winter Garden at Fulham Palace on Day One, you could meet Father Christmas at London Zoo instead.
Children can enjoy Christmas crafts before meeting Santa in his grotto and getting a Christmas present.
There’s also a special Penguin Feed experience, where children aged three and over can help feed the Humboldt penguins by sliding fish through a tube into their pool. This is followed by a short zoo tour and a meeting with Father Christmas.
SilverSpoon Tip: I’d recommend arriving when the zoo opens so you can make the most of the day without rushing – it makes the most of the price of the ticket too. Check the Christmas entertainment timetable when you arrive, as some activities, including Mrs Claus’ storytelling and the Santa-Mobile, only take place on selected dates. The penguin-feeding Santa experience is only suitable for children aged three and over.
We love the Zoo Town soft play (an additional cost) which is not only great fun but get you out of the cold!
Dates: 21 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 for The Magic of Christmas. Meet Santa runs from 21 November – 24 December 2026.
Best for: All ages, particularly toddlers and preschoolers who love animals and interactive activities.
Duration: Allow 4–5 hours or a full day, depending on your children’s ages and energy levels.
Price: Zoo admission starts from £27.70 for adults and £19.40 for children aged 3–15 when booked online in advance without the optional donation. Under-3s go free. Christmas activities are included with admission. Meet Santa costs an additional £19.50 per child, while the Penguin Feed experience costs £40 per child and £20 per adult.
Getting there: London Zoo, Outer Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY. Camden Town is the nearest Underground station, approximately 15–20 minutes’ walk from the zoo.`
Booking: Book London Zoo tickets or book Meet Santa.
More ideas for Christmas in London
I hope this itinerary has given you some ideas for making the most of Christmas in London with babies, toddlers and preschoolers. 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 that suit your children, but also just soak 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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