The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
London at Christmas is a KidRated favourite, transforming into a magical wonderland perfect for families with kids and teens. From sparkling lights on Oxford Street to ice skating at Somerset House and Winter Wonderland, there’s festive fun for everyone. With Christmas shopping, carols, pantomimes, markets, and grottoes, KidRated’s guide helps you create unforgettable holiday memories together.
Horrible Histories Live on Stage is back, spreading holiday cheer with a delightfully twisted take on their fan-favourite, Horrible Christmas!
Starting December 12th and running until January 4th, this extended version of the hit show lights up the stunningly restored Victorian treasure, Alexandra Palace Theatre in London N22. Book here for a KidRated special offer….
Experience the ultimate Christmas fairground at Winter Wonderland with thrilling rides, markets, ice skating, and festive shows that will delight visitors of all ages.
To save both money and time, book your ride tickets online when buying your entry tickets. Opt for off-peak times with smaller kids, to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
Layer up warmly and if you’re planning to sit inside Bar Ice or The Magical Ice Kingdom, stay extra cosy by wearing a heating pad inside your jacket.
If arriving by tube, Hyde Park Corner is the closest. For a more relaxed experience, visit Winter Wonderland on weekdays or Saturday and Sunday afternoons to avoid the bigger crowds.
Take the kids to meet Santa at everyone’s choice of Christmas toy shop – Hamleys, where holiday dreams come true!
Enjoy seasonal treats, mulled wine, and artisan crafts along the Thames – try Southbank and then use our handy guide for the others….
Christmas at Kew is the ultimate light trail experience and a must for any family’s festive calendar. The 300-acre botanic garden transforms into a mesmerising spectacle with glistening lights and illuminations. Follow this year’s route past glass houses decorated with kaleidoscopic projections, explore shimmering tunnels of light, and wander through trees glowing in the brightest colours.
The paid light trail is popular, but the gardens are free to visit during the day with beautiful winter foliage.
Step into a magical, snowy Hogwarts and experience the enchanting Christmas magic from the Harry Potter series.
Visit Covent Garden and marvel at the giant Christmas tree, stunning lights, and festive displays that create a winter wonderland atmosphere.
Snow fall at London’s Covent Garden
Admire London’s iconic tree in Trafalgar Square, a gift from Norway, and enjoy carol singing and a few wooden Christmas market stalls in this historic location.
Indulge in a luxurious festive afternoon tea at The Ritz that’s perfect for celebrating the season in style.
Attend festive concerts and shows at the beautiful Royal Albert Hall, including performances of The Nutcracker ballet that will enchant audiences young and old. Film buffs can get into the family festive spirit with Home Alone in Concert with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra on 7th December.
Enjoy the classic Nutcracker Christmas ballet performance at the London Coliseum – from 12 December – 12 January – which brings this beloved story to life on stage.
Step back in time to enjoy festive Victorian traditions that will transport you to another era at the Charles Dickens Museum in WC1.
on is one of the best places to enjoy beautiful Christmas lights. Drop by to gaze, or check for details about when lights will be switched and best of all it’s FREE! There’s everything from classic displays to quirky ones. So plan a walk around Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, Covent Garden, and Leicester Square, to see London at its sparkly best.
Or why not treat the kids to a tour of the lights by bus? Christmas Lights London by Night Tour comes with a live guide and provides a 90-minute tour of the spectacular Christmas lights. The Hop on Hop Off open top bus is another option which gives you that added flexibility.
This year, Carnaby Street’s ‘Into The Light’ display is shining down over the area. Sparkle in the Park in Greenwich has a light trail with twinkling trees, art installations and interactive elements, plus live music, street food and drinks.. King’s Cross and Coal Drops Yard will be packed with cool installations, and The Shard will have its annual Christmas lights show, Shard Lights.
Be transported to a world of light, colour and sound at Christmas at Eltham Palace, or check out the instagrammable light installations at Kenwood House.
With over 500 Nordmann fir Christmas trees sparkling with twinkly lights, covering almost 500 square metres of the Pleasure gardens, work your way through this urban magical Christmas tree maze and take your picture in their photo wall at the heart of the maze!
Wander through beautifully decorated halls and shop for luxury gifts in one of London’s most famous department stores.
Christmas Comes to Moominvalley brings Tove Jansson’s The Fir Tree to life in a heartwarming, whimsical production at Jacksons Lane. When the Moomins—freshly woken from their winter sleep—hear that “Christmas” is coming, they’re utterly baffled. Is it a person? A monster? And what’s with all the strange traditions like decorating trees and giving gifts?
This enchanting show combines breathtaking circus, stunning puppetry, and magical storytelling to explore the true meaning of Christmas through the puzzled, lovable Moomintroll and his family. With plenty of fun and thoughtful moments, it’s the perfect festive treat for ages 3 to 103.
We sent K-Raters Wren and Tiggy who loved it and gave it 10/10. Their Mum said – It was a really relaxed theatre experience versus going into town, with a really nice bar (with plenty of snacks!).
Tiggy and Wren both gave it a 10/10. Tiggy said it made her feel really Christmassy. And as you can see, Wren took her own copy of the book with her…
Wren and Tiggy loved the show
Experience a unique Santa visit combined with historical storytelling that’s both fun and educational.
Walk through stunning light displays set against the backdrop of this historic estate.
From 23 November to 23 December, Santa will be making special stops at the Museum to meet families. Step into a winter wonderland at the Transportorium Garden, where little ones can climb onto Santa’s interactive sleigh decked out with lights, bells, and buttons. His friendly elves will be there to greet you and capture that perfect holiday photo.
You can also cosy up for heartwarming tales or embark on a digital family trail through the Museum’s galleries. Weekends and school holidays are extra special with appearances from costumed characters from London’s transport history.
All festive activities are included with your Museum ticket—and remember, kids go free!
Experience skating, fairs, and family-friendly entertainment in this iconic venue.
Dine with panoramic views of London while enjoying delicious seasonal cuisine – it’s dining elevated!
Join in on festive events designed especially for young children and families during this joyful time of year.
Catch free, festive street shows perfect for all ages while soaking up the holiday atmosphere.
Celebrate in iconic Hintze Hall surrounded by festive lights – it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Enjoy festive screenings in stunning outdoor locations with Luna…and catch the always wonderful Christmas program down in Leicester Sq with The Prince Charles Cinema
Participate in seasonal plant displays, wreath-making workshops, and enjoy festive cheer throughout this beautiful garden
Explore the free outdoor light installations scattered around Canary Wharf. Perfect for Instagram-loving teens!
Highlight’s at Vauxhall include
Click here for details and check out our City Farm guide for your nearest venue…
London’s Best City Farms Guide
Take a peaceful stroll through beautiful Richmond Park on Christmas Day – it’s a lovely way to enjoy nature during the holidays!
Many museums offer free late openings with festive themes. Check individual museum websites for details. Check out our guide to the best museum’s for older kids and teens.
While the official New Year’s Eve firework display requires tickets, find a good vantage point along the Thames for a free view.
Clink Prison Museum
Matilda the Musical
