Things to do in London in winter with kids
London is amazing whatever time of the year. We believe it’s a little extra special during winter with the Christmas lights. The city is beautifully decorated and there is a chance of snow. There are plenty of things to do in London in winter with kids, both indoors and outdoors.
How cold does it get in London in the winter?
London can get chilly in the winter but that doesn’t make it any less fun. Here’s a little pointer on what to expect when you visit this winter. The weather is typically mild, with occasional snowfall and temperatures generally hover between 5°C to 9°C. The coldest month is usually January, when temperatures can get as low as 1°C.
What to wear in winter in London?
All you need is the right clothing! Don’t forget to pack a warm jacket, an umbrella in case of rain and gloves if you want to explore London in winter. Check out our seasonal guide about what to wear in London for more ideas.
What to do in London in December?
London in December is a wonderful time to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit and enjoy the city's festive charm. The city offers a plethora of festive and cultural activities to enjoy. Here are some popular things to do in the city during this magical month.
1- Christmas markets
Wanting to join in the festive spirit? We recommend visiting a winter market. They bring together everything you could wish for during the festive season: mulled wine, mince pies, decorations and arts and craft, fairground ride... You could even find that last-minute gift there!
2- Christmas Lights
London is stunningly lit up with festive Christmas lights. Many areas of the city sparkle with holiday magic. The Christmas lights bus tour by Tootbus offers one of the best ways to see the city’s beautiful displays, complete with a cozy winter Bar Bus serving hot drinks and Christmas tunes. What better way to get into the holiday spirit?
3- Christmas at Kew
Once more, Kew Gardens lights up after dark this Christmas. The magical winter trail taking you around the park will delight the whole family and make you rediscover the botanical garden during the winter months. Tickets can be bought online from £12, and it's advised to book in advance as it is likely to sell out.
4- Christmas shopping
Hit the high streets, seek out unique gifts and make time to break for delicious food and hot drinks. Covent Garden, Hamleys and Oxford Street are a must-do for a successful session of Christmas shopping in London. You can also buy gifts in Regent’s Street and admire the impressive decorations in London's luxury shop Harrods.
5- Christmas Carols at the Royal Albert Hall
From Saturday, December 14 to Tuesday, December 24, enjoy concerts and festive events at the Royal Albert Hall, including classical music and Christmas carols.
How to get there?
Blue route: hop off at stop 32 Kensington Palace
6- Meet Santa
Do your children want to meet Santa? Make their dream come true and take them to Hamleys' Regent Street shop where Santa will be spreading the holiday magic. The charming elves are looking forward to welcoming you to the Christmas celebrations. To make your visit even more memorable, Santa has a special surprise for you to take home as a precious memento of your time spent with him.
How to get there?
Yellow route: hop off at stop 1 Coventry Street
Blue route: hop off at stop 26 Piccadilly
7- Help an elf keep an eye on the city for Santa
Santa has sent the elves to London to make sure everything is in tip top shape before Christmas and they need your help! Jump on the Elf Express for a 30 minute Christmas treat for the whole family and see London sparkle in all its glory.
8- New Year’s Eve fireworks
Celebrate the New Year in style and admire the impressive firework display in central London. Over 12,000 magnificent fireworks will be ignited into the sky on 31st December so prepare to be amazed.
9- Winter pop ups
London is famous for its seasonal pop-ups, whether it's during summer or winter. This Christmas, discover a world of warm and toasty pop ups.
10- Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square is an annual gift from Norway to the people of the UK, a tradition that dates back to 1947. The tree lighting will take place on Thursday, December 5.
How to get there?
Yellow route: hop off at stop 2 Trafalgar Square
Blue route: hop off at stop 25 Trafalgar Square
What to do in London in January and February?
London in January and February offers a unique charm, with fewer crowds and a different set of activities. Here are some things to do during these winter months.
11- New Year’s Day Parade
On 1st January, the New Year’s Day Parade takes to the city’s historic streets once again. Over 8,500 performers take part in this great celebration of diversity, creativity and inspiration that surround the city of London. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
12- London Short Film Festival
The London Short Film Festival returns in January for its 22nd edition, offering an eclectic showcase of creative short films from around the world.
13- Winter Lights festival
The free lights festival is returning to the Canary Wharf area this January, and it's free! It's the perfect treat for dark January nights with its luminous trees, glowing angel wings, psychedelic prisms and rainbow benches.
14- London Art Fair
From January 22 to 26, the Business Design Centre hosts the London Art Fair, where you can explore exceptional modern and contemporary works from galleries worldwide.
15- Chinese New Year
Did you know that the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia takes place in London? On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, we’ll be celebrating the Year of the Snake with vibrant parades, dazzling performances, and delicious food!
What to do in London when it's very cold?
London boasts an abundance of captivating attractions that make it a beloved destination for exploration. However, when the cold weather sets in, the desire to stay indoors can be quite enticing. Fortunately, even in winter, London provides a rich array of indoor and outdoor experiences to enjoy. As we venture deeper into the heart of winter, we've compiled a list of the top activities to partake in when the chilly weather envelops the city.
16- Warm up in a pub
There are plenty of pubs in London, but where is the best place to take a break from exploring the city and enjoy a delicious Sunday roast with your family? Venture into one of the city’s oldest pubs and discover that London has a plethora of historic pubs. And they all have a story to tell!
17- Treat yourself with some comfort food
The cold weather makes the wintry season the best time to tuck-in to delicious treats and hearty meals. Indulge in Christmas dinner, afternoon tea, delicious mince pies or a tasty Sunday roast during your days out in London.
18- Enjoy a winter walk
Parks are lovely all year round, but they are especially charming in winter with frosty trees and misty views. If it snows, there’s no better place to enjoy it. Explore certain neighborhoods with Tootwalk, free audio-guided walks available via the Tootbus app.
19- Get a culture fix
In London, you’re never far from a museum. And what’s best, is that most of them are free to enter! Head to the V&A, British Museum, Tate Modern, Tate Britain or Natural History Museum to see the crème de la crème of London’s museums.
20- Live events and shows
Don’t feel like braving the cold? Perfect! Enjoy traditional British theater, pantomimes, ballets, or West End shows indoors. You can catch The Nutcracker ballet at the London Coliseum until January 12.
21- Hogwarts in the snow
Winter has arrived in the wizarding world, and Hogwarts is transformed for the holidays. Hogwarts in the Snow takes place at Warner Bros. Studio from November 16 to January 5. For all Harry Potter fans, visiting Warner Bros. Studio is even more magical at this time of year.
22- Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
From November 21 to January 5, enjoy Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park with the family, featuring ice skating, circus shows, a Christmas market, and concerts. Warm up with delicious food and drinks: burgers, hot dogs, mulled wine, hot chocolate…
How to get there?
Yellow route and Blue Route: hop off at stop 16 Hyde Park - Queen Elizabeth Gate
23- Skate at Somerset House with Switzerland Tourism
The Somerset House ice rink returns this winter from November 13 to January 12, with events and pop-up restaurants and bars to enjoy.
24- London Eye
Visit the London Eye to see the city from 135 meters high. Christmas is the best time for this attraction, offering exceptional views of the illuminated city.
How to get there?
Yellow route: hop off at stop 4 Waterloo Station
Blue route: hop off at stop 22 Westminster Bridge
25- Charles Dickens Museum
The Charles Dickens Museum is located in central London, in the Bloomsbury district. Founded in 1925, it is housed in a Georgian-era house where the famous writer lived at a key period in his career. The museum exhibits the work and daily life of the writer: objects that once belonged to the family as well as manuscripts and rare editions. It was in this house, which Charles Dickens lived when he wrote Oliver Twist. Temporary and thematic exhibitions complement the decorum to discover the life and work of the author.
Discover all our hop-on hop-off London bus tours to make sure you don’t miss anything this winter!