Christmas in London can be a brilliant time for a family day out, but the cost of festive attractions, food and travel can quickly add up. The good news is that many of the best things to do in London this Christmas with kids are free or inexpensive. You can enjoy sparkling Christmas lights, seasonal markets, carol singing and world-class museums without buying an expensive attraction ticket.
For Christmas 2026, families can also choose from ticketed experiences such as Christmas at Kew and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
This guide brings together affordable ideas, family-friendly attractions and practical tips to help you plan a festive day that suits your children’s ages and your budget.
Things to Do in London This Christmas with Kids:
1. See London’s Christmas Lights for Free
A walk through central London is one of the easiest ways to enjoy Christmas without spending much. Many of the capital’s best-known Christmas displays are in public streets and shopping areas, so you can admire them without paying an entrance fee.
Regent Street is famous for its illuminated Christmas angels, while Covent Garden is known for its enormous Christmas tree and elaborate decorations. Carnaby Street offers a more colourful display, making it an interesting stop for older children and teenagers.
Leicester Square and nearby streets can also be included in a festive walk. Covent Garden’s 2026 Christmas celebrations begin on 12 November, with its decorations scheduled to remain until 2 January 2027.
For a simple evening outing, try this route:
- Start at Leicester Square.
- Walk towards Carnaby Street.
- Continue to Regent Street.
- Finish at Covent Garden.
You can stop for a hot chocolate or a small festive treat along the way. Visit on a weekday evening if possible, as central London becomes particularly busy at weekends and in the run-up to Christmas.
2. Explore South Bank’s Christmas Market
South Bank is a good choice for families who want festive atmosphere without committing to a full day at a paid attraction.
The riverside area hosts seasonal stalls, food vendors and winter decorations, with views across the Thames. Southbank Centre’s Winter Market runs from 2 November 2026 to 4 January 2027, and browsing the market does not require an attraction ticket.
Children can enjoy looking at the stalls, watching the riverside activity and spotting familiar landmarks. Parents can choose whether to buy food or enjoy a walk.
A useful way to keep costs down is to eat before arriving or bring snacks for younger children. Market food can be tempting, but buying several meals and treats can make an otherwise affordable outing expensive.
3. Visit a Free London Museum
A museum visit is particularly useful when the weather is cold or wet. London has several museums with free general admission, giving families an indoor activity without a standard entry charge.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in South Kensington is a strong option for children who enjoy animals, fossils and the natural world. Its galleries include impressive dinosaur displays and the famous blue whale skeleton in Hintze Hall.
General gallery entry is free. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5.50 pm, with last entry at 5.30 pm. It closes from 24 to 26 December, so plan a visit before Christmas Eve or after Boxing Day.
The museum can become busy during weekends and school holidays. Check whether free entry tickets are available before travelling.
Science Museum
The Science Museum, also in South Kensington, is another worthwhile stop for curious children. Its collections and interactive displays introduce subjects such as space, engineering, technology and medicine.
General admission is free, although some exhibitions and special experiences may charge separately. Check the current opening arrangements and any age guidance before setting off.
A practical tip: avoid trying to visit several large museums in one day with younger children. One museum, a lunch break and a short walk nearby often make a more enjoyable family outing.
4. Enjoy Christmas Carols at Trafalgar Square
For a traditional Christmas experience, visit Trafalgar Square during December. The Greater London Authority organises one-hour carol-singing sessions at the base of the Christmas tree throughout the month.
The sessions have no stage or public announcement system, giving the singing a more traditional and intimate feel. Families can listen, join in with familiar songs and enjoy the atmosphere around the square.
There is no need to buy an attraction ticket to enjoy the public carol singing. Check the City Hall programme for session details before travelling, as individual performances take place at scheduled times.
This can also be combined with a walk around Leicester Square or the nearby West End Christmas decorations.
5. Visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of London’s biggest festive attractions and offers plenty for families who want rides, shows and Christmas entertainment in one place.
The 2026 event runs from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, excluding Christmas Day. Children can explore Santa Land, enjoy selected family rides and visit attractions such as the Magical Ice Kingdom.
It is worth understanding the pricing before booking. Winter Wonderland is a paid event, and rides, shows and other attractions can involve additional charges. Entry arrangements and offers depend on the date and booking option.
To manage your budget:
- Choose a weekday or quieter session where possible.
- Decide which rides or attractions your children most want to experience.
- Set a spending limit before entering.
- Check age and height restrictions for rides.
- Book online in advance and compare available ticket packages.
Allow several hours if you want to explore the event properly. It is a better choice for a planned festive treat than an inexpensive spontaneous visit.
6. See the Christmas Lights at Kew Gardens
For a special family evening, Christmas at Kew offers an illuminated trail through the Royal Botanic Gardens.
The 2026 event runs on selected dates from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Visitors follow a route featuring large-scale light installations, colour displays and music, with festive food and seasonal treats available along the way.
Tickets are required, and prices vary by date and ticket type. Kew lists tickets from £25.50, with family and child tickets also available. The event is separate from normal daytime admission to Kew Gardens.
The trail takes place outdoors, so warm clothing and comfortable shoes are sensible. Check the entry gate and time printed on your ticket, as arrival arrangements vary.
This is one to consider if your family enjoys light displays and you are happy to spend more on a single festive experience.
7. Browse Festive Markets Without Overspending
Christmas markets are enjoyable for children because they offer colourful stalls, decorations and seasonal food. Several London markets have free admission, although purchases and selected activities cost extra.
Options to consider include:
- Trafalgar Square: A traditional setting for the Christmas tree, carols and nearby festive stalls.
- Covent Garden: A good stop for decorations, the Christmas tree and seasonal displays.
- South Bank: A riverside market with food stalls and a festive atmosphere.
- King’s Cross: A useful option for browsing seasonal market stalls and exploring the surrounding area.
Treat the market as an experience rather than a shopping trip. Give children a small, agreed budget if they want to choose a decoration or snack. This helps avoid unexpected spending at every stall.
8. Make a Christmas Day Out Easier with These Practical Tips
A little planning can make a big difference when visiting London with children during December.
- Check opening dates and times. Christmas attractions often operate on selected dates, while museums and other venues may close over the holiday period. Always check the official website before leaving home.
- Book popular experiences early. Christmas at Kew, Winter Wonderland, Santa visits and family theatre shows can have limited availability. Booking also makes it easier to compare dates and prices.
- Plan around your children’s ages. Toddlers may prefer short visits, indoor play and simple festive displays. Older children may enjoy rides, light trails and longer walks.
- Dress for the weather. Even if the forecast looks mild, evenings can feel cold when you are standing outside. Bring warm layers, waterproof coats and comfortable footwear.
- Avoid trying to see everything. Choose one main attraction and one or two nearby activities. Travelling across London several times in one day can be tiring, particularly with pushchairs or young children.
- Check public transport before travelling. London has no regular public transport service on Christmas Day, including buses, the Underground and Overground. Boxing Day services are reduced, and Christmas Eve services finish earlier than usual. Check Transport for London’s latest travel information before making plans.
9. An Affordable Christmas Day Out: Three Simple Plans
If you are unsure where to start, these combinations keep travel and spending manageable.
For a mostly free family day
Start at the Natural History Museum, then take a walk around South Kensington. On another day, explore the Christmas lights around Regent Street and Covent Garden. Both plans can be enjoyed without paying for a major attraction.
For a festive afternoon and evening
Visit South Bank during the afternoon, browse the Winter Market and walk along the Thames. If the children still have energy, continue towards the riverside landmarks for evening views.
For a special Christmas treat
Book Christmas at Kew or Winter Wonderland as the main activity. Avoid adding several other paid attractions to the same day. This keeps the outing focused and makes it easier to control the total cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free things to do in London at Christmas with kids?
Walking around Regent Street, Covent Garden and Leicester Square to see the Christmas lights is a good free option. Families can also enjoy Trafalgar Square’s carol-singing sessions, browse many Christmas markets and visit museums with free general admission.
Is Winter Wonderland in London free for children?
Winter Wonderland is a paid event, although entry offers and ticket arrangements can vary. Rides, shows and other attractions may cost extra, so check the official ticket information before booking.
When do Christmas events start in London in 2026?
Many Christmas activities begin in November. For example, Christmas at Kew starts on selected dates from 13 November, while Hyde Park Winter Wonderland opens on 19 November 2026. Other lights, markets and seasonal events have their own schedules.
Is London public transport running on Christmas Day?
No. London Underground, buses, trams and Overground services do not operate on Christmas Day. Boxing Day services are reduced, so check your journey before travelling.
What can I do in London with toddlers at Christmas?
Toddlers may enjoy the Christmas lights, short market visits, museum galleries and age-appropriate festive attractions. Keep outings short, plan food and rest breaks, and check whether venues provide pushchair access and baby-changing facilities.
Make the Most of Christmas in London
A memorable family Christmas in London does not have to involve expensive tickets every day. Free light displays, museums, carol singing and festive markets provide plenty of ways to enjoy the season, while attractions such as Winter Wonderland and Christmas at Kew can make a special treat.
Choose activities that suit your children’s ages, check dates before travelling and group nearby places together. With a little planning, you can enjoy a festive London day out without letting the cost get out of hand.