The school holidays are about to start and it’s the perfect time to squeeze in some festive, family outings before the big day arrives.
Snow has fallen and London feels festive. From the Christmas Markets to the family movies, wintery parks to festive dining, these ideas are perfect for last minute family fun in London.
Start checking off the Citizen Enfants approved list of places to make wonderful wintery memories with your family.
VISIT The Christmas Markets
You don’t have to hop on a plane to find a beautiful Christmas market; head to Covent Garden and visit the Christmas Village craft stalls in the East Piazza. Children (and let’s be honest, adults too) will love the stunning 60 ft Christmas tree in the square – it’s decked out in over 115,000 colourful lights. On the other side of London, the Southbank Christmas market is packed with stalls selling bespoke artisan gifts. Stroll along the south side of the Thames picking up last minute gifts while enjoying wonderful food stands: think festive sweet treats for little ones, and mulled wine for grown-ups.
MAKE A Gingerbread House
Gingerbread houses are as synonymous with Christmas as Santa and his elves, and children will love seeing not just one pretty house, but a whole city at this festive pop-up in Belgravia. In its sixth year, and run by the Museum of Architecture, over one hundred architects, engineers, and designers have used their architectural know-how and baking genius, to create the visionary cities. Expect frosting, strawberry laces, and candy canes galore – combined to create Christmas scenes. Plus there are daily workshops so little ones can try their hand at making their own houses inspired by the designs they’ve just seen.
SEE A Christmas Lights Bus Tour
London’s lights are a spectacular sight to behold, and children will be mesmerised by festive twinkling displays all over the city. The best way to take them all in is on an after-dark open top bus tour. Hop on to see all the famous landmarks lit up as you pass Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, The Strand, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge, while also heading along Regent Street to see the season’s window displays. Two hour tours start at 4pm daily, departing and returning from the London Eye. With comfortable seats and a guide telling stories about the famous streets and buildings, this bus trip is a magical (and easy) way to see the city at its dazzling best.
POP IN Claridges Christmas Tree
Pop into one of the many wonderful five-star hotels in central London to see the stunning Christmas trees and decorations. At Claridges you’ll find a spectacular glass creation courtsey of Jimmy Choo’s creative director, Sandra Choi. The contemporary tree, named ‘The Diamond’, stands over five metres tall and has a giant pink bow to finish. At the NoMad the beautiful traditional tree has been designed by the London Flower School, and inspired by Constance Spry – the florist responsible for the iconic flower garlands at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. We know kids will also love the tree outside The Connaught, decorated with neon dogs conceptualised by artist and sculptor, Suzy Murphy. Another favourite is at The Four Seasons on Park Lane, whose lobby has been transformed into a perfect wintery scene, complete with a huge life-size snow globe.
EXPLORE The Royal Parks
London’s stunning Royal Parks have so much family-fun on offer during winter. The largest (and most obvious) festive attraction is Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland with fairground rides and stalls. Elsewhere, visit Richmond or Bushy Park for horse-drawn carriage rides: stay warm under a blanket with mince pies and mulled wine as you tour the scenery. Or simply take your family for a run around in one of the many beautiful green spaces at Kensington Gardens, Regents Park, or St James’ Park. Be sure to download the Winter Wonders worksheet from the website first – it gives lots of information about lovely season goings-on to look out for on your visit. You might even be lucky enough to get a dusting of snow – in which case don’t forget to take a sledge for some real wintery fun!
BOOK The Ivy Collection
We love restaurants that go all out for Christmas, and the Ivy Collection is one of them. Expect eye-catching decorations and festive menus at their restaurants across London, including at the Ivy Chelsea Garden on Kings Road, the Ivy Cafe in Wimbledon, and the Ivy Market Grill in Covent Garden. Families are welcome and there is a fantastic kids’ menu featuring pastas, fish fillets, and more – and adults, don’t miss the Festive Menu featuring twice-baked stilton and walnut soufflé, butternut squash with cranberries, and many wonderful dessert choices. Visit for lunch, supper, or even an extra-special Christmas afternoon tea complete with mince pies.
WATCH A Christmas Movie at Everyman Cinemas
A trip to the movies to watch a Christmas classic is the perfect way to spend a (snowy or otherwise) afternoon in December. Boutique cinema group, Everyman, are showing a fabulous section of films at their London venues including Elf, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Love Actually, and The Holiday. No matter your festive-favourite, snuggle up on one of their comfy sofas, order hot chocolates, and enjoy the Hollywood festive feels.
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