Trip to London at Christmas? Yay or nay?

[HelloSunshine100]

Have been thinking of taking DS 7years old to London over Christmas period. Probably travel by train and stay one night.
Hes never been to London before but think would love it. What things are good to do with kids this age in London? All ideas and suggestions please! Also will it be super hectic and busy?!
not sure whether to go another time as worries might be too much at Christmas

I’d avoid Oxford / regent street as they are pretty mental, particularly in the dark and rain.

Lots of Christmassy theatre aimed at this age group. The royal Albert hall has several events on.

Walk around to look at the lights.

Look up things to do Christmas 2025 Royal Borough of Greenwich.

Loads of things to do - Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, small Xmas market in Leicester Square, plus all the usual museums etc

Do you mean the period between Christmas and New Year, or before Christmas?
Most rail companies have engineering works between Christmas and New Year, so be aware of that.

What are you both into? There are loads of things to do and see around Christmas in London so it mainly depends on whether you want to do shopping, a particular activity, or just soak up festive vibes. Would you be staying in central London and staying within zone 1-2 for the entire trip, or willing to go a little further afield?

Things we always loved to do at Christmas when we lived there and our kids were younger is walking along the South Bank from Westminster Bridge to the Millenium Bridge, you take in great views from there and go past a Christmas market, carousel, street musicians, book stalls, and countless cafes and restaurants. We always got roasted sugar almonds or doughnuts and a hot chocolate along the way and the lights along the river are magical.

I would treat it like a museum visit and be back at the hotel for dinner then stay in.

Take the number 12 Bus from Parliament Square to Regents Street - he will love the Christmas decorations. Walk down to Fortnum & Masons for the window decorations.

Lots of Christmas markets - Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Southbank - but they can get very busy.

Check out St Martins in the Fields and their Christmas Carols for Families.

Ice skating - or just having a hot Cocoa - at Somerset House.

But look at a map and plan ahead to avoid having to criss cross London to get around.

Yes. We are going next week. Can’t wait.

We always go around Xmas, it's become a bit of a tradition and the kids (10&12) love it 🥰

We always go to Leicester Square Christmas market, Trafalgar Square market (it's closest to the station we arrive at London via), Oxford Street and Hamleys. Although that said, We go between Christmas and New year and the kids have a bit of Christmas money to spend otherwise not sure I'd include Hamleys if it were before Xmas 😂

Have considered winter wonderland at st James park as it looks Epic but my two are only just old enough to not be panicking about crowds so probably not something you'd be too keen on unless you're 100% confident DC will stay close by to you (DS was a wanderer at that age!) 😆

It's amazing, your DC will love it!!

Some people love it, but I'd avoid Winter Wonderland like the plague. It's not as nice as most regional Christmas markets and many others in London and it's (literally) twice the price. I took my kids once but I'd never go back. Totally agree with all the other suggestions, though!

I’d avoid Oxford / regent street as they are pretty mental, particularly in the dark and rain.

If you ride on top of a bus, you get a good view of the lights ad are out of the crowds.
Selfridges windows always used to be good, but I haven't seen them for a while
Look and see if there's a band (preferably Salvation Army, they really know how to do it) with carol singing in Trafalgar Square. Or even carols somewhere like St Martin in the Fields, but any ticketed event with limited space is likely to be full by now.

There's a market that runs along the South Bank down as far as Tower Bridge, but usually very busy. You do get the views of the river and the bridge, though.

At his age, it will probably be enough of a thrill to be out after dark seeing all the lights, having a bus and/or Tube ride and eating out somewhere.

I'd avoid Winter WOnderland like the plague.

If you can cope with the crowds this is a good route to see the lights https://anywhereweroam.com/london-christmas-lights-walking-route/

Ice skating rinks are usually available at the Natural History Museum, SOmerset House and Hampton COurt. I'd go to SOmerset house as they have a smaller rink with support penguins for children and its very pretty - you probably need to book.

A walk from the London Eye to Southwark Cathedral is pretty with CHristmas stalls outside the Tate - also there is a great pizza restaurant at Gabriel's WHarf near the Oxo TOwer, a Pizza express by the GLobe and a quieter one just past the Cathedral. Depending on when you are in town you might also catch the Cathedral carol service.