A Complete Family Guide for the Winter Holidays ❄️🎄✨
The days between Christmas and New Year are magical… but they can also be challenging for parents. School is out, kids are full of energy, relatives may be visiting, and everyone starts asking the same question: what can we do now?
That’s why so many families in the UK, USA, and Europe search for things to do in London with kids between Christmas and New Year 2025. The good news? London is one of the best cities in the world for families during this period. Decorations stay up, many attractions remain open, crowds are lighter than pre-Christmas, and there’s a perfect mix of indoor warmth and outdoor winter magic.
This guide will help you plan unforgettable days from 26 December to 31 December, with ideas suitable for children aged 4 to 12, whether you live in London or you’re visiting for the holidays.
Why This Week Is Actually Perfect for Families
Many parents assume everything closes after Christmas Day, but in reality the opposite is true. Most attractions reopen on Boxing Day (26 December) and stay open through New Year’s Eve.
That’s why things to do in London with kids between Christmas and New Year 2025 are so popular:
- Christmas lights remain on
- Ice rinks stay open until January
- Museums are warm, free, and calm
- Festive markets and decorations are still everywhere
- The city feels joyful but less rushed
1. Christmas Lights Walks (Still Magical After the 25th) ✨
One of the simplest and most beautiful things to do in London with kids between Christmas and New Year 2025 is walking through the city’s Christmas lights.
Best areas:
- Regent Street & Oxford Street
- Covent Garden
- Leicester Square
- Carnaby Street
Kids love spotting angels, stars, giant baubles, and colourful shop windows. Parents love that it’s free, flexible, and stroller-friendly.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“I liked walking at night because everything was still shining, even after Christmas!”
💡 Tip for parents: Go early evening (4:30–6:00 pm) for younger kids.
2. Indoor Museums: Warm, Free, and Perfect for Winter 🏛️
Museums are a top choice when planning things to do in London with kids between Christmas and New Year 2025, especially on cold or rainy days.
Family favourites:
- Natural History Museum – dinosaurs, animals, and festive atmosphere
- Science Museum – interactive fun and hands-on learning
- Young V&A – creative spaces designed for children
Most museums are closed on Christmas Day only and reopen on Boxing Day.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“I love the dinosaurs because they’re huge and it’s warm inside!”
3. Ice Skating: Still Open and Still Magical ⛸️
Ice skating is one of the most searched things to do in London with kids between Christmas and New Year 2025, and many rinks stay open until early January.
Family-friendly rinks:
- Canary Wharf (covered, great for beginners)
- Battersea Power Station
- Natural History Museum rink (weather dependent)
Lorenzo’s comment:
“I fell a little bit but it was funny! The lights made it feel like a movie.”
💡 Tip: Daytime sessions are best for younger children.
4. Indoor Attractions for Boxing Day and After 🎁
From 26 December onward, families look for warm and exciting indoor options. These are excellent things to do in London with kids between Christmas and New Year 2025.
Top picks:
- Hamleys Toy Store – still fully decorated and magical
- SEA LIFE London Aquarium – warm, calm, and colourful
- Shrek’s Adventure London – interactive and fun
These attractions are especially popular with visiting families from the USA and Europe.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“Hamleys still felt like Santa was there. Toys everywhere!”
5. Southbank Riverside Walks 🌊
A relaxed riverside walk is one of the most enjoyable things to do in London with kids between Christmas and New Year 2025.
The Southbank area remains beautifully decorated and offers views of:
- Big Ben
- London Eye
- Westminster
Street performers and festive lights create a calm, joyful atmosphere.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“The lights in the water looked like magic!”
6. Christmas Light Trails Running Until January ✨🌲
Many light trails run beyond Christmas Day, making them perfect things to do in London with kids between Christmas and New Year 2025.
Popular options include:
- Christmas at Kew
- RHS Wisley Glow
- Kenwood House Light Trail
- Eltham Palace Enchanted Trail
Lorenzo’s comment:
“It felt like walking inside a glowing forest!”
7. Free Activities for This Week 💷
Budget-friendly ideas are always popular, especially during the holidays.
Free things to do in London with kids between Christmas and New Year 2025 include:
- Christmas window displays (Selfridges, Hamleys, Fortnum & Mason)
- Parks like Hyde Park, St James’s Park, and Greenwich Park
- Walking markets and decorated squares
8. What to Do on Boxing Day with Kids 📦
Parents often specifically search for things to do in London with kids between Christmas and New Year 2025 on Boxing Day.
Great Boxing Day ideas:
- Museums reopening
- Ice skating sessions
- Light walks in central London
- Hamleys and indoor attractions
9. Easy Day Trips from London 🚆
For families staying longer, short trips add variety.
Good winter day trips:
- Greenwich (park + museums)
- Windsor area (check opening days)
- Chessington Zoo winter events
Lorenzo’s comment:
“I liked going on the train — it felt like an adventure!”
10. Parks and Outdoor Play (Yes, Even in Winter) 🌳
Parks are calmer during this week and perfect for burning energy.
Best winter parks:
- Hyde Park
- Hampstead Heath
- Greenwich Park
Why This Is One of the Best Weeks to Visit London with Kids
When families look for things to do in London with kids between Christmas and New Year 2025, they often worry about closures. In reality:
- Most attractions reopen on 26 December
- Crowds are lighter
- Decorations stay up
- The pace is relaxed
It’s an ideal time for families from the UK, USA, and Europe.
Lorenzo’s Top Tips for This Week 🎅
- Dress in layers
- Plan one main activity per day
- Mix indoor and outdoor fun
- Leave time for snacks and rest
Lorenzo says:
“My favourite part was doing something different every day!”
Final Thoughts ❤️
Planning things to do in London with kids between Christmas and New Year 2025 doesn’t need to be stressful. With a mix of museums, lights, skating, walks, and indoor attractions, London offers unforgettable family moments during this special week.
