A Complete Family Survival Guide for the Festive Holidays 🎄✨
Christmas week in London is one of the most magical — and at the same time most challenging — moments for families. Schools are closed, relatives are visiting, the weather can be unpredictable, and kids are bursting with excitement. That’s exactly why parents all over the world search for things to do in London with kids during Christmas week 2025.
Whether you live in London or you’re visiting from the UK, USA, or Europe, this guide is designed to help you plan unforgettable days between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, mixing indoor and outdoor activities, free and paid experiences, and calm moments with high-energy fun.
🎥 Coming soon on Lorenzo Global Kid: a special Christmas Week video where Lorenzo explores his favourite festive spots in London and shares his top tips for kids!
Why Christmas Week in London Is So Special for Families
Christmas week is unique. Many attractions remain open, London is beautifully decorated, and the city feels festive but slightly calmer than the days before Christmas. This makes it the perfect time to explore things to do in London with kids during Christmas week 2025, especially if you plan wisely.
Parents love this period because:
- Kids are off school
- Many attractions extend opening hours
- Festive decorations stay up until January
- Indoor venues become lifesavers in cold weather
Kids love it because:
- Everything feels like a celebration
- Lights, music, and decorations are everywhere
- There’s time to play, explore, and relax
1. Walk Through Central London’s Christmas Lights (Still Magical After Christmas) ✨
One of the easiest and most beautiful things to do in London with kids during Christmas week 2025 is simply walking through the city’s famous Christmas lights.
Best areas to explore:
- Regent Street & Oxford Street
- Covent Garden
- Leicester Square
- Carnaby Street
Even after Christmas Day, the lights stay on, and crowds are lighter. Kids love spotting angels, stars, giant baubles, and festive shop windows.
Lorenzo’s comment:
“I liked walking at night because everything was shining. It felt like London was still celebrating!”
💡 Parent tip: Early evening (4:30–6pm) is perfect for younger kids.
2. Indoor Museums: Warm, Free, and Perfect for Christmas Week 🏛️
Museums are a top choice when planning things to do in London with kids during Christmas week 2025, especially on cold or rainy days.
Best family museums open during Christmas week:
- Natural History Museum – dinosaurs + festive atmosphere
- Science Museum – interactive fun for all ages
- Young V&A – creative, hands-on activities for kids
Most museums close on Christmas Day but reopen on Boxing Day (26 December).
Lorenzo’s comment:
“The dinosaurs were huge! I liked going inside because it was warm and fun.”
💡 Parent tip: Check holiday opening times in advance — Boxing Day is usually quieter than expected.
3. Ice Skating Still Open After Christmas ⛸️
Many parents don’t realise that ice rinks stay open well into January, making skating one of the best things to do in London with kids during Christmas week 2025.
Family-friendly ice rinks:
- Canary Wharf Ice Rink (covered, music, cosy vibe)
- Battersea Power Station Ice Rink
- Natural History Museum Ice Rink (weather dependent)
Lorenzo’s comment:
“I fell a bit but it was funny! I liked skating with music and lights.”
💡 Parent tip: Choose daytime sessions for beginners.
4. Indoor Christmas Attractions for Boxing Day & After 🎁
After Christmas Day, families look for calm but exciting indoor options. These are excellent things to do in London with kids during Christmas week 2025.
Top indoor attractions:
- Hamleys Toy Store – still fully decorated and magical
- SEA LIFE London Aquarium – warm, colourful, relaxing
- Shrek’s Adventure London – interactive and funny
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 (Festive but Relaxed) 🌊
Walking along the Thames is one of the most underrated things to do in London with kids during Christmas week 2025.
The Southbank remains beautifully decorated, with lights, street performers, and amazing views of:
- Big Ben
- London Eye
- Westminster
Lorenzo’s comment:
“I liked seeing the lights in the water. The river looked shiny!”
💡 Parent tip: Combine with a stop for hot chocolate indoors.
6. Christmas Light Trails Still Running After the 25th ✨🌲
Many Christmas light trails run until early January, making them perfect things to do in London with kids during Christmas week 2025.
Popular options:
- Christmas at Kew
- RHS Wisley Glow
- Kenwood House Light Trail
- Eltham Palace Enchanted Trail
Lorenzo’s comment:
“The lights looked like magic forests. I didn’t want to go home!”
7. Activities for Christmas Eve & Boxing Day 🎄📦
Parents often specifically search for things to do in London with kids during Christmas week 2025 that work on:
- Christmas Eve
- Boxing Day
Christmas Eve:
- Walk through decorated areas
- Window-shopping trails
- Parks and playgrounds
Boxing Day:
- Museums reopen
- Ice rinks are open
- Shopping areas are lively but festive
8. Day Trips from London During Christmas Week 🚆
For families staying longer, short day trips add variety to your list of things to do in London with kids during Christmas week 2025.
Great options:
- Windsor Castle area (check opening days)
- Greenwich (parks + museums)
- Chessington Zoo winter events
Lorenzo’s comment:
“I liked going on the train. It felt like an adventure!”
9. Parks & Outdoor Play (Even in Winter) 🌳
Don’t underestimate parks during winter. They are calm, beautiful, and great for burning energy.
Best parks during Christmas week:
- Hyde Park
- St James’s Park
- Greenwich Park
- Hampstead Heath
Lorenzo’s comment:
“The park was quiet and I could run a lot. I liked the winter trees.”
10. Why Christmas Week Is Actually One of the BEST Times to Visit London with Kids
When parents think about things to do in London with kids during Christmas week 2025, they often worry attractions will be closed. In reality:
- Many places reopen on 26 December
- Crowds are smaller than pre-Christmas
- Decorations stay up
- The atmosphere is relaxed and joyful
For families from the UK, USA, and Europe, Christmas week offers a perfect mix of festivity and calm.
Lorenzo’s Top Tips for Christmas Week 🎅
- Wear layers (indoors + outdoors)
- Plan one main activity per day
- Mix free and paid experiences
- Leave time for rest and snacks
- Enjoy the city slowly
Lorenzo says:
“My favourite thing was doing different things every day — lights, skating, museums!”
Final Thoughts ❤️
Planning things to do in London with kids during Christmas week 2025 doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right mix of indoor warmth, outdoor magic, and flexible plans, London becomes one of the best cities in the world for family holidays.
From glowing lights to cosy museums, from skating to riverside walks, Christmas week offers unforgettable memories for kids aged 4–12 and their parents.
