Activities & Days Out / 2 December, 2024 / Leo Bamford
London transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season, offering something special for everyone. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gifts, diving into immersive experiences, or looking for fun activities to share with loved ones, the city has it all. Here are some of our favourite places to go and family things to do in London this Christmas to make your holiday season unforgettable:
Shopping:
London is a shopper’s paradise during the festive season, with something to suit every style. For boutique finds, start at Kings Road and stroll from Sloane Square to World’s End. If quirky and high-fashion brands excite you, Dover Street Market is a must-visit. For a one-stop shop, head to Westfield Shopping Centre, while the iconic Selfridges offers a luxurious mix of top brands and a magical holiday atmosphere.
Kings Road
Start at Sloane Square and walk all the way down to World’s End Clothes
Dover St Market
For Funky Brands
Westfield Shopping Centre
For Everything
Selfridges
Just great shopping
Interactive:
Why not treat your family to a unique attraction this Christmas? Visit Bubble Planet London for an immersive adventure (don’t forget to check the dates). The Paradox Museum offers mind-bending exhibits perfect for Instagram-worthy shots, while the National Army Museum delights younger visitors with its soft play area. At the Science Museum, there’s always something fascinating to explore, and the iMax experience is a must-see. For teens, Monopoly Lifesized brings the classic board game to life in a larger-than-life format.
Bubble Planet London
An immersive Experience – recommend checking dates before visiting though
Paradox Museum
London’s most fun and educational experience for all ages, with ultra-instagrammable photo ops and surprising paradoxes that will defy your perception of reality – again recommend you check dates before visiting
National Army Museum
For little ones, it also has the most brilliant soft play
Science Museum
Always so much to do. Also highly recommend checking out the iMax
Monopoly Lifesized
Good for teens
Activity:
Looking for hands-on holiday fun for all the family this Christmas in London? Try All Star Lanes for a premium bowling experience or visit Babylon Park in North London, home to an arcade and indoor roller coaster. Lace up your skates at Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace, a vibrant roller-skating spot with delicious food. Battersea Park is perfect for families, featuring Go Ape, mini golf, and a zoo. For something cosy, unwind at an Everyman Cinema, or get creative with a three-hour rug-making session at Tufting London or a Bearbrick painting workshop at Blank Studio.
All Star Lanes
The very best bowling experience
Babylon Park
North London arcade and indoor roller coaster
Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace
Great Roller skate park with good food
Battersea Park
Go Ape, zoo, and mini golf – good for toddlers to tweens
Everyman Cinemas
The cosiest cinemas with comfy sofas and great cinema snacks
Tufting London
Make your own rugs in Nine Elms (note it does take 3 hours)
Blank Studio
Paint your own mega Bearbrick and mini keyring
Food:
London’s food scene shines during the holidays, with festive treats and indulgent bites at every turn. Explore Borough Market for epic food stalls or savor playful dim sum at Redfarm London. Check out Duke of York Market on Saturdays for delicious food stalls, or indulge in sweet treats from Anita’s London Gelato, El&N Cafe, and Peggy Porschen. For nostalgic cakes, Anya Hindmarch Cafe is a fun pick, while Supernova Burger delivers trendy bites, and Sketch offers an elegant afternoon tea experience.
Borough Market
Epic food stands, great on a Saturday… just don’t forget it is closed on Monday!
Redfarm London
Very fun dim sum
Duke of York Market in Sloane Square on a Saturday
Lots of great and delicious food stalls
Anita’s London Gelato
Great ice-cream
El&N Cafe
Insane cakes, pastries and coffees – check out their many locations
Peggy Porschen
The most beautiful cupcakes
Anya hindmarch Cafe
Super fun… we love all their vintage cakes!
Supernova Burger
Cool burger joint
Sketch
Afternoon Tea destination
Places to Walk and Explore:
Take in the festive spirit by exploring London’s most magical neighbourhoods. Wander along the Southbank, with its markets, food stalls, and Gabriel’s Wharf. Hop on the Uber by Thames Clipper to cruise the River Thames, stopping at piers along the way. Discover chic shops and charming streets at Westbourne Grove or visit Battersea Power Station, where stunning views from Lift 109 await. Don’t miss the festive lights of Carnaby Street, Soho, and Covent Garden, or the historic charm of Fortnum & Mason. For markets, head to Portobello Market or the eclectic mix at Brick Lane Market.
Southbank
There is just so much to do here. I love to check out Gabriel’s Wharf for Shopping and Food
Uber by Thames Clipper
For Funky BrandsTake an uber by Thames Clipper down the River Thames – stop at 24 piers along the way hopping off and on and exploring
Westbourne Grove
For EverythingStart at the crossing at Portobello and walk towards Paddington. Great shopping and neighbourhood (especially on the weekend)
Battersea Power Station
Amazing shops. Check out Lift 109 for the incredible views
Carnaby St, Soho, Covent Garden
All fun places to walk around… Check out Seven Dials Market for incredible food
Chelsea Physic Garden
Great place in the summer for little ones
Fortnum and Mason
For something very English, this is the place to go. Every hour on the hour if you look at the front of the building you see the founders meet on the plinths!
Brick Lane Market
There is just so much to see at Brick Lane Market. Great shops and food.
Portobello Market
World’d largest antiques market – great for an explore!
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