Christmas in London always feels a little enchanted. Lights twinkle above busy high streets, shop windows glow after dark and neighbourhoods you walk through every day suddenly feel a bit more magical.
If you’re trying to plan festive fun on a budget, the good news is that London is packed with brilliant free Christmas events for families. From Santa meet-and-greets and creative workshops to glowing light installations, there’s a lot to enjoy without spending more than the travel fare.
Here are our top picks of free Christmas events in London happening soon.
Free Santa’s Grotto, Kensington
Location: Vintage Winter Market, Phillimore Walk, Kensington
Dates: 29 Nov 2025, 11am–3pm
Meet Santa, hand over the wish list and snap a festive photo, all for free. Kids also get a small gift, which is always a win.
It’s walk-in only and slots go fast, so arrive early and enjoy the carols, live brass music, mulled wine and vintage stalls while you wait.
Ice Palace Immersive Show
Location: The Outernet, Tottenham Court Road
Dates: Until 25 Nov 2025
Step inside a winter world filled with icy projections and snowy surprises. It’s a quick but magical stop-off if you’re already in central London with kids.
Box of Christmas Mischief Game Show
Location: Hamleys Regent Street, 3rd Floor
Dates: Thu 6 Nov – Wed 24 Dec 2025, 11.30am & 3.30pm Mon-Sat, 3.30pm Sun
This wacky festive game show turns Hamleys’ 3rd floor into pure mayhem, with cheeky elves, surprise challenges and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments for kids.
Each show is fast, fun and totally unpredictable, so no two performances feel the same.
It is a great stop-off during the Christmas shop that little ones will love.
Ever After Rose Light Garden
Location: Duke of York Square, Chelsea
Dates: Until 16 Dec 2025
A calm, glowing garden of 30,000 illuminated roses created in memory of loved ones.
It is a peaceful place to wander with children after dark and a thoughtful moment of pause if you are already in Chelsea enjoying the Christmas lights. Donations to the Royal Marsden Cancer charity are welcome.
Nightmare Before Xmas Craft Workshop
Location: Pigott Theatre, British Library
Dates: 13 Dec 2025
A creative, slightly spooky craft session inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas. Kids can make their own characters and props while learning a few storytelling tricks along the way.
Santa’s Confetti Spectacle at Selfridges
Location: Atrium, Selfridges London
Dates: 5, 6 and 8–13 Dec (6pm weekdays, 1:30pm Sat)
A burst of colour, music and flying confetti fills the Selfridges atrium in this joyful mini-show. Expect dancing elves, big Christmas energy and a very excitable crowd of children.
LEGO Chalet of Play
Location: East Piazza, Covent Garden
Dates: Until 30 Nov
A cosy Christmas-themed LEGO chalet where kids can build, play and explore new sets for free. It’s a quick and fun stop if you’re doing a festive wander around Covent Garden.
Kids’ New Year Countdown
Location: The Clore Ballroom, Southbank Centre
Dates: 31 Dec 2025
A family-friendly New Year’s Eve party designed especially for younger children. Expect music, dancing and an early countdown so everyone can join the fun without staying up late.
Winter Light at Southbank Centre
Location: Around the Southbank Centre
Dates: Until 18 Jan 2025
This riverside light trail brightens the darker months with bold, colourful artworks that transform the Southbank after sunset. Kids will love spotting each glowing installation while grown-ups enjoy the artwork and reflections across the Thames.
Make a Scene with Scrooge: Drama Workshop
Location: Charles Dickens Museum
Dates: Various dates in Dec
A free, small-group drama workshop where children aged 9–12 can recreate scenes from A Christmas Carol at the “world’s smallest theatre.” Fun, lively and great for kids who love performing.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree Lighting
Location: Trafalgar Square
Dates: 4 Dec 2025, 5.00pm
Each year, London gathers to see the iconic Norwegian spruce burst into light in a tradition that’s been running for almost eight decades.
Expect carols, a warm community atmosphere and a simple but special moment that marks the true start of Christmas in the capital.
Buckingham Palace Christmas Pop-Up Shop
Location: Royal Mews
Dates: 14 Nov 2025 – 5 Jan 2026
A beautifully decorated festive shop inside the Royal Mews, surprisingly charming even if you are only browsing.
Expect royal-themed ornaments, gift ideas and a fun peek behind the palace walls.
The ‘Inspiration’ Train
Location: King’s Cross Station
Dates: Check timetable on link
This travelling “wonderlab on wheels” turns a real train into a hands-on science and engineering playground. Kids can explore mini experiments, discover railway innovations and step inside exhibition carriages designed with the National Railway Museum.
It is quick to visit, genuinely engaging and ideal as a fun stop-off if you’re already passing through one of the stations on its London tour.
Which events suit which ages?
If you’re bringing toddlers or preschoolers, the Free Santa’s Grotto in Kensington, Santa’s Confetti Spectacle at Selfridges and the Ice Palace Immersive Show at Outernet are your best bets. They’re short, magical and easy for little ones to enjoy without getting overwhelmed.
For ages 5 to 8, the Box of Christmas Mischief at Hamleys, LEGO Chalet of Play and the Ever After Rose Light Garden offer plenty to explore, from playful games to gentle early-evening adventures.
Kids aged 9 to 12 will love anything with a creative twist. The Nightmare Before Xmas Craft Workshop, the Make a Scene with Scrooge drama session and the Kids’ New Year Countdown at Southbank all give them activities they can throw themselves into.
And if you’re out with teens or grown-ups, the Winter Light installations at the Southbank Centre, the Trafalgar Square tree lighting, and the Inspiration Train make brilliant (and free) winter outings.