A Guide to Family-Friendly Festive Fun in London

Christmas is a fantastic time to enjoy London as a family, with a huge variety of activities to enjoy for all ages. With sparkling lights across the city, plenty of delicious food and fun-filled attractions, it’s the perfect time of year to make some special memories.

With great value packages available for accommodation in Paddington, treat yourself and your loved ones to a convenient and comfortable stay in central London, close to all the festive action.

This year, a Montcalm Christmas is a perfect way of treating the whole family, with a special festive package. Read on to find out what you can enjoy with your family in London, this season.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

For the perfect festive family activity in close distance of The Chilworth London Paddington, head down to Hyde Park, where you’ll discover the magical space of Winter Wonderland. Through the festive season, the park is filled with funfair rides, a variety of festive entertainment, an ice rink, and of course, plenty of sparkling trees and lights.

While you’re there, check out the stunning 70m observation wheel, giving you incredible views across London. For younger visitors, you’ll find lots of fun shows, featuring favourites including Paddington Bear and the Mr Me and Little Miss characters. Older kids can have fun on the ice, or try out some of the thrilling rides around the park, while adults have plenty to sample and enjoy in the festive market.

Winter Wonderland is free to enter, making it a stress-free spot for a family visit, as you don’t need to plan ahead to go.

Natural History Museum

One of the most magical places to visit during Christmas in London is the Natural History Museum’s annual outdoor ice rink. Held outside the magnificent building of the museum, you can enjoy skating in a unique setting, beneath bright winter skies by day, and surrounded by lights after dark.

After a skating session, take the time to explore the museum’s expansive collection, or enjoy a delicious snack in the rink-side café. And if you’ve worked up a serious appetite, you’ll find plenty of great restaurants in Paddington, with family-friendly menus on offer, featuring classic dishes that everyone will enjoy.

Festive films across the city

If trekking out around the city is getting a little hectic and tiring, enjoy some downtime with a classic festive movie, in cosy surroundings. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy some of the most popular seasonal films being screened around the city, with special pop-ups dotted around the capital, as well as festive-themed shows in some of London’s fantastic independent cinemas.

Head to the West End where you’ll find the celebrated Prince Charles Cinema, which features a packed schedule of family favourites through the holiday season. Get cosy with special pyjama party-themed screenings of old hits, or sing along with your most loved musicals. Or take a trip to the Southbank Centre, where their Circus Bar will be screening a variety of festive family movies, complete with cosy bean bags to relax on, and plenty of tasty snacks to enjoy during the show.

With lots of great kids’ films on show around London to keep younger visitors happy, you might also want to sneak a little treat for yourself. Indulge in some soothing spa deals Paddington while they’re busy with the silver screen, giving you some well-deserved time to rest and refresh yourself before the next bout of festivities.

Classic family pantomimes on stage

Pantomimes are a true British festive tradition, and with excellent accommodation in Paddington, there’s no excuse not to check out some of the hilarious shows that’ll be on through the holidays. Many of the West End’s top theatres have a pantomime or two on offer, providing plenty of choice for families to enjoy during their stay in the city.

Watch the classic tale of Goldilocks and the three bears brought to life at the London Palladium, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular performance of laughs and slapstick humour, alongside thrilling circus stunts. Or for an extra dose of magic and sparkle, join Cinderella at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, which will feature plenty of music and dancing, as well as pumpkins, talking mice and other familiar faces.

Delicious festive food

Christmas is all about indulging in tasty treats, and you’ll find plenty of delicious food to enjoy all over London, from wonderful festive dinners in the city’s top restaurants to heaps of tempting snacks and street food in the many markets around the capital.

For families with a sweet tooth, it’s worth heading to Borough Market, where you’ll find plenty of specialist chocolates, roasted nuts, cakes and other sweet treats on offer. Or if you’re a fan of cheese, head to the number of craft cheesemakers in the market, where you’ll be able to pick up a variety of gourmet cheeses from the UK and abroad.

Keep an eye out for special festive offers on the menu in cafés and smaller restaurants too. The renowned specialist ice cream chain, Chin Chin Labs, located in Soho and Camden Lock Market, will be featuring a sumptuous toasted marshmallow hot chocolate, which is sure to satisfy and delight even the most demanding family member.

Magical Christmas lights

Seeing Christmas lights sparkling is one of the best ways to inspire a touch of festive spirit, and there are plenty of places to enjoy the sight of a charming display. If you’re shopping for gifts, look out for the spectacular light shows around you, with LED light curtains around Oxford Street, and a mesmerising ocean-themed array of lights and sculptures in Carnaby Street.

For a more traditional glimpse of Christmas, head down to Trafalgar Square, where the annual Norwegian Christmas tree is beautifully lit with a vertical garland of lights. For a taste of something more contemporary, keep an eye on the city skyline, where the Shard building will be lighting up its top storeys in a colourful show.