a 2-Day London Christmas Itinerary for Families - by a London Mum
Planning your family’s first festive weekend in London? Here’s a tried-and-tested, buggy-friendly plan that strings together Christmas markets, magical lights routes, pop-ups, warm café pit-stops and easy transport links. It’s designed for little legs, nap windows and maximum sparkle—plus there’s an optional Hampton Court Palace add-on if you’re staying a third night.
Selfridges, Oxford Street 2025
Before you go (parent-to-parent)
Travel basics: Use contactless/Oyster on the Tube and buses. Many stations aren’t step-free—check TfL’s step-free map if you’ve got a buggy.
If you are visiting in the week, be aware of rush hour between 4-7pm. Use buses, taxi’s or walk during these hours as the tube is packed.
Skating & big attractions: Book timed tickets in advance (they do sell out).
Warm-up stops: We’ve woven in hot chocolates, cafés and easy loos.
Day 1 – Southbank → Covent Garden (afternoon & evening)
Start at: South Bank Winter Market (riverside) check the opening times here
Wooden chalets, river views and street-food that keeps everyone happy. Let the kids spot the carousel while you grab mulled drinks and loaded hot chocolates.
Café pause: Any of the South Bank kiosks for hot chocolates; riverside benches are perfect for a snack break. Let the kids have a run around the grass area.
Walk or hop one stop to Covent Garden (10–15 mins on foot over Waterloo Bridge)
Covent Garden Piazza & Market Building: Giant tree, twinkly decorations and easy undercover browsing if it drizzles.
Seven Dials detour: Pretty side streets for photos and indie shops.
Dinner ideas nearby:
Ivy Market Grill, Shake Shack (in the middle of Apple Market!) Sticks n Sushi (they do cute kids Bento!)
Optional skate tonight:
Leicester Square Skating and Market
Transport (Day 1):
To South Bank: Tube to Waterloo (Jubilee/Northern/Bakerloo) or Embankment (District/Circle).
From South Bank to Covent Garden: Walk, or Tube to Covent Garden (Piccadilly) / Leicester Square (Northern/Piccadilly).
Oxford Street
Day 2 – Pretty Belgravia Corners → Knightsbridge Ritzy Windows → Winter Wonderland → West End lights
Morning in Belgravia. This pretty corner of London gives village vibes. Pretty streets, cosy cafés and boutique shops:
Peggy Porschen Belgravia for Christmas cupcakes, biscuits, pastries and hot chocolate.
Elizabeth Street for festive façades and a quick photo by the famous floral displays.
Knightsbridge window trail:
Wander past Harvey Nichols and Harrods for the Christmas windows.
Head downstairs in Harrods for the Christmas shop and upstairs for the toy department.
Harrods Food Hall is an easy grazing stop (parents: the chicken sandwich really is that good).
Stock up in the Food Hall on Christmas chocolates, biscuits and hot chocolate in keepsake tins.
Lunch options:
The Ivy Chelsea Garden relaxed, family-friendly or Daphne’s for cosy and iconic Christmas decorations
Afternoon choice:
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (pre-book entry): Rides, shows and festive fun. Go off-peak or earlier in the morning / early afternoon with little ones.
ORSelfridges Christmas Shop - Disney has collaborated with Selfridges to bring Disney magic to central London. Dolly’s cafe has the cutest Disney cakes, amazing window displays, light show every 15 minutes on the facade and confetti show (see website for details)
Evening lights walk (West End):
Start at Regent Street (the famous angels), loop to Carnaby for colour, then finish along Oxford Street. Pop into Liberty’s side streets for an easy hot-choc warm-up and historic interior.
Transport (Day 2):
Belgravia: Victoria (Victoria/District/Circle) or Sloane Square (District/Circle).
Knightsbridge: Knightsbridge (Piccadilly).
Winter Wonderland: Marble Arch (Central) or Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly).
West End lights: Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly/Bakerloo) or Oxford Circus (Bakerloo/Central/Victoria).
Day 3 – Bridges & markets with a secret garden
Morning at London Bridge – “Winter by the River”
A market that lines the Thames with Tower Bridge views—great for easy snacks (think raclette, bratwurst and churros).
City wander:
Hays Market or Leadenhall Market
St Dunstan in the East (five-minute hop): a serene, leafy church-ruin garden—perfect for a sit-down and photos.
Borough Market for lunch before you head home.
Transport (Day 3):
London Bridge /Borough Market: London Bridge (Jubilee/Northern).
Leadenhall: Bank/Monument (several lines).
Pop-ups & rinks you can slot in anywhere
Somerset House – Skate (central classic).
Glide at Battersea Power Station (riverside setting; combine with shops/eats).
Leadenhall Market, City of London
Staying three nights? Add Hampton Court Palace and boat ride!
Why go: A gorgeous change of scene with grand courtyards, festive decorations and an outdoor ice rink right in front of the palace—magical at dusk.
How to get there (easiest year-round):
• Train: London Waterloo → Hampton Court (around 35 minutes, Zone 6). The station is a 5-minute, buggy-friendly walk to the palace.
OR
The scenic boat ride (include this if the weather allows):
• From central London (Westminster) you can take a leisurely river cruise to Hampton Court during the spring–autumn season (allow a few hours; it’s a day out in itself). In winter, services are limited—check schedules.
What to do:
• Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink: Book ahead; earlier sessions are calmer for little ones.
• Festive food & markets: On select weekends you’ll find seasonal stalls—check the palace’s “What’s On.”
• Warm up in the Ice Rink Café/Bar or one of the palace cafés before the train back to Waterloo.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Where to stay in London
Tower Bridge is a great area to stay for families. There are lots of great attractions nearby including Tower Bridge, St Katherines Dock, Tower of London, Winter by the River Christmas Market and The City of London.
South Kensington has some of the best museums right on your doorstop, For Christmas fun you have Harrods, Belgravia, Knightsbridge nearby. Get your walking route here.
The Ampersand Hotel - Often regarded as one of the best London hotels for kids
West End is high energy, walkable to most London attractions and a great area to stay if you are seeing a show. Close to Covent Garden Christmas Market is a great place to stay if you want the buzz of London
For more London neighbourhood guides and where to stay in a quieter part of London, read them here:
And that’s your 2-day London at Christmas wrapped up like a present. I hope it helps you plan a cosy, low-stress festive escape—think golden-hour lights, hot chocolates on repeat, and memories the kids will talk about all year. If this was helpful, save and share with your WhatsApp crew, and tell me what you’re most excited to see in the comments.
Planning 48 hours in London at Christmas with kids? This family-friendly 2-day itinerary strings together markets on the Thames, Covent Garden pop-ups, Belgravia and West End lights, cosy hot-chocolate stops and simple transport links—plus smart budgeting tips and an optional Hampton Court Palace add-on with ice-skating for a magical final day.