Looking for the best London attractions in December? There are some great things to do in December with the kids throughout the city.
December is so much fun wherever you decide to go. Santa is getting ready for an epic trip around the world. Holiday festivals are decking the halls with carols and sweet goodies everywhere. Kids are trying desperately to get off the naughty list, and parents are racing to find the best holiday gifts. Booming New Year’s celebrations will bring it all to an end as we put another year to bed.
It’s the perfect time to explore London, right? We think so because there is so much to do at the end of the year in this vibrant city.
Keep reading while we introduce you to some of the best London attractions in December. We’ll focus on attractions that are great for families traveling with kids, but these points of interest are just as interesting for adults.
London Attractions in December
Walk a one-mile trail doused with a million sparkling lights. Watch hundreds of origami boats float across a picturesque lake. Enjoy live performances while looking at detailed sculptures, colorful decorated trees, and tunnels filled with light.
It all happens at Kew Gardens in December. The event is tons of fun just to walk through, but you can also grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks and follow it up with a cup of hot chocolate. It’s a great way to spend time with the family in London during the holidays.
You need to reserve tickets online in advance, and they do sell out quickly for these London attractions in December.
Christmas by the River
You’ll find this December holiday market at London Bridge City. It stretches along Tooley Street between the London Bridge to the Tower Bridge and is home to some of the most popular festivals in London each year. In December, it turns into a magical holiday market that combines boutique shopping opportunities with food trucks and stalls.
As one of the best London attractions in December, this is a great place to do that last-minute holiday shopping or just to walk along the Thames River and enjoy pretty views of the skyline after dark. If the adults want to slip out for a drink and get some shopping done while the little ones have sitters, this is a great place to go.
If you have little Potter fans in the family, you can’t skip a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio while you’re in London. The experience normally allows fans of all ages to explore sets used in the movies while seeing some of the London places that inspired the writing of Harry Potter’s story. In December, everything takes on a special magic as everything is covered in snow and the table is set for an enormous holiday feast.
You have to pre-book tickets online to enjoy this event. Tickets sell out fast, so try to reserve yours early.
London has an active theatre district, and there are always holiday-themed shows at the end of the year. London Decembers are cold, so the theatres are a great way to escape into the heat while spending quality time with the family. The shows are often entertaining and funny, and it’s not difficult to find a show suitable for kids of all ages.
If you’re visiting London attractions in December with young kids, try the Unicorn Theatre. It’s a kid’s theatre designed to entertain families with little ones of all ages.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks in London
London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are launched from the London Eye and are visible throughout most areas of Central London. You can watch them from your hotel balcony if you stay close to the London Eye. Many people venture down to the river to watch in the company of thousands of other people, but keep in mind that those crowds aren’t ideal for every family.
You can visit London.gov.uk/nye to see if you need tickets for the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration with fireworks. Ticketing helps relieve some of the crowding, but many people will still find ways to see the fireworks by the river with or without a ticket. They are booked up quickly, so you need to act fast if you want to snag tickets for your family.
New Year’s Eve in London
New Year’s Eve is all about fireworks, great food, and time spent with the people you love most. If you’re in London when the year comes to a close, there are some great family-friendly activities and events that you may enjoy.
Ask at the concierge desk if you’re staying in one of the more upscale hotels, or just ask at diners and restaurants to see what Londoners are doing to ring in the New Year this year. You may also check with some of the museums and attractions for special events.