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Christmas in London with Kids: Where to Stay, What to Book & Mistakes to Avoid

A family Christmas week in London split between Andaz and St. Ermin's, with tube-heavy sightseeing, a Harry Potter Studio Tour day trip, an Arsenal match, and a clear lesson about where to stay during the holidays.

By Frequent Family

Family

7 days

More England guides
The grand, festive lobby of a luxury London hotel is transformed into a magical Santa's workshop.
The grand, festive lobby of a luxury London hotel is transformed into a magical Santa's workshop.

Which hotel worked best

We split our stay between Andaz London and St. Ermin's and much preferred St. Ermin's. Its location was far more central, getting around was much easier, and the area itself felt like the version of London most people probably hope for on a first or family trip.

St. Ermin's was especially strong because you can walk to many of the main tourist sights, and when you do need transit, the Tube makes the city very manageable. By contrast, Andaz felt farther out and less natural as a family base.

A brightly lit H&M advertising mural displayed on the exterior of a building in London at night, surrounded by people walking in the square.
The festive H&M storefront near our St. Ermin’s base made evening walks feel magical with kids.

What we enjoyed most

The highlight of the trip was the Harry Potter Studio Tour day trip, which was spectacular and absolutely worth building around if your family cares about it at all. We had to buy those tickets well in advance because they do sell out.

We also did Winter Wonderland, which was fun even though it was absolutely packed. That one was easier to handle last minute and we bought those tickets the week of.

My daughter and I also went to an Arsenal match, which was really fun despite the depressing 0-2 scoreline against West Ham. Outside of the bigger ticket items, we especially enjoyed spending time in Chelsea, Covent Garden, and Leicester Square.

Visitors walking through Hyde Park Winter Wonderland at night with an illuminated Ferris wheel and carnival rides in the background.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park offers an enchanting evening experience for families visiting London during Christmas.

What to know about London at Christmas

London worked very well as a family city overall, but it is expensive. The Tube made most of the city easy to navigate, though traveling over Christmas and Boxing Day was more difficult and some areas felt surprisingly dead.

Our best meal was at The Cinnamon Club, and Chez Antoinette Victoria was also excellent for brunch. We also did the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea at One Aldwych, but it was not worth the price. Sushi Samba in east London was good, but it also felt like what it is: a polished chain rather than a uniquely memorable London meal.

A large crowd of people walking through a series of brightly lit, colorful LED arches at the Winter Wonderland fair in Hyde Park at night.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park dazzles families with its spectacular illuminated arches and festive atmosphere.

More Photos

The iconic Harvey Nichols department store shines bright with festive holiday lights in Knightsbridge, London.
The iconic Harvey Nichols department store shines bright with festive holiday lights in Knightsbridge, London.
Enjoy a sophisticated evening lounge experience featuring festive holiday decor at a classic London hotel.
Enjoy a sophisticated evening lounge experience featuring festive holiday decor at a classic London hotel.
Enjoy a festive afternoon tea surrounded by the elegant, holiday-adorned interiors of a classic London hotel.
Enjoy a festive afternoon tea surrounded by the elegant, holiday-adorned interiors of a classic London hotel.
Treat the kids to a colorful candy selection at this whimsical and vibrant London hotel bar.
Treat the kids to a colorful candy selection at this whimsical and vibrant London hotel bar.
Peeking through the iconic iron gates at Buckingham Palace is a must for your London itinerary.
Peeking through the iconic iron gates at Buckingham Palace is a must for your London itinerary.
Take a cozy afternoon tea break during your festive London adventures at a luxury hotel.
Take a cozy afternoon tea break during your festive London adventures at a luxury hotel.
Iconic Big Ben towers over the bustling crowds near Parliament Square on a chilly London afternoon.
Iconic Big Ben towers over the bustling crowds near Parliament Square on a chilly London afternoon.
A young traveler stops by a classic red phone booth during a festive evening walk.
A young traveler stops by a classic red phone booth during a festive evening walk.
Navigating the London Underground is part of the adventure when traveling with children during Christmas.
Navigating the London Underground is part of the adventure when traveling with children during Christmas.
Little ones dance with joy outside the iconic M&M's World in London’s bustling Leicester Square.
Little ones dance with joy outside the iconic M&M's World in London’s bustling Leicester Square.
St. Ermin's Hotel shines with festive holiday lighting, offering an elegant central London stay for families.
St. Ermin's Hotel shines with festive holiday lighting, offering an elegant central London stay for families.
Nothing captures the festive magic of a London stay quite like descending a grand, decorated staircase.
Nothing captures the festive magic of a London stay quite like descending a grand, decorated staircase.
No trip to London is complete without snapping a festive family photo by Big Ben.
No trip to London is complete without snapping a festive family photo by Big Ben.
Take a cozy afternoon tea break during your festive London exploration to recharge with the kids.
Take a cozy afternoon tea break during your festive London exploration to recharge with the kids.
Enjoy a restorative break with fresh herbal tea served in a charming porcelain London teapot.
Enjoy a restorative break with fresh herbal tea served in a charming porcelain London teapot.
Indulge in a quintessential British afternoon tea experience while relaxing between London Christmas market visits.
Indulge in a quintessential British afternoon tea experience while relaxing between London Christmas market visits.
Sip on festive chocolate milk served in a mini vintage bottle at this London holiday tea.
Sip on festive chocolate milk served in a mini vintage bottle at this London holiday tea.
Watching the famous pelicans at St. James's Park is a highlight for kids visiting London.
Watching the famous pelicans at St. James's Park is a highlight for kids visiting London.
Watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a magical Christmas tradition for kids.
Watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a magical Christmas tradition for kids.
Iconic Westminster Cathedral sets a festive holiday scene as a red London bus passes by at twilight.
Iconic Westminster Cathedral sets a festive holiday scene as a red London bus passes by at twilight.
Holiday cheer fills the air with festive star decorations hanging above London's historic shopping streets.
Holiday cheer fills the air with festive star decorations hanging above London's historic shopping streets.

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