A guide to Christmas activities for all the family
Christmas is a magical time to explore Marylebone with the whole family. From twinkling shop windows and beautifully decorated streets to festive events and family-friendly attractions, the neighbourhood offers plenty of ways to celebrate the season and keep little ones entertained throughout the school holidays. Whether you’re planning a special visit to see Father Christmas, looking for festive activities to enjoy together or simply spending an afternoon exploring London, Marylebone is a wonderful starting point for a family day out. From Santa’s Grotto at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland to seasonal outings, Christmas shopping and family-friendly places to eat, we’ve rounded up some lovely ways to make the most of Christmas in and around Marylebone this year.
See Santa at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
For the full Father Christmas experience, nearby Hyde Park Winter Wonderland returns from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Santa’s Grotto is open from 10am to 6pm within Santa Land and is free to visit. There’s no advance booking for the grotto itself — visits operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and the queue can close early on busy days. If you’re planning a bigger outing, Santa Land also has family rides and additional bookable attractions, and children who visit Santa also receive a gift.
Best For: The full Santa experience and a big festive family day out.
See Marylebone’s Christmas lights
Some of the best Christmas memories don’t require a ticket at all. Wrap up warm, take a walk through Marylebone after dark and turn it into a small Christmas treasure hunt: find the best decorated window, count Christmas trees or let everyone choose their favourite lights. Chiltern Street is another enjoyable detour, particularly if parents fancy a coffee while younger visitors take in the shopfronts.
Best For: A free festive activity that can fit around the rest of your day.
Get festive at The Wallace Collection
The Wallace Collection is particularly great during the school holidays because many of its family activities are completely free. On 28 November, the museum is holding a series of festive events including a Museum Detectives: Festive Family Tour, creative workshops inspired by paper chains and poinsettias, and Hands on Armour: The Knight Before Christmas. Later that day, the museum’s free Festive Late brings seasonal music, family activities, decorated galleries and creative drop-in workshops together under one roof. Entry to the Wallace Collection’s permanent collection is free throughout the year, making it a fantastic option when the December weather doesn’t cooperate.
Best For: Free family activities, art and escaping a rainy afternoon.
A very merry Marylebone Christmas
Closer to home, A Very Merry Marylebone Christmas takes place on Wednesday 11 November, with festive entertainment running from 3pm before the lights are switched on at 6pm. It’s an easy introduction to the festive season for younger children: lights, entertainment and decorated shopfronts without committing to a full day at the theme park.
Best For: Christmas lights, an early evening outing and kicking off the festive season together.
Meet your favourite stars at Madame Tussauds London
For a fun-filled family outing away from the winter chill, Madame Tussauds London offers a fun way to spend a few hours during the Christmas holidays. Just moments from Baker Street Station, the world-famous attraction brings visitors face to face with lifelike figures of their favourite celebrities, musicians, sporting legends and film characters. From Marvel superheroes and Star Wars characters to members of the Royal Family, there’s plenty for children and adults alike to discover. Beyond the famous wax figures, families can explore immersive experiences, including the Marvel Hall of Heroes and the Spirit of London ride, which takes visitors on a journey through the capital’s history. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, particularly during the busy Christmas holidays.
Best For: Family outings and an entertaining indoor activity during the Christmas holidays.
Make a special stay of It at The Landmark London
For families turning Christmas in Marylebone into an overnight stay, The Landmark London is leaning fully into the season. Its 2026 Santa’s Sleepover package runs from 23 November to 4 January and includes an elf turndown with milk and cookies, festive films and popcorn, colouring activities and a festive hunt through the hotel. There’s also something wonderfully surreal about walking beneath the palms of the Winter Garden when the hotel is dressed for Christmas.
Best For: A Christmas treat, visiting family and turning a day out into an occasion.
Refuel somewhere family-friendly
Even the most enthusiastic little explorer eventually needs lunch. For something easy and crowd-pleasing, Bill’s Marylebone offers a relaxed all-day menu with plenty of familiar favourites. PizzaExpress is always a reliable choice with kids, while Rosa’s Thai is a good option if you fancy something a little different without making lunch feel too formal. For more inspiration, explore our guide to the best kids’ menus in Marylebone, featuring family-friendly restaurants, children’s menus and useful tips for dining out with kids. For coffee and something smaller, cafés like How Matcha, Daisy Green and DL/Service make it easy to stop, refuel and carry on with the day.
