Twinkling bridges, Christmas markets, a certain marmalade-loving bear and one easy train ride between two magical cities. Here is how we plan Paris and London for families in fall and winter.
There is something about Paris and London once the leaves turn and the lights go up. The crowds thin, the cafés get cozier, the hot chocolate gets thicker, and both cities start dressing themselves up for the holidays. For families, it might be the most magical window of the whole year to go.
We plan this pairing often, for families with little ones, teens, and grandparents all traveling together. It works beautifully because the two cities are just over two hours apart by Eurostar, so you get two completely different worlds without a single extra flight.
Planning a family trip and want it to feel effortless from takeoff to touchdown? Reach out and let's start planning!
Why Fall and Winter Work So Well for Families
- Fewer crowds. Museum lines are shorter and the big sights feel calmer than in summer.
- The holiday season. From mid-November, both cities glow with lights, window displays, markets, and ice rinks.
- Built-in rest. Earlier sunsets mean evenings are made for dinner cruises and light displays, then an early bedtime.
- Indoor gems. Both cities have some of the best kid museums in the world, perfect for a rainy afternoon.
The Seasonal Events Worth Planning Around
Paddington in London. London is Paddington's home, and kids light up when they meet him. Visit his statue and the Paddington Bear shop at Paddington Station, look for the Paddington Bear Experience on the South Bank, and if your kids are old enough, catch Paddington The Musical in the West End. A marmalade sandwich afterward is non-negotiable.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. From late November through early January, Hyde Park turns into a festive fair with rides, an ice rink, markets, and plenty of treats.
Christmas lights and windows. Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Covent Garden light up for the season, and Hamleys, the most famous toy store in the world, is at its most magical in December. In Paris, don't miss the tree and window displays at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.
Ice skating. Skating rinks pop up in both cities, from Somerset House and the Natural History Museum in London to seasonal rinks around Paris.
Christmas markets. Paris sets up wooden-chalet markets with crêpes, vin chaud for the grown-ups, and hot chocolate for the kids.
Disneyland Paris at Christmas. If you want to add a day, the park goes all out for the holidays, from the parade to the castle lighting.
Our 8-Day Paris and London Family Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Paris
A private transfer meets you at the airport so no one is wrangling luggage and car seats. Check into a central hotel, take an easy walk, and head to Angelina for their famous hot chocolate before an early night.
Day 2Paris Icons and a Seine Dinner Cruise
Spend the morning at the Eiffel Tower with timed-entry tickets, then play at the Jardin d'Acclimatation, a park with rides that kids adore. In the evening, glide along the Seine on a dinner cruise with window seats, watching the illuminated bridges and the sparkling Eiffel Tower drift by.
Day 3The Louvre with a Private Guide
A private family guide turns the Louvre into a treasure hunt and keeps it to the highlights, so little legs don't give out. Lunch at Café Marly with a view of the pyramid, then an afternoon for the holiday windows at Galeries Lafayette and the free rooftop view of the Eiffel Tower.
Day 4A Day Trip Your Way
Grown-ups may love a private day in Reims and the Champagne region, with vineyard views and cellar tastings. With younger kids, swap it for a day at Disneyland Paris or the antique fairground rides at the Musée des Arts Forains.
Day 5Eurostar to London
Ride the Eurostar from Paris to London, which kids think is a real adventure. A private transfer takes you to a hotel near Hyde Park. Spend the afternoon at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland or the Princess Diana Memorial Playground.
Day 6Paddington Day
Start at Paddington Station for his statue and shop, then ride a double-decker bus (sit upstairs!) to the Natural History Museum for the dinosaurs. Keep it to 60 to 90 minutes, then skate at the museum rink if it's open. Finish with Paddington The Musical or an evening walk under the Regent Street lights.
Day 7Castles, Guards, and the Thames
Older kids and grandparents will love a private day trip to Stonehenge and Highclere Castle. With little ones, stay in town for a Changing of the Guard walking tour, a Thames boat ride from Westminster to Tower Bridge, and a stop at the London Transport Museum or Hamleys.
End the night at The Greatest Showman: Come Alive, an immersive circus show with the songs the whole family already knows by heart. It is the perfect grand finale to your last evening in London.
Day 8Departure
One last breakfast, then a private transfer to Heathrow. Everyone goes home with a bear souvenir and a camera full of twinkling lights.
What to Wear
London in fall and winter means crisp mornings, chilly evenings and plenty of walking between museums, markets and twinkling streets. Think warm layers you can peel off indoors: a long wool coat, cozy knits, comfortable boots made for cobblestones, a scarf and gloves, and a compact umbrella for the inevitable drizzle. For little ones, a puffer, a hat and waterproof shoes keep everyone happy from Hyde Park to Covent Garden.
London · Fall & Winter
The Style Edit
Dressed for London
Warm layers, polished boots and one great coat — everything you need for cozy, chic city days.
Shop the LookWant the full edit? Shop our London Style Guide here.
Where to Stay
These are the two hotels we love for this trip: central, comfortable and easy with kids.
Paris: Hôtel L'Échiquier Opéra Paris – MGallery by Sofitel. A stylish boutique stay near the Grands Boulevards, with easy walks to the Christmas windows at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.
London: Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill. On leafy Portman Square, steps from Oxford Street's lights and a short walk to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
Where to Eat with Kids
- Paris: Angelina for hot chocolate, Ladurée for macarons, Café de Flore for croissants, and Le Café Marly for lunch by the Louvre.
London with Little Kids: The Best Things to Do
London is fantastic with little kids, especially ages 3 to 5, because so many museums are interactive and parks are built for families. Here are some of the best low-stress things to do with preschoolers, grouped the way I often recommend them for family itineraries.
Megan's Picks
My Favorite London Family Tours
Kid-friendly tours, Paddington experiences, and easy day trips — all hand-picked for families.
Explore the ToursNatural History Museum (Dinosaurs!)
One of the best kid museums in the world.
Why 3–5 year olds love it:
- The moving T-Rex animatronic is a huge hit
- Massive dinosaur skeletons everywhere
- Whale skeleton hanging in the main hall
- Lots of buttons and interactive exhibits
Tips: Go right when it opens, and spend 60–90 minutes max so kids don't get overwhelmed. South Kensington
London Zoo
Located inside Regent's Park, and very manageable with little kids.
Highlights:
- Penguin Beach (kids LOVE it)
- Small animal areas and petting zones
- Indoor rainforest exhibit
- Huge playground nearby
Bonus: Combine it with the Regent's Park playground after.
Hyde Park & Princess Diana Memorial Playground
This playground alone is worth planning around.
What kids love:
- Huge wooden pirate ship playground
- Sand pits and sensory play areas
- Cafe for parents
- Next to Kensington Palace
Nearby bonus: Rent pedal boats on the Serpentine. Kensington Gardens
London Transport Museum
Perfect for train- and bus-obsessed kids.
Why it's great:
- Kids can climb into old buses and Tube trains
- Interactive driving simulators
- Play areas designed for under-7s
Location: Covent Garden. Easy to combine with lunch nearby.
Hamleys Toy Store
The most famous toy store in the world.
What makes it special:
- Staff doing toy demonstrations everywhere
- Magic tricks, flying toys, games
- Seven floors of chaos in the best way
Location: Regent Street
Thames River Boat Ride
A perfect way to sightsee without tired legs.
Kids love:
- Being on a boat
- Seeing Tower Bridge open
- Snacks on board
Best route for families: Westminster → Tower Bridge → Greenwich
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Great for younger kids because it's very immersive.
Highlights:
- Walk-through shark tunnel
- Penguins
- Touch pools
- Jellyfish tanks
Location: Next to the London Eye
Bonus: Quick Kid Stops
These are great filler activities between sightseeing.
- Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (short watch time)
- Covent Garden street performers
- Double-decker bus ride (sit upstairs!)
- Paddington Bear shop at Paddington Station
- Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea (they do kid menus)
Perfect 2-Day London Plan with Little Kids
- Day 1: Natural History Museum, lunch in South Kensington, Hyde Park playground, Hamleys toy store
- Day 2: Thames boat ride, Tower Bridge walk, London Transport Museum, dinner in Covent Garden
10 Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in London
1. Dishoom
- Super lively, energetic environment
- Kid-friendly menu items like naan, grilled chicken, and rice
- Excellent breakfast and brunch
- Tip: The Covent Garden location is perfect after the Transport Museum
2. The Ivy Market Grill
- Classic London setting
- Excellent kids menu and fast service
- Perfect for lunch between sightseeing
- Great after exploring Covent Garden or Trafalgar Square
3. Ave Mario
- Huge colorful restaurant
- Pizza and pasta favorites
- Big lively dining room (noise is OK with kids)
4. Giraffe World Kitchen
- Designed for families
- Pancakes, burgers, curries, smoothies
- Very casual and easy with strollers
5. Bancone
- Small plates perfect for sharing
- Kids almost always love pasta
- Excellent food for adults
6. Bill's Restaurant
- Fantastic kids menu
- All-day brunch, pancakes, burgers
- Very relaxed environment
7. Seven Dials Market
- Everyone can pick their own food
- Pizza, tacos, Asian food, desserts
- Very lively atmosphere
- Ideal if the family can't agree on cuisine
8. Flat Iron
- Very simple menu
- Quick service
- Free ice cream at the end
9. Joe Allen
- Theatre district favorite
- Solid kids menu
- Classic comfort foods
10. Hard Rock Cafe
- Loud, fun environment
- Music memorabilia everywhere
- Burgers, shakes, fries
Bonus "Kids Go Crazy" Treat Stops
These aren't full restaurants, but they're huge hits with young kids.
- Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea (they do a children's tea)
- Chin Chin Labs — famous liquid nitrogen ice cream
- Peggy Porschen — iconic pink cake shop
Best Areas to Eat with Kids in London
- Covent Garden (most family-friendly)
- South Bank (near the London Eye & Aquarium)
- Kensington (near the museums)
PaylorMade Travel Links
You know I'm always on the lookout for the best ways to make travel seamless and memorable. Over the years, I've built relationships with companies I truly trust — and I've gathered all my favorite partners in one place for you below.
Packing & Resources
A few of my favorite tools and resources to make your trip even smoother:
- Pack with PaylorMade Travel Favorites
- Book hotels with exclusive perks → PaylorMade Travel Hotel Perks
- Tours & Activities via Viator — Book tours worldwide
- LIV Tours — More custom, less touristy (worth every penny)
- Rome2Rio — Plug in any two cities and it'll show you the best way to get between them
- Check travel requirements and visa details for any country with this link.
- Travel Insurance via Travel Insured
- PaylorMade International Travel Must-Haves
- Best way to book a transfer
- View all my links in one place here.
Good to Know Before You Go
- U.S. travelers need a UK ETA before flying to London, even when just connecting through Heathrow.
- Book the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, holiday shows, and Winter Wonderland in advance, as December dates sell out.
- Pack warm layers, waterproof shoes, and a cozy hat for everyone. Days are short and chilly, but rarely freezing.
- We always recommend travel insurance, especially for winter flights and trains.
It is not too late to plan a trip and steal parts of this itinerary. Reach out today and we can start planning.
With gratitude,
The Gallery
Megan Paylor