London Transport Museum is bringing a merry mix of festive cheer and seasonal transport history to Covent Garden. In the run up to Christmas and throughout the school holidays, visitors can enjoy a packed programme of family fun. Highlights include a lively cast of characters from the past, a historical trail through the Museum’s galleries, and a magical residency from Santa himself.
Christmas activities at London Transport Museum
Meet Santa and his elves
Daily from 27 November – 23 December
Santa will be setting up shop in Covent Garden from Thursday 27 November. Families will be able to step into a magical winter scene where little ones can climb aboard a Routemaster bus inspired interactive sleigh, with buttons and bells. Cheerful elves will be on hand to help capture the perfect family photo, while the man in red will be listening to those all-important Christmas wishes. Santa will be heading back to the North Pole on 23 December, in time to load up his sleigh for Christmas Eve.
SEND family explorer morning
Saturday 6 December 8:30 – 10:00
Children with special educational needs, disabled children, and their families, can meet Santa and enjoy the Museum outside of regular hours. With gallery sounds turned off and the space closed to the general public, this early morning session offers a calm and welcoming environment. Tickets for this festive Family Explorer Morning are free for one adult and accompanying children but must be booked in advance. To book visit: ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-early-explorer-morning
Christmas characters
Term-time weekends from 29 November – 19 December
Daily from 20 December – 4 January (ex. 24 to 26 December)
Throughout the festive season visitors can meet costumed characters from London’s past. These lively encounters will bring the history of Christmas travel in the capital to life. Four beloved characters will be waiting to greet guests: a Victorian lady, a tram passenger, an Auxiliary Fire Service wartime volunteer, and a 1970s Caribbean conductor. Each day, two characters will share their stories and reveal their unique Christmas connections to London’s transport.
Travel through Christmases past – festive trail
Daily from 29 November – 4 January (ex. 24 to 26 December)
Families can follow a festive family trail through the Museum’s galleries to explore 200 years of seasonal stories. From Victorian carriages to steam trains, visitors can discover how Londoners travelled during holidays past.
Christmas shopping
Stock up on stocking fillers at the London Transport Museum shop. With a huge range of transport-inspired gifts, visitors will be sure to find something for everyone on their lists.
The Museum’s 2025 limited edition Christmas knitwear range celebrates London’s transport system, featuring a blue design interweaving iconic modes from across the TfL network into the shape of a Christmas tree. The range includes adult jumpers, scarves, hats and socks, plus matching jumpers for kids so the whole family can wrap up in style. Another great gift for little ones is the City of London Wooden Train Set. This charming 18-piece toy features famous London landmarks and iconic transport vehicles.
Gifts can also be purchased online, visit: ltmuseumshop.co.uk
