London, teenagers and Christmassy stuff

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We're bringing dds 13 & 16 to London for a couple of nights in mid December with the idea of making the most of all things festive and have some treats as an early Christmas present. So far I've only booked a show for the Saturday night. Does anyone have ideas for fun places for lunch/dinner? What's the winter wonderland at Hyde park like? Where's good for a spot of shopping and hot chocolate? Keen to explore beyond the obvious Oxford St etc.

what about crystal palace park? there is a market and attractions there.

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Winter wonderland is packed.
Covent garden, kensington high street, camden and westfields are great for shopping.

Go to winter wonderland late afternoon/early evening ish if you want to go. I think it’s enjoyable, especially if it’s your first visit.
The lights in London at night are so lovely so go for a wander down Oxford Street to Leicester Square etc.
Spitalfields market might be worth a visit although I’ve never been at Christmas. Borough market same again.
Westfield Stratford is good for shopping as everything is there and it’s inside. Loads of restaurants for lunch/dinner.

I like Covent Garden at Christmas - nice shopping, hot chocolate and snacks at Bens cookies, street performers, and there usually a lot of lights etc

Covent Garden is beautiful at Christmas and I love the Christmas market at South Bank

Ice-skating at Somerset House. We go every year, and it is magical. You can get tickets through Ticketmaster.

Or outdoor Iceskating outside the Natural History Museum.
Hyde Park winter wonderland is a total rip off price wise, however it is worth going to with teens.
Lots of the restaurants and hotels offer a festive afternoon tea.

Harrods? busy but fun to look round at Christmas. Also Burlington arcade and Regent St.

Duke Of York Square www.dukeofyorksquare.com just opposite Sloane Square in Chelsea - both are beautifully decorated for Christmas - and there are various Christmassy events at DOYS (the Christmas info isn't on their website yet).

Thanks so much! Winter wonderland on the Saturday morning then. Duke of York Square is something new for us so will head there on the Sunday. Any ideas for somewhere a bit different to do for pre-show food Covent Garden area?

I haven't eaten in Covent Garden for some years now, so my recommendations might be well out of date now, but Tuttons www.tuttons.com, Joe Allen www.joeallen.co.uk and Mon Plaisair www.monplaisir.co.uk

BTW, Sloane Square and DOYS are best seen after dark to get the best view of the Christmas lights!