Free/cheap London Christmas sights near the West End

[NickMarlow]

DSis and I are meeting in London to see Matilda on a Wednesday matinee in December. We grew up near London and chose the date so we can do some nostalgic Christmas lights and sights - neither of us live nearby now.

We'll probably do the tree in Trafalgar Square and the lights on Oxford/Regent Street after the show, before heading to Euston and St Pancras for trains home.

We're just going for the day, so what one thing/place would you suggest nearby for before the show?

Where is the show? Somerset House has a skating rink and it is very atmospheric. Otherwise Covent Garden always looks festive.

The window displays and outdoor advent calendar at Fortnum and Mason are always pretty fun.’

Libertys to choose a Christmas decoration as a souvenir, although that would make more sense with Oxford Street / Regent Street

Seven Dials is beautiful at Christmas, as is Covent Garden

Show is at the Cambridge theatre so we'll be able to do Covent Garden easily

Is that the theatre at Seven Dials near Covent Garden? Cos those streets are beautifully lit at Christmas.

Yes to Fortnum's windows. I've always found Liberty's Christmas decorations tacky yet expensive. Always up for a visit to Liberty's though.

We walked along Carnaby Street last year, very impressed with the lights there.

I looked it up - the theatre is in Earlham Street, which is one of the Seven Dials roads, so you'll be in the right place for the street lights. They're usually quite magical.

I wouldn't bother with Trafalgar Square as the tree looks more puny every year. Covent Garden Piazza would be better.

If you like Indian food, I'd go to Dishoom at the top end of St Martin's Lane.

Carnaby Street!

Sky Garden but make sure you book asap!

The big Xmas tree in Covent Garden Piazza is much nicer than Trafalgar Sq.....and every hour on the hour (until 9pm) there is (fake) snow flurry.....google a Xmas light walk thru the alley ways of CG - it’s v sweet.

Some brilliant ideas here, thanks everyone.

Be aware that Covent Garden will be packed in the weeks before Christmas, as will restaurants and popular cafes.
My tip is to go into a big hotel for a snack in the bar, useful to use their toilets. We go to the Strand Palace hotel bar. Bar snacks will be more expensive than McDonalds, but you’ll get a lovely sit down and relax. We don’t book, just walk in.