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Original poster

London Christmas Hidden Gems

16 replies

CheesyChipsOnWembleyWay · 03/12/2023 22:47

We always have a few days in London before Christmas - luckily the kids break up early this year so we are going between 17-20th. Staying Kew bridge area.
We always do one day at winter wonderland/Oxford street/hamleys/lego store at the kids insistence but some suggestions about things to do in the evening would be fab - possibly a show but DD wants to see Matilda and DS has been made to sit through the musical so many times it would possibly be cruelty to make him go. He's into football so in theory I could take him to a match while DH takes her to the theatre but I can only see Chelsea with a match and I'm not sure how we would get tickets.
Happy to do something as a family instead if any suggestions?
Also anything for day 2 - possibly the snow man trail but we did this on Salford quays a few years ago
Are there any hidden Christmassy gems?
Also any family friendly restaurant suggestions? Have one child with allergies so would need to be able to check menu.
I don't ask for much! We love visiting London but because there are places we like and are familiar with I feel like we may be missing good stuff

OP posts:
jelly79 · 03/12/2023 22:50

Ooh eagerly following! I am taking my DS6 to Lapland uk this week and want a day in London the following day. I'm up for anything except winter wonderland or ice skating 🤣

lolly07766 · 03/12/2023 22:51

If your DS is into football 'Dear England' is on at the theatre at the moment. It's about Gareth Southgate and the England football team

Titsywoo · 03/12/2023 22:59

Xmas Lights? Oxford Street/Regent Street, Carnaby Street, New Bond Street, South Molton Street are all very close together and some great lights/decorated shops.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong is the Xmas version of The Play That Went Wrong - both very very funny.

If you can afford the panto at the Palladium that is very good.

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Puffykins · 03/12/2023 23:02

Dear England is Brilliant and I don't even like football. Also, the light trail at Kew (especially if you're staying there), ice-skating at Somerset House (we always go after seeing The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House), the pantomime at the Hammersmith Lyric is one of the better ones (and not far from where you're staying), finally, my DCs love Borough Market (get there early so it's less busy) and choosing cheeses etc. for Christmas.

Pinkpinkpink15 · 03/12/2023 23:03

Brilliant thread! I hope lots of others can contribute so I can add to my list 🎄

Puffykins · 03/12/2023 23:05

Also - though its a musical (but not Matilda!!) - The Witches at the National Theatre is beyond good.

minipie · 03/12/2023 23:16

Carols at St Martin in the Fields

Christmas market on the Southbank and winter light trail between waterloo and London Bridge

Seconding Play that Goes Wrong (or peter pan spin off)

LoserWinner · 03/12/2023 23:23

There’s a nice Christmas market on the South Bank.

Original poster
CheesyChipsOnWembleyWay · 04/12/2023 06:34

Ooh brilliant suggestions thank you

I hadn't heard of Dear England but that could be a hit.

Kew lights are sold out for the days we are there sadly, we love a light trail but I should have been more organised

Loving all the show/panto suggestions!

South bank is one of my favourite strolls so that's a great shout too.

OP posts:
Sunnysideup999 · 04/12/2023 06:43

The lion king is always excellent and even my football mad son can sit through it.
St Paul’s is also a nice thing to do - you can climb to the top and see the Whispering Gallery.
Chelsea Physics Garden also usually has some Xmas themed events on for families.
covent market with the street performers is nice too.
Cote is a nice family friendly restaurant and cater well for allergies. They are a chain so pop up in most tourist spots. They have a nice kids menu and festive menu for the adults.

Original poster
CheesyChipsOnWembleyWay · 04/12/2023 07:47

@WhiteSandyBeach thank you for that link, I had completely forgotten the frost fair, we happened on it accidentally a few years ago and it was lovely. That will definitely need to go on the list.

OP posts:
ChorizoDog · 04/12/2023 08:18

The Ever After Garden at Grosvenor Square is lovely, might not be so interesting for your DC. Nice to look at if you're in the area though and near Annabel's amazing Christmas lights.

ChorizoDog · 04/12/2023 08:19

Depending on budget/allergies, Benihana is great for kids, they put on such a show!

JaneIves · 04/12/2023 08:41

Bit of a trek out but Lightopia is on at Crystal Palace Park, if you like the lights vibe.

Or Dopamine Land?

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