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Original poster

London on Christmas Eve? What to do with a 3 yr old?

28 replies

missmakesstuff · 21/12/2013 09:48

Hi all - DH has recently got a new job in London after several months unemployed, he finishes early on Xmas Eve, so we were thinking of taking DD up on the train to meet him from work mid afternoon. He works in Tottenham Court Rd.

Would I be mad to take her up on the train in the morning and go to look at lights etc, or something else that she could enjoy, then get to his work to meet him for food and then train home? DD would be able to do a little bit of walking but gets tired easily, don't really want to take the buggy but could take a small one, thinking it is actually easier not to though, with tube etc.

Would everywhere be heaving? not sure what would be a good activity - maybe museums etc, or Xmas lights, she is too small for skating or anything like that, but would be nice to go see others doing it. Is scared of Santa! so that is out.

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MsPickle · 21/12/2013 09:58

I wouldn't take a buggy personally-look up the bus routes and hop on and off to save legs if needed! It'll be heaving and full of stressed people but if you can duck under that you'll have a nice time...how about the Christmas market on the south bank and a run round the playground there before the west end?

raisah · 21/12/2013 10:47

Yes to southbank market & then there's the National theatre (nice big foyer for lo to play while you have a coffee), Queen Elizabeth halls - might be carols in the lobby.

I would ask your dh to meet you at the southbank for lunch as there will be lots of hot food stalls. Stay away from Tottenham court rd & Oxford st with a lo.

Southbank bank is a 10 walk to Trafalgar sq & the giant xmas tree and lights. Then cross the road to go to St. Martins in the field church. There is a lovely big restaurant in the crypt which is v good value.

There are lots of museums around Trafalgar sq which are free, have kids activities & good facilities for baby change etc.

www.npg.org.uk/whatson.php

www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/

www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/

raisah · 21/12/2013 10:48

Take a light umbrella fold stroller because her legs will get tired from all the walking & she can sleep if needed.

nkf · 21/12/2013 10:50

Seriously? Stay home. It will be horrible. Just horrible. The only thing that won't be are museums and art galleries. The main shopping high streets will be beyond hideous.

Original poster
missmakesstuff · 21/12/2013 10:57

Thanks all - nkf food for thought, thanks!

I don't know what to do really, would love for her to see the lights etc, we won't really be going anywhere else as family as he has to work most days.

Will decide over the next day or so, if the weather is hideous still then probably won't bother.

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nkf · 21/12/2013 10:57

A good time for lights is between Christmas and New Year. Much calmer.

HoHoHopelessAtNamingBabies · 21/12/2013 10:57

My parents took DD up to the West End for a couple of hours yesterday, and said it was very quiet. DD is nearly 3 and the highlight of her day was the M&M shop in Leicester Square! They did take a light weight buggy but only had to travel from zone 2.

MrsHowardRoark · 21/12/2013 11:07

I don't think it will be horrible. A kind of calm descends on Christmas Eve, it is one of my favourite times to be in London.

Maybe head for Covent Garden as there is always lots going on, very Christmassy and not far from Tottenham Court Road.

Original poster
missmakesstuff · 21/12/2013 13:04

Thanks mrshowardroark, Covent garden would be good actually, also could get food there, wonder about booking somewhere but we would have an early dinner, about 3pm.

Thing is, I don't want to go anywhere near shops! I have done all my shopping online, thanks to the Christmas bargain threads, just want something Christmassy, and to show DD where Daddy works, as she keeps pointing out an office near us and asking if that is where he works!

The southbank sounds lovely for food, maybe Leicester Sq if not too busy, or Covent Garden, will get DH to meet up. we have light buggy I can probably manage to carry as well as holding DD's hand, although only planning on going up for a couple of hours before he gets off anyway, so wuldn't have to manage far on my own.

raisah I love the national portrait gallery, I'm an Art teacher so been loads, but DD never has, she might really enjoy looking at the pics of kings and queens.

Lots of choices! Thanks people. Now just want to see what the weather does - it is horrible here now, tipping it down and windy, not fun to be out in at all.

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Original poster
missmakesstuff · 21/12/2013 13:28

Ooh, just seen a friend has been to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park - might try that! Looks like there would be plenty for DD to do - never been though, could be heaving of course.

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Original poster
missmakesstuff · 21/12/2013 13:30

Oh, just read reviews...possibly not!

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RosebudTheCat · 21/12/2013 13:34

I work in one of the London museums, and it is closed Christmas Eve. You might want to check websites if you are planning to visit museums...

snowsjoke · 21/12/2013 13:37

Winter Wonderland, heaving and over-priced. Will also be v muddy if it has rained. Would definitely stay away from there.

Bowlersarm · 21/12/2013 13:37

It'll be lovely in general to wander around - but not winter wonderland, which will be excruciatingly busy and can be very expensive.

We always used to take the DC's into London before Christmas when they were little. It's very exciting, and can be magical.

JassyRadlett · 21/12/2013 13:49

Christmas Eve last year in Central London was pretty quiet unless you were on Oxford St or in Hamleys. We had a lovely wander with DS - Covent Garden is especially well-decorated and they've a brilliant Lego London there this year. DS (2) loved it.

Second South Bank, it's fab this year.

Original poster
missmakesstuff · 21/12/2013 14:03

Right, think I will do Covent Garden and Southbank, as long as is isn't pissing it down with rain! Thanks everyone.

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ElfontheShelfIsWATCHINGYOUTOO · 21/12/2013 16:32

I think three is too young for WW. Its so tempting to go, but its so busy, not fun, so expensive.

If you can get there super early in the morning Id say go for it.....we could literally barley put one foot in front of the other last time.

Harrods Toy Dept, has buzz, people doing demo's is pretty and in my opinion has everything Hamleys should have but doesn't

ElfontheShelfIsWATCHINGYOUTOO · 21/12/2013 16:33

CG and south bank sounds like a good plan.

Sharaluck · 21/12/2013 22:45

Yes to south bank and covent garden. Stay away from Oxford st and I think winter wonderland is more for older children.

Plan your trip before you go and if the weather is nice see if you can plan a route where you can do some walking and soak up the astmosphere. I love London this time of year.

Iggity · 21/12/2013 22:48

We tend to go to Westfield in Shepherd's Bush on xmas eve to look at the lights and people watch. Its not so busy and as we take the tube, no hassle with travel etc. Went to WW last year. Never again.

justmuddlingalongsomehow · 21/12/2013 22:49

Only recommendation is that you avoid Oxford Street like the plague.

Original poster
missmakesstuff · 22/12/2013 08:03

I did think about Harrods, but I am too scared DD will see something she wants, I have done everything now but wrapping DH presents so no more is being bought!

DH is going to meet us in Covent Garden, then we will all head for Southbank for food and home. If it's miserable we might need somewhere inside to eat, will check out the crypt mentioned above, or any other suggestions?

I am definitely not going near any shops!!

WW looks as though it should be lovely, but it sounds like the reality is far from it, sad really.

Thanks all - very excited now! However, need to get everything else done today and tomorrow so we can bugger off for the day!

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Minnieistheglittermouse · 22/12/2013 08:05

Try the rainforest cafe. It's popular, could try booking ?

MadameDefarge · 22/12/2013 08:09

Pollocks Toy Museum? really lovely and quirky and very near Tottenham Court Road.

Transport Museum in Covent Garden is fab too.

Fridayschild · 22/12/2013 08:10

Actually I suggest you eat at the south bank centre. There's lots of choice and if it's raining you can hang out at the QEII where your child can either run around or rest on padded benches as the mood takes you.