London 2 days before Christmas - would we be mad?

[JustACountryMusicGirlInCowboyBoots]

Travelling on the train from up north. Staying just for the day. Am I insane to even consider it? Me and 2 dc age 15 and 8.

Of course not! It’ll be lovely.

No, it’ll be smashing. What day of the week is it?

No it will be lovely and Christmassy - if there's a particular place you def want to go then book it in otherwise enjoy wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere!

Saturday.

We always visit London the week of Christmas. We watch a show, go ice skating and look at the Christmas lights. It’s magical.

Er no?! There are loads of us that live in London and we still manage to cope at Christmas, many even enjoy it 😂

Pre-Covid DD and I used to go on the 23rd , started at Marble Arch , into M&S , John Lewis , Urban Outfitters (both of them ) Selfridges and meander along to Tottenham Court Road .
Of course loads of the shops have changed now .(Debenhams and Top Shop gone now)

It was always quieter than I'd imagine .

Not mad at all - we live here! If you’ve been here before it will even easier as you’ll have the transport and layout a bit more in your mind. I’d get the latest train back possible and laze about at home all day Christmas Eve, or book a premier inn or something they can be v cheap for a family room booked ahead

We went last year in the run up to Christmas. It was busy but lovely. The only place that was uncomfortably busy was Hamley’s. It was absolutely rammed. But other than that, it was great!

We always go a few days before Xmas to see the lights, go in a crushed pub. Do some shopping, have a meal and a wander. We absolutely love it

Can anyone recommend the best places to
Visit for a non-Londoner please? I have a few days booked off before Christmas and thinking it might be a nice day trip for 3DDs 11-14. Thank you!

It depends what they like and whether they it's a first visit so they would want to do the sights? There's lots to choose - from Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to ice skating at Battersea Power Station. Covent Garden is great for teen shopping and then walk to Oxford Street to see the lights. and a walk along Carnaby Street

If they want to see the sights - the Uber boat along the Thames is good to take in Westminster, Tower of London etc. The Twist museum is good for teens - if a bit pricey for a visit. Also London dungeons.

Christmas in London is amazing, I'd stay the night if possible. Walk along Oxford Street for the lights, then Leicester Sq where there's usually entertainers and/or a market. Don't forget China Town!
If the teens haven't been before, go to an Elan Cafe. Quite overpriced but it's one of those things teens like to do.

London itself should be fine, but the train back could be mobbed with lots of people travelling home for Christmas. Central London on Christmas Eve is usually pretty quiet.

Covent Garden has great lights and decorations. The Southbank also has good lights and lots to see, you could take in the Tate Modern or go on the London Eye after dark.Book the Sky Garden ( free but you have to book).

I can barely remember a year where the trains haven't been on strike just before Christmas, meaning everybody is desperately trying to travel on the Saturday (assuming they're actually running at all with current grievances). Last time we made it home was about 2014 precisely because of strikes - and that journey was spent sitting on the floor surrounded by massive suitcases, unable to move and having people step over us to get to the toilet.

The trains are always a worry. We'd be leaving around 6pm to get back home.
Where are the best lights?
Must visits are:
Fortnum's
Lego
Victoria's Secret

Difficult to say where the best lights are until they're actually up!

If Lego is on your list (Leicester Square) then over in to Covent Garden piazza might be a possibility (especially as they sometimes have reindeer there). And it's virtually next to Piccadilly Circus, whose lights aren't Christmassy but are huge in a billboards sort of way. Regents Street might be worth a wander - it'll have lights, as will nearby Carnaby Street.

Or walk along Piccadilly to Fortnums, then go up to New Bond Street for Victoria's Secret, then continue north to Oxford Street - whose lights are famous but I think usually disappointing. But there's a street running off it to the north - that's almost like an arcade - which has had good lights in the past. Anyone recognise what I mean and know which one it is?

I agree it would be mad just for the train back. Loads of people in London travel back home before Christmas Day so trains will be a nightmare - you won't get a seat and it will be hectic with everyone, all their luggage and their Christmas presents! It will be dreadful.

London itself would be fine.

Is it St Christopher's place? Beautiful lights and great for dinner https://secretldn.com/st-christmas-place/

Used to live there and it’s fine! Busy in the shops, but lots of fun - enjoy!

Yes, that's where I mean! @Nothatwasntmehonest

(Looking at my map app, the end which joins Oxford Street is called Gees Ct, which isn't the name it usually goes by, and that's prob why I didn't spot it when I looked before)

The train back is always heaving and we end up in standard premium. We would reserve seats when books the tickets.

Personally would avoid Fortnums at that point. I work nearby and pass it regularly, last year by 22nd it was standing room only and people were queueing up and down the stairs just to get to the next floor. Comparatively to other shops it was insane. If theres something you really must buy either go there first or use the outpost at St Pancras.

Plan a route and book a meal if possible. I think journey home will be the worst part.

We were going on the 16th but Dd has told me she will be at her dad's the night before so she can't go that date. It's a trip for her birthday and to see the Christmas lights and do a little shopping. She says she told me she'd be at her dad's but she didn't at all. She wants to spend her birthday there so we can't go before the 16th.