Where to go for Xmas

[LawyerMumAsia]

Hi my family don’t celebrate Xmas as such. We would like to do a trip somewhere in the uk from 24 until 26 December to make the most of the bank holidays. I was considering The Shambles in York. Does anyone have any recommendations for places to stay with young children there? Is there anywhere else anyone would recommend in the uk? Would also consider London itself

The shambles are just a couple of streets in York, so any hotel in the city centre will put you very near them. The Christmas market will have closed by then but the lights are pretty.

Cardiff is also worth a look, lots of things still on from 24th-26th including the Bute Park Christmas light trail.
Things to do in Cardiff around Christmas | Visit Wales

How about somewhere by the sea? Does that appeal to you? Unless you already live on the coast, of course.

London is magnificent on those days - all the Christmas lights - especially Covent Garden with the hourly snow fall ... magical.

https://secretldn.com/covent-garden-snow/#:~:text=Daily%20Flurries%20Of%20Snow%20Have,with%20their%20daily%20snow%20flurries!

Polar Express in 3D on the South Bank on Xmas eve

https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/imax/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=polar-express-20th-anniversary

https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/things-to-do-on-boxing-day-in-london

No congestion charge (probs no parking charges either) - so you could drive in and around London (no traffic)...usually a Sunday service on Tube on Boxing Day.

https://tfl.gov.uk/status-updates/major-works-and-events/christmas-and-new-year-travel

Surprisingly hotels are not silly prices on those night either.

Also Thames Clipper river boat runs for a couple of hours on Xmas Day - so you get to see Big Ben, Tower Bridge etc lit up from the river.

Thank you! Really appreciate all the good guidance. We are based in London. Maybe I should consider taking the kids out to various places in London and then come back to sleep at home instead of staying overnight outside of London

@UtterlyOtterly thanks, not really keen on something by the sea at Xmas time

Wherever you go do make sure you have dinner reservations as most restaurants are closed. Indian and Chinese restaurants are most likely to be open and not a set turkey dinner. The more diverse the city, the more likely you will find things open but Christmas Day itself is would be seeking activities that don't require entrance as nearly everywhere is closed, even fenced parks

I'd also point out traffic will be extreme, I would not choose the m1/a1 myself on Christmas Eve

Being a tourist in your own city when everything is quiet and a bit different would be fun. I would make set plans for the days you have set aside.

Perhaps go for brunch then a show/cinema trip on Christmas Eve then take the DC to choose a new tree decoration each.

Book somewhere lovely for Christmas lunch then wander or drive around the lights with a flask of hot chocolate and a few sweet treats.

Would you be driving?
Self catering?

Hotel?

No public transport on Christmas Day, and most restaurants will be shut or charging huge amounts for Christmas Dinner (and booked up).

A historical city that will be nicely lit up to walk around and admire the architecture? Bath? York? Go to France- Boulogne?

Bristol?
Stay central, walk up to the suspension bridge, Cabot Tower, explore the docks? Follow the Banksy trail.

https://www.thegardencinema.co.uk/film/the-muppet-christmas-carol/

This is the most glorious independent cinema in Covent Garden....has a showing on Xmas eve - free mulled wine and hot choc for members (only £20 to join)

On Christmas Day many restaurants are closed or booked out - but you can pop into some hotels for drinks, hot chocs, snacks if their lounge is open to non residents.

Thank you for the great suggestions.

Hamleys on Regent St and Liberty are both open on Boxing Day.

Hamleys is open until 10pm on Xmas eve and Boxing Day!!!

What did you do @LawyerMumAsia