Saturday and sunday morning in London. End Nov (Xmasy)

[nannyl]

Earlier in the year I decided to book a premier inn for me and my children to have a Christmasy weekend in London at the end of November.

However I'm now wondering what I should actually do with this time.

I have 2 children age 12 and 14 who like most things.

If you had a day and a half to explore central London with 2 teens what nice "christmassy" things would you plan to do? (I know I want to see pretty Xmas lights when its dark, but no idea where's best)

We are going to see the lights/illuminations at Chrlase Pensioners hospital. On the Friday that weekend.
a short walk from Sloane Squade tube.

Chelsea…

Fortnum’s always have lovely Christmas windows.

Where is the Premier inn? Have you been before and see the main sights?

1 option on a Sunday is to go to Columbia flower market. They'll have lots of Christmas trees, wreaths, festive pot purri and lots of festive food/drinks like mulled wine. Nearby Bricklane have the salt beef beigals and markets ranging from 2nd hand to bespoke items. You could walk the loop from Liverpool street around to Bethnal Green tube or back to Shoreditch high st.

Ice skating? Multiple places to go such as Somerset house, Canary wharf, Battersea etc.

There are usually Christmas markets in Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square. Foodstalls along the Southbank. Covent Garden is pretty when decorated and lit up and has shops to browse.

@nannyl i asked bout a Christmas lights walk last year, and a lovely MNetter suggested this to me and it was brilliant.

We do an epic light walk each year, starting from the courtyard at Somerset House. From there we head into Covent Garden, and meander through it until we reach Shaftesbury Avenue. Turn left and continue down Shaftesbury Avenue until Piccadilly Circus. Turn right and head up Regents St to Oxford Circus, taking a detour via Liberty’s and Carnaby Street.
Turn left at Oxford Circus and walk along Oxford St and then turn left onto New Bond Street. You’ll likely spend quite a while here—the displays are incredible. Walk all the way down to Piccadilly, and if you turn left, you’ll find Fortnum and Mason which is always where we finish.

Thank you all

Formerly speckled hen that sounds just perfect.

We are staying in a premier inn just outside the congestion zone where we can tube into central london in about half an hour I think.

We've "visited London" about 3 times but they've not been for about 5 years.

We have "done" most of the main attractions and museums, although some when they were much much younger.

I think my children would love ice skating too

Somerset House ice skating is lovely, not sure when it opens though.

We went last year to the one at Battersea Power Station but everyone found it fairly disappointing compared to Somerset House.