Christmasy things in London with dc

[Daisyfield13]

I know it’s a bit early in the year for the C word. However, I went to London recently with my 11yo and he loved it. I said we could go back at Christmas for a night.

What are the recommendations for the best Christmasy things to do?

He’s not keen on rides so Winter Wonderland probably no good. But might be worth going for the other bits, the giant ferris wheel?

Maybe ice skating but I’m worried about it being dangerously crowded.

Definitely want to see the best Christmas lights.

Maybe a nice sit down fish and chips meal as he’s obsessed with fish and chips.

He likes museums but we did the NHM last time.

Maybe a show but think it would have to be funny to keep his interest.

The better Christmas markets perhaps?

Wow, yes it is early! In recent years there have been Christmas markets on the southbank and in Trafalgar
square. I like the family sing a long carol concerts in churches or cathedrals - the one in st Martin’s in the field (traflagar square) is really good and also very central.

I would combine the Christmas lights on regent street with a walk up bond st as the decorations there are always quite fun.

not sure about fish and chips but maybe look round Covent Garden? That’s another Christmassy place to visit and a nice place to sit and eat.

I would definitely see what the museums are offering closer to the time. Greenwich is worth a visit if you can make it out that far - the maritime museum and the royal observatory are both great, and they’re in the park which is also beautiful and has stunning views of the city. Why not take a boat (Thames clipper) from central London to Greenwich for a day trip?

• Ice skating at summerset house
• Looking at the lights on Regent street, and pop to Hamleys if he is not too old for that
• Covent garden is gorgeous that time of year, with a huge Christmas tree, there are usually roasted chestnut sellers too and some cool shops, if he is remotely interested in that
• Carnaby street also very festive
• You could do a little DIY scavenger hunt with a hot chocolate at the end e.g. at Venchi Carnaby Street
• Photographer's Gallery near Carnaby street

I love Christmas in London

In previous years, there’s been a large gingerbread “city” on display over a few weeks at Christmas https://www.thegingerbreadcity.com/london.html

Great suggestions above. I would avoid winter wonderland. Definitely ice skating - go early to avoid the crowds. There are some much quieter rinks than the Somerset House one (although that's probably the prettiest). Broadgate Circus ice rink is quiet. There's also Battersea power station and Canary Wharf rinks.
Lights on Regent Street and Bond St. Covent Garden. Fortnum and Mason. Carols in Trafalgar Sq. Nutcracker ballet in Covent Garden if that's within budget. The Christmas lights at Kew (gets booked up months in advance).
You'll have a lovely time.

Museum wise maybe the Science Museum, or if he's in to history, The Clink and The Old Operating Theatre. Show wise, The Play That Goes Wrong is amazing. Very funny. My then 11 year old loved it, as did all ages that went. Covent Garden for lights. Poppies if you want fish and chips. Have fun!

Second suggestion if the Nutcracker ballet. My ds LOVED it at this age

Somerset House ice rink is good, well organised and not too crowded. We weren't happy with the Battersea one, the ice was quite bad.

I second the carol concerts in St. Martin in the Field, we go there nearly every year, good prices but you need to book around Summer time, get on their newsletter, they sell out quickly. You can easily walk around Regent Street for the lights and Fortume and Mason for the windows but I personally hate it in December, it's crowded as hell.

The markts aren't really great, mainly food and tacky overpriced rubbish. There are some craft markets around but only for a day or two and often not that central. Leadenhall Market had one mid-December.

Look at the museums later, they often decorate or run special events.

there is a bus route that takes you through a lot of the city to see all the lights. It’s just a standard bus though I’m sure there is an overpriced tourist version too.
Honestly just being central if you’re only there the day is Christmassy- trafalgar square had a wee winter village thing with stalls and Covent Garden has its huge tree and fake snow falls at certain time each day (4pm?) Then you could walk over to the London eye and the carousel there etc… I think a museum or a show might be a bit much out of your day. Fish and chips would be good though and maybe go to liberty to choose a new bauble or something. Personally I wouldn’t do skating or anything we could do back home for half the price.
London at Christmas is lovely though. Making me want to return!!