London Christmas lights visit: quieter festive areas and things to do?

[Nuttyrubble]

We are doing a crazy London christmas lights visit in December, as we've never been at that time of year. I know it will be hammered in all the main areas, but I was wondering if anyone could recommend some still festive things to do / areas to visit that are away from the mega crowds. We'll be staying in the Aldgate area if that's any help. Thanks.

Riverboat to Greenwich and/or Kew (get off at Putney). Both very festive with lovely lights and other things going on. Greenwich has the Royal Park and Observatory too plus the Painted Hall etc.

You don't mention kids so I'm going to assume adults only. You could do a silent night visit to Dennis Severs house in Shoreditch. They don't seem to have Christmas dates on the website yet but it's very atmospheric: decorated according to the period and lit by candlelight.

Also in east London The Museum of the Home usually does something special with the displays for Christmas as well.

The Kew Christmas lights are sensational, but you need to book up quite early. Which reminds me!

Thanks for the replies so far, we will have our teen with us but no littles. Lovely ideas thanks. I've never been to the Dennis Severs house and always fancied it.

Anyone hay any ideas for south of the river at all? Other than a wonder up the Riverbank itself past the globe etc we've never really ventured there.

Battersea Power Station might be good (but busy?). I think they have a fancy skating rink by the Thames

Hays Galleria usually looks quite festive.

I like the Kings Road for Christmas lights. The centre of Sloane Square is getting used for coffee and evening drinks usually.

You could try LUMINISCENCE at Christmas in Westminster Cathedral (NOT ABBEY!)

Chelsea 'Village' has an expensive (overpriced) small scale Christmas light trail. Nice idea, too expesive.

We enjoyed City of London and loved the atmosphere at Leadenhall Market and a stroll through The Royal Exchange. If you are there during a weekend it would be far less crowded.

Oh yes we're quite near there, good idea thanks.

The Observatory is currently closed.

St Martin in the Field has lovely concerts, the area is a bit mayhem but the church is great.

Thanks for all your ideas, I appreciate it.

The Seven Dials area is usually quite nice to wander around.

Somerset house has the iceskating again.

Battersea power station will have stuff on. You will be near Spitalfields market - they will also have stuff on.