Christmas in London?

[ByTheSea]

Hi!

I just thought I would stop in here and ask if anyone has any "must see's or do's" at Christmas time in London. We will be in the city over the holiday (22-27th) will be visiting other areas of the UK before and after.

Will have our 9 year old son with, and do realize many places are closed the 24-26th (we're going to do the theatre on the 24th and 26th) - and have lot's of suggestions and ideas for kids in general, but having trouble finding any info about possible specific holiday events?

 

[BONZO]

Hi,

Christmas? - It's only Septemebr and far too early for all that! - LOL

As you say, the 24th - 26th Decemeber in London will have tumbleweed blowing through apart from the od shop open here and there.

I don't think that many holiday events have been finalised yet although drop me a line later in the year to see I can find any updates.

A couple of things spring to mind: -

Christmas lights in Oxford and Regent Street - nice but nothing like the Osbourne lights though.

See the Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square.

Go to a Pantomime

Visit Harrods and see Father Christmas (prepare for long queue).

I remember that Larry Poppins was here last Christmas so he may be able to shed some light on what was available.

 

[BONZO]

Just a thought - if you want something fun to do on Christmas day why not try: -


Peter Pan Swimming Race

Dec 25

Hyde Park, W2

Nearest Underground station: Hyde Park Corner

Annual swimming race for members of the Serpentine Swimming Club, held on Christmas Day since 1864. The race itself is a distance of 100 yards and is for the prestigious Peter Pan Cup.


Bonkers or what !



(No - I wont be there in my Speedo's!)

 

[Dimplenose]

Originally posted by BONZO
Peter Pan Swimming Race

Dec 25

Hyde Park, W2

Nearest Underground station: Hyde Park Corner

I don't think the tube runs on Christmas or Boxing day, but I may be wrong.

Libby

 

[BONZO]

Libby,


I think you are right - I'll double check tonight to see if anyone knows.

 

[WDWFOREVER]

My DS9's favourite thing to do at that time of year is Hamley's Toy Shop. A huge place and child heaven!

 

[Beejayjay]

A few other suggestions :

When checking out the lights on Oxford and Regent Streets

Selfridges shop windows - Oxford Street. Always great Xmas windows.

St Christopher's place Decorations - Off Oxford Street. This is a tiny little alley from Oxford Street into an exclusive shopping street, which usually has a fantastic christmas display, far better than either Oxford or Regent street in most cases. The entrance is just before Selfridges, on the right hand side of Oxford Street if you are heading west from Oxford Circus. A little known christmas secret because of it's tucked away location, and well worth a search to find it. (I think it's just about opposite the HMV store close by Bond St Tube station)

Hamley's, shop and windows, Regent St. As everyone says, not to be mssed.

Liberty's Window displays - Regent St. Usually a bit more avant garde than the likes of Hamleys, but worth seeing.

Christmas parade. This is quite new to London, I'm not sure of the dates, but it was apparaently quite impressive last year. I believe it also runs down Oxford St.

Hope this helps.

 

[stal]

Originally posted by ByTheSea
we're going to do the theatre on the 24th and 26th

what are you going to see?

 

[ByTheSea]

We're seeing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Peter Pan.

We are traveling with a 9 year old