London Christmas Suggestions Please

[NoSpin]

So we had booked the Biltmore Estate in Ashville, North Carolina for Christmas this year. Well Hurricane Helene has made that trip moot.

So with two other couples we have booked London for Christmas. We will all be staying at The Langham Hotel.

We were just there in June, but now we need some ideas for what to see and do at Christmas time. I’m a huge Scrooge fan and have seen all the various Christmas Carol movies. Are there any themed special events, tours, plays to see?

I’m open to any suggestions for other activities/events.

 

[PatrickLondon]

Bear in mind that much of the UK simply shuts down for Christmas Day itself, but I'd imagine a hotel like the Langham will be keeping its guests fed and amused.

For seasonal things to do on other days, the first thing that comes to mind is a panto. Be ready for much silliness and audience participation.

The History of Pantomime

Pantomime is a unique, marvellous - and slightly eccentric! - British theatre entertainment for Christmas.

www.historic-uk.com

2.8M views · 22K reactions | Ian McKellen has the crowd in stitches as panto dame Widow Twankey | One panto dame to rule them all: the legend that is Ian McKellen everyone Ian McKellen | By National Theatre | Facebook

One panto dame to rule them all: the legend that is Ian McKellen everyone Ian McKellen

www.facebook.com

Pantos in London - What's on 2024 / 2025

See a full list of pantomime productions in and near London in 2024/2025. Find dates and tickets for classic panto this festive season.

allpanto.co.uk

Of course there will be carol services in all the churches - All Souls is just over the road from your hotel

Carol Service

‘Come all ye faithful’ and sing-a-long in one of the West End’s most vibrant, free traditional carol services in December, at All Souls Langham Place.

carolservice.com

You could spend some time looking at the street decorations around the West End, or go ice skating at Somerset House.

Skate at Somerset House

www.somersethouse.org.uk

Or there's the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park (not my kind of thing but it seems to be popular)

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland | 21st November 2024 - 5th January 2025

Experience the world's ultimate festive destination at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Explore the best activities, entertainment, rides and food & drink, perfect for all ages.

hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

 

[PatrickLondon]

And there has been a Christmas market on Trafalgar Square, though it's getting a bit late to announce dates for this year, so maybe not.

There's also the South Bank Winter Market:

https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/winter-market/

 

[cindyldoe]

We were in London for Thanksgiving last year. It was already so Christmasy and very crowed. we stayed near Borough market at London Bridge hotel. There were already Christmas markets along the river. It was fun and very festive. Lots of mulled wine!