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

Free Carol Services at All Souls Langham Place, London

‘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 Nov 2024 - 5th Jan 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!

 

[PatrickLondon]

A unique theatrical experience (and they'll be giving you a potted panto too) is Wilton's in the East End:

What's On - Wilton's Music Hall

wiltons.org.uk

 

[NoSpin]

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

Free Carol Services at All Souls Langham Place, London

‘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

Thanks for your suggestion of carol services because it was not something we had thought about. St. Paul's Cathedral had a lottery for tickets for services. My wife entered and we were awarded two tickets to the December 23rd performance.

Then, that led her to St Martin's. So we booked a candlelight concert on the 30th. We also got the Mince Pie and Mulled Wine in the Crypt before the performance. Hey, when in London, do as the Londonites do!

 

[Eleanor]

Oh that sounds great fun.There is something special about coming out of a church service after dark - everywhere feels decidedly Dickensian!

 

[PatrickLondon]

Then, that led her to St Martin's. So we booked a candlelight concert on the 30th. We also got the Mince Pie and Mulled Wine in the Crypt before the performance. Hey, when in London, do as the Londonites do!

Well, some.. those of us who aren't down the pub would mostly be cocooned with the telly!

 

[Eleanor]

From what I've seen so far of the trailers for the Christmas entertainment on TV, I'll be cocooned with a good book...

 

[NoSpin]

Well we won't be in the hotel room watching the telly. Hopefully the live entertainment will be, well, entertaining.

 

[PatrickLondon]

Oh that sounds great fun.There is something special about coming out of a church service after dark - everywhere feels decidedly Dickensian!

From St Martin's, of course, the immediate sight is the big tree in Trafalgar Square (don't be surprised if it seems a bit austere, that's the Norwegian style - it's an annual gift from Norway in recognition of WW2). There will be plenty of gaudier lighting round about.

 

[Gillaspiewoods]

I’ve found Londonist.com to be very helpful with these questions; they even have a listing of what’s open on Christmas Day. Anticipate beauty (e.g., Covent Garden) and busy-ness. Maybe a tour of Dickens’ home? St. Paul’s and St. Martins will be magical, I imagine. Please have a wonderful and safe trip and report back to this site!