Christmas in London (& Paris)
 

Hi there.. I'm an old Fodor's forum member.. and checking in for some travel assistance! My BFF and I are heading to London arriving next Sun. the 5th.. and staying until Friday and then taking Eurostar to Paris until Monday the 14th.. then flying back to US,, I've been to London several times but my friend has only been there once before and it may be her last as she is fighting pancreatic cancer.. we want this to be a memorable trip!! I've never to London during December and I've been reading online about London at Christmas so pretty familiar what the big events are.. it's just narrowing down the best.. I am a fan of London walks as well and love London Theatre..

So.. for those of you who are very familiar with London during the holidays.. what are your favorite things to do.. which Christmas markets, fairs, ice skating events etc. are your go to.. Also, what would you recommend for theatre right now? .. Looks like the Big shows are the same as in the states.. but also saw A Christmas Carol with Jim Broadbent.. the Snowman at the Peacock Theatre.. Elf.. as recommendations.. (now some are obviously more kid friendly but may be fun for adults).. Also.. affordable restaurants that are your favorites.. I noticed on Time Out that a vegetarian restaurant in Covent Gardens is #1 Jar Table or something.. forget the name already..
I love Cafe in the Crypt for meals before theatre.. and I liked Waxy O'Connors for a fun place to have a drink that last time my hubby and I were there last January.. I've seen Billy Elliott twice in London and loved it! Would go again..

So any personal recommendations for one week from now are welcome.. please help! I want to make this a special trip for my friend.. Thanks!!!!!














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A very tourist thing, I suspect, but fun, is a visit to Harrod's Christmas decorations department. I don't go there for anything else, or at any other time of year, but it's fun to browse through the displays for tree ornaments, a wide selection, some of which are very reasonably priced. They make nice gifts for those with a Christmas fetish, and are small to carry home.

Buying roasted chestnuts. There's usually someone selling them in front of the British Museum.

Temporary skating rinks at Somerset Hose and Natural History Museum.

Decorations and gifts at Libertys.

Decorations and lights along Oxford and Regent Streets.

See also: http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to...s-on/christmas

I haven't been to check recently, but the Christmas decorations in the little streets around Seven Dials and Covent Garden may also be worth a look.

Have you been to a Pantomime?

They are perhaps the quintessential Christmas experience in the UK.

Yes, panto. They will just be starting when you're here. I rather think the one at Wilton's will be a bit special:

http://www.timeout.com/london/theatr...imes-in-london

I see Elvis's widow is in panto in Milton Keynes, a bit far perhaps.

http://www.timeout.com/london/theatr...imes-in-london

http://www.bigpantoguide.co.uk/london.php

Liberty's window and shop is worth a walk by

Forgot, the Geffrye Museum: http://www.geffrye-museum.org.uk/

If you're not familiar with the Geffrye, it is a set of former alms houses furnished in successive periods. Originally set up as a learning tool for local furniture makers. At Christmas they decorate the rooms in period. Has a cafe.

And if you go over to that part of London and haven't been, consider the Dennis Severs House: http://www.dennissevershouse.co.uk/

You'll want an evening tour and you'll need a reservation. Looks like they will also have Christmas decorations.

And another...

My last trip to London I finally made it to Leighton House, and just loved it. I see that they are having an evening of Christmas music the Wednesday you'll be in town:

https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/subsites/mus...terevents.aspx

And now would probably be a good time to go to Evensong in one of the big churches - it's how you get into Westminster Cathedral or St. Paul's for free.

Time outs for tea. How is her strength? Maybe even the hop on hop off bus so she doesn't have to walk that much.
Love Jim Broadbent.
I agree on Harrods. Hoping you make all her wishes magical.

The problem w/ Harrods is it will be absolutely slammed. It gets so busy tfl often has to close that Knightsbridge tube station exit for crowd control. Very difficult if she is at all tired or unsteady on her feet and not easy for anyone . . .

The panto at Wilton's would be fun, or they are doing Cinderella at the Lyric Hammersmith which is directly across from the tube station so very easy.

We were in London a few years ago & really enjoyed the Christmas sing along at the Royal Albert Hall.

<i>They are perhaps the quintessential Christmas experience in the UK.</i>

Oh no they aren't. :-D

Behind you!

Ah, if there's a mobility problem in play, then Wilton's might not be the best idea. It's quite a walk from public transport, and has a fair amount of awkward changes of level inside (indeed IIRC the loos are upstairs),

I didn't assume there <i>are</i> mobility issues -- but since you mentioned her health problems just wanted to give you a heads up.

Patrick is right re Wilton's . . . I actually booked Boxing Day there but that's the day I arrive so depending on how I survive (or don't) the flights I might 'eat' my ticket. I'm staying walking distance from Wilton's but it is a bit of a slog from some parts of the city.

Thank you all for your great comments!! I'm sorry I haven't checked in in a few days.. had a bunch of people here for Thanksgiving so back to trip planning.. love your ideas.. My friend, so far has been very mobile except after her chemo treatments and she is very tired the week after.. this morning she is having a CAT scan to see what progress she has made.. she's coming up on her year anniversary and has done amazingly well considering the original prognosis.. She is ready to do some walking so we hope to do a fair amt. in..

I love the pantomime idea.. never thought of that.. so plan to check out Wiltons & try to get tickets.... also love the roasted chestnuts..how festive and English!!
Cinderella & Sing along at Royal Albert.. looking both up! Leighton Hall on Wed.. Also.. always wanted to go to Geffryes Museum.. how about Sir John Soames Museum.. I'll look up Dennis Severs house..

Thanks for mentioning Seven Dials.. any residential areas that have great lighting displays??
plan to go to Somerset House & of course Oxford and Regent.. Libertys..

& Harrods.. despite the crowds.. we plan to go full tilt until we drop!

I get afternoon teas website online.. but any recommendations for reasonable teas.. we are trying to be cost conscious..

Has anyone been to Jar Kitchen? Any other affordable restaurant recommendations?

I love getting tips from the locals and well travelled!!

Thanks all.. much appreciated

FYI.. Just got 2 tickets for Wed matinee.. front row at Wilton's Music Hall.. Thanks so much for recommending!!