I will be in London for a short 5 day trip the second week of December. I've really never had time to explore (I was there with my mom, but she was sinking into Alzheimers....) and I will try to fit in as much as possible. But I would love some advice. For example, I saw some info on Christmas markets, but in reading about them, it seems that they are not traditional in the UK and the ones in London are not that great of an experience..

I am a history and art lover so here is what I have planned. Hampton Court Palace (all day) with a history guide.
Westminster Abbey (which I am dying to spend time in) (with a history guide).
The National Gallery.
Canterbury Cathedral.
Two nights at the theatre, one the Globe Theatre.
Possibly the Jewel Tower?
National Portrait Gallery
One night at an ancient music concert with a friend.

I would really appreciate any ideas and advice about things I might do that might be considered "holiday-ish." Obviously walk everywhere if it isn't too cold. I have plenty of palaces to visit, should I choose and can't bear the thought of visiting the Tower of London (so sad). What other suggestions might be fun? Many thanks in advance.

I am in London in late November / early December almost every year (I like to spend my birthday in London)

Do you have five full days or is it four days plus your arrival day? You will be pretty rushed if you are taking a day trip out to Canterbury.

Christmas Markets in London are mostly of the 'artificial / commercial variety. But some are fun anyway. If you are going to the Globe anyway you can stroll through the Christmas market in front of the Southbank Centre. There is a Christmas market in Trafalgar Square at the foot of the National Gallery -- so if you are visiting The National Portrait Gallery and/or National Gallery it is right there so no need to 'schedule it. There is supposed to be quite a nice market at Kings Cross but I haven'y been. I wouldn't bother with the huge Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Very crowded and more a fun fair than a 'real' Christmas market.

Are you hiring a private guide for the Abbey?? That really isn't necessary - the Abbey's own Verger's tour are superb.

I'd REALLY try to fit in a Panto -- uniquely British and most are hysterical.

Maybe check out Christmas at Kew -- need to book well ahead.

I'd want to wander through Covent Garden, Seven Dials, Regent Street etc for the christmas lights (better some year than others.

I'd also want to visit the V&A for sure.

Do you skate? There are several ice skating rinks -- perhaps the best is at Somerset House.

Just a few ideas to get you started . . .

Oh -- and I suppose (haven't checked for sure) but A Christmas Carol is usually on at the Old Vic -- most years it is brilliant.

Some Pantos: Aladdin at the Lyric Hammersmith; Robin Hood at the Palladium; Dick Whittington and His Cat at the Hackney Empire pretty far NE from central London: Pinocchio will probably be great - but it is out east in Stratford - though with very good transport connections.

If you don't want to spend the time getting to Canterbury and back, you could visit St Paul's instead. And by the Jewel Tower, do you mean the Crown Jewels? They are at the Tower but you said you don't want to go there? There is a fabulous permanent jewellery exhibition at the V&A.

I'm pretty sure SusanG means the Jewel Tower which is different than the Jewel House at the Tower of London. The Jewel Tower is just around the corner from the Abbey and across from Parliament.

I did mean to post that some of the posh hotels have really glorious Christmas decorations. The Ritz, Savoy, Dorchester, Claridges, Raffles (new and I haven't yet visited), Berkeley, Brown's, Connaught, Goring, etc etc etc (too many to mention)

If you will be in London on a weekend, usually there are pop up markets with way better crafts than the regular Christmas markets. Londonist website is a good place to look for them if you are inclined.

i’m not sure I’d want to go to the Globe in winter.. those seats are so uncomfortable even in summer. In the cold? No thanks. Maybe they have massive heaters and someone who has been in winter, can comment.

If you do go to Canterbury, they have a Christmas market.. I bet that one is worth checking out..

I love December in London! You will have a wonderful time.

I think (hope) she is going to see All's Well That Ends Well which isn't in the original Globe -- it is in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse next door. Not hugely comfortable but it is indoors (and candle lit)

aha.. much better. I’ve never been in that theatre.

Good morning all from Washington, DC. Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. Thank you Janisj, those are great areas t visit - "Covent Garden, Seven Dials, Regent Street etc for the christmas lights (better some year than others." part of Old London, I am doing an overnight on Monday, arriving Tuesday at 10 am, so I will power through and make the most of Tuesday afternoon. I fly out late on Saturday, I know it will be jam packed, but I really want to enjoy everything and yet see so much!

KayF, no not the crown jewels. So, yes the Jewel Tower which is different but REALLY OLD!

rialtogrl -- I am so excited! Yes, as janisj noted, it's the All's well that Ends Well, I'm sorry I was confusing! Because of the history of Canterbury Cathedral, I would love to get there and it seems like a pretty simple trip. Of course you guys - if we have a massive blizzard when there, it will indeed make it harder to do all of this!

Question for you all - has anyone done that Christmas Lights tour on a bus? If so, is that a good option? Again, many, many thanks. This Forum is such a great place to hear from the others. Susan

A bus tour would miss some of the best lights, in Carnaby Street, Covent Garden. Better to walk those. Some regular bus routes give you a good view, especially if you can get a seat up front at the top, such as the 94 (and others) through Oxford and Regent Street.
For art, there's Michelangelo, Leonardo and Raphael at the Royal Academy, Van Gogh at the National Gallery, Monet at the Courtauld. Some of these will need to be booked in advance. For Christmas markets, check out smaller ones such as Eccleston Yards, Coal Drops Yard - see Time Out and other sites for information.

Susan it was me that was confused - not you. I should have been able to figure out the Globe would not have outdoor productions in the winter.

When you go to Canterbury, if you take the train from St Pancras perhaps you can check out the market at Coal Drops Yard when you return. It is a simple trip, but adding up all the time to and from the station (unless you are staying around the station) it would definitely be a long day. Maybe you can make it a “game time decision” so if you feel you need more time in London, you can save Canterbury for another trip.

Hello everyone, first - thank you all again for your great suggestions. I would much prefer to walk anyway. Good to know about the bus tour Tulips, thanks. And I appreciate the ideas for walking around to see lights.

Thank you all so much! I am now just hoping for days with no rain (ha ha) and also days with the warmer temps - maybe mid to high 40s. Better than DC at its worst when it can be 12 to 20 degrees F.

While in Westminster don't forget that the Queen's Gallery is a separate ticket best booked in advance, if you haven't considered that yet.

Hi all, just want to say thank you to all who posted. It was a wonderful trip. It was just too cold to fit everything in but I had a blast! I LOVE pub grub!

We'd love to see a trip report!
Preferably, on a new thread so it doesn't get lost on this planning thread.

Ok SusanP!

Great! 😀

Here's the TR - Trip Report London December 2024