Sheryl

<BR>Asking for your expert opinions.. New York City or London for the holidays? (Or someplace else?) <BR> <BR> My husband, 10 year old daughter and I are planning to escape this Christmas season from the tradtional family celebrations. We are trying to decide which destination might be better for us. We all enjoy museums,theatre, EATING and generally just enjoying a city. We have been to NYC before but never London. We have 5-7 days to spend between Dec. 15 and Jan 9. I've done a search and read some about both places but am looking for ideas,experiences and thoughts. Then I can begin to make a decision and plan in earnest. <BR>Any other ideas? <BR>Thanks!

Lisa

Bear in mind that much of the UK shuts down for the week between Christmas and New Year's. For this reason, I would pick NYC over London. I've spent a fair amount of time in London, and basically it has many of the same negatives as NYC, without enjoying the positives. Go to London when the weather's better. <BR> <BR>However, if you do go to London, make sure to go to a pantomine. It's cheesy and silly and a fun way to spend an afternoon around the holidays.

S. C.

Well, differnt strokes and all that. NYC over London? It would be a non-issue for our family. You can see just about everything NYC has to offer, culturally, in what, a week? ten days? <BR> <BR>I made my fourth trip to London last March (for 15 days) and I figure it's going to take another 4 (at least) to ccover the basics. <BR> <BR>I suppose it's all in where your interests lie, I have friends who go to NY because they have to, to London because they get to. Besides, if you've been to NY before and not to London, well, why not? <BR> <BR>Besides, in London your only a few easy hours from Bath, Cambridge, Oxford, York, each a totally unique treat unto itself. <BR> <BR>But, I guess in NY you're close to Jersey... <BR> <BR>Either way, have fun. Travel is its own reward.

Thyra

Ok since you ask for just opinions, here is another one. I would go for London since I have spent Christmas there and while it is true that some of the touristy things close. The thrill of walking around the streets all decorated for the holidays and listening to the voices brought Dickens to mind. I loved London at Christmas rain, sleet and all.

Lori

Sheryl, <BR>London London London London. <BR>Seriously, go to England. We spend one Christmas in London and it was great. Yes, a few things were closed, but it did not affect us greatly. For a first timer just being there is thrill enough. Not as much closes up anymore as in the "old days" so you might be pleasantly surprised. We've excaped from family many times by taking trips at Christmas time so I can relate too! I don't want to start a war here but NYC cannot compare to London (and I've lived in NY). Even if you don't get out of London (and there is so much to do you may not want to) it's a great experience and seeing the historical sights should be interesting to your 10 yr old as well. Go for it!

SST

On Christmas day, most things are closed in London including the public transport, but you'll have London almost to yourself, isn't this every traveller dream of ? <BR> <BR>On Christmas eve, you can attend mass at St. Paul or London Oratory which is an experience to behold. On the 27th Dec, most departmental stores and shops start their winter sales and everything is back to normal. One other thing, London is lot warmer than New York.

Nigel Doran

If you choose London, bear in mind that it is likely to be frantic in the shops! I am not sure it is right to say that many things close down a week before Xmas. I certainly have never noticed that, but then again, I am not a tourist. <BR>It will be dark too. It goes dark at about 4 p m in the winter and doesn't get light till about 7 45 in the morning, so that is worth considering. <BR> <BR>But I agree with the other posters about walking over places like Waterloo Bridge, in Hyde Park or Covent Garden on a crisp, cold day - it is definitely a favourite time of year for me. <BR> <BR>You could also take in a panto, short for pantomime, where men dress as women and women as men and audience participation in the fairy-tale based stories is encouraged. And you could listen to any one of the many choral recitals or classical music concerts in the churches, as well as having more of the touristy places to yourself than in the summer.

steve

A friend of mine that was stationed in Germany for 15 years frequently remarked how much he and his wife loved going to London for Christmas. The previously mentioned St. Paul's was one of their favorite memories

julie

I remember flying out of Ryhiad (sp?) wwhen it was hot as hades, all the natives in white gowns, bent in prayer at the prayer call in the airport, then arriving in London in a blizzard, with the little Salvation Army ladies in their grey bonnets ringing their bells at Xmas. This I will never forget..Like the far east and west in the same day. I love London at Christmas...no tourist, and it is quiet.

Mary

Sheryl <BR>I spent Thanksgiving holidays in London with my daughters a few years ago. They were 10 and 12. We had a wonderful time! We stayed in an apartment in Mayfair. They loved the underground, the British Museum, we saw Phantom of the Opera and A Christmas Carol. Went down to South Hampton Court. Enjoyed the pubs at lunch, but food is VERY expensive. We are used to New York prices but London is over the top. Anyway 10 is a great age to enjoy London.