LOTRHP

Hi All,
I am flying into London on Boxing Day, December 26. I have never been to London during December. I am hoping that most of the Holiday decorations, markets and fun 'Christmas festival' activities will still be available on and after that point. Will they? Or will most things be 'boxed up"?

Please let me know what I can expect. I'm used to NYC still having the holiday markets,deocorations etc. up until about New Year's. Hoping London is similarly inclined. Really looking forward to seeing London soon! Appreciate your help!

Also, would appreciate your recommendations of 'can't miss' things to do.
Thanks,
Ruth

Underhill

Hear an evensong at Westminster Abbe and/or St. Paul's. Look at the windows of Hamley's Toy Shop. See the Christmas trees at Trafalgar Square.

Many places will be closed on Boxing Day, but from what I remember of our last Christmas in London the decorations will still be there--and the lights are beautiful.

KayF

The decorations will still be up in Oxford Street and Regent Street - and the big Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square - but I found them to be disappointing, quite plain and as if the council was spending the absolute minimum possible.

Also there is no public transport at all on Christmas Day and on Boxing Day it is still not back to normal though there should be some tube trains running then.

If shopping is your thing, then the Boxing Day sales on Oxford Street will all be on but be prepared to be crushed by people and to queue for changerooms and to pay. It is much worse in the afternoons, if you get there when the shops open it's more manageable.

St Martins-in-the-Fields has some nice concerts on at Christmas, we went to a jazz concert in the crypt which was very reasonably priced but we had to book ahead. You can also get meals in the crypt cafe at any time.
http://www2.stmartin-in-the-fields.o...home/home.html

Another idea would be to get tickets ahead of time for The Ceremony of the Keys at The Tower of London. You need to give them any dates you can go and they will try and give you your first availability if they can. It's free to attend but you must take your ticket with you on the night, they open the Tower specially for the small group attending and are strict about ID and won't let anyone come in late. It will be very cold there at night though so wrap up.

Kay

jamikins

The Christmas Winterwonderland with markets is open in Hyde Park until 4 Jan 2011 http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/

The lights should all still be up on 26 Dec - I think they start to take them down early Jan after new years.

Boxing Day transport is I believe on the Sunday schedule, which is not as frequent as during the week, but should be fine for your needs as a tourist.

alihutch

Christmas decorations have to be down by Jan 6th.

LOTRHP

Thanks for the great suggestions. Good to know that there's so many nice things to see after Christmas.

nytraveler

Christmas decorations will still be up - but don;t expect it to be as extensive and exuberant as in NYC.

Also - sales are limited in length and mobbed (but not as bad as Macy''s) - since sales all yer are not the rule as they are here. Also - don;t expect a lot of bargains - many British goods things are cheaper in New York

The one benefit is that the weather is likely to be milder, making touring around more pleasant.

latedaytraveler

LOTRHP,
You might consider dining at Rules, “the oldest” restaurant in London, established in 1798. Frequented by Dickens et al. Great ambiance in Christmas décor. Closed from late PM Christmas Eve through Dec. 28. Rules is located at 35 Maiden Lane, not far from Covent Garden. Closes early New Year’s Eve but there are a few days between Christmas and New Year’s to enjoy their holiday atmosphere. Check out website. Lucky you – so much to see and do at any time in London.