London Holiday Season Nov 29-Dec 7
Oct 26th, 2019, 05:37 AM
#21
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😂 This is why I like trip reports and/or blogging! With the exception of the cold wait, it sounded like a lovely evening.
-- I actually HAVE done it at Windsor - I totally forgot. (Would that mean I've been to London too many times . . . nah 
)
Oct 26th, 2019, 01:13 PM
#22
BarbWire: There are lots of sites where you can find upcoming events. I often start with Time Out https://www.timeout.com/london/christmas
London List also lists a lot of events https://londonist.com/christmas-in-london
There are a ton of others.
But I also look at the specific websites for venues I know have either music or seasonal programs. (Royal Albert Hall, South Bank Centre, Barbican, Cadogan Hall, Wigmore Hall, etc)
YankeyGal:
After I posted I hadn't been to Windsor I had a flashback of having mulled wine and walking up the cobbles to the Castle entrance in the dark and thought "Okay dummie, OF COURSE you've been there!" Then looked for my TR. Don't know why it had escaped me before . . .
London List also lists a lot of events https://londonist.com/christmas-in-london
There are a ton of others.
But I also look at the specific websites for venues I know have either music or seasonal programs. (Royal Albert Hall, South Bank Centre, Barbican, Cadogan Hall, Wigmore Hall, etc)
YankeyGal:
After I posted I hadn't been to Windsor I had a flashback of having mulled wine and walking up the cobbles to the Castle entrance in the dark and thought "Okay dummie, OF COURSE you've been there!" Then looked for my TR. Don't know why it had escaped me before . . .
Oct 26th, 2019, 09:18 PM
#23
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Hi All,
I am going on a quick week to London leaving Thanksgiving night and arriving mid morning on Nov 29. I have never been to London at this time of the year (7 prior visits) and am researching ideas for a group trip back in 2020. My plan is to see as many of the London Christmas Markets as possible and am looking at ideas for other sites and attractions that are memorable during the holiday season.
My questions are:
1. I plan on visiting the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, what are some other Christmas Markets/attractions you have enjoyed?
2. I have tickets to Christmas at Kew on Dec 4 at 17:40. What can I do in the Kew area for the afternoon before my admission time. I have never been to Kew, but not sure if it is worth paying full price to see it in December.
3. I am going to Bath for the day on Dec 5.(never been) What are the top sights I can see from late morning to late afternoon. I do love architecture and plan on the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, how far of a walk is it to the Royal Crescent or other architectural attractions? I plan on spending time at the Christmas Market in the evening until my train returns to London at 19:43.
All other ideas are welcome. I want to make the most of this trip, and have other plans and reservations made for London but have time most days to explore other ideas.
Thanks, Rich.
I am going on a quick week to London leaving Thanksgiving night and arriving mid morning on Nov 29. I have never been to London at this time of the year (7 prior visits) and am researching ideas for a group trip back in 2020. My plan is to see as many of the London Christmas Markets as possible and am looking at ideas for other sites and attractions that are memorable during the holiday season.
My questions are:
1. I plan on visiting the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, what are some other Christmas Markets/attractions you have enjoyed?
2. I have tickets to Christmas at Kew on Dec 4 at 17:40. What can I do in the Kew area for the afternoon before my admission time. I have never been to Kew, but not sure if it is worth paying full price to see it in December.
3. I am going to Bath for the day on Dec 5.(never been) What are the top sights I can see from late morning to late afternoon. I do love architecture and plan on the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, how far of a walk is it to the Royal Crescent or other architectural attractions? I plan on spending time at the Christmas Market in the evening until my train returns to London at 19:43.
All other ideas are welcome. I want to make the most of this trip, and have other plans and reservations made for London but have time most days to explore other ideas.
Thanks, Rich.
Oct 27th, 2019, 12:43 AM
#24
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I'm not a fan of Christmas markets either and would skip the Winter Wonderland.
If I were there I'd go to Live at Zedel, There are a few 'Christmassy' performances that week.
Or Ronny Scotts; there's a Motown show, And a Christmas Cabaret lunch which looks mostly sold out, though.
If I were there I'd go to Live at Zedel, There are a few 'Christmassy' performances that week.
Or Ronny Scotts; there's a Motown show, And a Christmas Cabaret lunch which looks mostly sold out, though.
Oct 27th, 2019, 01:31 AM
#25
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I'm not really into Christmas markets either but I can appreciate their charms if taken in reasonable doses. So my total agreement with your statement about Hyde Park WW has nothing to do with a dislike for Christmas markets. It's that WW is a very bad example. In fairness, I was there quite a few years ago and i have heard that it improved. But who knows. I remember it being very muddy and feeling like i was in a fenced in pen with a massive crowd. My vision for having a relaxing schnapps in an alpine setting around a fire were quickly dashed when i joined the throngs in the mud. My point is not specifically about schnapps and bonfires anyway, the point is that whatever anyone wanted to do (skate, shop, eat, etc) was a disaster of mud and crowds. Wait in a queue 12 deep for a drink or a pretzel and stand there and drink or eat with crowds pushing to get around you. Hardly places to stand in peace, never mind sit down and relax.
Oct 27th, 2019, 08:56 AM
#27
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I also will be in London in beg. of Dec. and on reading this thread was thinking of visiting the Christmas markets as I have never been to any in Europe. Researching on-line the markets look like a very festive, colorful, fun-filled seasonal activity. I have been making a list of the markets I could visit during my short visit.
I love Fodor friends for sharing ideas as well as their experiences. Thus enjoyed reading report by Janis that made me imagine the beautiful decorations and atmosphere. But on the other hand, also appreciate the later posts sharing the hype and also how the markets can be a muddy mess.
It made me think of the drizzly, cold weather and the crowds. Now I am thinking of going to one market to see a bit instead of several. I cannot stand the cold and mud as definitely not the crowds if I am trying to enjoy a warm drink.
So thanks to all Fodor friends. You all are a treasure in helping me plan. Have a great day.
I love Fodor friends for sharing ideas as well as their experiences. Thus enjoyed reading report by Janis that made me imagine the beautiful decorations and atmosphere. But on the other hand, also appreciate the later posts sharing the hype and also how the markets can be a muddy mess.
It made me think of the drizzly, cold weather and the crowds. Now I am thinking of going to one market to see a bit instead of several. I cannot stand the cold and mud as definitely not the crowds if I am trying to enjoy a warm drink.
So thanks to all Fodor friends. You all are a treasure in helping me plan. Have a great day.
Nov 5th, 2019, 09:42 AM
#31
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kmowatt - Thanks for the heads up, I do get the Londonist emails and follow on Facebook. The King Tut exhibit does sound great. I saw it all in Egypt back in 2000, and it is all so spectacular. I believe yesterday was the anniversary of the discovery!
Thanks again to everyone for the advice. My days keep filling up with ideas so this will be a very busy trip.
Thanks again to everyone for the advice. My days keep filling up with ideas so this will be a very busy trip.
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