Christmas Eve / Christmas Day Dinner Ideas Requested

Posted by sharon05 on 12/07/15 02:08 PM

Hi,
My husband and I will be in London for two weeks to spend the Christmas holidays with our son who is a grad student at Kings College London. We've planned a few things but are at a dilemma on the best way to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We are definitely not fancy people so don't need a grand meal but would like to do something a bit festive.

I would love to hear some ideas from experienced travelers or locals. This will be our second trip to London (the last being in 2010).

Thank you so much in advance and Happy Holidays!

Posted by Nigel

Northamptonshire, England

12/07/15 04:45 PM

33997 posts

Christmas Day meals book up early - even now you will find places that are full.

I >>strongly<< encourage you to find a place to eat Christmas Day that is walking distance from where you are staying because there is no public transport in London on Christmas Day, including buses, Tubes and trains. If you can find one, a taxi will have special prices (not Christmas presents).

So before we start chucking out places we kinda need to know where you will be.

Posted by Katy

London, UK

12/07/15 04:49 PM

477 posts

As there's no public transport on Christmas Day can you let us know where exactly in London you will be staying?

Christmas Eve transport will be winding down so I wouldn't want to stay out late, too far from my accommodation.
Katy

Posted by sharon05 OP

12/07/15 07:31 PM

2 posts

Thanks for the response - we will be staying in Westminster near St. James Park; our son lives in Southwark. We will probably take taxis and Uber for transportation if public transportation is limited.

Posted by kyra

12/08/15 03:53 AM

92 posts

Public transit is not limited on Christmas Day, it does not operate. See the TfL website for more details.

All the sights (unless you count Ripley's) will be closed on Christmas Day, and many will also be closed on 24 and 26 December, as well. You may wish to check websites for opening days and times to avoid disappointment.

There are good suggestions about things to do for Christmas on the websites of Time Out London and Londonist. Here is a link to get you started: https://londonist.com/2015/11/what-s-open-in-london-on-christmas-day-2015

Posted by Laurel

Forest Grove, OR

12/08/15 06:33 AM

11799 posts

Sharon,
We will be in London then, too! Staying near Westminster!

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day -- in fact, every day of the year -- London Walks conducts tours. Good for an outing. Or just wander. I suspect we'll do a bit of each.

You might try Open Table for restaurant reservations on Christmas Eve and Day. I was nervous about taking my chances with what might-or-might-not be open and had heard about the tendency for restaurants to be fully booked, so I picked some within a 30-minute walk of our flat. We are great walkers and a bit of a stroll before-and-after a festive meal is nice. Be aware, some are rather expensive fixed-price menus! But it's Christmas!!

Posted by kelvindron

London

12/17/15 04:50 AM

8 posts

Here I would like to share few of the christmas eve events which are going in london,
On Dec 24th :
1) Love And Liquor, London
Refresh team up with Love & Liquor for the most entertaining Christmas Eve celebrations of 2015&...
Tickets: £20-£25
Doors open: 10:00pm - 4:00am (Last entry 1:00am)

2) The Greek On The Green, London
This Christmas Eve, London Greek Radio & Greek on the Green are hosting 'The Night Be...
Tickets: £26.00
Date: Thu 24th Dec
Doors open: 7:00pm - 1:00am

3) Few more Restaurants: Buoni Amici, Heeltap, London House, etc..

Make sure that Public Transport is not available on these days, Hire a Private Car from Uber or from any other private company.
Enjoy your trip with your son on this Christmas..