Christmastime in Cotswolds & London

Tube on Boxing Day will be a shadow of its former self - usually a watered down Sunday service, starting late. Because Christmas is Sunday this year and Boxing Day will be Monday, Christmas Bank Holiday will be Tuesday so as I said, a shadow of its former self. With that much time with no trains running expect engineering works to continue into the week.

Arrange a car service. A taxi will eat your lunch.

If you want to visit Oxford, then Oxford seems like a better place to rent a car than Heathrow.

Any Christmassy must do's in the Cotswolds & Oxford? Are Madrigal Feasts a thing?

I’d not heard of “madrigal feasts” but when I googled it, most references appeared to be American - it seems to be one of the Olde English things that actually doesn’t really happen in England!

It’s worth researching National Trust properties in the area to see if any of them are decorated especially for Christmas, and look out for Carol services at local churches. Although I bet a local of churches will have theirs on the Sunday before Christmas so you might be arriving too late - it’s one of the weird things about Christmas in the UK that you’re often better being here a week or two ahead of the big day.

I’d recommend going to a panto. This may seem way too young for your kids but if you all leave any cynicism at the door and just join in with everything, you will experience a traditional British entertainment. Oxford Playhouse has Cinderella: https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/cinderella-panto

And Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds has Rapunzel: https://www.chippingnortontheatre.com/whats-on/rapunzel

In London, just remember there’s no public transport in Christmas Day. Victoria is a good starting point for a nice walk. You will want to prebook any meals as not all restaurants will be open. The decent French chain Côte often have branches open on Christmas Day - at least at lunchtime - but I suggest you check Google maps for restaurants near your hotel to find something open. You’re more likely to find somewhere open at lunchtime than in the evening.

I've spent a few Christmas' in London including last December.

As noted earlier, public transportation is non-existant on Christmas Day. It also tends to wind down early Christmas eve.

Just about everything will be closed on Xmas. There will be a few restaurants open and many pubs. Reservations are mandatory in most for Christmas Day. (KFC is also open in case you don't want to make reservations and your luck runs out.) Your hotel will know what is open. A few years ago i took a walk on Christmas Day near the local shopping street. Everything was closed except the pubs, a few ethnic restaurants and KFC.

There will be some public transport on Boxing Day but for six it might be somewhat cost effective, and easier, just to book a car service.

Any early risers in the group. The traditional Peter Pan cup race takes place in Hyde Parks Serpentine on Christmas Morning.

Go to a Christmas Eve mass.

Already been advised to see a panto.

On Christmas morning head out to Hyde Park to see families out and about wearing new coats, jumpers, hats, walking their dogs, etc.

Walk along the River Path.

Its rather nice to be in a city where transport halts.

Regarding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals, book a restaurant for Christmas Eve months ahead! We had dinner at The Ivy in Covent Garden on 12/24, and were happy with that choice. Festive atmosphere. Christmas Day we ordered dinner to go from Whole Foods and picked it up the morning of 12/24 as we were renting a house. It was a fabulous meal. The only places we found open on 12/25 were in hotels. We also booked tickets to the Christmas Eve service at Westminster Abbey in October when they were released.
Luckily we had a local friend in London who gave us this info.

Great info everyone!

Looks like best to rent/return from LHR. Cars are already limited!

Appreciate any other suggestions, especially places to eat on Christmas Eve & Day near Victoria Station!

I'm setting up a private transfer for the 26th!

Do you intend to eat before the Westminster Abbey Christmas Eve service? I would. Once you arrive at where you are staying head out and make inquiries regarding where dinner is being served on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check nearby pubs such as the Colonies or any of the ethnic restaurants. Also seek out Pret a Mangers or Tesco, or Sainsbury to get some sandwiches, salads, crisps and bottled water as a back up.

KNow that if you are staying at a Premiere Inn they should be serving food on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Double check though.

Simply remember on Christmas day will be your day to walk and walk some more to explore. Both the Thames Path and the Royal Parks will have people out and about.

Have spent a number Christmases in London. Throughly enjoyed each neighborhood I chose to stay in.

Add a panto to your list of things to do. Kew Gardens is lovely at Christmas so are the Wetlands.