England & Paris in December

My first trip to London was in December 1985. I also went to London and Paris in late January and early February 1999.

The days are short and it never gets very bright (even at high noon, it was quite dim, particularly in London), which was a bit depressing. But, at least by New York standards, it wasn't too cold. It did snow one day in Paris, briefly.

I wouldn't recommend that time of year for a first visit. The fact that it's not so pleasant to take long walks, and the fact that neither city is particularly attractive at that time due to the lack of light, colored how I felt about them. However, both have enough "bad weather" activities for months, so you won't lack for things to do, and as a bonus, once the Christmas crowds are gone, you won't have to deal with lines or crowds at popular attractions. If you're looking for fancy goods at a discount, January is one of two months when Paris stores put their merchandise on sale (even the designers, like Chanel, Dior, and Hermes).

I don't know about Paris, but know that for London, there is no public transit and almost nothing open on Christmas Day, and limited service the next day (Boxing Day, December 26, is a holiday too). Locals have warned that the Christmas to New Year's period is when the rail services in the UK are repaired, so day trips may be harder than normal.

So, as long as you're prepared for these things, I see no reason not to visit then. Depending on your exact travel dates, airfare should be cheap, too.

Before I was married, I would go with one of my girlfriends or on my own to London in early December for 4-5 days to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, go from museum to museum during the day, and then go to theatre every night. Such fun!

I visited London in Dec 2016 and Jan 2018 (and March 2017, June 2017, and October 2017.....I love London!)

December 2016: festive Christmas lights up around the city; "atmospheric" outdoor skating rinks at Museum of Natural History, Somerset House, Tower of London; relatively short queues at the sights I visited (Westminster Abbey, Tower of London); festive menus for afternoon tea and at Vincent Rooms; for theatre, a chance to see a Christmas pantomime. Weather unpredictable but isn't that London anyway -- just wear layers and bring a waterproof coat. Dark at 4 pm but who cares you're in London.

January 2018: NO CROWDS - St Paul's, museums, Churchill War Rooms, Westminster Abbey; if you are a shopper, there are January sales that continue after the frenzy of Boxing Day sales--I scored a lovely cashmere cardigan at the Brora clearance store on Kings Road Chelsea and I needed it because the temps were frigid....mid 20s F given wind chill; we were in London mid-January and by then most of the festive seasonal events and outdoor decorations were finished so we just had the bleak and dark without the Christmas lights but it didn't matter.

Anytime is a wonderful time to visit London.

It is much more festive going prior to Christmas since places shut down Christmas Eve and stay that way until boxing day, in London. Post Christmas is usually drab and cold with very short days and intermittent sunshine if any. We went last year and flew home the day after Christmas after really enjoying seasonal programs, window decorations, and holiday cheer.

My first trip to London/Paris - I landed at LHR on 12/26 and flew home on 01/01. It was a brilliant week of seeing a carefully chosen list of sites, shows, etc. without crazy crowds. The early sunset didn't bother me as I'm based in MN and very accustomed to that during the winter. The temperature was warmer in London than at home so I took that as a nice bonus. I'm not a big shopper so the sales and such weren't a big draw for me but I loved wandering and getting to know the city at my own pace while still enjoying the Christmas energy.

I only spent one day in Paris - first Eurostar from London, last return train from Paris. Again, I wanted to go and had specific things in mind so for me, the day was enough. The weather was rainy but, again, warmer than MN in December so I didn't mind.

This year, I landed in London on 01/01 and flew home from Dublin on 01/018 - same experience. I've been over during the Thanksgiving week and will go back roughly that same time this year and I didn't find December/January to be any worse than November. To me, the city feels cozy during these months.

Was in London just before Christmas in 2015. Loved it. The lights, Hyde park Winter festival, store displays, and weather all contributed to a great time. It was chilly and did get dark early but that provided a better of the lights on Carnaby, Oxford, and Regent’s streets.