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London around Christmas - is 5 Nights enough?

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Hi - I've been reading that a lot of places are closed in London during Christmas and Day After (Boxing Day). My plan was to arrive in London on 24-Dec and leave 29-Dec to visit Brussels/Bruges/Ghent for 4 nights before going to Paris for another 4 nights.

Given that I can't do much in London until 27-Dec, I am debating whether I should skip Brussels/Bruges/Ghent and just spent 7 nights in London and 6 nights in Paris? I have been to both London and Paris (but my family haven't), and I really wanted to add Brussels/Bruges/Ghent as I haven't been.

Figured I can do non-museum/non-attractions 25-Dec and 26-Dec and hit the big attractions on 27-Dec and 28-Dec in London. My kids are 13 and 11 - plan is to visit Buckingham Palace, Changing of the Guard, Tower of London, London Eye, and maybe British Museum. Appreciate your input!

Posted by
7389 posts

Buckingham Palace is only open to visitors from mid July to the end of September.

The London Eye will be open on the 26th.

Check the Changing of the Guard much closer to the time as currently that is only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Posted by
9101 posts

As has been mentioned London shuts down on Christmas. No public transport.

Ubers will be available but costly.

Be prepared to walk to explore on that day.

Things to do on the 27th. Some might be open on Boxing Day but you’ll need to research. Boxing Day is a HUGE sale day so prepare for crowds.
WinterWonderland in Hyde Park. Jubilee Park near the London Eye. Christmas lights Oxford, Regent and Bond streets. Southbank Centre Winter Market. Kings Cross Christmas Market.

Book a Panto.

Check for Santa Runs. https://www.getkidsgoing.com/e/london-santa-run/

If early risers and near the Serpentine in Hyde Park you can watch the traditional Peter Pan Cup Race.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1sRi2DzU6hU

Loads of chorale offerings.

Midnight mass in a number of churches.

Book your Christmas Dinner in advance. A number of pubs have a Christmas day meal. Many ethic restaurants will also be open. Or stock up on sandwiches, soups and crisps. The Christmas sandwich from Pret a Manger is a favorite.

Favorite day to walk about.

Posted by
20 posts

While 5 nights can provide a good amount of time to experience London during the Christmas season, it's important to consider the specific activities and attractions you plan to explore. Christmas in London offers a range of festive events and attractions that you may want to incorporate into your itinerary. Please keep a few things in mind:

-London hosts several popular Christmas markets. Such as Winder Wonderland in Hyde Park, South bank Centre Winter market. These markets offer food, drinks, crafts and entertainment.
- London's street and neighbiorhoods dazzle with stunning Christmas lights and decorations. Take a leisurely walk along Oxford streets, Regent Street and Covnent Garden to soak up the festive atmosphere.

With 5 nights in London, you should have enough time to visit these attractions and participate in festive activities. However, it's advisable to plan your itinerary carefully and prioritize the activities that interest you the most. It's also worth noting that some attractions may have limited hours or closures on specific Christmas days, so be sure to check their schedules in advance.

Posted by
3122 posts

Since you haven't been to Brussels/Bruges/Ghent and you "really want" to, I'd say keep that in your itinerary. Bruges is a real jewel. Brussels is, of course, a big city with a variety of sights and activities. I'm not as familiar with Ghent, but it's right on the way and is famous for medieval architecture.

What means of transportation will you be using? Maybe even cut a London day to add to Belgium. Your kids can go to London some other time, especially outside of the Christmas season when so much of what's on to see & do is focused on the holiday. Just my opinion!

Posted by
11503 posts

Watch for release dates for Westminster Abbey’s Christmas Eve services. They were available on set days in Oct and Nov when we got ours.

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