London Christmas Day

Christmas in London is unique.

For me, who lives in an in constant motion megalopolis of 4 million where sunshine is the norm, experiencing a calm in colder weather is an out right joy.

For others, I suspect a shock to their system.

My suggestions are these:

Rent an apartment. When you arrive in London stock up on staples and cook your Christmas dinner.

If not staying in an apartment check to see if your hotel is serving and make reservations.

Or, find the closest pub and see if they are serving Christmas dinner and make reservations. The teens will be welcomed.

Lastly, London is a huge melting pot where religious beliefs vary. Some ethnic restaurants will be open.

As far as what to do on Christmas Day, bundled up and walk. Doubt the teens will want to get up but the Peter Pan Cup Race in the Serpentine in Hyde Park is silly Christmas morning fun. Starts at 7am I believe.

if weather permits stroll through Hyde Park watching Londoners out and about in new jackets, new trainers, pushing new prams, walking their dogs, feeding the water fowl, and enjoying their families.

Although I've never visited it I know Ripleys Believe it or Not is open. London Walks also offers a few on Christmas Day. Groups won't be small.

If you do rent an apartment bring the Monopoly board, or Scrabble, or UNO, or Boggle. A deck of cards. Play parlor games, read, talk to one another, get outside and take photos.

If you are close to Oxford, Regent and Piccadilly streets check out the Christmas Decorations and window dressings. If you are close to the Thames follow the river path.

Enjoy the quiet and calm. Enjoy being a family.

Lastly, there is the Queen's Christmas Message on the Telly.

I can tell you how we spent last Christmas Day in London.

We walked through St, James Park about mid-morning with lots of Londoners. As it started to drizzle, we walked to Trafalgar Square (we were staying near Westminster Abbey) to take a walk at 11:00 with London Walks. There were 100 people there with umbrellas waiting for the walk to start. Yikes! So we wandered off back to our apartment. We had a lunch reservation at 14:00 in Soho. The rain had stopped so we walked there, then all the way across town to Marble Arch where we saw the new Star Wars movie. The house was packed so we were happy we had bought tickets online a week in advance!

• get an apartment so you have a place to hang out
• try to make a lunch reservation as restaurants book up for Christmas lunch. I used Open Table to identify some suspects and make a res, but we did find when on-the-ground that there were some pubs open with more affordable options. The problem is knowing before you get there. You might ask whoever you rent an apartment from.
• take walks, with or without tours
• see a movie but buy tix online in advance

Of course there are church services if you like.... Also reserve for Christmas Eve dinner. Very busy in the restaurants!

Info on Christmas in London 2016 - http://www.timeout.com/london/christmas
Enjoy your trip.

In addition to the Time Out London webpage about Christmas, also have a look at Londonist's info: http://londonist.com/christmas-in-london

These will continue to be updated and added to before Christmas. I hope you find something listed that appeals.

Please be aware there is no public transit in London on Christmas Day, and some museums/galleries/attractions will be closed 24, 25, and 26 December. Check websites before you go, to avoid disappointment.

You can have a nice meal, I'd just book in advance. You will find some restaurant suggestions on the websites above; I'd also have a look at the Hot Dinners website (good info about food and restaurants in London in general).

Hope you are able to come up with a plan that works for your family.