London for Christmas

My wife and I attended the A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic. Some forum members here recommend it and it was great. YMMV.

FYI, A lot of the pubs were very crowded with Christmas parties and hard to get into the first week of Dec. We had to go early or late to get a table.

https://www.oldvictheatre.com/stage/event/a-christmas-carol-2023

In terms of location, I'd recommend somewhere very central such as Mayfair, Covent Garden, Soho etc. That said, you could pick somewhere less central if you don't mind walking. You say "little public transit" - just be aware that on Christmas Day there is no public transport at all (taxis, minicabs and Uber operate but are expensive).

In terms of recommendations I second the idea of a panto (pantomime). It's a unique experience, and our kids love them, as do we: https://www.bigpantoguide.co.uk/london.php

I have spent the past few Christmas' and New Years in London and plan to do so this year.

If you wish to go to Christmas dinner, it is imperative to make reservations ahead of time. For a group of six I'd probably suggest making reservations for Boxing Day as well.

I was surprised last year as to how many restaurants and coffee shops were open on Xmas where in past years they weren't. I'm in the Earls Court area and I usually take a walk on Xmas day. The streets are deserted. Last year, the streets were crowded and many places were open and busy--Starbucks, Burger King, KFC, pubs, and independent food establishments.

If you stay at an AirBnb, and want to prepare Xmas dinner, be aware that supermarkets will close early on the 24th and public transportation will shut down early.

There will be no public transportation on Xmas day so keep that in mind.

One of the biggest events to take place each year is Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.

Hi! All of the prior replies are spot on. I echo them all! A Christmas Carol, seeing a panto, staying central. And wise counsel about closures, transport, etc.

Would only add:
* Covent Garden has a gorgeous, enormous tree and fabulous decorations. It is so festive at that time of year! Great shopping, too. It is insanely touristy but it is soooooo cute that even locals flock there.
* The Regent Street lights are glorious.
* Check out the decorations - and the Christmas shop - at Liberty London.
* Carnaby Street has wonderful lights and decor, too - usually pretty funky and fab.
* Check for carol services and special concerts at the bigger churches. These can be very special, and many are free or charge a modest price.
* East London has a large Muslim population and is not nearly as closed up tight for the Christmas holiday, so there will be restaurants open along Brick Lane. Similarly, there are always Turkish or Lebanese places open along the Edgeware Road - might be something to check out.

London at Christmas is AMAZING. The whole place just glistens and sparkles. You’re going to love it!

Fortnum and Mason gets all done up on the outside, it's quite pretty

phred - yes!!! Fortum and Mason! Wonderful food offerings inside, too.

And Harrod’s is fantastic during the festive season, too. :-)

We did this last year. Take the train to Kew Gardens and see the light show. I was expecting nice Christmas lights. This was off the charts!! Professional lighting designers and theater designers put together ‘experiences’. It was as sophisticated as anything Hollywood would do. Your kids would love it.

You can get dinner right by the train stop. Get your tickets for 4:30. Initial long line moved fast and once in, didn’t feel crowded at all.

London is lovely at Christmas.

The Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square, Santa runs, department store windows, pantos, cathedral and churches services, Regent and Oxford Street lights, WinterWonderland in Hyde Park, SouthBank Winter Market, Carnaby Street Christmas Lights, Harrod’s, Liberty, Selfridges, poppers, ice skating rinks, mulled wine, Christmas Cards for purchase in museum gift stores are but a few things to consider.

I love walking about on Christmas day. People out and about in new jumpers with babies in prams. Maybe new puppies, definitely new trikes and bikes, etc. Less traffic.

Depending on which neighborhood you are staying A walk through a park is enjoyable: Hyde Park or Regents Park or the Hampstead Heath.

If you have the opportunity to visit then I say, “ go!”

Edit: look at the Premiere Inns website.