London in December, am I crazy?

Weather in London over Xmas can be shocking, but as long as you plan sensible (indoor) things, you'll be fine. It never really gets super cold here, but it's entirely unpredictable, and an occasional much warmer sunny day is entirely possible.

Hotel I'd say... it doesn't need to be the same hotel for 6 days, maybe do 3+3 days in different areas.

I personally wouldn't encourage anyone to make their first visit to London in the winter... there is so much to see and do on a warm sunny day, that you would miss in the cold and rain.

Not crazy. Think of the things you can do only at this time of year, say a side trip to Glastonbury for the Winter Solstice, or a visit to the Bath Christmas Market. I would also look into going to the Globe's Sam Wanamaker Theatre. Christmas lights can add a festive touch, too. I have only ever been passing through London for a few days at this time of year, but I always found plenty to do. The last few times, I have been arriving from alpine areas, so London seemed mild in comparison.

I don't think so.

But remember to take warm clothes. Last time we were in London in December we had to invest in some extra fleece jackets.

Take a look at http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/. It's completely childish - but fun. Remember to taste the mulled wine

I wish it was possible to go in the warmer months, but it is the only time off for one of us to go. We can go any where, but my first thought was London for all the inside attractions.

Well, if you could go anywhere else, how about Christmas market areas, or does that not appeal?

I have not been to the Alsace / Black Forest areas for the Christmas markets, but it is on my list. Or, you could fly into Munich and navigate the region - Salzburg and Salzkammergut, Tirol (Innsbruck and Hall), Sud-Tirol (Bolzano and neighbors), northern Italy (Venice in winter is nice and not crowded) - then head down south to Rome. These are only suggested stopping points. I would not select each and every one or you would be constantly on the move. Munich and Venice certainly have a lot of indoor attractions if the weather is really bad.

We LOVE London (and the whole UK) in Dec. We have been there at that time of year more than 20 times. The weather in London is very similar to where I live (Charlotte, NC) in the winter, with perhaps a bit more wind- but no real wind chill like in the mid-west USA. Layers are what you need clothes-wise. In our 20+ trips, we had snow flurries twice I think. Some light rain and damp days. Mostly fine, with some cloudy and blustery days. Gloves, and a good hat or hooded scarf are a must. The Bath Christmas market is excellent, York also has a smaller, but good market, as does Canterbury. There are a few small Christmas markets in London. Windsor has a French style market. Kew Gardens is good, even in Dec.- you can even visit just their shop (free admission, but limited to about 30 min.) for some great gift shopping and the shop at the Tower of London is great, too. The regular London markets are always great for gift shopping.
You might find this article I wrote for trip advisor helpful
[http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g186338-c176673/London:United-Kingdom:London.And.Day.Trips.html][1]

Toni
Great read on trip advisor. Good job. Did you book any tours or just go on your own? We have 6 nights, so lots of time. :)
Debbie, we lived in Germany for 3 years, so went all over. I did a very brief trip to England and Rome at 22 but don't remember anything but the pubs and a wax museum. So, think this time my attention span will be greater.

Other than our very first trip where we did a Frames Rickard's "Windsor, Bath and Stonehenge" trip, we have done the day trips on our own. Other than in Inverness Scotland, where we found some excellent tour companies that do small group (10-15 people) using small vans, we have found the big-bus trips to be mostly time on the bus. However, I have read on this forum that London Walks does some 'by train' day trips that are well guided and nothing like the big-bus trips.

We have found the rail system in England and Scotland to be easy to use and generally affordable- though we often used BritRail passes (this was when they were still a bit of a bargain) because we liked the flexibility of being able to pick our travel days based on weather, or mood, etc. The only 'day of' tickets we usually bought were for Windsor. If you can commit to a specific day and time, then you can get real discounts by buying your point-to-point tickets about 12 weeks prior to travel time. Or you can look into some of the special travel deals promoted by various rail companies. Things like senior discount cards, special group discounts (even 2 counts as a group for some), etc. If you do go to London, be sure to look for the special street light displays along Regent's street, and other main roads. And watch for the roasted chestnut street vendors!

Instead of Rome, you might want to look into Austria. We LOVED Salzburg in the winter- it's Christmas market is fabulous, and so is the Austrian winter food. Innsbruck is also nice in winter (and we don't even ski), as is Vienna- both have good to excellent Christmas markets. We even did a day trip by train to Budapest from Vienna one winter. I know its cold there in winter, but again, layers, layers, layers. It snowed one year and we have lovely pictures of Salzburg in the snow. (and it would be a real change from your typical winter break). Or look into Scotland. We went to Inverness and Edinburgh from London one winter- it snowed then , too. Edinburgh has a good Christmas market and plenty to see and do inside if the weather is a bit brisk.

I have spent time there on two separate occasions in Dec. and beginning of Jan. It was cool, but actually much more pleasant than I expected. A number of sunny afternoons... not at all like Midwest.. The benefit of travel this time of year is the lack of hordes of tourists! I love the markets, and also had a great day trip to Warwick Castle and it was still decorated for Xmas.... I think they had an ice skating rink there too. I went to Rome in Feb. and it was cold, windy, rainy... but I still preferred it over July, when it was crowded, in the high 90s.

December in London is one of our fondest memories. The Christmas markets, delightful programs at the Royal Albert Hall, nightly caroling by local choirs around the spectacular lighted tree in Trafalgar Square. All of London is aglow, mince pies, hot mulled wine, even chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Christmas programs abound all month long, and the services, if you are there Christmas, at Westminster Abby and St. Paul's are stunning. We go to London annually and have never had a better time than in December.

I can think of no reason not to go ahead with your plan. (A warm beach has never been "Christmasy" enough for me. A big city with museums, lights, and shared traditions more so.) As with other events and entertainment in London, holiday events will be accessible in English. The British tourist board or Time Out or What's On should publish event listings by the start of December, including local carol singing, pantomime theater, ice skating rinks, and such. Looks like the V&A Museum has Christmas-themed exhibits, and it's always one of my favorites, anyway.

Thanks Laura for the tip on where to find some info on events, really getting excited about this trip.
Not sure what to say Rob, but alright then, no living on the streets for me.
If someone has experience with apartments in London or Rome, would love to hear them.

It wasn't the cold that bothered me in London in December 1985, it was the lack of light. Not only were the days short, but it simply never got very bright out. I was coming from Philadelphia, and London was significantly darker, which I was not prepared for and found very depressing. If you're from a brighter place than the Northeast US, you may have even more trouble adjusting. Other than that, and the holiday closures, I see no problem with your plan.

One local tip I got was to be sure to go to Liberty department store; it was indeed beautifully decorated, and much less crazy crowded than Harrod's.

It sounds like you are thinking of flying to Rome on Christmas Day. It can be super expensive to get to the airport that day so you may want to avoid that.

Just keep in mind the public transit shutdown on Christmas Day, the many sights that are closed between the 24th and 26th, and be sure to make reservations for Christmas lunch at a place within walking distance of your hotel. Alternatively, if you stay in an apartment you could pick up some lovely prepared items at Borough Market or one of the food halls in advance.

I think London in December would be delightful -- all atmosphere, lights, cozy pubs, Dickensian Christmas and all that .. .but you do need to keep in mind that the 25th and 26th your transportation options are severely limited, so whatever you're doing, you'll need to stay put on those days.

This means probably more time in London and a couple fewer nights in Rome.

For 8-9 nights in London, I would definitely try to get an apartment. You will be able to prepare a few simple meals "at home" (especially on Christmas and Boxing Day) - it's fun to explore the grocery stores, and sometimes the idea of going through one more sit-down meal and taking the time pales in comparison to the idea of tucking in with some wine and goodies in your own snug apartment.

I think it's a great idea! As Harold mentioned, it does get dark early. But I'm guessing that the city is better lit now than when he made that December trip 30 years ago. Some of our native Londoners can advise whether that's the case!

Good luck with your planning, let us know what you come up with.

Kim, I will start looking for an apartment, great idea.

For 8-9 nights in London, I would definitely try to get an apartment. You will be able to prepare a few simple meals "at home" (especially on Christmas and Boxing Day) - it's fun to explore the grocery stores, and sometimes the idea of going through one more sit-down meal and taking the time pales in comparison to the idea of tucking in with some wine and goodies in your own snug apartment.

Laura, this was actually a concern of mine! It sounds like I need to find aa apartment.

It sounds like you are thinking of flying to Rome on Christmas Day. It can be super expensive to get to the airport that day so you may want to avoid that.
Just keep in mind the public transit shutdown on Christmas Day, the many sights that are closed between the 24th and 26th, and be sure to make reservations for Christmas lunch at a place within walking distance of your hotel. Alternatively, if you stay in an apartment you could pick up some lovely prepared items at Borough Market or one of the food halls in advance.

Good point about the daylight hours, people forget how far north the UK is:
http://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/london?month=12

It's a shame you can't stay until 1st Jan and see the London NYE fireworks by Big Ben... it's quite an atmosphere.

This is now a ticketed event, a nominal £10... if you're quick enough when they go on sale.

Begin your search for an apartment at VRBO.com. Have you been to London before? Are you familiar with the neighborhoods? Two of my favorite neighborhoods are Kensington and Bloomsbury. Close to the tourist attractions and restaurants.

Well I did it, booked London and Rome Dec 17-31. I took your advice to book at different locatons in each town to better utilize the foot power needed to see the "sights". Lucked into some specials and some added 3 course dinners to sweeten the deals.

That was the easy part, now onto Itineraries. I like http://www.visitacity.com to use for setting up the weeks sights.

London
4 nights Rubens at the Palace
3 nights Montague on the Gardens
Rome
4 nights Hotel Mascagni
3 nights Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo

pndldy - that's great!! I'm envious!

We will also be there from 19-22 only but the weather is mild for winter and can be rainy, there are Christmas markets (Hyde Park Winter Fest-night time all lite up) Ice Rinks outside of Somerset House is lovely just to watch and drink hot cocoa, and go out of the city, easy train to Bath (also Christmas Market), St. Albans has a lovely market and Roman ruins just a train ride away, we like to take trips with Original London Walks www.walks.com as they do a nice 2-3 hour walk of different parts of the city and pub walks (not crawls) they also do full days out, no reservations, just look at where to meet, the guide will be holding up their leaflets and others will be milling around, pay and go. We went out to Cambridge last June for the full day, it was wonderful even included punting on the Cam as it was 90 degrees, much better than a big bus tour(and we have done them). But it will get dark early, so plan on doing shows or something in the evening, the main shopping streets have wonderful lights. Check what nights any museums are open late. I would go with an apartment for a long stay that way you can eat some meals in and take some snacks with you. Christmas day and the day after Boxing day alot of places will be closed. I would suggest you shop for Christmas and Boxing day meals a day or two ahead of time, you can get the ready to eat chicken at many food stores and tuck in to watch the Queen give her Christmas speech and other Christmas telly, also Panto plays are big at this time of year, we took our kids to see Peter Pan and the villan Hook was played by a well know British performer, as with most Pantos. The big sales start after the holiday. Walks does do Christmas and boxing day walks. Most large churches have Evening Song around 5pm so if you are tired pop into a church and listen, it will sooth your weary soul, we like St. Pauls and we did a small church near Paddington with only about 6 singers but it was lovely. We have stayed at Cleveland Square Hotel (near Paddington) which has apts., Dolphin Square Hotel (apts) near Pimlico, and this time we are trying Go Native Monument (apts) near Monument tube station. Enjoy "when a man tires of London, he is tired of life" or something like that

Barbara: I have been looking at all the things I want to see, and guess what? 7 nights is not enough!!! We should keep in touch as to ideas on things to do, and maybe share a guide for a trip. Stonehenge, Bath & Windsor is on our day trip list. will look into http://www.walks.com/. I don't know if London is like Rome, do you need guides and fast-track entrance to the museums and other sights or will it be less people due to December? I can only hope, right?

London is very easy to 'do it yourself'. No need for guides and we never felt the need for fast-track (even in summer- definitely not in winter). If you don't want to self-cater on Christmas and/ or Boxing day, check to see if there are any ethnic restaurants near your accommodations- they are sometimes open on Christmas. Otherwise, stock up on Dec. 23 or early on Christmas Eve (things will begin to shut down around noon on Christmas Eve- so plan on supper in on that day, too). Kew Gardens are lovely in the winter, and very few visitors... good place to visit. On Christmas day, do as the locals and walk around - go to a park and take a lunch with you, stroll down Pall Mall or through St. James Park... you get the idea.

Nice to hear you've made you reservations. I've spent Christmas in London twice. As noted the public transport is shut down on Christmas Day, which I throughly embraced. I'm a big stroller, wander, meanderer so not having public transport didn't make a difference. Loved the fact that on Christmas morning we could walk to the Serpentine in Hyde Park and watch the traditional Peter Pan Cup Race. Pink bodies emerging from the freezing water immediately enjoying goblets of warm grog or champagne. Lots of smiles and laughter. Wonderful memories. Also enjoyed seeing Londoners out and about in their new clothes, kids on new bikes, enjoying the park and family time. Relaxing day and you get to hear and see the Queen's annual address. One year we'd made reservations for Christmas dinner and one year we prepared the meal ourselves. Both times we stayed in an apartment in the Bayswater neighborhood. In the Bayswater neighborhood and I'll go out on a limb and say throughout other neighborhoods you will find some shops and cafes and small markets open. Not every soul in London is Christian so Christmas is just another day on the calendar. There was a bakery in Bayswater open Christmas morning and a line out the door of people buying breads, pies, etc. Not sure if they are still there though.

As far as weather who knows. Dress in layers and embrace it.

I didn't see your exact December dates but as far as "must" sees do try to get tickets to a pantomime. Fun, funny and a Christmas tradition. Christmas Eve Mass in St Paul's. Check out Liberty Department store. Incredible store with lovely holiday decor. Regent and Oxford street lights. Xmas Windows displays at Fortum and Mason, Harrod's, Hamleys, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols. See a Santa Run. http://www.santadash.co.uk. The area around the London Eye is lovely at Christmas. Leicester square is usually lit up complete with a merry go round. Check Timeout London on line before you go or buy a copy when you land at Heathrow. Invaluable listing of things to do, how to get there, times, etc.

Have a wonderful time!

London Card? any advice, will be in London 7 nights. And you can imagine we have a packed schedule, so is it worth it? It will be December when I visit so chances are I might not want to walk every where or even spend the time walking instead of spending time at the sights.

Sightseeing for 6 consecutive calendar days from the time of first use. Includes unlimited use of London Underground, red buses and Docklands Light Railway with an Oyster travel card 468.00 for 2 people. Seems costly, but so is taxis and other modes of travel.
London Pass
Skip-the-line entry to selected London attractions
Many special offers and benefits
Free entry to 60 attractions
Free guidebooktinerary

London Pass includes entrance to 60 top London attractions:
All Hallows by the Tower
Apsley House
ArcelorMittal Orbit
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Benjamin Franklin House
Cartoon Museum
Chelsea FC Stadium Tour
Chelsea Physic Garden
Chislehurst Caves
Churchill War Rooms
Curzon Chelsea
Curzon Mayfair
Curzon Soho
Design Museum London
Eltham Palace
Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art
Eton College
Fan Museum
Firepower Royal Artillery Museum
Florence Nightingale Museum
Guards Museum
Hampton Court Palace
Handel House Museum
HMS Belfast
Household Cavalry Museum
Jason’s Original Canal Boat Trip
Jewel Tower
Kensington Palace
Kew Gardens
London Bicycle Tour
London Brass Rubbing Centre
London Bridge Experience
London Canal Museum
London Motor Museum
London Transport Museum
London Wetland Centre
London Zoo
Lord's Cricket Ground Tours
Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising
Namco Funscape
National Gallery
National Maritime Museum
National Portrait Gallery
National Theatre Backstage Tours
Pollock’s Toy Museum
QUEENS Ice & Bowl
Renoir Cinema
Rock and Roll Walk
Royal Air Force Museum
Royal Albert Hall
Royal Mews
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour
Southwark Cathedral
Tate Modern London
Thames River Boat Cruise
The Banqueting House
The Courtauld Gallery
The Foundling Museum
The Garden Museum
The Jewish Museum
The Monument
The Old Operating Theatre Museum
The Queen’s Gallery
Tower Bridge Exhibition
Tower of London
Twickenham Rugby Museum & Stadium Tour
Wellington Arch
Wembley Stadium Tours
Wernher Collection at Ranger’s House
Westminster Abbey (not open on Sundays)
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
Wimbledon Tour Experience
Windsor Castle
Winston Churchill's Britain at War Experience
Enjoy special offers at:

Bateaux London Restaurant Cruise
Beatles Store & It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll
Brit Movie Tours
Bureau de Change London
City Secrets Walks
Crest of London
Crussh Juice Bars
Cucumba
Discount Theatre Tickets
Foyles Bookshop
French Brothers River Cruise
Gamerbase London
John Lewis
London Walks
New Armouries Café
Original London Sightseeing Tour
Photo Walks of London
The Medieval Banquet
The Orangery
The Tiltyard Café
Walk-in BackRub
Westfield London

Ok, forget the London pass with travel card. It is just not worth it in my case, and I found myself trying to go to places on the card just because I had the card, stupid!
I was given four 72 hour red buss tickets, hop on and off type, I think that will be just fine. First two for 18-20, then 2 more dates 21-23. have you ever used this ? Sounds easy, but will have to figure out how to get to National Maritime Museum for the hubby, bus doesn't go that far.

We used the "2-for-1" admissions that come with a National Rail Card for our December trip. It is ALSO good for the tube, buses, etc. It worked like a charm, and did save a lot of money on admissions. Highlights on this trip were the V/A Museum which has special Christmas activities (especially good if you have kids), the Churchill War Rooms (spent several hours enthralled there), and the London Eye (didn't do it on previous trips because we didn't know about the 2-for-1).
You need to take a passport-size photo to a Rail Station to get the passes. They give you a booklet that lists all participating vendors. Scouring that website ahead of time, we printed out some vouchers at home for locations requiring that. We also saw the Nutcracker at Covent Garden on New Year's Eve (spectacular), and attended a couple of concerts at St. Martin- in- the- Fields. Being PBS lovers we HAD to check our Selfridges of course. :)
The weather was rainy and blustery most of the time, but we didn't mind in the least. We were lucky enough to snag an amazing deal on a "king city suite" at the Tower of London Doubletree. Concierge lounge open all day for hot drinks to warm up, free stocked mini-bar, and a room that was really an apartment. It was across the street from the rail station which made getting our passes easy, and next door to Tower tube stop which made using those passes convenient.
Every season has its beauty, so enjoy an amazing city at a magical time of year!