London late November to early December

Well, you have 6 months until your trip, so don't panic.....

Some random suggestions:

• smaller venues such as Cadogan Hall for concerts
• churches in addition to St Martin's have noon time concerts on certain days of the week and they are always a delight
• Royal Albert Hall for larger acts and in that timeframe perhaps something Christmasesy
• Evensong service at St Paul's, very close to your hotel
• download the TodayTix app for rush tickets for theater

Not that much in the domain of pubs in that immediate area, I don't think, but the Blackfriar
is not too far away - it's more of a drinking pub than a gastropub, if I recall. Used to go there
after work in a land long ago and far away.

I was there last Nov. and my favorite thing to do was just wandering around looking at all the Christmas decorations.

I would make Kew Gardens a priority. Tickets should not be difficult to get. They are available now. I thought 4:20 was the perfect time.

https://feverup.com/m/563647?thm=9473

Allan was there last Nov.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/trip-report-november-in-london-the-christmas-edition

I provided the visual:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/a-snapshot-of-london-nov-2025-my-trip-report-in-photos

You commented on my Trip Report of my visit to London last November so maybe you made a note of it, this is a pub that we really liked. https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/anchor-bankside It was decked out for Christmas inside and out.

Get your Christmas at Kew tickets now.

Interesting note on Kew Gardens. Last year the earliest time slot was 4pm. I see this year the earliest time slot is 4:20. I'm wondering if 4:40 would be a better option then.

I am headed back to London this Nov. and will have to think about that timing for the Kew Gardens.

And one tip is to let everyone in your time get out in front of you. That way you have a better chance of taking photos without a lof of people in them. This strategy worked well for me last year.

Thanks everyone for your replies. Allan. I just reread your report. Carol, I will secure Kew tickets today.

Been during the holiday season many times. Look under Trip Reports for my 2024 Back in London commentary.

Some tidbits of advice.

Book tickets for Kew Gardens now or when they become available. Very popular. Really lovely.

Besides St Martins in the Fields for music ( choral, orchestral, etc) peruse the websites for Cadagon Hall, Wilton’s, Royal Albert Hall, and Wigmore Hall.

Besides Regents, Oxford, and Bond streets Christmas lights investigate Canary Wharf, Carnaby Street and what’s planned to be projected on the exterior walls of the massive Battersea Power Station. It’s now a huge shopping center. In 2024 Wallace and Gromit were projected. If you don’t know about Wallace and Gromit you should.

Lots of the churches and cathedrals have special holiday presentations. Check places such as St Bartholomew’s, Grovsner Chapel, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and Southwark Chapel.

There’s the massive WinterWonderLand in Hyde Park. Think amusement park on steroids.

Many of the pubs will be offering festive meal deals. Remember you don’t have to drink in a pub. Also you’ll often find a pub dog or cat.

There will also be vendors selling Christmas Cards and ornaments in the various street markets. Check out Spitalfields or look in the lobbies of churches. If you desire you can enjoy a hot chocolate in an igloo set up on the Thames path near the Tower of London.

London is noisy, crowded and brilliant during the holidays. Enjoy!

EDIT: favorite pubs: Seven Stars near Royal Courts of Justice( pub cat, The General)
https://www.thesevenstars1602.co.uk/ also great pasta dishes.

The White Cross by the Thames in Richmond
( place can flood ), https://www.thewhitecrossrichmond.com/

The Mitre on St Mary’s Axe in Richmond
( 15-20 minute stroll from Richmond Station) Rudi is the pub dog. He’s the best! https://themitretw9.co.uk/

The Grapes ( Sir Ian McKellan’s pub )
https://thegrapes.co.uk/

Thanks, Claudia. I just purchased the tickets for Kew on previous advice from this thread. I will look at those other venues for Christmas music. I remember I bought Christmas cards when we were at the shop at St. Martin in the Fields and some Christmas ornaments for our daughter. We are not daily alcohol imbibers but are not averse to mulled wine or red wine in general and I’m sure my husband will have a pint when he’s there.

OP no need to have alcohol in a pub. By definition they are gathering places for families.

I walk a lot when in London so by 2pm, 3pm at the latest, I want to rest tired feet, lower back and to use a loo. Also need some sustenance. Thus my preference for a pub. Depending on my mood may have a pint, may not. Usually I’ll order a bowl of soup or a plate of fried calamari or some stew.

I’m there before the work crowds pop in so many times it’s only me or 2 or 3 other people. Can read, post iPhone pics, check emails and text.

Also, yes definitely visit the War Rooms and if interested in WW2 then take the train out to Bletchley Park. I expected to spend 1 hour there. Spent 4.

I'm envious!! We were in London (and Bath area) last year from Nov 22-Dec 8. We stayed our first 3 nights at the Sloane Square Hotel (Chelsea), mainly because we had a show we were attending at the theatre on the Square. There was lovely feel to our evening village walks to see the the decorations in the area and to step into Peter Jones & Partners dept store and see the community shopping for Christmas. Maybe check to see if there are special lighting displays or just ride the bus/tube to check out the less hectic holiday spirit. (I didn't get a trip report written :(

We enjoyed A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic.