Hi fellow travelers! Our family of three (incl one 14yo boy) is planning a trip to London and/or Paris over the Christmas holiday break next year. What traditions, events, experiences have you heard about/experienced in those locales? Anything that would recommend one city over the other for Christmas vs New Years (for example we understand London’s public transport basically shuts down on Xmas). What would we kick ourselves about if we missed it?!
Thanks in advance!!
What are your interests besides humongous crowds watching New Years Eves fireworks?
And yes it’s true public transport in London shuts down on Christmas Day. It’s Christmas. It’s about being with your loved ones.
All about preferences as I adore being in London on Christmas.
There’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, Santa Runs, Oxford, Regent streets Christmas lights, dining in igloos, shopping in Spitalfields, Christmas Markets, theatre and pantos. There’s out door ice skating rinks. Great one at the Tower of London.
Depending on where I’m staying I head out pre dawn on Christmas day and head to either the Thames River path or closest park to walk. Love people watching. Londoners out with family members in new coats. Children out with new bikes scooters, kites. Finally I enjoy having a lovely Christmas lunch/dinner in a pub that isn’t closed and or a meal in Chinatown or a meal in any of the many ethnic restaurants you’ll find open on Christmas Day.
If you stay in a Premier Inn they serve meals on Christmas day.
I do make certain to shop at a market on Christmas Eve day. I get bottled water, Walkers Shortbread cookies, packaged Oreos, packaged sandwiches, some crisps ( potato chips ) and whatever piece of fruit that looks good from a Pret Manger or Tescos or Sainsburys or Marks and Spencers
I also make certain where I’m staying has a kettle in my room. Love enjoying a decaffeinated Earl Grey tea each night. I pack my own box of Bigelow decaffeinated Earl Grey.
If the original 1951 Alastair Sims Christmas Carol is on I’ll watch it.
Happy Christmas!
Christmas in London has been a major topic on the travel forum the past few months - all of your questions should be answered here:
You would get a similar result by searching on "Chtistmas Paris"
I second Claudia's comments about London - it's great fun at Christmas. Just a few notes though:
1. I'd advise arriving a few days prior, as this will make it easier transport-wise, and give you a chance to enjoy London while the shops and attractions are all open.
2. Definitely stock up on Christmas Eve, early as shops close early that day.
3. Some smaller restaurants may be open on Christmas Day, and we've actually always managed to find somewhere. But if you have some groceries in your hotel room, you have a backup.
4. I'd you do need transport, you can prebook a minicab, or use Uber (although there will be fewer drivers)
5. Shops reopen on Boxing Day.
When we're in London on Christmas Day, we normally attend church (usually Westminster Abbey) and take long walks in St James Park. It's lovely and quiet.
I just posted in the Trip Report forum about spending 9 days in London over Christmas with my teenage daughters, maybe worth a look if you want a recent perspective.
This Christmas day, in London, at least near me, for early meals/snacks....Starbucks, Burger King and KFC were open as well as smaller ethnic restaurants.
If you want a nice sit down meal, you have to book in advance. And don't forget, no public transportation.
Try to book a hotel with at least a small refrigerator to have a broader range of items on hand.
I have never spent the holidays in Paris so I can't help with that.
