I'm interested in knowing my best options for evening activities in London at the end of November/beginning of December. I know of the shows, I know a few museums are open late on some nights, and I know there are Christmas Markets. Looking (1) for other ideas I'm missing for winter evenings in London and (2) your recommendations of the best Christmas Markets in London. Thanks for your input!
Posted by
Land of La
8660 posts
Research Timeout London online. It will talk about theatre, special events, Christmas markets, restaurants, gallery offerings, music presentations.
There are also Santa Runs which are fun to watch, igloos along the Thames, the lighting of the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is on Dec 5th, Pantomimes,
Ice skating rinks, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park,
Christmas Carols at The Royal Albert Hall, Regent and Oxford Street Christmas lights, and Christmas at Kew Gardens to name a few.
Posted by
Yorkshire
1279 posts
Hi -
One thing we did when we were on a trip to London was to visit Westminster Abbey on the evening it opened late. Wonderfully atmospheric in the rather dim artificial lighting! We followed this up by dining in the restaurant in the Abbey (if memory serves it was called The Cloisters I think, but others may be able to correct/confirm my failing memory!). It was we thought pretty good and reasonably priced.
We did a lot of ‘ecclesiastical dining’ on that trip - visited other cafes or restaurants at Westminster Cathedral (not to be confused with the Abbey), St. Paul’s and St. Martins in the Field!
Have a great trip!
Ian
Posted by
1 posts
Yeah, I don't think Christmas markets are even the best thing. To be honest, walking around some of the big places around Christmas is really magical - especially once it gets dark so you don't even need Christmas markets. There's just loads of decorations. Try places like Trafalga Square and Piccadily Circus.
Posted by
Prince George, BC, Canada
432 posts
London Walks have a number of evening offerings. Some of them may interest you. https://www.walks.com/
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11315 posts
London has lovely decorations. We hopped on the #139 bus at Trafalgar Square and rode it to Selfridge’s, then walked around Mayfair and on Oxford St a bit, looking in decorated windows. Also easy to go to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland from there.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
We enjoyed having an early supper, then wandering around, shopping and enjoying street buskers some evenings. Covent Garden often had performers- anything from groups of carolers to string quartets to jugglers, etc. The market is open moderately late some evenings near the holidays, I think. There also seemed to be more concerts during Advent and the lead up to Christmas- check out St. Martin's in the Fields and other churches and smaller concert venues.
Posted by
Kansas
1175 posts
We usually book performances at the Royal Albert Hall and the Christmas offerings at St.-Martin-in-the-Fields and both are spectacular programs. We also like to wander Southbank for seasonal delights from roasted chestnuts to traditional holiday foods and hot mulled wine. Nightly caroling around the huge lighted tree at Trafalgar Square is another favorite as groups from around London and suburbs take turns caroling. We usually stay near Trafalgar Square and use the buses (#139 mentioned) to see the Christmas lights and decorated store fronts plus travel to the programs at the Royal Albert. Both the Royal Albert and St-Martin's programs sell out so make reservations now if you can. Good luck.