Christmas eve services in London

We did just that a couple years ago. We arrived at 12:30 - 1:00PM with a coffee and a newspaper to wile away the time. It was sad to see all the people show up at 2-2:30 PM to find the line was 200 meters or more in length. We had our pick of seating and sat in the second row, in full view of the choir and it was absolutely magnificent. One of the most moving Christmas experiences we've ever enjoyed, and we are not church people. For Westminster Abbey, same thing. It will be cold at that time of night but dress for it, bring a coffee or hot drink and get to know the people around you in line. These are stunning Christmas Eve services like none other and spending a couple hours in line will be long overshadowed by the spectacular services at both places. I doubt there will be anything open at those times on Christmas Eve to warm up, but the wait in the chilly weather has been long forgotten at our house. The services are still fondly recalled each Christmas and likely will be for a long, long time.

You could also consider one of the smaller parish churches in and around london- relatively easy to get in and very enjoyable

Like George said you need to get there really early, he gave you good information, for the 11:30pm at Westminster I would suggest getting there by 8:30-9pm.

Julie, I am also planning to attend the 11:30 at Westminster, may see you there! I was planning to be there by 9:30 or so.

George and Robin, Thanks SO much--exactly the information I needed. Brian, I have been! But, for Christmas, I am seeking something special. Devon,
I'll be the one in the dark green, ankle-length, HEAVY wool coat with several pashmina scarves...shivering. Hoping to get there by 9. Cheers

Julie,
Black wool pea-coat with gold buttons, probably a teal scarf and brown leather boots. Brown curly hair. With my husband in his black wool jacket. We'll probably try for 9 or 9:30 as well.

Julie, Did you make it to the service? I got in line around 9:30, was fairly close in line. We first sat in the right part of the transept, but right before the service began we were moved to the Choir to fill seats from people who were invited to sit there but didn't show up. We were sitting among Lords and just a few people down from the boys choir. It was incredible! I hope you enjoyed the service as well.

Devon That sounds wonderful!! Are you hitting the sales tomorrow?

Devon!!
I saw you! I was in the second row!! in that transept and I saw you being moved! They came back and asked for a single person to move as well, but by then I had made friends with the people I stood next to in line (from Honolulu)--I got there at 9 so there were only about 25 people in front of me-- and it would have felt weird to leave them. Both services (St. Paul's in the afternoon) were wonderful, but definitely I preferred the Westminster Abbey service.

So glad you enjoyed it, Julie!! I thought it was amazing. We arrived around 9:30 and were just around the corner in line. We also had made friends with a girl next to us (from Dallas, we go to university just a few hours away) in the transept and at first they called for one or two and we weren't sure about splitting up, so we asked about 3. They brought an elderly couple first and then the man came back and asked us three to come with him. So sweet to look out for us, it was wonderful. I wish I had made it to St. Paul's, but I'm sure I will next time! And Nigel--we didn't do much shopping on Boxing Day but hit up Harrods on the 27! Thank you again for the warning about the underground strike.