How is London over Christmas?

[Anonymous]

We are considering going to London over Christmas. We have a 5y and 2y who are all about the Christmas magic, lights, ice skating etc.

Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

I had a great time in London over Christmas when I went with my parents when I was in middle school. One thing to keep in mind that A LOT will be closed on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day (December 26). Stores will be open on Boxing Day though (that is one of the big annual sale days).

[Anonymous]

It’s lovely. Cold and very dark but we still had a great time. Lots of lights and small Christmas markets (more like those in NYC not Germany).

Lots of festivity.

[Anonymous]

Treat yourself to a Christmas panto:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantomime

https://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/christmas-pantomimes-in-london

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Treat yourself to a Christmas panto:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantomime

https://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/christmas-pantomimes-in-london

Thanks for the rec! Our older child would love this.

[Anonymous]

Make sure you book things like iceskating at Somerset House, etc months in advance. They can book up months in advance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are considering going to London over Christmas. We have a 5y and 2y who are all about the Christmas magic, lights, ice skating etc.

Thoughts?

I would actually wait until the 2 year old is 5. Unless I had family there to celebrate. Little kids just want to be home and when you think about it is only a short time period. But if you go when your younger is 5 they might have more memories.

[Anonymous]

It is wonderful lots of festive activities and places to go but I agree with pp that 2 is a little young to appreciate it and it can be very tiring! I would wait a couple of years personally.

[Anonymous]

So went with DH to london over Christmas a few years ago and it was lovely. Not super cold so we could walk around comfortably. As PP said, Christmas was pretty boring, but there’s lots of shopping on Boxing Day. We went to Hyde park for a Christmas festival which was fun.

[Anonymous]

Fyi even the Tube might be closed or at least have very limited service

Stay in a central location

[Anonymous]

Why in the world would you take a 2 and 5 year old to London for Christmas? How odd. They are too young to appreciate it.

Oh, and it gets dark at like what, 3:30?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why in the world would you take a 2 and 5 year old to London for Christmas? How odd. They are too young to appreciate it.

Oh, and it gets dark at like what, 3:30?

Daycare/preschool is closed for 2+ weeks anyway so we have to use our PTO. Thought we might as well make the most of it. I only get 2 weeks of vacation time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why in the world would you take a 2 and 5 year old to London for Christmas? How odd. They are too young to appreciate it.

Oh, and it gets dark at like what, 3:30?

Under your logic, there would be no point in taking kids anywhere until they can “appreciate it.” There’s value to teaching them to be good travelers, adapt to changing circumstances, have great family time, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why in the world would you take a 2 and 5 year old to London for Christmas? How odd. They are too young to appreciate it.

Oh, and it gets dark at like what, 3:30?

Daycare/preschool is closed for 2+ weeks anyway so we have to use our PTO. Thought we might as well make the most of it. I only get 2 weeks of vacation time.

I get that. But, man, so many better options. Go somewhere warm and kid friendly. Geez.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why in the world would you take a 2 and 5 year old to London for Christmas? How odd. They are too young to appreciate it.

Oh, and it gets dark at like what, 3:30?

Daycare/preschool is closed for 2+ weeks anyway so we have to use our PTO. Thought we might as well make the most of it. I only get 2 weeks of vacation time.

I get that. But, man, so many better options. Go somewhere warm and kid friendly. Geez.

Just leave OP alone. Not everyone likes the same things you do. Geez.