AboutLondon Laura – December 2024

Did you try any of my recommendations from last month? In November, I went to the preview night for Hyde Park Winter Wonderland which was a lot of fun. I saw the Zippos Circus Candyand show and the Cirque Berserk Thunderbolt show, as well as giggling my way around fun houses and screaming on the EuroCoaster ride. I also stopped for tea with a friend at God’s Own Junkyard as this is the season of lights.

London Christmas Lights

If you’re looking for a good London Christmas lights walking route, I like these ones by Kiddo Adventures and Londonist. I used to start at Marble Arch and look in the shop windows along Oxford Street. I’d see South Molton Street and Bond Street on the way. At Oxford Circus, head over to Carnaby Street and then continue down Regent Street to Piccadilly Circus. You can go right to see Fortnum & Mason windows or go left through Leicester Square and onto Covent Garden.

Twixmas

Is this one of those made-up phrases like ‘staycation’? Anyway, you know what I mean. It’s that time between Christmas and New Year. It can be a nice time to explore London so I thought it would be good to know what’s open and when.

Public Transport

Firstly, you should be aware that there is no public transport in London on Christmas Day and all attractions are closed. And it’s busy in town on New Year's Eve and public transport is limited on New Year's Day. But for those days in between, there is public transport at a reduced service.

Restaurants

If you find yourself in central London on Christmas Day, my tip is to go to Chinatown as while it’s not turkey and all the trimmings, you will get an excellent meal. Hotel bars are also a good choice for a “posh cuppa”.

Boxing Day

Boxing Day (the day after Christmas Day) can be a bit hit-and-miss with openings so check in advance.

Ice Skating

Somerset House Ice Rink is only closed on Christmas Day, as is Canary Wharf Ice Rink and Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink.

Decorated Attractions

The Museum of the Home is great as the room sets throughout the ages are decorated for Christmas. Note, the Museum is closed 23–26 December and 30 December–1 January. The Charles Dickens Museum is also decorated for the festive season and is open on Christmas Eve. It’s only closed on 25 & 26 December.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is only closed on Christmas Day.

Southbank Winter Market is open on 26 December (the last day) if you fancy a stroll by The Thames. And Winter by The River is open near London Bridge.

Big Names

The London Eye is only closed on Christmas Day and even manages to be open on New Year’s Eve until 3pm. (Tickets to see the New Year’s Eve Fireworks sold out ages ago.)

Westminster Abbey is only closed on Christmas Day although I’ve noticed the cafe is open. Kensington Palace is open on 27, 28 and 29 December.

The National Gallery is open 27–31 December but do remember you now have to book a free ticket in advance. The Natural History Museum is open 27–30 December and you also need to book a free ticket in advance.

What’s Happening This Month?

Some of last month’s recommendations are still good for December.

What It Felt Like at the Bethlem Museum of the Mind features the Maudsley Hospital paintings of Charlotte Johnson Wahl – yes, Boris Johnson’s mum – from her stay in 1974. The body of work depicts scenes of hospital life and explores the artist's feelings, her illness and treatment.

Exploring how the French monarchy harnessed scientific knowledge as a tool of power, Versailles: Science and Splendour opens at the Science Museum on 12 December 2024. The exhibition showcases more than 100 fascinating objects, from the extravagant to the everyday, many of which have never been displayed in the UK before.

Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays!