If you are thinking of coming to London for Xmas, a few thoughts:
- the weather won’t be great. Snow is unlikely (this is in London, not elsewhere in the country). It will be cold but bearable. Most likely it will rain.
- hotels and flights here will tend to be expensive.
- flights do come and go on Xmas day. Many countries do not celebrate Xmas. Our experience was that leaving the UK immediately after Xmas was a cheap option, but we can’t speak for now.
- public transport is limited over the Xmas and New Year period, and there’s nothing on Xmas Day. Taxis, UBER etc may be available, but the costs will be increased and availability limited. You may have to book. This may restrict where you will stay.
- theatres tend to have a quiet time after Xmas and may either close or be very cheap and empty. Bargains may be available. Before Xmas, theatres can be busy, especially those showing pantomimes.
- department stores will close on Xmas Eve probably early and may re-open on the day after Xmas Day ie Boxing Day. There could be sales and that can mean long queues.
- the big stores and shopping streets will have decorations. These can be quite nice, but are mostly just adverts for Disney or whoever. Some stores eg Fortnum and Mason, do make an effort. There is usually a tree in Trafalgar Square and carol services all over.
- pubs and restaurants may be open on Xmas Day offering a special menu. These can be popular and you will need to book. Usually, you are allowed a limited time to eat and drink but are then pushed out as the staff want to go home. These events can also be expensive. We’ve never done it, but family members have and say it’s cold, miserable and they want your money and you gone. We can’t speak for everywhere, and many places must surely be great.
- traditional Xmas foods are turkey, Xmas pudding and mince pies.
- in the olden days, all shops closed for more than a week. It was required to stock up as much food as possible. Even shops that might be open were empty. It’s not so bad now. There are always shops open on Xmas Day for necessaries, and they do good business, but supermarkets will be closed and the shelves will be empty. If you are here on holiday, restaurants etc will probably open on Boxing Day and may even be quiet, but if you have somewhere in mind, do check.
