London in Winter

I see the previous "what to do in london" posts and those had some great ideas. My deal is that I am going in mid december. Some things translate over to winter but others do not. For example pack lunch and picnic in hyde park.
I have 3 days in london, then the rest of the time will be with girlfriends family and friends in other parts of the UK.

So what things are cool during winter in london?? I really dig yearly/seasonal things that only come around in this time of year. Any fests or anything like that. I know of a few winter markets, but is there anything else?

I believe we are staying in the Pimlico neighborhood.

I reckon that as a traveler London is probably a much better destination in the winter when there are less people around.

There are a few things that happen during December:

Bankside Winter Festival
Christmas Carols at Trafalgar Square
Christmas light displays (various London streets)
Great Christmas Pudding Race
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Peter Pan Cup Race (this in on Christmas morning though)
Santa Skate
Ice skating (at a few locations....Hyde Park, Tower of London, etc)

I believe we are staying in the Pimlico neighborhood.

Must be rough

Pimlico is rough? Or is that a sarcastic "must be rough" Not sure how to take that. My lady friend says it is a nice area. I wouldnt know. The B&B we are staying is about 60 pounds per night. The cheapest accommodations we could find with good access to the city.

Those are great suggestions. The pudding race sounds fun. That is exactly the type of thing I love to find.

I am very excited to be going in Winter for that very reason.

Any other ideas?

If you are traveling to London in mid December its not as cold as January. There are plenty of things to do and see. Check on some of London's popular attractions, you may get a good discount during the winter season.

Here are some activities that you can do
Hit one of the popular London Clubs
Eat out in London.
Buy some gift for your girl friends

Here are some the events that take place during December.

Bankside Winter Festival
Spitalfields Winter Festival
London Christmas Lights
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Trafalgar Square Christmas tree ( This is awesome )

Hi,

Winters are awesome in London.... It gives you a feeling as if all colors have met at one place. Its real heaven. You can visit all places in winters favorites been:
Palace forecourt
Queen's London home

Yes London is absolutely beautiful in December; even just wandering around the city will be amazing.

If you can't visit London in the summer then December has got be the other great time to go

Kind of depends on what you like. As an occasional vistor from elsewhere I'd suggest that one day doing the Big Bus tour (dress warm) which takes you all around the London landmarks and allows you to hop on and hop off as many times in a day as you like and includes a boat cruise on the river Thames is sort of a good way to see a lot of London in a short time; then the British Museum which is amazing and should not be missed will keep you inside for a day, and, although it may sound like a geeky thing to do, a quick look into the British Library (near Kings Cross on the tube) to see whatever their current exhibition is can be really astounding. Like I said, it depends on what you like to do, but, in the winter (which, in London, in spite of previous posts is mostly miserable) these places are world class can warm your heart and mind as well as your toes.

If you are happy with walking then you can join a walking tour in London. Apart from visiting attractions in London you must go to Windsor that is just outside London and offers loads to do and see.

Also depends on where you're coming from. If you're coming from the US, transatlantic airfares are usually at their lowest in the winter.

I would say go ice skating and check out the Christmas lights on Oxford Street (preferably at night).