Where to go in London for Christmas cheer?

I am headed into London for the weekend to experience the "London Lights and Sights" to get me in the mood for Christmas.  Back at home, I would head into San Francisco, and go to Union Square to see it all lit up and the fancy hotels all dressed up, and do a bit of shopping.  Any suggestions on where to go in London, for those who know it well?  I'll be with my kids, ages 8-14 and hubs, too.

Oxford Street- see all the windows and lights

Winter Wonderland- free event in hyde park (rides cost money) http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/
We're going there this weekend with my niece, never been, but everyone says its awesome! Its perfect for kids!

Southbank Centre Christmas market- I hear its pretty small, but it would be fun to go to before or after going on the London Eye, which is all decorated for the holidays.

Also maybe see the displays at Harrods or Fortnum & Mason. My 5 year old niece loved the holiday floor of Fortnum & Mason this year! If you go to Fortnum & Mason you can also go to Hamleys Toy Store but that may be dangerous with an 8 year old!

There is really so much more as all the lights and trees are all up by now!

http://www.londontown.com/Christmas/
http://www.timeout.com/london/christmas/

Enjoy! There are lots of things going on just depends what you want to do.

I prefer walking down short Carnaby Street for the lights than Oxford Street. This year Oxford Street lights are a bit dull and a similar Narnia theme they had a last year or the year before.

Covent Garden or ice skating at Somerset House, walking the South Bank... really some of these are my year round favorites just like when I go home to California and still enjoy popping over to Pier 39 and wandering around Market Street.

http://www.londontown.com/Christmas/
http://www.timeout.com/london/christmas/

I prefer walking down short Carnaby Street for the lights than Oxford Street. This year Oxford Street lights are a bit dull and a similar Narnia theme they had a last year or the year before.

Covent Garden or ice skating at Somerset House, walking the South Bank... really some of these are my year round favorites just like when I go home to California and still enjoy popping over to Pier 39 and wandering around Market Street.

and I'll be over on Union Street or in the Marina
I met my wife in San Francisco in 1966. Quite a catch!

Thanks for the ideas!  Skating is perfect.  And I'll bet we'll do Oxford St. and Carnaby St.

And Cheers - ride a cable car for me

Oxford Street is absolutely heaving with people on a regular day. A weekend beforeChristmas is going to be unbearable, in my opinion.

If you must go to Oxford Street, look for South Molton near Bond Street Tube which usually has nice lights.  Also, St. Christopher's Place near Selfridge's has nice lights with lots of restaurants and shops.

Fortrum and Mason has lovely windows and is near Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly Circus.

I enjoyed the Southbank Christmas market! Yummy churros and gluhwein! I even got a few Christmas presents sorted when I was there.

If you must go to Oxford Street, look for South Molton near Bond Street Tube which usually has nice lights. 

There is also a Lush on South Molton Street!