Christmas is coming! Signs of the season are popping up all over London. From wreaths to trees, lights to skating rinks, the city’s on the path to its annual Christmas extravaganza. And because London does so much for it, today I bring you A Lady in London’s 5 reasons to love Christmas in London.
London Christmas Lights
Christmas lights are some the best things about this time of year. The city comes alive every winter with the glow of angels, baubles, and other seasonal specialties.
Last weekend the Christmas lights on Oxford Street were switched on, and this week the ones on Carnaby Street and Bond Street lit up.
Covent Garden’s mistletoe lights are hanging in the piazza, and nearby Slingsby Place is festooned with golden holly.
Over the next few weeks, other streets across the city will host events to celebrate the switching on of their seasonal lights. Regent Street’s angels will illuminate the sky this coming Thursday, and I can’t wait to see them shining.
From Marylebone to Hampstead, London’s Christmas lights will bring the capital much-needed brightness as the days get shorter.
London Christmas Markets and Fairs
Christmas markets are another highlight. Yesterday the Southbank Centre Winter Market started, and the new Christmas in Leicester Square launched with markets and a Santa’s grotto.
On Friday the annual extravaganza that is Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park will open its doors with Christmas markets and carnival fun.
London Ice Skating Rinks
Ice skating rinks are some of my favorite things about Christmas in London. Every year the rinks at Somerset House and the Natural History Museum add a touch of magic to the city. They’re my favorite places to skate under the winter sky.
London Christmas Trees
London’s Christmas trees are also highlights of the season. A few days ago I came across the ones in Covent Garden and the Natural History Museum, and on Thursday I stumbled upon the one in St James’s.
Over the next few weeks more trees will fill London’s streets, squares, and hotels with seasonal cheer. I can’t wait to see the one in Trafalgar Square, which is lovely every year.
Shopping for Christmas in London
London has no shortage of places to go Christmas shopping, and I like to let myself be lured into Fortnum & Mason and the food halls at Harrods. The ambiance puts me in a Christmas mood, and I always find great gifts for friends and loved ones.
Above all, I love this time of year for the spirit that fills the air. From the sound of carol concerts to the scent of mulled wine, this is a time when London shines.
Have you been in London at Christmastime? What are the highlights of Christmas in London for you?
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Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
November 12, 2016 at 9:48 am (5 months ago)yes:) London’s amazing in any season but it gets glittery in Christmas season:))
A Lady in London
November 13, 2016 at 5:32 pm (5 months ago)Yeah!
Laura Langheinrich
November 12, 2016 at 8:10 pm (5 months ago)This post gives me serious wanderlust!
I have been to London once, in autumn, and it was incredible.
It is such a beautiful city and I imagine it being ever more beautiful in Christmas time.
I wish I had the money and time to go there right now!
Thanks for this lovely post!
Kisses, Laura
A Lady in London
November 13, 2016 at 5:32 pm (5 months ago)I hope you can come back sometime!
Jacqueline
November 12, 2016 at 9:41 pm (5 months ago)London is just SO beautiful at Christmas – it really does festive cheer right, don’t you think?? I was there for Boxing Day last year and what a rush! xx
A Lady in London
November 13, 2016 at 5:33 pm (5 months ago)Yeah, I love how festive it is at Christmastime.
AlicevstheWorld
November 13, 2016 at 2:53 pm (5 months ago)I really look foward to seeing all the Christmas lights in London this year! They were so beautiful last year.
A Lady in London
November 13, 2016 at 5:33 pm (5 months ago)Yeah! They’re such fun to see each year.
The slow pace
November 14, 2016 at 10:23 am (5 months ago)Sadly, this year I won’t be able to visit London druing the Christmas season… I’m really sad about it 🙁
Snif!
A Lady in London
November 14, 2016 at 10:53 am (5 months ago)Aw, that’s too bad! Hopefully you can come next year.
Stephanie
November 14, 2016 at 11:11 am (5 months ago)This looks so magical!
A Lady in London
November 14, 2016 at 1:32 pm (5 months ago)Yeah, London is amazing this time of year.
Joelle
November 15, 2016 at 3:09 am (5 months ago)So many interesting things to do! Flying to London with the family for Christmas in a few weeks and I can’t wait.
A Lady in London
November 15, 2016 at 8:29 am (5 months ago)That’s great! I hope you have a good time.
Sharon
November 17, 2016 at 6:40 pm (5 months ago)I’ve been to London during the holiday season twice now and you are so right. There is just something about the city that brings out the holiday spirit in me. Since I live in the desert, maybe it’s the chill in the air but, I suspect it has more to do with the beautifully sparkling lights everywhere in the city.
A Lady in London
November 17, 2016 at 10:19 pm (5 months ago)Yeah, the lights are amazing here!
Amy
November 25, 2016 at 8:20 pm (4 months ago)I love London at Christmas time! My favourite time of the year ♥
Amy
A Lady in London
November 27, 2016 at 5:59 pm (4 months ago)Nice! I can see why.
Monica
November 26, 2016 at 3:43 pm (4 months ago)I’m arriving in London on Dec 27,2016. How long do holiday decorations remain out? Will I be able to see any of it during the week leading up to New Years?
A Lady in London
November 27, 2016 at 6:00 pm (4 months ago)Most of them will be up through New Year’s Day at least, so you should be able to see them. Have a great trip!
Monica
November 28, 2016 at 2:57 am (4 months ago)Thanks! I love your website,
It’s been a great help!
Anna
December 8, 2016 at 3:01 pm (4 months ago)London is becoming my favorite Christmastime destination. London has a reputation for being uber expensive, but with all the mad sales, I still consider it the best gift shopping destination – even post ruble-devaluation! I now know to come with a half-empty suitcase 🙂
And the lights are THE BEST
A Lady in London
December 8, 2016 at 3:42 pm (4 months ago)That’s great! I love this time of year in London.