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We have a Christmas confession, we might have already spent a weekend per-fecting our eggnog recipe, can you tell the level of festive excitement that’s per-colating in our home.
We have lived all over the world, and carry special pieces of Africa, Madagascar and America in our hearts, but there is something about London at Christmas time, that just can’t be topped.
Department stores all decked to the nines, twinkling lights draped above the streets as bright red double-decker buses carry on below and sparkling Christmas trees dotted around the city. I love walking through my favourite neighbourhoods and imagining the wine that is mulling beyond the wreathed doors and neat flower boxes.
A Window Into Christmas |
It is a tradition to marvel at the shop windows each year with my daughter. Well-loved high-end department stores put their best creative foot forward and turn their store fronts into Christmas joy come to life. One can lose hours heading in to see the gifts that fill the shelves and spill out of artfully placed displays. Sore feet and happy hearts ensue.
Covent Garden & Mistletoe |
We love visiting Covent Garden this time of year, the quirky shops house some real treasures and the over-sized baubles and hanging mistletoe mean it’s particularly enchanting. It’s a wonderful all in one dose of festive cheer, with the smell of roasting chestnuts dancing through the air, and the giant Christmas tree that always looks stunning.
Exploring A Winter Wonderland |
We’ve visited Winter Wonderland, in London’s Hyde Park, a number of times and always enjoy it. Each year it seems to get bigger and brighter. The chatter and laughter from the fair rides is enough to lift my spirits, add in shopping, holiday foodie treats and the crisp air and it’s become a firm favourite with our tribe.
We have booked an ice sculpting lesson this year and are very much looking forward to some lighthearted family competition with a prize of warm spiced cider on the line!
Department stores all decked to the nines, twinkling lights draped above the streets as bright red double-decker buses carry on below and sparkling Christmas trees dotted around the city. I love walking through my favourite neighbourhoods and imagining the wine that is mulling beyond the wreathed doors and neat flower boxes.
Kew Gardens |
The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew after-dark festival, when the Gardens are lit up with thousands of lights and laser beams, is a London Christmas must and tops my list every year! Hot chocolate with toasted marshmallows is part of the sensory delight!
A Spin On The Ice |
Our daughter has always loved donning her skates and mittens, we used to take her skating in New York when the snow began to fall. Ice rinks pop up all over London and it’s a great activity for the holidays. We usually like to skate at Somerset House.
Trafalgar Square |
Oh, the Trafalgar tree, is it even Christmas without standing at her base and drinking in the lights? Donated by the city of Oslo to the people of Britain in thanks for their assistance to Norway during World War II, the tree feels like the beating heart of London for a few weeks each year. Check times for carolling and performers.
Snowy Hogwarts |
Even more magical at Christmas, the giant model of Hogwarts (the actual model used in the filming) is covered in snow and the Great Hall is laid out with a Christmas Feast. It’s not technically London, but well worth the distance.
A Christmas Show |
Christmas in London’s theatre land isn’t limited to the great British tradition of pantomime. There are seasonal ballet, musicals, plays and other extravaganzas.
We always loved the Nutcracker when Pagan was younger, although tickets usually sell out quite early in the year.
We always loved the Nutcracker when Pagan was younger, although tickets usually sell out quite early in the year.
London Lights |
There are lovely streets with fabulous Christmas displays and a good way to discover the best of them is through a walking tour. If you are short on time don’t miss Regent and Oxford Streets splendour. We have previously sent older guests not wanting to trudge through the snow on a vintage open top bus and it twas reported that everyone had a great time.
It’s been a challenging year and we might be picking and choosing a little more cautiously from this list this year, but taking in the window displays and Kew Gardens are definitely on the cards, and our tickets for Winter Wonderland are burning a cinnamon scented hole in our pockets.
We’ll be nestled at home with family, cooking, connecting and polishing our scrabble skills. Gifting is all sorted thanks to our monogrammed Reed Grandeur blankets for family & friends.
We might be spotted enjoying a high tea at The Savoy, but for right now, the fireplace is where we want to be.
Wishing you all the festive cheer in the weeks ahead,
Karen Reed
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