Christmas 2017: Christmas Spots in London, England
I told myself I would not go to Oxford Street this Christmas. And yet...
Every
year, London becomes a flashing, sparkling feast around Christmas. We
all know it gets super crowded. You can barely walk in the streets,
you have to push your way through, you can't make two steps into a
shop - so forget your actual Christmas shopping... But yes, we come
back anyways because it just looks freaking amazing.
Paddington
Brown! The second cutest bear after Winnie the Pooh.
From
what I have understood, there are a few 'Paddington Books' featuring
this cutie around London. We saw one in Paddington station (of
course) and this one here was in front of St Paul's Cathedral. If
you've seen Paddington 2 - which I highly recommend, it is hilarious
and will put a big smile on your face - you'll know that these
curious books are actually a reference to the plot of the film. I
wish we had time to go around London and find all the books. Gotta
catch'em all!
The
area around St Paul's and the City is always lovely to have a wander
around - granted it's not the most Christmassy, but Julie and I often
end up there anyways. It's a shame they haven't decorated the Christmas tree.
When
you're there, make sure to talk around from the Millenium Bridge to
the Globe, the Anchor and all the way to Borough Market - I had the
best (and biggest) brownie ever there. I can't remember the name of
the seller, but it's a little red stand in the middle of the market
that sells lots of cheesecakes. I know, that's not exactly helpful.
But do go to Borough Market and find the cheesecake stand. Then try
their brownies. Yummy!
In
the late afternoon, we made our way back to Central London and Oxford
Street, to get our fix of Christmas lights. The streets were as
crowded as ever, but we were so excited for the Christmas stuff that
it didn't even bother us that much. Is that what we call the magic of
Christmas?
If
you're around there, do check out Selfridges. They've turned the
whole shop into a golden disco ball and it just looks amazing. Also
while you're in that street, have a look at the John Lewis windows.
They feature Moz the Monster, which is the star of their Christmas ad
this year, and I have to say they are the cutest windows I've seen so
far.
After
we had a walk around Regent Street and its beautiful angel displays,
and went to Liberty's Christmas shop, it was pitch black outside and
that's the time we chose to head to Carnaby Street. And it was
probably the best time to go there and see the street lights in their
full glory.
The
theme is Christmas Carnival, and it is a real feast for the eyes.
Multi-coloured lights, giant parrots and exotic birds, flashing
bunting and colour-changing lightbulbs... They really went all out
this year. And this has proven quite popular: we could barely make
our way through the crowds, but to be honest I was too busy looking
up to see where I was going...
If
there's one shop to check out there, it has to be the Irregular
Choice shop. Amazing stairway, crazy shoe displays – I mean, the
Santa heel shoes... – and the sales assistants look just as mad and
colourful. A real curiosity!
After
this mad rush around Carnaby, we went back to Paddington station to
catch our train. I'll leave you with these amazing displays and hope
that you're feeling super Christmassy now. And that your eyes are not
hurting because of all these lights. (... Sorry about that.)
Have you ever been to London for Christmas?
Lots of love,
Julia x
Lots of love,
Julia x
