Christmas 2017: Christmas Spots in London, England

by - December 06, 2017


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. 

So this late November, my friend Julie and I took a day trip to the capital, to visit a few places we like there. And guess who we bumped into?


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

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28 commentaires

  1. No, I haven´t, but there is decorations here as well and they are beautiful.

    Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca

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    1. Oh yes Germany is known for its beautiful Christmas markets and atmosphere! xx

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  2. I did Carnaby Street, Selfridges, Regent Street and Oxford Street today to see the lights! I was in London for a meeting so it would be rude not to! Carnaby Street kills it every year and I do love seeing what theme they've got! I also like to go to Kings Cross to see the giant Christmas tree and if you love lights like I do Kew Gardens is a must! I really hope I get to go it this year. Your photos are absolutely fabulous!
    Jaz xoxo
    http://www.thelifeofasocialbutterfly.co.uk

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    1. It's great that you took the opportunity of your meeting to go there! OI'm going to King's Cross next week as I'm taking the train back home for Christmas, and I'm excited to see the tree! Hope you go to Kew too, I've seen pictures and their Christmas displays look so dreamy! Thanks for stopping by Jasmine :) xx

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  3. Crowded or not, definitely still worth seeing! What a lovely place and you look gorgeous! I am so excited to see that Paddington bench! So adorable! Love Paddington! We have to wait longer here to see that movie in Canada as it is not released until January! So sad.

    Rebecca
    www.winnipegstyle.ca/blog

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    1. Yes, definitely worth standing in the crowd - people are there for a reason after all! I'm sure you'll love the film, it's shame you have to wait so long though! xx

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  4. Aw wow, it looks so magical, I wish I could experience all the light displays! Your outfit is gorgeous, so festive and perfect for winter, I'm loving all the beautiful reds! :D xx

    elizabeth ♡ ”Ice Cream” whispers Clara

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    1. Thank you Elizabeth! You'd be amazed at the displays, although the cuteness of the area where you live is just as incredible! xx

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  5. lovely post; you're brave to venture into West End for Christmas!

    The last time I went to Oxford Street during the Christmas period was late November 2016 when I tried to start Christmas shopping early. It was indeed busy, but the lights were gorgeous!

    I'm well overdue a visit x

    www.lifeofchi.co.uk

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    1. Oh yes even in November, it's already crowded! But definitely worth it :D xx

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  6. I love the decorations! Especially the parrot!

    Love,
    Olga from Myme

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  7. It looks so pretty there! I want to visit London.
    https://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/

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    1. And you should totally visit it when you get the chance! xx

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  8. Completely agree, London is SO magical at Christmastime! The light installations seem to get better and better with every year, right?! Harrods is always a fave of mine, as well as Fortnum & Mason. Such a beautiful post!

    aglassofice.com
    x

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    1. Oh yeah they do better every year! I've never been to Fortnum & Mason but their staircase looks so dreamy decorated for Christmas, thanks for reminding me - I'll go next year! xx

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  9. Noticed that London is one of the most christamassy place during christmas. Looks like you had fun! Love your burgundy bag by the way. Nice style.

    T H E A S T R O N
    InstagramTwitter

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    1. Yes it is, one of my favourite places to see at Christmas! Thanks so much :) xx

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  10. Christmas Carnival is such a lovely theme for the winter! I would have to go to Oxford during the holidays, just to see all of the beautiful decorations. I've been really wanting to visit London during Christmas because it looks stunning. Glad you enjoyed your time exploring! xx

    Sending light & love your way,

    My Lovelier Days

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    1. It really is a great theme! London is so magical at Christmas, you'd love it! xx

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  11. Looks like you had a lovely time. I love the pictures from London, it looks so beautiful and festive.

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    1. Yes I had a great time, even though I hate the crowds! xx

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  12. Yessss girl! You have to go Oxford Street during this time of the month, it gets me so excited for Christmas xx

    http://www.nudesandpinks.co.uk

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  13. I live in the United States and I have never been out of the country. But I would LOVE to travel here. It looks amazing!

    Kelseygayle.com

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