When Christmas comes to town, London is transformed.
The temperature may get cooler, by the elegantly decorated streets warm the hearts of passers-by, with their charming Christmas lights. The spectacular decorations can be seen everywhere, on buildings, monuments and squares.
Here is a list of six special locations which are worth a visit just to see the Christmas lights.
Covent Garden
One of the city’s most famous marketplaces, Covent Garden features a magnificent silver reindeer, ready for lift off, and a grand central hall with huge Christmas baubles dangling from the ceiling. As darkness falls, and the lights come on, there is no better place to have a glass of Mulled Wine – a traditional British Christmas beverage.
Carnaby Street
The surroundings of this famous Soho street offer much more than just a pretty light display. Carnaby Street is a Christmas-shopper’s paradise, with over a hundred commercial establishments, including bars and restaurants. The perfect atmosphere is made all the more festive with live music and DJs on certain days.
Duke of York Square
Located in Chelsea, this square has special events on certain days, with Victorian carriage rides, toffee apples, roasted chestnuts, face painting, Christmas carols and even real-life reindeers!
Hotel The Strand
The special Christmas decorations of the traditional Hotel The Strand bring admirers from around the Covent Garden region; definitely worth taking a peek, followed by a stroll along to the Savoy, which is decorated with sparkling Christmas trees.
Bond Street
Although the street itself is very well-known, it has never been particularly associated with Christmas. However, over the last couple of years, Bond Street has invested a lot in the end-of-year lights. The peacock feathers of 2014 were one of the most popular light shows of that year. This year’s display promises not to be a disappointment.
Oxford Street
The city’s most famous shopping street is a must-see for anyone wanting to see the city’s most spectacular Christmas lights show. Shop window displays which pull out all the stops and decorations wherever you look; on lampposts and buildings, combine to form a giant, Christmassy corridor.
