London is not only decked out for Christmas, but the decorating began before Halloween. All the different areas of London seem to be filled with their own Christmas lights theme. Covent Garden has white lights that look like it's snowing. Oxford Street has huge umbrellas, presents and snowflakes made out of white lights hanging down the entire street. China town has large floating lanterns. Sheets of white lights are hung over the entire building of the department stores. Selfridges' (where you met Santa) window displays are festively decorated. Even the London Eye is lit up. There are large Christmas trees displayed all around London as well. So many holiday activities. Such little time. Enjoy!
Love Mummy and Daddy
Our first holiday outing was to Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland complete with a mini German style Christmas market, a full carnival with roller coasters, holiday food from around the world, an ice rink, a circus, Father Christmas, and traditional Christmas mulled wine. It was one crowded spot!
Trafalgar Square is magical at Christmas time! Each year London is gifted a HUGE Christmas tree from Norway representing their close friendship and gratitude for England supporting Norway during WWII. It is an annual event in both countries. In Norway, people gather in a forest to watch the tree selection as well as it being chopped down while eating, drinking and singing Christmas carols. In London, crowds fill Trafalgar Square to watch the lighting of the tree while a brass band plays. Children read words in the tree's honor and their poems are decorated around the base of the tree. It is known as, "the queen of the forest."
Starring at the beautiful tree, I couldn't help but tilt my head back and wonder how much those lights cost? Everyone talks about how London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but the xmas lights issue is ridiculous! We only bought 1 measly little stand of lights this year for two reasons (1) this will be the only time we are able to use them due to the UK outlets and (2) they cost 20 pounds! That's right folks. Our $5 strand of lights in the States cost about $30 over here! Our tree this year is decorated with ornaments we have been collecting from our travels and Christmas gifts. Some of my favorites are the ones I had to get creative and make into an ornament. A wooden camel form Tangier, Morocco and a tile from Spain. Add some wire and a rubber band. Ta- da! Needless to say our Christmas tree this year looks a bit different than the previous years.
Chicago London
Both have character. One reminds us of Charlie Brown's Christmas tree more than the other.
London holiday/winter to-do:
- ice skating at the Tower of London moat
- Harrods light display
- Southbank Christmas Market
- date night- dinner at Rules, the oldest restaurant in London, while they're decorated for the holidays
Christmas in London is awesome! No words to share the beauty of celebrations in the city...
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