Magical Christmas Lights
Christmas lights in London are magical every year. Normally crowds travel to see the most beautiful and most popular streets and spots, such as Covent Garden, Oxford Street, Regents Street and Hamleys Toy Store to participate in the switch-on events.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
This year, however, many have been forced to change their traditions. Well, let’s see the bright side of this: the streets are far not that crowdy as usual this time of the year allowing you taking beautiful photos without being forced to elbowing your way to the best spots.
Luckily, pandemic or not pandemic, Christmas lights are just as exuberant and beautiful as usual.
Let’s see some of the most popular spots.
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market’s history dates back to the 14th century. Originally it was a meat, poultry and game market and was situated in the centre of Roman London. Today it gives home to elegant retailers, restaurants, cafes and wine bars.
Leadenhall Market is famous for being used as Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. What is more, the entrance to the famous fictional pub, the Leaky Cauldron is located there. In real life, it’s an optician on Bull’s Head Passage in Leadenhall Market.
St Katharine Docks
St Katharine Docks welcomes vessels from all over the world since the 10th century. Today it’s a lovely hidden gem that gives home to cozy restaurants and the famous Dickens Inn.
During the festive period St Katharine Docks looks like a scene from a Dickens novel from the Victorian era. Perfect place to get the festive feeling.
More London
The buzzing More London is famous for its lovely outdoor Christmas market. During December the air is always filled with the sweet smell of freshly roasted nuts. Unfortunately, this year’s Christmas market has been cancelled due to pandemic.
The Tower of London
Sadly, the ice rink, which is a tradition, is not operating this year due to pandemic.
However, The Tower of London still gives us tons of opportunities for Christmas shopping and a lovely view to the Tower Bridge, River Thames and The Shard light show.
You can admire the view from one of the cozy igloos of Coppa Club. Perfect for an intimate socially distanced family dinner.
The Shard Lights
This year The Shard lights are specially designed to show gratitude to NSH staff, and all keyworkers and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe from Coronavirus pandemic.
From 11th December The Shard light will feature the traditional colours of Christmas until the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden’s centrepiece is its hand-picked Christmas tree every year. This year the Christmas tree is 60 feet tall and it’s illuminated by 115,000 lights.
The tree needed 60 workers and 300 working hours to be festively decorated.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
This Christmas tree is is not the only one at Covent Garden. There is a mini Christmas tree forest just at the entrance of Covent Garden. Each tree is bedecked uniquely by iconic brands and institutions, such as Royal Opera House.
The Strand
Photo: Urban Adventurer
From Trafalgar Square to King’s College, The Strand is dressed with twinkling snowflakes, icicles and stars all the way long.
Leicester Square
Although, ‘Christmas in Leicester Square 2020’ is cancelled due to pandemic, there are still plenty to see and do there.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
‘Scenes in the Square’ bronze sculptures are still on display under the festive lights, celebrating the home of film, and immortalise classic characters. Wonder Woman, Paddington Bear, Mr Bean, Mary Poppins, Bugs Bunny and more. Plus, a Harry Potter sculpture has been added to the repertoire.
Regent Street
‘The Spirit of Christmas ‘ installation has returned to Regent Street. To support sustainable display, the lights are switched on for evenings only.
Carnaby Street
Photo: Urban Adventurer
This year Carnaby Street Christmas light installation is in partnership with Choose Love charity to pay tribute to the strength and courage of Londoners and the whole UK.
Pink and purple lightboxes display positive words all the length of Carnaby Street hoping to bring smile on peoples’ faces during these hard times filled with uncertainty.
Hamleys
Britain’s most famous and beloved toy store transformed their Christmas windows into a magical world. Harry Potter themed display brings the magic to us this year.
Oxford Street
This year Oxford Street Christmas lights are dedicated to silent heroes. Anyone can nominate their hero by filling in this form on Oxford Street’s official website for a chance to see their name sparkle in the Christmas lights. Plus, the winner heroes will receive a £500 Oxford Street gift card to treat themselves. Winners announced each week.
Use hashtag #our2020heroes to be featured on Instagram
South Molton Street
Photo: Urban Adventurer
South Molton Street, just like last year, is illuminated with beautiful blue arches and blue Christmas trees on each end of the street. Why not pick up a Winter warmer at one of the lovely cafés while admiring the magical lights?
Annabel’s
Annabel’s is an elegant private club in the heart of Mayfair. They traditionally surprise Londoners with the most magical Christmas installation. This year they transformed the building into a giant nutcracker stage.
Hedonism Wines
Festive feeling guaranteed after visiting Hedonism Wines on St Davies Street, Mayfair.
Fortnum & Mason
Now it’s a tradition that the impressive six-floor building is transformed into an Advent Calendar for the festive period every year.
Burlington Arcade
One of London’s favourite shopping arcade is not just dressed up festive, but it’s as immersive as possible too.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Make sure to dress up with matching clothes and take some lovely photos while sitting on the festive swing or pose with one of the glamourous Christmas trees.
Piccadilly Arcade
Twinkling lights and crystals. Piccadilly Arcade is just opposite Burlington Arcade.
Piccadilly Arcade is the place where Mayfair meets St James’. The perfect place to start your Christmas shopping.
Bond Street
Their peacock inspired light display is just as unique as Bond Street itself. Tiffani, Cartier and Sella McCartney, just to name a few famous brands inhabited at Bond Street and give us that lavish Christmas feeling.
The Ritz Hotel
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Elegant and classy. That’s how we could summarise The Ritz Hotel Christmas decoration every year. The Ritz London really knows what a stylish Christmas looks like.
Tree of Hope at St Pancras
Tree of Hope has been set by London’s pinkest Insagrammable café, EL&N Café. The pink Christmas tree with the carousel horses around it refers to the difficult period of time we’ve all been experiencing this year, and the hope that gives us strength to get over the difficulties.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
You can buy matching pink chocolate Christmas tree dessert in EL&N Café located right next to the Christmas tree.
Ready for your next adventure? Why not look back and admire London’s most extravagant Christmas trees from last year?
