As my last post before Christmas, I’m going to finish on a (hopefully) very festive, special post. London’s Christmas lights are some of the most famous in the world, and last week I treated myself to an overnight stay in the capital to go and see some of them. I went by myself as my first time alone since my operation, and I’m so glad I did. I felt so in the Christmas spirit and full of hope that everything would be alright again.
I found a great walk which takes about an hour and takes in a lot of the main displays. Are you ready for a tour?
Stop 1 – Goodge Street
This road in London has some of the best ‘door’ displays around and is a great starting point for the walk if you’re coming from Kings Cross, St Pancras or London Euston train stations. Alternatively, you could get the tube directly to Goodge Street to start.
Stop 2 – Carnaby Street
A short 10 minute walk from Goodge Street is Carnaby Street, one of the most famous displays in London. This area is also home to lots of nice boutique shops if you want to pop in and get some gifts!
Stop 3 – Regent Street
From Carnaby Street you can follow the road round to Regent Street, one of the most famous in London. Lit up by the beautiful angels, it’s also home to some of London’s best shopping. I visited too early at first and the angels weren’t very clear so I actually came back after nightfall to capture the angels in all their glory.
Stop 4 – Fortnum & Mason
Just 5 minutes down from Regent Street is Fortnum and Mason, which is decorated to be an advent calendar with each window having a number on it like an advent calendar’s doors. I thought it was lovely, though it took me a while to manage a photo with no traffic!
Stop 5 – Burlington Arcade
Burlington Arcade is an upmarket shopping centre (think Rolexes and £13,500 engagement rings) so it goes without saying I didn’t buy anything, but the decorations were fun – a James Bond theme this year to mark 60 years since the first film.
Stop 6 – Cartier
My favourite of all the London displays, Cartier is just stunning – classy and beautiful. I spent ages trying to get a photo with no people in it, but it was quite literally impossible!
Stop 7 – New & Old Bond Street
A few steps away from Cartier, explore the rest of Old and New Bond Street’s decorations. I loved Tiffany’s and Stella McCartney, and Ralph Lauren had even set up a little Christmas coffee truck and really gone to town on the window displays.
Stop 8 – Annabel’s
Annabel’s is a Swarovski shop. There were sooo many people, especially girls in dresses in the middle of the road risking life and limb for Instagram that I didn’t get many good shots at all. One girl was even in a backless wedding dress (it was -1 Celsius at this point), swirling about for at least 10 minutes. The commitment!
Stop 9 – Grosvenor Street
To get a feel for more private Christmases, mix the walk up with a stroll along a residential street. I found some lovely doors along Grosvenor Street which made me wonder about the people living behind them and how they’d be celebrating Christmas.
Stop 10 – Claridge’s
One of the most famous and prestigious hotels in London, Claridge’s is always decorated beautifully for Christmas. It’s simple and understated but on such a gran building looks really lovely.
And that brings an end to my walk around London. In total it took me about 2 hours, with 1 hour walking and 1 hour shopping. What do you think? Did you enjoy the Christmas lights tour of London?
On a separate note, this post also represents my 2 year blog anniversary! I started this blog on Dec 22nd 2019 ahead of a travel packed 2020 (which never happened – great timing, not!). In that time I’ve connected with so many wonderful people through this platform and I just wanted to say thank you to everyone reading for following along.
Stay safe and Happy Christmas everyone!!!
Saasdia Travel Gid
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