Burlington Arcade

Christmas lights brighten up London

It’s been a tough few months so I was keen to head to the West End of London to see the Christmas lights 2020 and taken on some Christmas spirit.  They did not disappoint and I’d like you to join me on my first tour around these famous illuminations.

Burlington Arcade is a top end passage of shops and said to be the world’s first shopping arcade.  Its simple colour scheme and tasteful decorations are a delight and Moet & Chandon have set up a tempting photo opportunity which I could not resist!

Burlington Arcade

Burlington Arcade

Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly is a beautiful shop inside and out  Famous for its teas it loves to mark Christmas with its customary style and flair.  This year the exterior is one huge advent calendar with a section for each leading up to the 25th and a massive 2020 down the side of the building.  Their shop windows are commemorating 8 famous displays from the past from 1930 through to 2020. Inside it is a masterclass in Christmas decorations and symmetrical design.

Fortnum & Mason

Fortnum & Mason

Fortnum & Mason

Fortnum & Mason

Fortnum & Mason

Fortnum & Mason

Fortnum & Mason

Carnaby Street is usually my favourite decoration with its off the wall and over the top approach but this year they seem rather subdued although the message is strong.

Carnaby Street

Seven Dials just near Covent Garden have excelled themselves this year with a stunning  halo of lights with coloured baubles and sliver birch sprays around their famous centre.  The overall them is Festive Woodland.

Seven Dials

Oxford Street have gone for big banners with lights and text which changes rapidly so you have to be patient to see any full messages.

Christmas lights in London Oxford Street

Regent Street has returned with its beautiful angels which have been on display for many Christmases but still delight

Christmas lights in London Regent Street

The Mayfair shops always push the boat out and Cartier take the prize this year with their jaguar themed bright red shop front.

Christmas lights in London Mayfair

I hope you enjoyed this tour around some of London’s Christmas lights. There are plenty more so watch out for another blog post to come featuring South Molton Street, Tate Britain, Trafalgar Square and many more

Merry Christmas.

Sue

Selfridges Christmas

Christmas lights in London

Christmas is one of my favourite times of year in London, the buzz, the festive events, the mulled wine and carols, but mainly because of the Christmas lights. London is lit up so beautifully that even those of us who have seen many many Christmases are still enchanted by the sights. Each area has its own style from classic to wacky, with Carnaby Street winning the prize for the latter!  Take a stroll with me to enjoy the lights from the warmth of your own home.

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Fortnum & Mason Christmas

London’s Wonderful Christmas Lights and Trees

London looks brilliant any time of the year but in the build-up to Christmas London dresses up in its very best festive lights and trees pop up all over the city.

I’d love to show you a few of the fabulous sights to enjoy right now in London.   Covent Garden is a good place to start as they have the best tree, in my view, and fabulous lights. This year’s theme is mistletoe – ahhh.  You can shop for gifts and enjoy some refreshment as you explore. Continue reading

Christmas lights in London 2015

It’s that time of year again when London comes to life with festive lights in all the major shopping areas. I’ve been out and about checking them out for you and my view on 2015 is that some new ones are great, some areas have kept with old favourites which is no bad thing  but some of the major shops have not made much effort this year and one major street is just not up to our high standards.
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London’s festive lights! (Part 1)

When does Christmas start in London? If you believe some of the shops it’s September or even August but for me, it’s when the famous Christmas tree is lit in Trafalgar Square on 4th December. The tree has been sent from the people of Norway every year from 1947 to thank the people of Great Britain for their support during the Second World War. I was in the square to see the lights go on as the carols are sung and suddenly felt all Christmassy! The reflection in the fountain was a bonus.
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