It may be the beautiful lights throughout the city, it may be the Christmas decorations in every corner, it may be the special shop windows but it seems like a fairy tale.
The city is always wonderful but during the Christmas period it gives the best of itself.
The classic streets for the Christmas shopping and the festive atmosphere are Regent Street, Bond Street and Leicester Square which are a true riot of lights and colors.
Finding the most beautifully decorated store will not be easy at all because you will be surrounded by lights, bows, Christmas balls and garlands.
In Piccadilly you can always see the shop windows of Fortnum & Mason, each year with different themes and amazingly decorated in the most extravagant and decadent way.
The most beautiful advent calendar ever can be found here because every year Fortnum & Mason, one of the most elegant and ancient department stores in the city as well as the official supplier of tea to the royal family, sets up its facade with gigantic numbers that fill its large windows forming a fantastic advent calendar.
Covent Garden with its red ornaments and golden bells, mistletoe and special decorations is also worth a mention as well as Trafalgar Square you see its illuminated tree…every street holds surprises with decorations that will leave you speechless.
Every year in mid-November, the Mayor of London kicks off Christmas in Leadenhall Market, an iconic hidden gem of the city.
He starts a countdown, at the end of which, the Christmas tree and the market fill with lights and a festive atmosphere.
The ice rink in front of the National History Museum is also beautiful, with a very New York atmosphere and a central tree which reminds you of that of 5th Avenue in Manhattan.
What can I say about Harrods in Knightbridge, the exterior is stunning and visible from afar with cascades of lights, but inside there are so many Christmas decorations that make you want to decorate every corner of the house too: you absolutely must not miss a tour inside to see so many new inspirations on fashion and the home, and Christmas decorations of all kinds.
Christmas ornaments in shops are over the top
The markets scattered around the city are amazing: Leicester Square Market in the very centre, one of the most stocked with wooden decorations and other ornaments, Southbank Centre Christmas Market, along the Thames, Camden Christmas Market, obviously in Camden Town and then Hyde Park Christmas Market with Winter Wonderland attached, in Bavarian style inside the park, which transforms into the most beautiful amusement park in Europe.
It is difficult to say which is the best, they are all worth seeing and making themed purchases.
The must try is the chimney cake, a sort of sugar coated donut in the shape of a pipe and filled with custard, chocolate or jelly. It seems to have Hungarian origins but it’s sold everywhere at Christmas
In London.
Christmas markets
London at Christmas is a great idea for young and old, for Harry Potter lovers, at the Warner Bros Studios you can visit Hogwarts in the Snow, a reproduction of the legendary Hogwarts castle all covered in snow.
Another place with an unusual Christmas atmosphere is the Kew Gardens. The evening walk is very suggestive, almost magical; unusual lights on the trees or spectacular projections create unique atmospheres and strange and particular plays of light, all seasoned with Christmas music and very romantic.
London is always beautiful but at Christmas it is truly unique, pure Christmas spirit!
