Well known as an iconic setting of several holiday classics, like "Love Actually," "A Christmas Carol," "Bridget Jones' Diary," and the Harry Potter movies, London pulls out all the stops when the holiday season rolls around. With tons of websites and Instagram accounts posting their recommended Christmas light walking routes, there are no shortage of sights to see when the sun goes down and the lights turn on! As I finish up my semester in London, I've had so much fun exploring the festive streets with my friends and have also been lucky enough to get to show them to my family, who came over to celebrate the holidays before I head back to the states. Here is my list of the best places to check out if you are in London on/around the holidays!
- Regent Street: Perhaps the most popular lights on social media, the angels that line Regent Street are incredible! They seem to go on forever. I recommend trying to get a photo of the angels with London's famous red buses, as that truly feels like a quintessentially London shot!
- Bond Street: The luxury shops of Bond Street go all out. From Cartier's hot air balloon among the clouds, to Ralph Lauren's classic and simple trees, to the large lights overhead that seem to crown the street, Bond Street is a fun and impressive sight.
- Carnaby Universe: In Soho, Carnaby Street's lights are out of this world! Decked out with planets and blue lights that make you feel like you're in another galaxy, Carnaby Street is a must-see around the holidays.
- Fortnum and Mason (Piccadilly): This beautiful department store decorates its windows to look like a huge advent calendar. While you don't get to open each window to reveal a tiny chocolate, there is plenty of delicious-looking chocolate inside the store!
- Winter Wonderland: Part of Hyde Park turns into a giant winter-themed amusement park. Tons of fun games, rides, food, and drinks to put you in the holiday mood!
Reese Holtzman
Fall 2023
GW England - Queen Mary, University of London (Study Program)
Columbian College of Arts & Sciences
Psychological & Brain Sciences Major