Baubles in the city

The stylish Xmas trees in Paternoster Square behind St Paul's cathedral.  When did the tradition of decorating a tree at Xmas time begin?  It was Prince Albert after all.  To learn all about the history of Christmas pop over to the wonderful Christmas post by Mike from A Bit About Britain.

A little bit of sparkle in the grey

The Christmas tree by city hall twinkling in the grey surroundings.  

I'm Back

I'm back from India.  Its a bit cold and dark, however the Xmas lights are pretty and inviting.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all.  Enjoy your skiing and snowball fights or surfing and barbecuing wherever you are in the world, thank you for popping in throughout the year and sharing my glimpses of London with me.  I'm taking taking a few days break but will be back before the year ends. In the meantime lookout for my Instagram posts.

Pretty on the Strand

Xmas lights along the Strand.

Christmas at the Market

Pretty decorations at Borough Market.  The market is closed in the evening but during the day the place is bustling with people.

Christmas at the Ivy

The Xmas tree that welcomes patrons as they enter the Ivy restaurant, a favourite haunt of celebrities

A Lot of Jolly Ho Ho Ho

The original bearded hipsters.

It's Jumper Day Today

Expect to see a lot more Xmas jumpers today as it is the official Xmas Jumper day today.  I did prepare you for it in an earlier post here.  What features on yours?

Perhaps the Prettiest Street

Theses Xmas lights get lots of oohs and aahhs, perhaps not surprising that the most elaborate Xmas decorations are in one of the most expensive shopping streets in London.  New Bond St is where all the designers have their show rooms, and you can lighten your wallet by large sums at the jewellery stores that have locked doors with security guards to check you out before you enter.

A Young Choir

Commuters were entertained at Euston railway station by this young choir singing "Away in A Manger" and other well known carols.

The Tudor Markets

There are plenty of Xmas markets around for you to sample hot wine, sausages and sugary treats as well as buying santa hats or xmas jumpers.  

Baubles and Stars

The colourful Carnaby Street all sparkling for Xmas.

The Final Touch

The finishing touches to the shop Xmas window.

A Tree?

At least the is Xmas tree is honest.  Towering up two stories high, covered in soft cute disney soft toys.  This is Xmas.

Silver Stag

Covent Garden has a new Xmas reindeer this year.  I'm not sure how much Xmas cheer he instils, what do you think?

Passing a Xmas Window

The department store windows are now decorated for Xmas and the street lights are lit.

Do-it-yourself Reindeer

Keep the kids busy over the holidays and challenge them to see what they can create with lego.  The lego reindeer at Covent Garden is to inspire them.

Christmas Tree

A silver Xmas tree in what definitely feels like autumnal weather.  Possibly the warmest December I can recall since living in this part of the world.

Off this afternoon to find a Xmas tree for my abode.  I bet you've all finished your decorations and shopping.  

Santa's Sack

Santa and the elves are loading up the sleigh ready for that annual journey around the world.  Those NASA folks could learn a lot from them about efficient time travel.