Time ticks by. In a twinkling of an eye, the year 2022 has come to an end, and the long-awaited Christmas is coming!
At this time of year, London will be decorated with bright lights and a festive atmosphere on the streets.
Such a bustling, romantic and charming scene, also attracts countless tourists to this Christmas.
According to rough estimates, London attracted about 21 million visitors a year before the pandemic, with people from all over the world flocking to witness the charms of the 1,000-year-old city.
London was recently named one of the best places in the world to celebrate Christmas by global media company Conde Nast.
London gets especially mesmerizing every Christmas season, and the city has a timeless appeal during the festive season, Conde Nast said.
There are distinctly English streets, beautifully decorated Georgian townhouses, lively and cozy bars and cafes, bustling shopping, and Dickensian charm.
Ice skating in the 18th-century grounds of Somerset House, visiting the towering trees of Trafalgar Square, snow globe photography, an afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, or a trip to Liberty’s to pick up a few gifts.
All in all, London at Christmastime has plenty to offer.
Conde Nast’s poll also saw London take the accolade of having the most beautiful Christmas lights in the world.
It’s fair to say that London holds the title of “world’s best” when it comes to celebrating Christmas
Premier Inn analysed Google search data and Instagram hashtags to create a unique index score for Christmas lights in 319 cities around the world.
The analysis found that London is the best city in the UK and the world to see Christmas lights, and also the most popular city.
To put that in perspective, London has more than 136,000 Google searches and around 28,331 Instagram hashtags, far more than any other large city in the world.
The high number of searches helped London score 164,891 points for Christmas lighting, nearly nine times more than the next best city in the UK, Liverpool (18,487).
In global terms, London also topped the list for Christmas lighting, beating Houston in second place by more than 60,000 points and putting many global metropolises in the shade.
Premier Inn said London’s Christmas lights had impressed millions of people because of the immaculately decorated places such as Oxford Street and Mayfair.
However, some people believe that the holiday decoration is only one aspect. The beauty of Christmas in London is also attributed to the historical and cultural deposits deposited over the years, as well as the life atmosphere of romantic literature and art, which is amplified again during the Christmas period.
Here, we take a look at some of London’s stunning Christmas lights
Every Christmas, Oxford Street becomes a sea of stars, lighting up one of London’s busiest shopping streets and attracting thousands of people.
Who could forget the glowing triangular arches of Mayfair and the magical fairy lights that shine down on South Molton?
Carnaby Street is even more creative this year, with a neon feel as it pays tribute to the inimitable rock band Queen.
Over the Christmas period, more than 100 shops, bars and restaurants will hold a comprehensive shopping and dining party that is not to be missed
Each year more than 115,000 lights are lit in Covent Garden, one of England’s busiest gardens.
It also has one of the largest Christmas trees in London, attracting thousands of people to punch in.
Like Oxford Street, the lights of Regent Street are worth exploring. Regent Street started the tradition of lighting Christmas lights every year back in 1954, so the lights here are considered to reflect the “Christmas spirit” of the British people.
Regent Street is also one of the largest lights in the UK. These huge lights look like angels with outstretched arms. They are magnificent and stunning.
Bond Street is getting an overhaul of its Christmas lights this year, and it’s thought the decorations are royal-inspired. The huge crown lighting is matched by a glittering necklace of gems and pearls, which look incredibly luxurious.
Belgravia’s Christmas lights are back this year!
It will be transformed into a beautiful Christmas wonderland, with dazzling white lights at Motcomb Street, Elizabeth Street, Pimlico Road, Eccleston Yards and Halkin Arcade. You might even run into Santa and his reindeer
The historic square and colourful streets of St Christopher’s Place are illuminated with Christmas lights
Kew Gardens also brings a magical light show this Christmas. A million lights transform this World Heritage site into a dazzling wonderland.
Hyde Park is illuminated by colorful lights. Its winter wonderland continues until the beginning of January, with the grand Christmas playground featuring Britain’s largest outdoor ice rink and attracting visitors from far and wide.
If you want to do some shopping while enjoying the lights, head to Leicester Square, London’s South Bank, or Kingston’s Christmas Market, where there are plenty of interesting stalls to discover.
When you’re in a good mood, have a drink with a friend, and the Christmas lights that touch you might just be around the corner.
Well, do you like the bright lights of London?