Walking in the City - Christmas Lights in London

A recent early evening walk from Gloucester Road to the South Bank in Central London gave me the opportunity to take in some of the city’s Christmas Lights.

Outside the National History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum the trees were decked with lights and a small ice-skating rink had been set up in the grounds adding a festive spirit to the grand buildings.

A short stroll further on and we reached Knightsbridge and a palace etched in lights:

Which, surprise, surprise, turns out to be Harrods, a popular tourist destination at any time of the year, but, judging from the number of people taking pictures, a photo-op too good to miss.

Knightsbridge borders the south-eastern side of Hyde Park which, this year, happens to be the location of Winter Wonderland, a holiday market complete with fun fair, vendor stalls and a huge Bavarian village.

There were lots of rides for those who enjoy being spun around and tipped upside down at great heights!

We decided to keep our feet firmly on the ground with a stroll around the Bavarian village.

And a refreshment break for a Gluhwein at one of the heated outdoor bars.

The predecessor to Gluhwein?

We weren't certain what relevance this giant had to the holiday market but he certainly was an impressive size!

Where to put the Christmas tree when you're running short of space.

  

There wasn't anything like this at Christmastime when I used to live in London (many years ago!)  

Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland is just one of several Christmas markets in Central London this year, with Leicester Square, the Southbank and Tate Modern all hosting their own versions. 

After visiting the Hyde Park event, the others were disappointing in size and variety of offerings, although the blue lights on the trees between the Southbank and the Tate made the riverside walk even more spectacular.