Christmas is Coming in London :)

Christmas is approaching believe it or not and with that the events organized to provoke and keep your Christmas spirit are on their way. I will highlight some upcoming initiatives which I consider interesting and which are not connected with spending a huge amount of money. My choice is based on the experience from the previous year. So here we go:

1. London’s Christmas Lights

According to me, a visit to one of the great Christmas lights displays around the city is one of the good ways to put your mood in a festive “mode”. Like the previous year some of the main big streets in London will do the switching on. There is already a schedule for that and the special guests are announced. I am posting some pictures from the previous year and I promise to update you with actual ones from this year as well.

Oxford Street (5th November)

Robbie Williams, himself, will switch on the Christmas lights on London’s most famous shopping street. The Candy man confirmed his presence in the event which will take place at 5 PM in front of the House of Fraser department store. A night of music and fun is expected to follow which will make Monday not such a depressing day.

Covent Garden (7th November)

Londoners and visitors of the capital should expect amazing set of Christmas lights on Covent Garden this year. A life performance by the London Gay Men's Chorus will give the start of the festive atmosphere running till 2^nd of January 2013.

Carnaby Street (8th November)

The main focus of the celebrations on Carnaby Street will be the achievements and legacy of The Rolling Stones and their 50^th anniversary. Enormous 3D spheres containing gold and silver vinyls will represent some of the most famous works of The Stones along with album covers. A must see for a rock fan. The display will be on Carnaby street till 6^th of January 2013.

Regent Street (13th November)

More than 30 athletes from the British Olympic and Paralympic teams teaming up with performers from the West End’s musical Matilda and the opera singer Noah Stewart will tur on the lights on Regent Street this year. For the big finale, a massive pyrotechnic display to wow the crowds - one of London's showpiece switch-ons this Christmas.

Bond Street (22nd November)

Vendages on Bond Street will be open late to shocase the charm of Bond Street this festive season. Expect carol singers, reindeer, stilt walkers, hot chesnut sellers to line the length of Bond Street. At 6pm a 'special guest' will switch on the lights and start Bond Street's countdown to Christmas.

2. Winterwonderland in Hyde Park (23rd November 2012 - 6th January 2013)

If you love extreme rights, seasonal food and drinks, Christmas gifts and Cabaret performances you have to start celebrating already because Winterwonderland is back. This year as good as ever. Different types of pubs will welcome the guests (including the St Nicola’s House) and The Fire Pit where guests can drink wine and cider alongside farmhouse foods.

The Winterwonderland is all over Hyde Park, open from 10 AM to 10 PM every day and the admission is free.

3. Southbank's Christmas Market

Sixty traditional twinkling wooden chalets along the Queen's Walk presenting unique and unusual Christmas presents. Soak up the magical riverside Christmas atmosphere and enjoy a bratwurst, roasted pork, roasted chestnuts and a warming Glühwein. They even have a traditional carousel to enjoy when you need to give your feet a rest! After visiting the market take a stroll up to Skylon, a rooftop bar with quality cocktails, an extensive wine list, delicious bites and breathtaking views.

Where? Belvedere Road London SE1 8XX

When? 16th November - 24th December. Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-10pm.

Cost? Free

4. Trafalgar Square Christmas Carols (5th - 22nd of December 2012)

There's nothing like a bit of carolling in the presence of an impressive Christmas tree, and none come more impressive than Trafalgar Square's Norwegian spruce. Choirs perform nightly from 5pm beneath the tree's 500 white lights. Once you've finished singing why not head on over to Gordon's Wine Bar, the oldest wine bar in London and a magical place to enjoy a glass of vino.

Where? Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London WC2N 5

When? Daily from 5pm

Cost? Free.

5. Skate @ Somerset House

Go Ice skating this Christmas at Somerset House and experience the unique atmosphere of open-air clubbing, on and off the ice, to a live soundtrack from prominent DJs, iconic clubs and trend-setting festivals. Visit after work for a glass of mulled wine and stay on into the night, or make it a meeting place for friends to catch up over a cocktail before hitting the ice. Club Nights bring a new late night soundtrack to Skate at Somerset House. Once the skating is over head on to Foundation cocktail bar in Covent Garden for a night cap or two.

Where? Strand, City of London WC2R 1LA

When? 16th November 2012 - 6th January 2013. Sessions start at 10am and the last one commences at 9.15pm.

Cost? £7.50-£14.00 (16th Nov-7th Dec)

          £12.50-£15.00 (8th Dec-6th Jan)

Enjoy and I hope to see you somewhere in the crowd because I am a huge Christmas fan or you could call me a Christmas Person :)

 I even had this desire to move to Lapland and work as an Elf in that famous house of Santa Claus :) But anyway.

Jingle All The Way...  :)