London, a city renowned for its vibrant spirit and festive decorations, turns into a dazzling Christmas wonderland every year. For 2021, the anticipation for the Christmas season in London was as high as ever, with residents and tourists alike eager to see the city lit up with festive cheer. Here's a detailed look into when London starts its Christmas decorations in 2021:
Early Signs of Christmas: Oxford Street and Regent Street
As a tradition, Oxford Street, one of London’s premier shopping districts, marks the beginning of the festive season in late October. Although it might seem early, setting up these elaborate decorations is a monumental task, requiring weeks of preparation:
- Late October: The lights installation typically begins, transforming the shopping street into a festive spectacle.
- Mid-November: These festive lights are officially switched on, often with celebrity guests turning them on to add to the glamour.
Similarly, Regent Street, known for its elegance, follows closely with its own Christmas lights switch-on around the same time:
- Early November: Installation of lighting decorations.
- Second week of November: Lighting ceremony, often integrating with the Regent Street Christmas Carnival.
Transforming London into a Winter Wonderland
While Oxford and Regent Streets set the festive tone, other parts of London also participate in the Christmas decoration tradition:
- Trafalgar Square: Receives its annual Christmas tree from Norway, symbolizing the long-standing friendship between the two nations, usually in early December.
- The Southbank Centre: Kicks off the winter festivities with its Winter Festival from early December, featuring enchanting light installations and an outdoor ice rink.
- Westminster: Often sees lights going up in mid-November, adding to the festive glow that spreads across the city.
Local Boroughs and Community Efforts
London’s Christmas spirit isn’t limited to the central areas; local boroughs and communities play an integral role:
- Local Markets: Christmas markets like the one at the Royal Exchange begin setup in November, offering a festive atmosphere with handcrafted gifts and holiday treats.
- Residential Streets: Neighbourhoods start their preparations, with homes competing in creativity to light up their surroundings. Decorations can be seen going up from early December.
Iconic Events and Attractions
London’s Christmas celebrations are marked by several iconic events and attractions:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Switch-On of Covent Garden Lights | Early November |
| Hyde Park Winter Wonderland | Mid-November |
| Southbank Winter Festival | Early December |
| Skating at Somerset House | Early November |
🎁 Note: Some events like Hyde Park Winter Wonderland require timed tickets or pre-booking due to capacity restrictions.
Spectacular Window Displays
Another highlight of the season is the magical window displays by major department stores:
- Selfridges: Known for its extravagant, storytelling windows.
- Harrods: Continuously evolving with modern, theme-based displays.
- Liberty London: Offers a more boutique experience, focusing on unique crafts.
💡 Note: Window displays are revealed by late November, and change regularly to keep the public engaged.
To sum up, London's Christmas decor journey in 2021 begins with the installation of lights in late October, with official lighting events following through November. This process culminates in early to mid-December when the city is fully adorned in festive attire, ready to welcome the holiday season with open arms.
When does the Christmas shopping season officially start in London?
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The Christmas shopping season typically starts in November, with major retail streets lighting up, signaling the beginning of the festive shopping period.
Are there any Christmas markets in London?
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Yes, there are several Christmas markets in London, with Hyde Park Winter Wonderland being one of the largest, alongside markets at the Southbank Centre, Covent Garden, and more.
What are the must-see Christmas events in London?
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Key events include the lighting ceremonies on Oxford and Regent Streets, the switch-on at Covent Garden, and attractions like Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, the Southbank Winter Festival, and ice skating at Somerset House.
