Friday, 15 December, 2017
My experiences of Christmas time in the city are diverse. I’ve spent time in London, Toronto, Budapest, Berlin, Birmingham, Lincoln, Bath, Orange County, and San Francisco – at Christmas or in the lead up to Christmas. Cities have unique ways to display their affection for the season and all of them have been magical in their own way.
I expected Germany to be go more spectacular and their markets were indeed quite lovely but surprisingly understated. On my list is a visit to the Nurnberg Christmas market, which I hear is the most famous of all German markets, dating back at least to the 17th century. I’ve been to Nurnberg and I know the setting would be perfect.
Budapest at Christmas has been the most special time for me, especially when the days are shared with Chanukah. Both festivals run side by side and intermingle. Perhaps later this year I will go back there and travel on to Nurnberg from there. On my list!
But I’m not here to talk about Budapest right now. London!
I wonder what New York City Christmas is like. Judging from previous visits, I suspect it’s pretty full-on and perhaps flashy. London is also full-on but in a delightfully understated way despite all the colour and light. Somehow it feels natural to see the Christmas scenes in a city that has no snow and can otherwise be shabby. And Christmas is everywhere. Turn a corner and there’s more. Overhead, along the streets on railings and windows, hanging from balconies, glimpsed through doors and windows. Christmas takes over.
I was determined to see the things I’d missed on my last visit. And, although I did cover quite a bit of ground, I know I still didn’t see it all. I did my best! Following are more photos than you may care to see…
One of the things I really enjoy is the London sense of humour. It’s cheeky and sharp and smart. At the huge Hamley’s toy department store, they had an elf team working. One stood outside on a soap box – very Londony. Two others were inside the door handing out shopping bags. I didn’t go inside this time because the crowds outside were enough to contend with.
Oxford Street windows
Liberty – with the famous Liberty prints 
