A few festive hours in London at Christmas

London is a huge city at the best of times, but in the festive season there are glistening lights and twinkling trees tempting you everywhere.
 
So, which way do you turn?…….if you only have few hours you’ll be amazed at what you can see.

The 14th century Leadenhall Market is a striking sanctuary in the City of London for 11 months of the year, but at Christmas time Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley is magical.

With Christmas trees peering down on all the boutiques and bars.

Heading southeast you reach one of London’s iconic landmarks the Tower of London. If you peer over the wall into the moat, where in 2014 a sea of poppies flowed through, you are now greeted by a sea of ice, with one amazing backdrop.

Remember to book your one hour slot.

Your eyes are automatically drawn to another London icon, Tower Bridge. For me this bridge means London like no other landmark. Every commuting day for 27 years I travelled past it and never became bored of its presence.

Before you rush south across the bridge take a few steps back to the hidden oasis of St Katherine Docks.

The 45ft Christmas tree here is wonderful, set on a central pontoon floating in the middle of the dock. On the hour, the 14,000 twinkling lights and the 5ft star come alive.

Have a wander as you’ll see some of the yachts have had a little festive splash on them as well.

From the south of the Thames, Tower Bridge and the City of London look amazing, and Christmas time is no exception.

As you stroll past City Hall you meander into the ‘London Bridge City Christmas Market’.

There are over 100 German style cabins here, tempting you with delicacies and gifts from near and far.

Sandwiching this market is Hays Galleria. This elegant Grade II listed building was once a working wharf in the Pool of London, for ships to bring in tea & other produce.

My Dad worked on the Thames as a Lighterman for many years, so this part of London always brings back happy memories to me.

Today the impressive glass vaulted ceiling gives you cover to shop and dine in stylish surroundings.

This impressive glass structure piercing through the sky comes alive of an evening. With a wonderful light and beam display illuminating the London skyline until 2am.

Up and over London Bridge keeping south, you drop down into Borough.

As you continue hugging the backs of the Thames, you pass some fine pubs if you fancy a pit stop.

Then into sight comes the historic Globe Theatre.

The Christmas Market at Tate Modern on Bankside, returns for a 3rd year.

This lovely traditional style Christmas market is full of tempting goodies from candles, wooden toys, decorations, baubles and many other handmade items.

That’s before you even start on the festive food and drink, it wouldn’t be the same without a bratwurst and gluhwein.

Then if you are brave enough there is the Victorian carousel for the young and old. There’s even a traditional Christmas wooden pyramid.

Strolling over the Millennium bridge heading north across the Thames, you are greeted with another iconic landmark.

The amazing St Paul’s Cathedral, in all its wonderful glory.

Another sight you could never get tired of.

Although this is a very short glimpse of London at Christmas, it takes you through some extremely historical areas of this glorious city.

Love London at Christmas? We do. Have you visited, do you live in London, or work here? What’s your favourite spot in London at Christmas?

And why not?  think Love Actually. This post is a tiny snippet of what you can see in London at Christmas.

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