A hop, skip & a jump from the Thames
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.
Where the magic happens…

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.

Off to the Tower you go!
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.
Down by the river
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.
A helpful guide
If you've yet to discover London and its ancient history, then let's start planning. I find these DK Eyewitness Travel Guides invaluable. They're extremely informative, easy to follow, and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more of those fascinating sites.
You can now grab a recently revised copy of this guidebook, so you won't miss a thing.
St Katherine’s Dock
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.
Now I’ll let you cross Tower bridge
From the south of the Thames, Tower Bridge and the City of London look amazing, and Christmas time is no exception.
There are over 100 German style cabins here, tempting you with delicacies and gifts from near and far.
Hays Galleria
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.
Want to discover more than about London?
We've a little book on our shelves that we sometimes delve into when we're about to hit an area of London.
Packed full of historical facts, and broken down into the different regions of London, it's a great resource to help you see what's hidden in plain sight.
Available in Kindle & Hardback editions, it's an excellent addition to anyone's collection who loves London.
The Shard
Keeping south
Up and over London Bridge keeping south, you drop down into Borough.
Then into sight comes the historic Globe Theatre.
Off to the Gallery
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.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Short and sweet…just how I like my glühwein
Although this is a very short glimpse of London at Christmas, it takes you through some extremely historical areas of this glorious city.
Do You?
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?
Inspired to visit London at Christmas?
And why not? think Love Actually. This post is a tiny snippet of what you can see in London at Christmas.
Why not check out the deals on Booking.Com?

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