Ahh, London just surpasses itself at this festive time of year, the glistening historic streets embrace all that is ho ho ho.
 
Angel’s soaring overhead along Regent Street, ice rinks full of children’s laughter and shop fronts wrapped up like Christmas gifts.

So following on from a 'Few Hours in London' in 2016 & 'A Few More Hours in London' in 2017 we are ready to explore.

Natural History Museum’s ice rink

You’re never too old to believe in Santa, London is a Christmas lovers paradise.

Unable to resist the lure of ‘the smoke’ at Christmas, we venture up to England’s capital city to unwrap even more of those Yuletide locations.
 
This time Gary and I head to South Kensington, which is just a short stroll to the Natural History Museum.

Dust off your ice-skates and go for a spin, with the spectacular museum behind you. Festive tunes are playing and the irresistible aroma of chocolate-covered nuts as you twist and swirl around the ice.

Natural History Museum’s merry-go-round

If trying to balance on two tiny blades isn’t your thing then, take the more sedate option of the merry-go-round.

Meandering along Brompton Road, we see way ahead of us the beautiful lights that trace the iconic London store of Harrods. With the fluttering flags of the world around its rooftop, it looks so elegant.

Harrods

Harrods is such an incredible sight in London, and it attracts so many visitors, just to view from the outside.
 
The Harrods department store covers around five acres which is quite a progression, from when it was founded way back in 1849.
 
Be warned Harrods even has a dress code.

Strolling further along into Knightsbridge there is certainly no lack of money here. We pass Harvey Nichols’s flagship store on the corner of Sloane Street. This luxury department store is even older than Harrods as it was established in 1831.

Harvey Nichols

Opposite Harvey Nichols is the stylish 5-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel Hyde Park. Recently undertaken a full refurb this exclusive hotel has welcomed some highly notable visitors, but I'm not a gossip.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Hyde Park

We reach Hyde Park, to what has now become one of London’s most popular Christmas events ‘Winter Wonderland’.

Entrance to Winter Wonderland

Entrance to Winter Wonderland is free, you can then either pre-book any rides or shows you want to visit. Or, see where the day leads and pay on arrival.

Rides in Winter Wonderland, your age doesn’t matter

Take a stroll around the Bavarian Village, sample some bratwurst and gluhwein and if you’re wrapped up warm then head to the ice bar for a cocktail.
 
There are plenty of things to keep the young and old entertained here.

What Gary and I love is just strolling around the streets of London and just seeing where the twinkling lights and the enchanting Christmas baubles guide us.

In and around Mayfair, it is just wonderful, there are so many charming porches, shop fronts and hotels entrances, you just keep stopping.

Pasticceria Marchesi, Milanese pastry shop

Annabel’s Private Member’s club

As we wander into Berkeley Square, we come across Annabel’s, an exclusive private member’s club. Recently opened in its new home, a Grade I listed Georgian mansion.
 
A little sophistication is called for to enter here. However, no expense is spared here on exterior illumination, and it looks stunning.

New and Old Bond Street just oozes sophistication, how can you resist stores like Bulgari, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Gucci.

Bulgari in New Bond Street

Well, I manage to, as Gary only brings me here when the shops have closed for the evening.

New Bond Street Chandelier

New Bond Street Christmas lights

My favourite decorative store along New Bond Street is Cartier. Every year they make it look incredible. It is charming to see how many shops make an effort; it really is appreciated.

Cartier, New Bond Street

Boodles and Cartier

As you effortlessly amble into Old Bond Street, you are met with the beautiful Tiffany & Co. and the bright lights of Stella

Tiffany & Co., Old Bond Street

Stella McCartney, Old Bond Street

The elegant, stylish arcades around this part of London must be seen. They are the height of sophistication and have been serving their local patrons for over a hundred years.

The Royal Arcade

The Piccadilly Arcade

The Victorian ‘Royal Arcade’ opened in 1879, the Piccadilly Arcade opened in 1909. Although the Burlington Arcade is celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2019. An interesting fact about Burlington Arcade is that it has it's own police force, 'The Beadles', England's oldest police force.

Another store that always goes that extra mile is Fortnum & Mason along Piccadilly. This year their incredible front of house display was a huge advent calendar. Each twinkling sash window was lit up with a number.

Fortnum & Mason's

Just a short hop from Piccadilly and you are in Regent Street. The home of some wonderfully elegant buildings and everyone’s favourite toy shop ‘Hamley’s’.

Regent Street

Angels soaring above Regent Street

Bring a brolly, a warm coat and comfy shoes, it is London after all.

For that little bit of something different, you must head to Carnaby Street. All along this pedestrianised lane in Soho, you’ll see some unusual sights.
 
This year’s festive theme on Carnaby Street is ‘One Ocean, One Planet’.

Colourful Carnaby Street

Ganton Street

As you stroll the full length of the street keep looking left and right, there is always something weird and wonderful happening.

Kingly Court

Beak Street

He sees you when you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake!

What have you been?

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