Christmas in London: cold weather, snowfall, brightly lit fireplaces, giggles & laughter

The idea of Christmas to me has always been cold weather, hint of sleeting and snowfall, brightly lit fire places and well adorned trees with turtle doves and colourful ornaments. And perhaps nothing matches this description better than spending Christmas holidays in London.

London is my favourite city for many reasons. The busy city transforms itself magically into a large fair ground during this time of the year. Though the temperature drops considerably, the city gets warm with the buzzing localities taking a break from the fast-paced life, the hustle bustle of the tourists to catch the best bargain in the numerous shops and the restaurants and bars filled with giggles and laughter from afternoon till dawn.

There is no room for the slightest boredom in this city especially during this time.

One can soak in the sights and wonders of the wonderful British architecture lit up in Christmas spirit as you walk through the lanes and by lanes welcoming the festive cheers.

Spend a day walking past the Big Ben, the majestic Westminster Abbey and London Bridge. Take a bird’s eye view from London Eye with the idyllic Thames flowing below you. Walk to the Buckingham Palace to see the change of guards or just rest by the fountains of Trafalgar Square enjoying varied street performances. Feed the ducks in the artistic carved out ponds in Regent Park and St. James Park or just have a lazy picnic watching the swans and birds flocking during this time.

Satiate your cravings at the old Borough Market and Covent Garden for the hearty British stews and pies and wonder at the freshness of the colourful fruits and vegetables.

Winter wonderland at Hyde Park undergoes a magical transformation with entertainment, games, rides, skating, food stalls, mulled wine and pop up stores of Christmas goodies, gifts and memorabilia.

There is ample fun in street parties too and Central London transforms into a party zone for New Year’s with splendid fireworks adorning the sky. Even with shorter days and longer nights, the city has something to offer for everyone – from four-year-olds to forty and beyond.

Having spent five Christmas vacations in London – there is nowhere else I would want to spend my holidays during my most favourite time of the year!