Day 25: Christmas light displays from your area

[Nick]

Following this year's theme, Christmas is also weird. Even so, our cities are the constant to better times, still looking festive and the best they've been all year round. 

London might not be the same this year, but December still remains the month of mulled wine and extravagant lights. 

Since we are unable to travel, I thought I'd share with you a few photos. From my local area in Chelsea to central London's displays, this is the city in its astonishing Christmas attire. 

Whether you are in a big city or a small village, a winter wonderland or a Down Under sea-sun-sand paradise, what do your Christmas decorations look like? 

’tis the season to live vicariously through other people’s photos and all that. So heat up some merlot, pop in a cinnamon stick and Merry Christmas to all of you! 

Ho-ho-ho 🎄🎅

(Disclaimer: This is inspired by our Walk Around The Block series that @Ann72 and @Inna22 have marvellously executed in the past)  

InstagramOxford Street ChristmasInstagramInstagramCarnaby official

InstagramInstagramOxford Christmas LightsOxford Christmas Lights

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[Cathie19]

Oh wow @Nick, your photos are terrific!
I always believe that you can never have too many decorations at Christmas time; especially lights, and I so love a city that goes the extra mile! 

Well done London! 

[Nick]

Glad you enjoyed it @Cathie19 

I think we need it more than ever this year. Would be great giving you a tour in person sometime in the future 😃

[Yannis37]

@Nick Kala Xristougenna, Merry Christmas guys.🎄 London looks absolutely amazing.
I would like to thank all of of you at the community for the sofa throw I have received. What a lovely surprise @Katie @Liv @Nick  Wishing a happier year to come for everyone.

[Nick]

Kala Xristougenna @Yannis37 - so pleased you liked it! What's also great is you received it in time for Christmas 🎄 

[Yannis37]

@Nick I know, really appreciate it! Hope you are all keeping strong 

[Nick]

Same to you @Yannis37 all the best to you and yours 

[Nutth0]

@Nick wow a lot of beautiful​ photo​s. I when to London in December​ 2011 and 25th was my favorite​ as the bus stop operated​ and I can ride a bicycle​ in the street! Wish you​ a Merry​ Christmas and a happy​ new​ year. 

[Nick]

Reclaiming the streets feels amazing - this was also my exercise in our first lockdown, where we could go out for 1 hour to exercise. I would just take the bike to central london like Piccadilly, Regent street and Soho and the whole street would be empty. Have a lovely holiday season @Nutth0 

[Yuan100]

@Nick such beautiful photos! you make me miss London so much!!! Merry Christmas to you! Have a good break 😄

[Nick]

You too @Yuan100 

Please come visit when the madness is over 🙂 

[Bronwyn38]

WOW! What amazing views @Nick ! Thank you SO much for sharing them!!!! I have arrived in London from Australia on Boxing Day in the past, but back then it was mostly Regent Street illuminations.... Some of the homes at the top are just gorgeous! And so many of the others, a wonderful display to cheer people's hearts in such difficult times!!!! A very positive message here!!! Thanks again!!

[Nick]

I'm very glad you liked them @Bronwyn38 

All the best! 

[Laura2484]

‘Astonishing Christmas attire !

Great choice of words @Nickand as per usual your photos are captivating. 

‘So many fantastic shots, oohs and wows galore. You don’t have to be child to fall for the magic of Christmas time and lights’ 

Shine , shine , shine dear London ....

‘’Enjoy your time away from the CC Nick, hope you and your favourite people + 🐈 pet can sip on mulled wine , eat delicious food and be merry.’ 

Best wishes from NZ🌞

Laura

[Nick]

Aw, thank you so much @Laura2484 

I will give credit where it's due. Most are a mix of my own and from friends when we were allowed to meet outside just a couple of weeks ago. They are also from different walks, times and weather conditions and in a few of them the shops were still opened. 

I would say from my place to Covent Garden is about an hour and ten, fifteen minutes @Helen427 
I usually walk along King's Road and then cut through Hyde Park to get there sooner, but wouldn't be able to photograph the illuminations, so it takes a bit longer this way.

I would say a total of 2 and a half hours there and back, without the stops for the photos etc.

The biggest issue when we do long walks like this is the fact you can't use the toilet of any of the establishments as they are all doing takeaways only, so we really have to plan the route and take it easy on the coffees hahaha (beers are out of the question)