Christmas in the Capital

Most of my visit in London was spent rushing around catching up with family and friends but I did manage to grab a little bit of downtime to soak in some of the Festive cheer.

London at Christmas is fantastic - there are shows to see, extravagant lights to admire and the department stores do battle to create the best window display.  I managed to see the Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges displays (Selfridges won it for me with their fairytale inspired display).

 

Top of my Christmas agenda was a trip to Borough Market, London's largest permanent food market. I'd never been before, probably because I'd always heard it was really busy at weekends. Taking advantage of being in London mid week I visited early on Wednesday morning and it was lovely and peaceful.  

 

I loved it and can't recommend it enough. There were far more stalls than I ever could have imagined selling bread, cheese, meats and delicious looking cakes.

 

Being there at Christmas was extra special.  The market was beautifully decorated and the air was thick with the smell of mulled wine. 

There was only one drink I was interested in though. I'd heard that Konditor and Cook on the edge of the market sell the best hot chocolate in London so I had to try some. My little cup was exactly how hot chocolate should be - very thick and indulgently rich. 

My plan was to then walk along the Thames to the Southbank but the wet weather forced me onto the tube down to Waterloo to have a look at the Southbank Christmas Market.

This was one of my favourite festive markets when I was a Londoner. I would pick a night after work and go there for my dinner.

 

I must say it didn't really have the same atmosphere on a dreary wet Wednesday afternoon and I'd definitely recommend going after dark for the full experience. 

The last stop on my festive tour was Covent Garden.  Crammed with tourists, most Londoners avoid this area but if it's Christmas cheer you're after there really isn't anywhere better.

Giant Lego Santa had arrived in the Plaza and I happily joined the tourists jostling to stand in the best place for a good look at the amazing detail.

 

The main market looked fantastic with the roof adorned with giant baubles and lanterns.

 

And of course the best part is the huge tree that always stands proud at the back of the market.

 

Christmas in London is always special so if you get a chance to visit in December make sure you enjoy it and experience as much as you can.

 

This is my last post before Christmas so I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a nice relaxing break with your friends and family.

It's been a very successful and busy year here at New Girl in Toon.   I've had the most amazing time exploring the North East, making lots of new friends through my blog and being shortlisted for a Blog North Award which was such a huge honour. 

I intend to take a bit of a blogging break over Christmas and the New Year to recharge the batteries.   Blogging is so fun but it's also a lot of hard work and a little break is much needed.

Thank you so much for your support and kind words this year, they mean the world to me.   I have THE best readers and I appreciate each and every one of you who take the time to read and comment on my posts.  Hopefully this little blog will continue to grow and develop next year and I look forward to sharing it with you all. 

Happy Christmas x