London's Christmas lights show
The London lights at Christmas are well worth a visit. I wouldn't recommend trying to drive it though, unless you have a great deal of patience and don't care about your carbon footprint. The best way is to see them on foot. The benefit of running being you can travel further and see more.
My friend Ivona and I took the train from Ladywell to London Bridge. We ran to the riverside passing animal sculptures illuminated against the clear black sky with a full moon above and Tower Bridge lit up behind. A good start.
From there we ran along the south bank past cabins full of chocolate fountains, chestnuts, Bockwursts, mulled wine and tree decorations. We crossed Blackfriars Bridge and headed west along the north bank this time until we reached The Strand.
The Christmas tree at Charing Cross station was lit digitally and had a wide range of designs. Trafalgar Square's tree on the other hand was more traditional. Every year Norway sends a fir tree to thank the UK for liberating them in the second world war. This one was planted 60 years ago and was grown, cut down and shipped over for the people of Britain in 2023. A nativity scene next to it as a reminder that behind all the lights, food, consumerism and present giving lies the story of a baby in a cattle feeding trough that would turn the world upside down.
Our route took us past St Martin's church and along to Covent Garden with its spectacular tree and Dolce & Gabbana's colourful box of delights. From there we ran to Seven Dials and then through Leicester Square to Piccadilly Circus.
The angels were spreading their golden wings along Regent Street and Oxford Street. Next stop Carnaby Street and the best light display in the capital. Robins, snowmen, planets, you name it. We struggled to run due to the throngs of people looking and taking photographs.
The display at John Lewis was next. Huge teddy bears were climbing Christmas trees along the frontage. Bond Street's boutiques were covered in excessive decorations. Louis Vuitton had innovatively used Lego for their display. A couple of scantily clad models were shivering as their photos were taken in tiny dresses outside the designer stores.
Our last mile was along Piccadilly, past Green Park and Hyde Park, and into Knightsbridge. Harrods always impresses with the thousands of bulbs shining above the sports cars and designer outfits.
