Photo essay: Christmas in London (Includes interview and first-hand account)

Starting at one of London’s most magnificent railway stations – St. Pancras – which itself is an interesting, Gothic Grade I listed building located on Euston Road, there is a Christmas tree with a difference. The tree is made up entirely of Disney toys.

Several characters from Disney’s most popular shows make up the spectacular creation.

Tim Sandle

Standing at 14 meters high, the tree is dusted with snowflakes every four minutes to create a festive atmosphere.

The magical tree has been created using 2,000 individual Disney Store soft toys. After Christmas all toys will be donated to charity.

Tim Sandle

Other parts of the station are also pleasantly decorated.

A long garland high up at St. Pancras station in London.

Tim Sandle

Nearby inside the Renaissance Hotel, the bar area boasts a more traditional fur tree.

St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel; part of the hotel was designed by George Gilbert Scott in 1873. Today the cocktail bar has an impressive, traditional Christmas tree.

Tim Sandle

Elsewhere in the hotel, small Christmas tress are located on tables.

The Christmas tree is a tradition that owes its popularity in part to the popular British Queen Victoria.

Tim Sandle

Moving to another part of London, the streets of Wembley are lit in a contemporary style. These lights are located close to Wembley stadium.

Christmas lights at Wembley, London. The prime landmark in the area is Wembley Stadium, rebuilt 2003-2007 at a cost of £827 million.

Tim Sandle

Then across the city again to the famous international dance theater Sadler’s Wells. Here a Christmas tree, in rich red decor, stands in the foyer.

A Christmas tree at Sadler’s Wells. Sadler’s Wells Theatre is a performing arts venue located in Rosebery Avenue, Clerkenwell in the London Borough of Islington.

Tim Sandle

Further up is London’s biggest and brightest shopping street – Oxford Street. Each year the lights are very different. Here’s a glimpse at this year’s offering.

The Christmas lights of Oxford Street. It is Europe’s busiest shopping street, with around half a million daily visitors.

Tim Sandle

Now we move to the center of London and step down into the crypts of St Martin-in-the-Fields. The church is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. The crypt houses a café which hosts jazz concerts. As expected for this time of year, it has several Christmas trees.

A Christmas tree in the church crypt. The crypt is also home to the London Brass Rubbing Center, an art gallery and a book and gift shop.

Tim Sandle

Across the road from the church is the famous Trafalgar Square, the site of many a protest or gathering in London. Each year the square has a Christmas tree from Norway. The tree has been donated to the people of Britain by the city of Oslo each year since 1947, as a token of gratitude for British support of Norway during the Second World War.

The tree is prominently displayed in Trafalgar Square from the beginning of December until 6 January.

Tim Sandle

Nearby, Chanukah is also celebrated.

The Jewish Festival of Lights is also acknowledged in central London.

Tim Sandle

While the tree is impressive, the one at Covent Garden is altogether more spectacular.

Covent Garden is a popular tourist hot spot. It containins cafes, pubs, small shops, and a craft market called the Apple Market.

Tim Sandle

There are various light sculptures of interest, such as the archetypal reindeer.

Christmas in Covent Garden, an illuminated reindeer.

Tim Sandle

All around there are prettily decorated streets and shops.

A Covent Garden street decorated for Christmas. The Covent Garden area has over 60 pubs and bars; several of them are listed buildings.

Tim Sandle

The Tea Shop at Covent Garden is decorated for Christmas.

Tim Sandle

Lights in all directions, a street full of people making Christmas merry in London.

Tim Sandle

In other parts of London, both inside and outside, both winter and Christmas are marked.

Inside a Thai restaurant in London. This display perhaps marks the winter solstice. Winter solstice is an astronomical phenomenon marking the shortest day and the longest night of the year.

Tim Sandle

A Christmas tree in a cosy, traditional looking London pub called the Inn Of Court.

Tim Sandle

These picture give only a taste of what London has to offer this time of year. London at Christmas has plenty of seasonal magic.