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London’s “Christmas Lights” 2018

Posted on December 18, 2018 by Geoff Clements Posted in Quirky Topics, Streets .

Being a Londoner at this particular time of year, there is always a pull on the old conscience, to take a trip ‘up west’ to see first-hand, the traditional annual Christmas Lights displayed on Oxford Street, Regent Street, South Moulton Street, and these days, many other streets in the surrounding area – a seasonal tradition that began back in 1954.

As a nipper, a trip ‘up-west’ to see the lights, was something that my mum & dad always tried to get done before Christmas Eve – but quite naturally, as you get older, the enthusiasm tends to wain a bit – especially when you’ve heard that devastating news that ‘Father Christmas’ doesn’t really exist.

However, in the past few years I have felt the urge to resurrect the pilgrimage up London to see the ‘lights’ again – maybe becoming a grandad has re-kindled some of that pre- Christmas excitement.

So – for the “London Shoes” website blog this week, and accompanied by my Mrs – I made way to London’s West End, to try and get in to the old Christmas spirit.

The weird (and slightly disappointing) thing about this year’s decorative light displays is that they are exactly the same as last years!!!

This ‘duplication’ was not intended – the original plan and design had been for the ‘lights’ to be themed around the forthcoming completion and opening of the “Crossrail” project – the new rail network running under London’s streets and out into the ‘burbs’, stopping at all the major main line connection stations – but, and probably to be expected, the official opening date has had to be put back as the project is some considerable way off completion.

So – viewing the 1,778  lights on display in Oxford Street for 2018, is a bit of a deja-vu experience for those that went to see the lights last year.

It’s not just the street lights that draw in the public – many of the stores also have invested in magnificent festive window displays, particularly the world famous “Selfridges” department store – whose theme for its 2018 window displays, is all about ‘Glam Rock’.

 Their ‘Rock n Roll’ Santa windows consist of mannequins inspired by the likes of Freddie Mercury and David Bowie –  plus other iconic ‘Glam Rock’ and music artefacts such as vintage microphones – clothing – numerous classic guitars and vintage theatre seats – all of which are surrounded by a backdrop of thousands of yards of shimmering glitter curtains

In “Regent Street, it is also the return appearance of their wonderful 2017 ‘Angels’ display.

However, in the famous Carnaby Street the main theme for its Xmas  decorations this year, is something new and spectacular – To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ – the songs entire lyrics are displayed in neon, in the skies above the street – a brilliant display, well worth seeing.

So – having spent a couple of hours wandering crowded streets full of shoppers (and pick-pockets) taking in all the sites, we decided to hop on the Central Line at Bond Street and head off to Notting Hill Gate station, and then stroll up to Kensington for the specific purpose of visiting the famous “Churchill Arms” pub – where there are some 93 Christmas Trees emblazoned with  21,500 lights, completely smothering the exterior of this excellent iconic old boozer.

The pub is famous for decorating its exterior – with thousands of ‘flowers’ in the summer months, and then ‘Christmas trees’ during the festive period. It’s a wonderful sight to see, and it certainly attracts the punters – so much so, I had to sadly ‘cock a snook’ at the massive queues at the bar – and uncharacteristically for me, had to make my way back home without a ‘cheeky’ beer having touched my lips 🙁

Anyway –that’s London’s 2018 Xmas Lights for ya – hope the accompanying photos have made you feel a bit Christmasy 🙂

The 2018 Christmas Lights of Oxford Street…..the same ones as displayed in 2017!!
More of the lights of Oxford Street
The “Selfridges” department store in all its Xmas glory
Just one of Selfridges ‘Glam Rock’ themed windows displays

Another of Selfridges ‘Glam Rock’ themed windows displays

Another of Selfridges ‘Glam Rock’ themed windows displays
Me – and the current Mrs Clements – gambling amongst the Xmas lights of Oxford Street

Another of Selfridges ‘Glam Rock’ themed windows displays
A Unicorn & it’s Baby – for sale in “Selfridges” – a ‘snip’ at only £4,800. I’m sure my 2 little granddaughters would love to find this in their Christmas stocking!1
Toy cars on sale in “Selfridges” – a ‘snip’ at £2000 – and likewise, I’m sure my young grandson would be more than happy if he found one of these wrapped up under the Christmas tree
Xmas decorations inside “Selfridges” department store in Oxford Street
Me – being chased by a £4k dinosaur in ‘Selfridges’ department store – Oxford Street.
The “Angel” Christmas lights OF ‘Regent Street’, London W1 – Once again, the same as last years decorations
More of Regent Streets ‘Angels

More of Regent Streets ‘Angels
Me – with an ‘Angel’ on me barnet!!
The decorative blue Christmas lights of ‘South Moulton Street’ – just off Oxford Street
Carnaby Street’s excellent displays of festive ‘neon’
The lyrics to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” – are brilliantly displayed in neon in stages along London’s iconic ‘Carnaby Street’ – to commemorate the 40th anniversary of its release
More “Bo Rap” lyrics in Carnaby Street
More neon on display in Carnaby Street
Me – and my ‘accomplice’ for the evening – gambling through Carnaby Street.
The iconic and extremely popular “Churchill Arms” pub in Kensington – as it looks in the summer-time, completely smothered in floral displays.
The “Churchill Arms”  Kensington – as it looks this week – completely smothered by 93 Christmas trees and 21,500 festive lights

A closer view of the famous “Churchill Arms”  Kensington – as it looks this week –

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6 Comments
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6 Responses

  1. Gill says
    December 19, 2018 at 9:38 pm

    I have great memories of the London lights. Always went to see Father Christmas and Auntie Holly at Selfridges.

    Reply
  2. Jane M Slater says
    December 20, 2018 at 10:29 am

    Happy Christmas Geoff, keep up the excellent posts, we look forward to them every week. I can definatly see your are enjoying your retirement. Regards Jane

    Reply
  3. Neal says
    January 9, 2019 at 11:40 am

    A fitting finale to your 2018 blogs. Always a pleasure to read, so informative and backed up by some great photos. And a fantastic link back to the Churchill Arms from a previous blog

    Reply
  4. Tim says
    January 9, 2019 at 11:40 am

    Good to see London all lit up Geoff. Looking forward to seeing more of your travels in 2019.

    Reply
  5. Nisha says
    January 9, 2019 at 11:41 am

    Love London specially this time of the year. Thank you for posting

    Reply
  6. Albert says
    January 23, 2019 at 3:24 pm

    A very well-written article in my opinion – very educational and informative. I’m really inspired by your work. Thankx and best of luck.

    Reply

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