An entirely subjective and definitely not comprehensive assessment of Xmas lights seen around London (or if you want to be pedantic, Westminster).
With some time to kill before and after attending a meeting I went walkabout to see the bright lights and Xmas trees.
Strand
Strand now has Angels. I’m not sure if these are new but they’re different to the blue and silver circular arrangements that I remember from previous years. Not bad.
Trafalgar Square
The tree from Norway is up as usual. As is the overpriced tat Xmas market on the North side. I steered clear of the sheds and looked on from the closed entrance to Charing Cross tube.
St. Martin’s Lane
These theatrically themed lights are carried over from previous years.
Covent Garden
They’ve brought the red and white lit tree down from the loft for another year for the crowds of terminally gormless tourists to gawp at though to be fair it is quite a nice tree. Large bells hang inside the Apple Market replacing the giant mistletoe of previous years. The London Transport Museum has squeezed its own tree into the corner outside the entrance.
Seven Dials
Several of the streets have sheets of lights suspended above them which look much better in real life than in photos.
Passing by some Instagramable stars on High Holborn outside the Shaftesbury Theatre I arrived on Oxford Street. Meh. I don’t see what all the fuss is about Oxford Street, never have. Judging by the lacklustre stars dangling on strings across the road I think maybe whoever is responsible for the Xmas lights can’t really be arsed either. I had to wait a while to get a photo without a bus in the way.
Carnaby Street
I think that these cubist Xmas crackers (it took me a moment to realise that’s what they are) are new. The cold blue and violet lighting bathing everything in the street is distinctive but doesn’t really shout Christmas. Mind you they used to have whales, turtles and other creatures from the deep so cubist crackers are a little more conventional!
Regent Street
Sees the return of the big blingy angels. They’re impressive though they have been around quite a few years now. Is it time for something new?
Soho
Anyway in my not-so-humble opinion the best Xmas lights this year are to be found dotted around the streets of Soho. Step aside Regent Street, make way for the Broadwick Street Angel.
You might think that she looks like she was drawn by a kid and that’s because she was. Along with 56 others co-designed by pupils from Soho Parish Primary School in collaboration with architects and artists.
I didn’t have time to seek them all out since they’re spread out across Archer Street, Brewer Street, Rupert Street, Frith Street, Soho Square,
Dean Street, Wardour Street, Berwick Street, Broadwick Street,
Lexington Street, Golden Square, Great Pulteney Street, Warwick Street, Marshall Street,
Greek Street, and Upper James Street. There’s more information - and a map! - HERE
Merry Xmas from Soho.
