Christmas has arrived in the London area with lots of twinkling lights popping up everywhere. These are my favourite Christmas Lights around the London area in 2019. All of these I have been to and are great to photograph some of the images are still to be added. I have also added some tips on where I think is the best place to shoot. I have even created a map for you making it much easier for you on Google Maps, the link is below. I will add further places as and when I visit them so it will grow to more than 10.
1. Christmas at Kew
With over 1 million LED lights and a new trail this year you will be enchanted as you walk through the magical lights. Some of the highlights include an 18-foot waterfall of lights from the treetop walkway. A tunnel of lights, mistletoe lit seats and many other surprises. With a 2.7km trail through the grounds with beautiful displays of lights, you will need between 2 to 3 hours especially if you are doing long exposure shots. Read more on my blog here.
2. Watford Christmas Lights
The lights in Watford are one of the best we have ever had and I have been living in Watford since 1983. They are big and interactive, they are great for those Instagram selfies. You can go inside the baubles on the high street which are nice and colourful. Cool shots are portraits on the bridge over the pond and inside the baubles. You can see more of my shots here.
3. Regent Street Christmas Lights
Although the same as last year it is still one of the best Christmas lights. It can get a bit crowded so best to go after 11pm, one of the best parts is the part after Piccadilly Circus where the road goes down to Pall Mall. You can take some great long exposure shots in the centre of the road. If you are lucky you might get busses each side. The curve of Regent Street before it gets to Piccadilly Circus is also a good spot. Read more on my blog here.
4. Carnaby Street
It is that time of the year when the Christmas lights get switched on, first out of the block this year was Carnaby Street. The crowds packed the streets to see Ronnie Wood turn the lights on. With this years theme being “Save the Planet” by Project Zero. Everywhere there are good shots of the lights with the eco-friendly displays which are made out of recycled materials. Read more about the turning on of the lights on my blog here.
5. Winterfest at Wembley
Winterfest describes itself as Christmas in Technicolour! This is the first time Winterfest has been held in Wembley and it transforms some of the places around Wembley Stadium into an immersive technicolour playground. The Christmas tree is one of the biggest LED-lit trees in the UK, at 10m tall and with 100,000 LEDs. There are lots of opportunities to take photos and portraits of people. Read more on my blog here.
6. Trafalgar Square tree
Not yet put up but this tree is a gift from the Norwegians each Christmas for the help they got from the UK during the 2nd World War. It is lit up on the 5th December my photo below is from a few years ago. Some cool pictures can be done by using the reflections in the fountains but usually gets quite busy there so wait will after 9pm.
7. Kings Cross St Pancras Station Tree
Head to the centre of St Pancras station where the Eurostar terminal is situated. The tree this year is stunning it is a collaboration with Lancôme, composed of 1500 perfume bottles that have been rearranged into a 36-foot homage to the Eiffel Tower. The bottles have LED lights inside some 1300 of them, which will flash in a light display throughout the festive season just like the real Eiffel Tower. One of the best shots is up the escalator to where the trains leave.
photos coming soon
8. Annabels, New Bond Street
This private members club has an extravagant tree at the front of their building, it is silver and white with large baubles and a big star on top. Its great for Instagram, the club is in Mayfair.
photos to come
9. Sloan Square & Duke of York Square
All around the area, the trees are lit up and the buildings have large displays.
photos to come
10. Natural History Museum Ice Rink
Set with the backdrop of the Waterhouse building, the Ice Rink at the Natural History Museum is one of the most magical places to be this winter. The Christmas tree sits in the middle of the ice rink, you can get some lovely shots with the reflections on the ice.
photos to come
Thanks for reading about my 10 favourite places for Christmas decorations let me know if you visited any of the lights, leave a comment below. I may add a few extra places on here in the weeks before Christmas.
Links
Google Maps – https://goo.gl/maps/kyDG2ySbw7KZxr1z6 Click to view on Google maps
Flickr – https://www.flickr.com/photos/alalchan/albums/72157711689563598
Instagram – http://www.instagram.com/alalchan
Instagram – http://www.instagram.com/alalchan
Alamy Stock Agency – https://www.alamy.com/portfolio/alalchan to purchase any images
