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December 19, 2021 by: Sunny London

Visiting London at Christmas

Considering visiting London at Christmas? Perhaps you’ve been enticed by all the beautiful photos you’ve seen on Instagram? Maybe you know someone who went to London at Christmas and told you about it? Or perhaps you’ve seen a British Christmas movie that got you curious?

I’ve lived in London for eight years and London at Christmas is by far when the town is the most beautiful. Mr Sunny and I make it our mission every year to visit as many Christmas markets, holiday activities and decorated locations as we can.

This means I can give you all the information for visiting London at Christmas in a way that will save you time and money because it’s from behind the scenes of a local’s perspective.

You can read the text below. Or- watch the YouTube video I published which shares shots of the points I explain.

Visiting London at Christmas- Weather

First, just stop fantasizing about snow caps on Big Ben and Parliament.

In eight years, I have seen snow on maybe 6 days in London. Two, maybe three, of those days were in December. Plus- the famous clock tower has been covered in scaffold for the past few years. So any ‘naked’ photos you’ve seen of it are unrealistic at the moment.

A lot of what you see as iconic London in winter photos are very carefully edited images on Instagram.

And they’re outdated.

The average temperature is between 40-50 degrees. And yes, it can rain often in December.

You also should know that the days are very short in comparison to America, especially in the southern US states.

Daylight begins around 8am and ends by 4pm.

Visiting London at Christmas- Book Early

The two attractions that will sell out fastest are Winter Wonderland and Christmas at Kew Gardens. So be sure in the end of July that you are watching for those ticket release dates. You actually didn’t need tickets for Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland until 2021. Because, Covid changed that.

My weekly emails in which I share all the behind the scenes news of London’s food, life and culture will let you know when the booking dates for 2022 will be. And- in the emails you can learn Mr Sunny’s Pub of the Week suggestion.

Visiting London at Christmas- Lights and Decorations

Like many cosmopolitan cities, the lights and decorations are magical. However, knowing which ones to see and how to group them together will help you plan your trip when visiting London at Christmas.

I suggest you see these four areas together since they’re in close proximity to each other:

Covent Garden
Regent Street
Bond Street
Oxford Street

Then, if you have more time to explore, you should visit Leadenhall Market, Duke of York Square and Christmas by the River at London Bridge.

However, if you are pressed for time and don’t mind spending money to save aggravation, you should book a London Christmas lights bus tour that takes you past the main attractions in one easy trip.

You will sacrifice all the selfies in the individual areas, but if you’re not looking to practice your low light photography skills and glow up your Insta, then it could be a viable option for you.

Visiting London at Christmas- Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

There’s also another idea for those who want to double up on festive activities. Just before Covid hit I had the chance to take a Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in Town. There are a few considerations that I bring up in my article that you’ll want to take before booking, but I had a lot of fun on my adventure that night.

christmas-afternoon-tea-on-a-bus-in-london-brigits-bakery

Visiting London at Christmas- Store And Restaurant Decorations

Not only should you be ready for all the major Department stores to show their festive flair, but also there are other places that make a big effort to decorate for the holidays.

Department Store windows not to miss:

Oxford Street- John Lewis and Selfridges
Regent Street- Hamley’s
Carnaby Street- Liberty of London
Knightsbridge- Harrods and Harvey Nichols

Specialty Locations:

Clos Maggiore, restaurant in Covent Garden
Annabel’s- private members’ club in Mayfair
The Ivy, locations throughout London
Tiffany’s- Bond Street

Visiting London at Christmas- Trees to See

Since London is a city that is quite big, there are beautiful Christmas trees spread out over many places.

The best ones each year to visit in London are ranked below from best to least preferred:

Covent Garden
Somerset House
Christmas by the River, London Bridge Hay’s Galleria
King’s Cross St Pancras International Station
Trafalgar Square

If you’re from New York City, you will likely think that Trafalgar Square will be the iconic London Christmas Tree to see because of its ‘famous’ location.

If that’s the case, you’ll probably want to watch the video I reference above to get the skinny on why you could be wasting your time with the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree.

Visiting London at Christmas- Food to Eat

As a foodie, I must mention the culinary highlights of the season that you should consider.

Festive afternoon teas at luxury hotels
Street food at Christmas markets
Christmas sandwiches at chain shops like Pret a Manger
Christmas burgers

In fact, I’ve already made a video just about the food you should eat at Christmas in London.

Visiting London at Christmas- Getting Around Town

Transportation around London is where you will find a big difference in what people visiting London need and what is actually available.

In summary, it can be limited.

For example, on Christmas Day there are no busses, overground trains or underground stations operation trains. So, if you’re flying in to London on Christmas Day, book a car service in advance and know that the prices will exceed anything you’ve seen elsewhere on the internet.

Additionally, I’ve been at many Central London stations in December where they temporarily closed at peak times due to overcrowding. Yes, I eventually got on a train. But, rather than being trapped underground with masses of people, I stood in a large, unorganised crowd outside the station and waited for it to reopen.

Also in 2021 the TFL (Transportation for London) held several strike actions on key shopping and travel weekends. Luckily, I was able to plan around them because of the advance notice. However, if you’re on a trip visiting London at Christmas, you will want to keep these possibilities of closures and delays in mind.

Visiting London at Christmas- Pubs

While you might not be able to catch a ride easily on public transportation, you can always count on the Brits for a place to drink during the holidays.

You’ll find many pubs and restaurants open on Christmas Day, but again the best ones will be booked early. To learn more about the special things London Pubs do at Christmas, watch the video below.

Visiting London at Christmas- No Guarantees

Through Covid, we’ve learned that even the most beloved restaurants and activities could cease at any time.

In 2021 we’ve seen the cancellation of the New Year’s Eve fireworks for the second year in a row. Also, the Night Tube, which is usually free on New Year’s Eve, will be charging ticket fees.

Your best bet is to plan for the unexpected and be willing to adapt, reschedule or cancel.

Visiting London at Christmas- The Queen

If you know- you know. And that means- you tune in at 3pm to watch the Queen’s Speech if you know how to truly be a subject of the Crown.

Each year Her Majesty the Queen addresses the United Kingdom. Her speech usually features a theme of unity and inspiration. However, this year I anticipate it will be quite somber.

She has lost her life companion and we’re no longer part of the European Union. Further, it’s the second year we’ve fought a virus and have restrictions on our holiday festivities. She also has a son who is entrenched in an American billionaire’s scandalous activities with female minors.

And then there’s those two that have popped off to the US and used every avenue they could to prosper from her Royal heritage.

Yeah, we’ll all tune in this year and be keen to hear her address.

God Save the Queen. She needs it!

Visiting London at Christmas- Boxing Day

While British people can’t really articulate a clear idea of what this Bank Holiday really means, it’s important to know about what actually happens if you’re visiting London at Christmas.

You can research the history behind the day after Christmas to find it’s true derivation. However, British people traditionally eat leftovers (Bubble and Squeak) and hit the Boxing Day sales at all the retail stores.

Over the past few years the impact of these sales has been decreased by the adoption of Black Friday sales in England.

I have no idea why, since Black Friday is a truly American shopping concept and I review that in the video below.

Nonetheless, if you’re visiting London at Christmas you’ll want to be prepared for what happens during the Boxing Day sales.

Department store queues can be long before they open but most Londoners aren’t too fussed about being the first ones in shops, unlike Americans. You will find crowds later in the day so it’s best to hit those deals early to avoid disappointment.

I scored some amazing prices on shoes at Selfridges the year I set my alarm and started shopping a few hours after sunrise.

Visiting London at Christmas- Final Thoughts

What are your biggest questions and concerns about visiting London at Christmas that you think I can answer? Please write them in the comments below.

I have tons of articles on the topic on my blog as well as video. You don’t want to miss those for more ideas about how to plan your trip to visit London at Christmas.

December 11, 2021 by: Sunny London

London Bridge Christmas Market

What Christmas Market is the best for a person who loves London and Christmas? The London Bridge Christmas Market! If you haven’t been there yet, you must put this on your Christmas bucket list for a London trip.

If you’ve been reading the Sunny News on my blog, you know that I am super excited about Winter Wonderland every year in London because it combines theme parks and Christmas. As a girl who grew up in Florida who has a festive spirit, this is the dreamiest place to be during the holidays.

That was until Mr Sunny took me to ‘Christmas by the River’. This area is also known as London Bridge City. It’s billed as the ‘most scenic Christmas market under the stars.’ And once you go, you know.

General Information

Like nearly everything in London, it was closed in 2020. However, it’s up and running for 2021. It officially opened on 16th November and will remain operational (we hope!) until 2nd January 2022.

The daily hours are Sunday-Wednesday 11.00am-21.00pm and Thursday-Saturday 11.00am-22.00pm.

Additional holiday hours to note are:

Christmas Eve- 11.00am-17.00pm
Christmas Day- closed
New Year’s Eve- 11.00am-20.00pm
2nd January- 11.00am-17.00pm

London Bridge Christmas Market- Where is the market?

It’s located on the south riverside of the Thames. However, if you’re from London, you would know this because you actually know which bridge is London Bridge. Most people who are not familiar with London mistakenly think that the iconic Tower Bridge is London Bridge.You also know where the overground and underground station is too. It’s a popular one for linking to overground trains, as well as trains to Gatwick airport.

While they are not too far from each other, there is a big difference between the two. The London Bridge Christmas Market is basically located between these two famous bridges.

If you’re arriving via one of the train stations, walk to Hay’s Galleria when you leave the station. The Christmas tree is always a beautiful place to grab a few pictures for your Instagram. Plus, the Hay’s on the River cocktail bar is not something you would want to miss due to its gorgeous holiday decor.

london-bridge-christmas-market-hays-galleria-tree

london-bridge-christmas-market-hays-galleria

Once you have a little sip of some spirits, exit the galleria toward the Thames. Most of the London Bridge Christmas Market stalls are to the east, which is in the direction of the unmissable Tower Bridge. We did find a few heading west toward the London Eye.

London Bridge Christmas Market- What to Eat and Drink

As a foodies, this is where Mr Sunny and I put most of our attention. Of course Mr Sunny was sussing out the beer opportunities as soon as we arrived.

Perhaps the most obvious beer stop is The Horniman at Hays. This Nicholson’s pub is popular for the after work crowd. The tables outside give you views of the most iconic features of London’s skyline. However, this clearly is available year round. So, what’s specifically there for holidays?

There are several pop up bars in the London Bridge Christmas Market. We stopped in the Riverside Lodge. Since we visited the market late on a Thursday afternoon, it wasn’t busy at all. However, there was a small table for a DJ, so I imagine it gets pretty lively at night.

We did notice a few people sitting inside who were not having cocktails, mulled wine or beer and were simply sipping coffee or eating food they purchased from other stalls. This was despite the numerous signs outside the Riverside Lodge that indicated it was for their specific customers only. However, later I will attempt to provide reasoning for why these people took cover in this area.

london-bridge-christmas-market-riverside-lodge-bar

Mr Sunny and I walked the length of the London Bridge Christmas Market observing all of the food options presented at the stalls. The selection has a range of international cuisines including: Thai, Mexican, German, Chinese and Indian. You can also find fried chicken and burgers.

While many looked tempting, we opted for our traditional Christmas market street food favourite- sausage. Our Polish sausages were cut in half and lined with grated cheese (that’s ‘shredded’ for my American readers). We felt they were better and a little cheaper than what we had this year at Winter Wonderland. Except for one thing. Again, you’ll hear about the one big negative to our visit in a minute.

And of course, what London Christmas Market would be complete without the temptation of seasonal sweets!

You’ll find endless options. They include winter themed macarons, crepes packed with Nutella and the hottest item at the London Bridge Christmas Market- coloured pancakes.

Sadly, I wasn’t able to grab a shot of the pancakes but you can easily see them all over Instagram since they’re mega popular this year.

I did have a Biscoff macaron and it was literally melt in my mouth AHHHHH-may-zing!

London Bridge Christmas Market- What to Buy

If you’re hitting the markets actually to shop, rather than eat and drink like us, then you will also find the London Bridge Christmas Market a better option in comparison to the others around London.

Aside from the typical snow globes and Christmas ornaments, you can also find a stall for London Souvenir maker To Home From London. This company offers an eclectic selection of items including kitchenware, accessories, home decor, apparel and stationary. It doesn’t look like the typical tourist trappy stuff either.

London Bridge Christmas Market- What to Beware of

You’re probably thinking that I will suggest to watch your wallet because there are pickpockets at the London Bridge Christmas Market. London has always had a reputation for petty thieves running around town. However, this is far more serious…

You seriously need to beware of the seagulls and this location.

It wasn’t until I had my first ever Cornish pasty ripped violently from my hands when I was visiting St. Ives that I learned the power, aggression and determination these creatures carry.

Be sure to have a plan for where you are going to eat your treats under cover as soon as you purchase them, or you could be a victim like me. They are lurking around all the food stalls and they are really, really, really BIG!

Mr Sunny and I immediately took our polish sausages to a little alcove area and devoured them without being attacked. We actually didn’t see anyone have their food grabbed from them while we were there, but trust me- it’s very possible!

London Bridge Christmas Market: Final Thoughts

If you want all the benefits of a London atmosphere and fantastic photo opportunities with it as your backdrop, then the Christmas by the River market is a holiday activity you can’t miss. If you go, be sure to dress extra warm since it does get a bit chilly by the river. I would love to know what you think of it too.

For more London Christmas information, you can watch these videos:

What are your favourite London experiences that you recommend to people?

December 4, 2021 by: Sunny London

American and British Christmas Movies

What is your favourite thing to do during the holiday season? If you’re like me, one of the annual holiday activities you love is watching Christmas movies at home. I was crushed when I first moved to London because I couldn’t see all my childhood favourites on television regularly. However, this also led me to discover some specifically British Christmas movies.

Classic and New British Christmas Movies

A Christmas Carol

The most obvious title that you think of when listing British Christmas movies is A Christmas Carol. There’s an 80’s version with George C. Scott, a musical with Kelsey Grammer, the Muppet Christmas Carol and even Disney has jumped on the opportunity to make money from that most famous miser Ebenezer Scrooge.

Of course, this classic British movie (obviously based on the Charles Dickens novella) has inspired many parodies. Some of these are Scrooged with Bill Murray and Ghosts of Girlfriends Past featuring Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner.

My family’s favourite is the 1970 Scrooge starring Albert Finney, thank you very much! Each year when I’m in Florida for the holidays, I sit down to watch it with my mom. Through most of the beginning I giggle about the hideous ‘special effects’ that were probably really terrifying when it was produced. However, the songs are really catchy and I usually sing them for a few days after we watch it together.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

This is actually classified as an American film. However, it’s based on a popular British novelist’s book. And that is Roald Doal. If you aren’t familiar with his work, it also includes: James and the Giant Peach, the BFG and Matilda.

I’ve chosen to list it in the classic British Christmas movies category because it is one of the most popular items to watch on television on Christmas Day in the UK. That is- once the Queen’s Speech has been broadcast.

To be honest, it’s not one I would watch. I’ve seen both the one with Gene Wilder and the remake with Johnny Depp. Neither represent images I want to associate with the holidays. Each is a little creepy, in my opinion. But- you’re free to add your in the comments below!

Love Actually

How could I not include one of the most iconic romance films ever made? Love Actually features an unforgettable cast of stars and narrative that hits all those holiday feels we crave.

With the amount of long awaited airport reunions many of us are experiencing after the Covid impact that delayed our travel- this classic British Christmas movie will be even more moving this year! Don’t you agree?

The Holiday

Yeah, you got me again if you are searching IMDB to catch me on a technicality. However, if you’ve seen the film and researched it at all, you know filming took place in Surrey, England.

That counts doesn’t it?

I find this one has me watching every time I am flipping through the channels and need a tiny reason to stay on the couch. There are a LOT of issues with the editing that make me cringe, but I still love it. The concept on the surface is fun, but the narrative is very unrealistic. Some of the scenes just aren’t physically possible due to the georgraphy.

But romantic comedies aren’t supposed to really represent real life, right?

Get Santa

This is without a doubt my favourite British Christmas movie on this list. Mr Sunny and I discovered it the year the year after it was released. We love it!

The film is about a father and son who team up to save Christmas once they discover Santa Claus sleeping in their garage after crashing his sleigh and finding himself on the run from the police. If there was only one British Christmas movie on this list that I said, “You must watch it!’- it’s Get Santa. And yes, that was the link to it on Amazon.

Trust me, it has just enough suspense to keep you entertained and the ending is quite jolly too.

Last Christmas

This is a curious one. As a huge Game of Thrones fan, I can’t tell you how excited I was to see this film when it hit the cinemas in 2019. However, when it arrived with mediocre at best reviews, I decided not to drag Mr Sunny to it and instead waited for it to show up on Sky rentals.

In fact, one of the last major Christmas events I attended in 2019 to film for my Sunny News YouTube channel was the Covent Garden Christmas Light Switch On. Emilia Clarke and Emma Thompson were the featured stars who turned the lights on and it was quite a festive night. Little did we all know what was on the way in London.

Based on the George Michael song, which actually is my all time favourite Christmas song, the film was a flop initially.

Mr Sunny and I caught it in winter of 2020 when we were on lockdown and had already binged everything on Netflix. Twice!

It’s actually quite dreadful initially. Once you reach the end, the film does become very heart-warming. If you’ve seen it- pun intended!

So now I watch it nearly every time I see it in the television schedule. Let me know if you think Emilia Clarke can sing in the film. I’m voting no, but I do find the scenes when she does float a tune to be endearing to the narrative.

American Christmas Films

I hope you aren’t let down by the quick list at the end. But aren’t you already familiar with the plethora of American Christmas films available?

Highlights include:

It’s a Wonderful Life
Miracle on 34th Street
A Christmas Story
Home Alone
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Die Hard
Elf
Santa Clause
Bad Santa
Fred Claus (my personal favourite)

Which of the above would you say is your favourite? Which films aren’t on the list that you are shocked I didn’t include?

Final Thoughts:

Something that has really surfaced as an entire genre of American Christmas movies in the past decade is the Hallmark Channel Christmas films. Netflix has tried competing with this canon of cheesy, predictable plots that showcase washed up 90’s television stars, but it hasn’t succeeded.

I’m guilty as charged when it comes to choosing them for holiday entertainment. Why? They are mindless and good spirited. Plus, as a person with media industry experience (how I met MR Sunny at NBC News London Bureau is on my About Me page) it cracks me up that this formulaic narrative with scripts predictable down to the minute has seized such an accessible demographic. Their marketing strategy at Hallmark is pure genius.

If you don’t know what I mean, you can catch Movies24 on Sky to see past Hallmark Christmas movies. Sadly this year, they haven’t featured any of the new ones that are airing in the USA. It’s actually really puzzling because they are debuting 41 of them in the 2021 holiday season!

However, I do think you can use Amazon Prime to watch a lot of the Hallmark Christmas movies. Have any of you tried it? My plan is just to binge them when I am in Florida in December- and then again for their ‘Christmas in July’ run.

At least it’s safe to say I don’t have to worry about any internet spoilers. They’re all the same!

American-vs-British-Christmas-Movies-UK-USA-2

December 3, 2021 by: Sunny London

Christmas Differences between the UK and USA

‘Do they celebrate Christmas over there?’ My American grandmother asked me this question once during our weekly phone call.

I think what she meant was, ‘What do they do for Christmas in England?’ or rather, ‘What are the Christmas differences between the UK and USA?’

Most Americans have visions created by Charles Dickens dancing in their heads. They think Christmas celebrations in London involve Brits eating goose and hoping Jacob Marley doesn’t knock on their door.

So, just to keep things real, I asked my London born husband to explain what he thinks Americans do for Christmas. His response, “Watch silly television. Have pancakes and syrup and bacon that isn’t really bacon for breakfast. Eat dinner which is roast turkey with mashed potatoes and country gravy that’s thick like what you get at KFC and corn, like creamed corn.’

He also added, ‘Being American you probably don’t drink too much, like us English.’

Well then.

To learn more about what he means, you’ll want to watch this video on London pubs at Christmas.

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
Santa?

First, the Brits refer to Santa Claus as ‘Father Christmas.’ It’s a very tough thing for me to remember when I am in a conversation with my English mates. Next, they say ‘Happy Christmas’ instead of Merry Christmas.

Ok then, that’s sorted.

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
On Your Mark!

I still can’t figure out when Christmas starts England. I’ve had staff members in London pubs approach me about booking a work Christmas party. They start planning for the celebrations as early as then! In October, it’s common for #Christmas to trend on Twitter in London.

Americans are notorious for excessive advertising and gluttony, but we still have an official line for the start of Christmas celebrations. Thank you, Thanksgiving.

In America, once the dinner dishes are cleared at the Thanksgiving table, it’s time to get your Christmas gear on.

That actually could mean battle gear for beating crowds at malls. Up until recently, Black Friday was only an American shopping phenomenon. It didn’t really exist in England. However, for some reason England had an onslaught of sales and super deals the day after ‘Thanksgiving’ back in 2014 which was the first year I lived here. I still can’t figure out why but now it’s become the norm.

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
Decorations

You’ve probably all seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Home Alone.

Most Americans decorate their houses entirely in lights and other festive ornaments. That’s not just a Hollywood portrayal.

In suburban areas of America, great rivalries take place during the holidays to see who can have the most glorious display of Christmas covering their house and yard. It can be quite a competitive atmosphere. And, then there’s some that take the decorating opportunity to raise money for charitable causes. Check out this YouTube video which features the ‘Best of Star Wars Music Christmas Lights Show’

In the suburbs of London, I rarely see houses decorated on a street. Usually 2-3 houses out of both street sides have some lights. The lights seem to be tossed haphazardly around a tree.

However, if you travel just 20 miles outside of London, you can see Hogwarts in the Snow, which is the Warner Bros Studio Tour (AKA Harry Potter Tour) covered in Christmas decorations. It’s one of the things you would want to book ahead if you’re planning on being in London during Christmas. This video below should help give you an overview of the the most important things you need to know about London at Christmas.

There are tons of events that sell out fast. One that I highly recommend researching for any time of the year, but especially December holidays, is the Candlelight Concerts. You can read my review of their Coldplay tribute to learn more about what you experience.

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
Television

One of the toughest Christmas differences between the UK and USA for me is television. I just can’t seem to find Christmas specials on TV in London, except for an occasional channel offer. Movies24 runs old Hallmark Christmas movies. But, I need my claymation and old school Christmas shows on constant replay to really get in the spirit.

In America, the titles below (Christmas Classics for Kids, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and Fred Claus) are each on a few times a week. I had to buy them in London because they are never on television during the holidays.

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
Christmas Crackers

I learned about Christmas crackers the first Christmas I spent in London. Its concept is similar to a Thanksgiving wishbone but much prettier.

A Christmas cracker is a cardboard tube which has a present inside it. The tube is wrapped in colourful, festive paper. There is a banger inside the cracker, two strips of chemically impregnated paper that react with friction so that when the cracker is pulled apart by two people, the cracker makes a bang. This causes a loud snapping noise. The person holding the larger end gets to keep the prize inside. Note- since these are ‘explosives’ you can’t put them in your suitcase. So, unless you buy them in the US, you can’t take Christmas Crackers home as souvenirs if you’re visiting from America.

These are some of my favourite themed Christmas Crackers:

Christmas- Differences Between the UK and USA:
The Pub

It is tradition to go to your ‘local’ in England on Christmas Day. The times I have been to our local pub on Christmas, it is absolutely packed. People bring their kids and dogs for a few hours to celebrate the holiday. It’s open from about 12-2pm.

No, the kids and dogs aren’t drinking. Well, the dogs might get a few licks of beer here and there, but please don’t think the Brits are freely giving beer to their little ones. However, entire families are present and it’s joyous. The beer is also flowing pretty steady.

In this video, I show you the most iconic London Pubs to Visit at Christmas and fill you in on everything you need to know about festive drinking in London. (As if it’s any different from any other day!)

Christmas- Differences Between the UK and USA:
Boxing Day

I still don’t understand Boxing Day. Traditionally, December 26th was a day that servants received presents. Literally, they would receive boxes with presents inside from their employers.

What I do know is that since it’s a Bank Holiday, not much is open. Well, the pubs are open. Oh, and slowly there’s more and more shopping going on here on this ‘Bank Holiday.’

In America, the post-holiday sales kick off on this day.

Christmas- Similarities between the UK and USA:

Despite these differences, there are also some things that are in fact the same on both sides of the pond.
– There are major sales after Christmas. In London, they’re referred to as the ‘January sales’ and last a little bit longer than American retail sales.
– Stores play Christmas music throughout the season. In England, it seems Paul McCartney’s ‘Wonderful Christmas Time’ and George Michael’s ‘Last Christmas’ are rotated around every other song. I’ve never once heard Madonna’s ‘Santa Baby.’ I’m grateful for that.
– All those ‘happy holidays’ tend to drive some of us over the edge. Family arguments are at their peak in both the UK and USA over this stretch of time.
– Ugly sweaters/jumpers exist everywhere.
– We all like to open presents for Christmas.
– The red ‘Starbucks’ cup arrival is one of the most anticipated events of the holiday season in the UK and the USA.

I write often about Christmas Things to Do in London on my blog.

The best way to make sure you don’t miss behind the scenes news about London’s food, life, culture and events is to subscribe to the Sunny News email. If you’re planning a visit to London, the Sunny News YouTube channel has regular updates which shows you what’s happening here and gives advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London.

For example, the video below outlines what you need to know about the changes to Winter Wonderland due to the pandemic. And I publish daily updates on my TikTok account too, if you’re seeking the most current London food and events news.

If there is a specific topic or question you want covered, you can always request it in the comments section below or in a video’s comments.

What can you add to these Christmas differences between the UK and USA? What do you think of Mr. Sunny’s guess that there’s more drinking in England for Christmas than in America?

November 20, 2021 by: Sunny London

Christmas Afternoon Tea on a Bus in London

Sunny friends, the Brigit’s Bakery Christmas Afternoon Tea on a Bus in London is the trifecta for London food lovers during the holidays!

This unique bus tour around London could tick all the boxes for a person who loves London, delicious food and Christmas.

Along with 29 other travel bloggers, I was invited to attend a special trip around London for the purpose of previewing the Brigit’s Bakery Christmas Afternoon Tea. For quite some time, I have wanted to take an afternoon tea tour on an iconic Routemaster bus with this company. When they first launched in 2014, I was a bit wary because I am not the most coordinated person. And while you wouldn’t think a lot of agility is needed to eat food, the thought of taking pictures and reviewing it at the same time is intimidating. But the more I saw the variety of tours they offer growing, the more I realised that the idea of a travelling tea was a smashing hit with people in London.

So this is how the experience goes…

Christmas Afternoon Tea on a Bus in London- The Food

This is the first category I want to tell you about because it is the biggest surprise for me. I rate the food 5 stars and this is why…

Not only is everything super tasty, but also it is really fresh. It is always disappointing when you go to a luxury hotel for afternoon tea and are served stale bread. No matter how decadent the pastries are during the last course, that crusty impression from the sandwiches stays with you.

Honestly, I had low expectations of the food going in to this afternoon tea. It didn’t seem probable that food could be prepared and transported on a bus to Victoria Station and maintain it’s original intent for quality and taste. Brigit’s Bakery has masterfully defeated this obstacle.

When we stepped on to the bus, all of the tables were beautifully set. This includes every food item except the basket of scones that we were served about half way through the journey.

To me, that’s a Christmas afternoon tea miracle!

Christmas Afternoon Tea on a Bus in London- The Journey

This is where the experience could get a bit dicey, Sunny friends.

I had a blast on the journey and created a highlight video on my Instagram for you to see more of the experience.

However, there are a few things you need to consider before determining if this experience is for you. Foremost, let’s consider that you will be drinking.

We had complimentary Prosecco and several top ups each. This could be problematic for some people. While they advised us that we could enjoy the Prosecco before the tour started, it came with a disclaimer about the bus not stopping once it got rolling.

Do some quick processing about what that means, Sunny friends.

Next, there were cupholders at each place setting for guests to put their plastic Prosecco glasses, coffee or tea. They are there for a reason. The ride is bumpy and many times the bus stopped quickly, because that’s normal for busses navigating through London streets. I used a DJI Osmo Mobile Smartphone Gimbal which is on my UK Amazon Gear List (US Amazon readers find it here). I also applied Stabilisation effects while editing the video.

A few bloggers ended up with Prosecco on their lap at different times in the evening. I am not sure if it is because they were busy taking selfies and forgot to put their glasses in their cup holders or were just careless. But, I didn’t have any issue with spilling my drink. And, I had three glasses.

To be honest, since I have lived in London for 6 years and have reviewed nearly every attraction (check my trip planning guides if you are visiting London), I wasn’t that focused on sight seeing during our early evening trip. If this is your primary goal, the combination of afternoon tea and touring London might not be for you. Because the food is so good, you might be distracted away from the London landmarks.

Further, in a moving bus you won’t get the best focused pictures of these iconic locations. This is especially true if you are on the bus at night because you will catch some serious glare from the windows.

However, if you want to say you did something truly unique in London- riding a Routemaster bus while eating the most iconic meal in the UK- this afternoon tea is a must do!

But, if you think the journey would be too shaky, at the very least you can stop by their Covent Garden location. I walk by it all the time and it’s quite popular!

Brigits-Bakery-afternoon-tea-bus-tour-in-london

Afternoon Tea on a Bus in London- The Length

Another huge bonus of this afternoon tea on a bus in London is the fact that there is a clear end time. Assuming you don’t get stuck in any unusual traffic, you will know when your experience ends.

My biggest ‘negative factor’ with afternoon teas in London is their length. I have been held captive at luxury hotels for nearly three hours for this food experience. After indulging in a carb fest of sandwiches, scones and pastries, I generally feel uncomfortable and lethargic. Americans, when I say I feel like a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade float, you know what I mean!

If I could change anything about the traditional afternoon tea, it would be to speed up the process. So, being on the afternoon tea tour bus with Brigit’s Bakery for 90 minutes was a dream come true for me.

Afternoon Tea on a Bus in London- Other Options

The Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is the first brand to do this type of bus tour in London. The best news for those who can’t go to the Christmas Afternoon Tea is that they have TONS of other options during the year. Some of them include:

Gin Lovers’ Afternoon Tea
Halloween Bus Tour
Cinco de Mayo
Mother’s Day
Valentine’s Day
Chelsea Flower Show
St Patrick Day
Movie Themed
Chinese New Year

They have these dietary options available:

Traditional Afternoon Tea
Vegan Afternoon Tea
Vegetarian Afternoon Tea
Halal Afternoon Tea
Gluten Free Afternoon Tea

For those living and/or working in London, they have delivery service as well!

Christmas Afternoon Tea on a Bus in London- Final Thoughts

For the menu, prices, tour options and gift vouchers, it would be best to visit the Brigit’s Bakery website.

What do you think, Sunny friends? If you love food, travel and the holidays, would you put the Christmas Afternoon Tea on a Bus Tour in London on your list for Santa? What other unique food experiences have you had in a city?

And please, drop me any questions you have about my evening as a guest with Brigit’s Bakery too!

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November 19, 2019 by: Sunny London

Advice for Visiting a London Christmas Market

If you love Christmas, then visiting a London Christmas market should be at the top of your list during the holiday season. As an American living in London for six years married to a born and bred Londoner, there are some things I have learned after visiting Christmas markets here every season that I think you should know.

London Christmas Market Advice- Book Ahead

The biggest thrills are at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland every year. However, a lot of the super fun stuff requires booking in advance. For example, if you want to experience ice skating, Bar Hütte Karaoke, Ice Sculpting Workshops, Bar Ice, Zippos Christmas Circus, Cirque Berserk, Winter Wonderland Comedy Club, or The Giant Wheel, you need to visit their official Winter Wonderland website and get your tickets early!

So, before you check out a Christmas market in London, see what there is to do nearby that might interest you too.

London Christmas Market Advice- Arrive Early

From my experience going to the Christmas Market at Southbank, Trafalgar Square Christmas Markets, Leicester Square Christmas Markets, and others, arriving early means you won’t be getting smashed in to the crowds. Once I went to Winter Wonderland Christmas market on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning and up until 12:30pm I felt like I had all of Hyde Park to myself. Well, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration. But, I had tons of space to take photos and videos, plus there were no lines for food, drinks and festive things to buy.

If you arrive on a weekend night, you could experience some very big crowds. In fact, at times they might limit people entering the more popular Christmas markets due to overcrowding.

So, if you are in London for a long holiday weekend, I would plan to hit the markets in the morning and early afternoon. Then, see a show in the evening instead.

London Christmas Market Advice- What to Wear

While you focus is on festivities, you want to look good too. Decorative Christmas jumpers (sweaters for American readers) are popular, but I prefer to celebrate the holidays with clothes that are chic and sophisticated but still comfortable. Further, Mr Sunny and I try to wear coloured caps so when Mr Sunny relaxes with a beer and I wander off to take photos and video- we can find each other faster.

Below are a few selections I like from Gant. It’s a brand that is making a huge effort for sustainability. If you’ve been in London any time over the past year, you know that it’s been a big movement here.

The featured items are from left to right:

Stretch Cotton Cable Crew Sweater
Ladies Message Crew Sweater
Men’s Holiday Stripe Crew Sweater

Quilted Windcheater
Men’s Weekend Vest
Light Down Gilet

And don’t forget to wear comfortable boots or shoes too. You might want to keep in mind that like any city, it does rain in London. This means it could get a bit muddy at the markets. Don’t wear shoes that can’t take a little wear and tear.

London Christmas Market Advice- Saving

While all of the Christmas markets are fun, you will find that the basic activities are the same at each one. In fact, a lot of the same food and drink stands are at each market. For example, you will find a mini-pancake stall, a sausage stall, and stalls that sell mulled wine or hot chocolate. If you’re like Mr Sunny, you will probably seek a place that sells Steins. A few weeks prior to Christmas you want to eat healthy so you can indulge in all of the holiday treats.

You will want to save some money too because there will also be specialty retail stalls that have Christmas decorations or London themed souvenirs. Build in time to survey them if you are looking for something special to remember your visit to London or just the trip to a London Christmas market. Also, tickets to rides at Winter Wonderland can add up really fast, so budgeting for this ahead of time will help.

London Christmas Market Advice- Final Thoughts

By researching activities you want to do and booking them in advance, planning around crowded times, dressing comfortably, and saving calories and money before you go, you will better position yourself to be in the holiday spirit at a London Christmas market.

What’s your favourite London Christmas market to visit, Sunny friends? What questions do you have about going to one this year?

October 19, 2019 by: Sunny London

Planning Work Christmas Party Ideas in London

What’s a great way to put a “bah humbug” on your Christmas in London? Be the guy who ruins the work Christmas party for everyone.

Actually, there are a few options for characters who take down Christmas for colleagues. The first is the iconic Ebenezer Scrooge gig where the person turns her nose up to festivities of every kind. You know the one. She refuses to pick a Secret Santa, is on a diet when the boss bakes Christmas cakes and dresses in her Game of Thrones cosplay on “Christmas Jumper Day.”

A popular false hero is the guy who drinks too much and throws inhibition to the wind at the office Christmas party. While he may get some laughs at his own decency’s expense, we actually don’t want the whispers and awkwardness it brings to the water cooler on Monday morning.

Finally, there’s the one we all dread being more than anything- and that’s the person who planned a lame Christmas work party.

The first two are actually pretty easy to avoid. So, how do you make sure you aren’t the last guy during the holidays?

Planning Work Christmas Party Ideas in London: Research

You might want to conduct a quick office poll that is anonymous and electronic. Ask colleagues what a comfortable price range is for them to spend on their attendance at the party. You could also take suggestions from them about things they expect to be included in the party, starting from the choice of beverages and food. We know that you can’t please everyone. However, if you extract feedback on certain things like the price range for the event, location preferences, and dress code expectations, you have a much higher chance of making the evening memorable for good reasons.

Next, you should do research well in advance. Don’t fall for the early August marketing push that most venues do for their Christmas bookings. Instead, take time throughout the year to checkout cool places to eat in London that match what your colleagues indicated would make them happiest.

If your company isn’t giving you free financial reign on the corporate credit card to try restaurants in “the name of Christmas party research”, you have alternatives. Use gift vouchers you received for your birthday or the previous Christmas to explore places where you have not been previously but have heard are fab. Just like Santa, you should be making a list and checking it twice to find out which ones are naughty and which ones are nice.

As a London food blogger, the invitations to check out Christmas menus at restaurants are always an annual highlight for me. Often, they have parties to share their holiday menus. Perhaps you can ask to attend one of these launch parties for a pub or restaurant’s Christmas menu offer?

While looking for ideas of how to help you, I discovered 15 pages of venues that are booking Christmas parties in London on one of the most popular restaurant booking websites.

Planning Work Christmas Party- Ideas in London

Based on my experience at these venues and/or numerous contacts in the London restaurant and hospitality industry, the ones I think could be the most fun for an office Christmas party in London are:

Christmas at Bluebird- for those who want to pretend they are socialites like those on the cast of Made in Chelsea
Christmas at One Aldwych- for those who like boutique hotel glamour and exquisite food
Christmas at German Gymnasium- for those who love good beer
Christmas at Mango Tree- for an authentic Thai experience with a Christmas theme
Christmas at London Transport Museum- for those just haven’t had enough of the London Underground every day
Christmas at Lord’s Cricket Ground- for those who want a sporty vibe to their yuletide
Christmas at Tropicana Beach Club- for those who dream of surfing santas
Christmas at Radio Rooftop- for those who want to chic view of London while sipping cocktails
Christmas at ICEBAR- for those who aren’t afraid to be cool at Christmas (Please note IceBar closed in late Spring 2020. This post was updated on 14 April 2020 to reflect this.)

Having a work Christmas party at a restaurant or iconic venue certainly isn’t the only option. You might want to arrange for your colleagues to take part in an activity. Some fun things to do around London at Christmas are:

Mini Golf
Ice Skating
Roller Skating
Curling
Cooking Classes
Ping Pong
Curling
Karaoke
Escape Rooms

Want a London Food Freebie?

For a great list of 100+ restaurants that I recommend, subscribe to the Sunny News email. Whether it’s for ideas for an office Christmas party in London or you just want to easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street, downloading the file to your phone means you’ll always be able to find a fab foodie place fast!

And of course, let’s not forget what happens in London pubs at Christmas too.

December 6, 2018 by: Sunny London

Sir Christopher Wren Hotel- Where to Stay Near Windsor Castle at Christmas

If you really want to treat yourself when visiting Windsor, you need to know a great location for where to stay near Windsor Castle. Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa is beneath the castle and is inches from tons of restaurants, shops and of course- pubs!

Mr Sunny and I love Windsor because it is such a short trip from London and has such a lovely atmosphere. Recently, we made a trip to Windsor just to enjoy all the Christmas decorations. While I think London is breathtaking during the holidays, there are so many things to do in Windsor at Christmas too. That is why having a hotel in a great location matters a lot.

Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa- Check-in

We arrived at the Windsor and Eton Central Railway Station at around 5.30pm. The hotel is about a 7 minute walk away, I think. You see I am not exactly sure because as soon as you leave the station you are dazzled with numerous shops like Molton Brown, Neal’s Yard Remedies and L’Occitane. If the allure of shopping does not misguide you, you still might face another obstacle with Windsor Castle.

Its awe will strike you just as you leave the station heading toward the High Street. I think I stood in front of it for 10 minutes filming the light projection display when we arrived. But, you will have to watch my “Things to Do in Windsor at Christmas’ video to see what I mean.

You literally just wrap around the High Street and Windsor Castle to find the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa.

Staff greeted us quickly and swiftly took us to our room, which was in a building across the road from the main building. They were clear that they wanted our stay to be relaxing and were eager to help with anything.

Our room was exactly what we needed for the quick stay- clean, quiet and comfortable. We quickly freshened up and headed to the high street to explore Christmas in Windsor at night.

Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa- Next Time

Unfortunately, with a tight timeline for a press trip, we weren’t able to enjoy more of what the hotel had to offer. Sadly, we just got to sleep and have breakfast. In fact, the images of the spa look gorgeous on the website. Mr Sunny was quite disappointed when he learned the hotel has a whirlpool, because we did not pack his bathing costume for our trip. However, with so many Christmas activities happening in the town, I can’t imagine this would have been the highlight!

The afternoon tea at Sir Christopher Wren is offered in either the Drawing Room or Brasserie. Both seem ideal for a relaxing and indulging in this British tradition.

They had a great offer for January stays while we were there, so Mr Sunny and I are going to continue to follow the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa on Instagram so we don’t miss the chance to skip off to Windsor the next weekend we are free. It is such an easy escape from London in terms of day trips that offer English culture and history.

Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa- Christmas Season

While the hotel is absolutely dreamy for a wedding and is where celebrities stay when in Windsor for a royal wedding, it is also a popular hotel for local residents to book their Christmas parties.

In terms of festivities, there is not a corner of the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa that isn’t sparkling with Christmas joy. I lost count of all the Christmas trees I saw. Holiday decorations are tastefully everywhere.

This further added to the warmth and lovely atmosphere of the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa. If you seek a winter getaway that is easy from London or have some extra time to enjoy the English country atmosphere, book a stay here early. It is quite a popular place to go.

Our stay was part of a press trip to the area, but if you want to see all the other great reviews and stars from people who agree, you can visit TripAdvisor to how highly Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa is ranked.

Have you been to Windsor? Aside from Windsor Castle, what other activities do you suggest? Do you have any questions for me about a trip? Stay tuned for the Sunny News YouTube video about ‘Things to Do in Windsor at Christmas’ video. You can subscribe to the Sunny News emails to make sure you don’t miss any promotions or updates too.

The Sunny News YouTube channel shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London and day trips from London. This includes tips for how to tip when in London, food to eat in London, and advice for exchanging money. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too.

December 6, 2016 by: Sunny London

The Mango Tree Christmas Menu

The Mango Tree Christmas Menu for 2016 totally rocks! Mr. Sunny and I recently reviewed the Belgravia location and the restaurant’s location inside Harrods Food Hall and enjoyed both. However, their newly launched Christmas menu is one not to miss. Not only is the food delicious, but also the price is great.

We arrived a little ahead of our 6pm table booking because we know the cocktails at The Mango Tree are exquisite. They’re both tasty and beautifully presented like the one you see above. That is the drink I ordered, the Funky Coco. It’s rich with Malibu rum, natural fresh Thai coconut water, lychee liqueur and lychee juice and served in a fresh Thai coconut. Ohhhhh yum!

Mr. Sunny gulped down the Mango Colada. Again, a cool cocktail that looks great too!

Mango Tree Christmas Menu 2016: The Food

Since we aren’t vegetarians, we ate from the ‘Meat’ Christmas menu. The Starters feature:

Por Pia Gua Nguang, which is smoked turkey breast wrapped with mixed vegetables in spring roll sheet
See Krong Gae Yang Nam Peung, a slow-cooked lamb marinated in Thai spicy honey sauce
Goong Tod Samunprai, deep-fried sweet prawn tossed with garlic, chilli and spring onions

Each one is decadent in taste, and the overall presentation is fun. As we sipped on our wine, we started to get a little nervous about the Mains arriving, as the Starters were quite filling. However, we knew we would make a hearty attempt to eat everything, as usual. The Mains on The Mango Tree Christmas Menu are:

Panang nuer, slowly cooked beef brisket topped with rich panang curry sauce, pea aubergine and sweet basil
Gai nguang pad nor-mai farang, turkey breast stir-fried with asparagus, sprouts and parsnip and garlic sauce
Pla Salmon hor bai tong, baked salmon steak marinated with fresh kachai, garlic, coriander, and Thai herbs wrapped in banana leaf
Pad Thai jay, Thai rice noodles stir-fried, with chinese chives, crushed peanuts, bean curd, and beansprouts in a homemade sauce

My favourite was definitely the last one, the pad Thai. It was rich with rolling flavour. However, the dessert blew me away. I would never have thought to combine mango with chocolate. The Mango Tree Christmas Menu has its most unique offering in the Mango Mousse.

While it doesn’t look too exotic, the total combination of mango mousse with chocolate crumble dusted with green tea macha powder is refreshing and super tasty. I would have to say it’s possibly one of the best desserts I have had in England on a Christmas menu at a restaurant.

The Mango Tree: Ambiance

This Belgravia hot spot has a swanky atmosphere and attracts a big crowd. Shortly after we arrived for dinner, the restaurant’s tables were nearly all full. You certainly want to book ahead if you’re heading there to sample the Christmas menu or for any other occasion, just to be safe. I loved the Christmas decorations and feel The Mango Tree gets a ton of cool stars for atmosphere.

The Mango Tree Christmas Menu: Price

On our first visit to the Belgravia location we felt it was a bit pricey for dinner. That sentiment is certainly not the same for the 2016 Christmas menu. At £38 per person, it’s really reasonable. I brought a bit of the pad Thai home because I just couldn’t part with it and knew I would crave it the next day. We really struggled to finish alll the food, so the portion sizes are rather big and more than enough for two large appetites.

The Mango Tree Christmas Menu: Final Thoughts

Don’t be discouraged by all the meat items above if you’re vegetarian, because The Mango Tree Christmas Menu has a lengthy list of vegetarian items too. Whether for a romantic date night or festive night with friends, this new menu packs a great punch for the 2016 season.

Our meal was complimentary for the purpose of a review, but this doesn’t affect our opinion. It was our best experience at The Mango Tree, which is also located in Doha and Bangkok. Let me know what you think if you’re able to make it to experience this holiday meal. Again, great food and good deal!

November 25, 2016 by: Sunny London

Chi Kitchen Christmas Menu

Guess who’s back? Yep. Mr. Sunny and I hit Oxford Street and Regent Street to see the 2016 Christmas lights and made sure to visit Chi Kitchen again to absorb the new Christmas menu.

We reviewed the restaurant recently, and if you have been watching my tweets, you know I suggest that it is the place to visit during Christmas if you need a food and shopping stop combined in to one, as it is inside Debenham’s department store. Our experience was great. For general ambiance information, you can read about in my previous review. To summarise, it’s easy to find, and of course, in a spectacular location for Christmas shoppers.

When it comes to the food, we feel it is great for the value. The Pan-Asian twist on Christmas caught our attention. First to hit our table is the Chilli Prawns, Sweet Potato and Turkey Sliders.

I quickly munched down all the sweet potato fries and gave Mr. Sunny the spicy opportunity to devour the chilli prawns. We both were a bit puzzled about the turkey sliders because they seem a bit unnatural for a pan-Asian menu. While they are good, the real show stealer is the blueberry mayo you see in the center. Wow- I never would’ve thought of combining these ingredients.

For the Main course, we enjoyed the Grilled Turkey with a Kalamsansi Sauce, Choo Cher Prawns, and Yuzu Salmon.

It is accompanied by a lovely side of Egg friend rice with snow peas.

For dessert, the Chi Kitchen Christmas Menu includes a Walnut Chocolate Brownie with Clotted Cream and Custard. We enjoyed this but felt a bigger dollop of clotted cream would work well.

If you’ve watched my Afternoon Tea Etiquette Guide for London, you know why.

Chi Kitchen Christmas Menu- Final Thoughts

The ambiance, food quality and price definitely work. This menu will be offered from 21st November through December and is £28 per person.

Chi Kitchen opens for breakfast and serves delicious pan-Asian food throughout the day. The Group Consultant Chef is Ping Coombes, who is the 2014 Master Chef winner.

We had the opportunity to see Angela, the Restaurant Supervisor on both visits and commend her for guaranteeing excellent service too.