Christmas in London

November 15, 2015 by: Sunny London

Hogwarts in the Snow- 5 Reasons You MUST Go!

Have you seen Hogwarts in the Snow?

If you love Christmas and you’re a true Harry Potter fan, then you must get to the Warner Bros Studio Tour outside of London during the holiday season!

It officially opened on November 13th. Luckily, I had the chance to visit the very next morning. Since I have already reviewed the London Harry Potter Studio Tour on the blog and also created The Dueling Challenge: Harry Potter London vs Orlando, which compares both attractions, I returned to the London Studio to see the Harry Potter holiday spirit.

My friend and I spent the entire recommended three and a half hours touring the attraction, which is actually about an hour longer than I spent there the first time I went with Mr. Sunny in the summer. She and I just didn’t want to leave!

For this reason, I recommend that you go online and book your tickets before the festivities end on Sunday, January 31, 2016. There are also five other reasons you must go to see Hogwarts in the Snow…

Hogwarts in the Snow- The Great Hall

When the doors open to The Great Hall, you see all the tables decorated in festive food for the holidays.

They are the actual items used for the films. In fact, you learn during the tour that they originally tried using real food for scenes, but after several days of filming they realised that the food was a bit foul.

For a few seconds when you’re in The Great Hall, they light the Christmas pudding on fire. I caught a shot of it in the YouTube video you can see below. Yes, the flames are real.

Christmas trees are in nearly every corner of The Great Hall, and the costumes are spirited too.

Hogwarts in the Snow- Seasonal Sets

Once you finish your time in The Great Hall, you are on your own to explore the sets, costumes and special effects areas of the studio. Several of the film sets have also been adorned with holiday cheer.

Hogwarts in the Snow- See Snow

Once you depart through the snow drifts stationed in Diagon Alley, you can enjoy some Butterbeer in the snow.

In the area outside between the two sound stages where you can find the Knight Bus and Harry’s house on Privet Drive, it is snowing.

The YouTube video at the end shows the sneaky secret to what’s actually happening in this outside area.

Hogwarts in the Snow- The Christmas Covered Castle

After your journey through the Creatures area and other special effects departments, you have a chance to see several models used for the film.

And that’s when something else starts to happen.

Moving up this corridor, you start to notice the scent of Evergreen filling the air. The gorgeous Christmas smell intensifies as you move up the ramp. Eventually you reach an outlook area where a stunning view of the giant scale model of Hogwarts that was used for filming shots over the school.

The castle is covered in ice effects and snow, which artists added by hand.

It’s easy to spend a whole half of an hour taking pictures and walking around all the levels of the castle. During this time, you’ll notice the lighting change too. The idea is to show guests of Hogwarts in the Snow a serene scene that takes place from sunrise to sunset.

Hogwarts in the Snow- Santa’s List

Once you peel yourself away from the castle, you are directed to a magical wand room. Every actor from the films has a box which keeps his/her wand stored safely.

With that final temptation of being able to leave the muggle world with your own Harry Potter wand, you enter the Gift Shop.

Fans have the chance to buy every item imaginable connected to the Harry Potter Books and the Harry Potter Films.

They have Maurauders Maps, items for Lord Voldemort, and Mugs for Muggles. I think I even saw an Invisibility Cloak.

The Harry Potter Merchandise you can buy or put on your Christmas list is endless. My friend made sure to pick up a Christmas ornament for herself as a keepsake from our fun day. I think Mr. Sunny would like this beer tankard. Don’t you?

I received press passes for my visit, but you can learn more about ordering tickets here. This is a holiday event near London that you just don’t want to miss! If you can’t make it to London for the Christmas season, grab a glass of wine or champagne like me, and take a look inside the studio here by watching here…

Have you visited the Harry Potter Studio Tour, Sunny friends? What was your favourite part of the attraction?

November 12, 2015 by: Sunny London

Fun, FREE Christmas Things To Do in London!

Finding free Christmas things to do in London is not as hard as you might think. In fact, when you live in one of the world’s most expensive cities, you are constantly looking out for discounts or free events and opportunities.

For Americans or other travellers to London who have a limited amount of time for a holiday, it’s nice to have a guide to direct you to ways to save money and effort on research. London has so much to offer during the most wonderful time of the year. Quite a few things will put you in the Christmas spirit while not costing anything!

To keep it simple, this guide is arranged by area. Further, all the suggestions are within walking distance of each other and can easily be seen in one day. For the most part, the focus is on the West End and surrounding borders.

Christmas Things to Do in London: Covent Garden

Naturally, we’ll start with the area that’s my blog favourite. Packed with theatres, shopping, restaurants, bars and hotels, Covent Garden offers loads of activities year-round. The free Christmas activities range from the obvious to hidden neighborhood treasures.

The decorations in the Piazza contribute to some of London’s most popular Instagram moments. This year’s theme is Mistletoe, which means the piazza is truly lovely!

🎄Covent Garden looks Christmassy! 🎄Don’t you agree?
A photo posted by Sunny In London☀️🇬🇧 (@sunny_in_london) on Nov 4, 2015 at 12:02am PST

After strolling through the Jubilee Market and Apple Market, you can spend some time taking selfies in front of the Covent Garden Christmas tree and watching the very entertaining street performers.

In the past there have been Santa’s reindeer on display for a series of Saturdays. I’ll be sure to update this list when they publish this year’s dates.

Walking North from the Piazza, you’ll find St. Martin’s Courtyard. Aside from numerous restaurants, you’ll be able to see the floral displays of the Covent Garden Academy of Flowers.

Just like the tree and decorations in the Piazza, the arrangements outside create fantastic picture opportunities.

If you are in fact Christmas shopping, I highly recommend one of their classes on making flower arrangements as a gift for a girl who ‘has it all’. Of all the workshops and courses I have taken in London, this class ranks as the best.

Christmas Things to Do in London: Trafalgar Square

In comparison to the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, the tree in Trafalgar Square isn’t quite as grand. Nonetheless, visiting it is something I make sure to do several times during the holiday season.

Like Covent Garden, you are likely to see street performers dressed in holiday style. And, if you look very, very closely (in the bottom right), you might even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus.

Finally, there are Christmas Carol services that you can watch for free on evenings during December.

Christmas Things to Do in London: Carnaby Street

If you want your list of free Christmas Things to Do in London to reflect a more eclectic vibe, Carnaby is the area you need to be. Their holiday lights officially illuminated the sky on November 12th. The dangling disco balls are dazzling.

Just around the corner from Carnaby Street is Foubert’s Place where you will find Choccywoccydoodah. This famous chocolatier has its own successful reality television show. If you take one look at the chocolate cakes, yes this all chocolate in the pictures below, you can see why.

Each year I make a few trips in to the store just to see the gorgeous displays. Again, it’s a great place to pick up fantastic chocolate for gifts. Or, if your diet is waiting until New Year, upstairs has a small but divine chocolate cafe.

Christmas Things to Do in London: Oxford Street

Not too far north of Carnaby is Oxford Street. This street is famous for many retail chains and countless red busses that travel tirelessly under all the strands of Christmas lights.

Aside from gazing at the glistening street lights, for free you can also view the displays at Selfridges.

Some people think Santa’s Grotto at Selfridges is the best in London. However, if you venture inside the department store, you’re very likely to spend money so I’ll refrain from pictures here in the spirit of the promotion of free Christmas things to do in London. 😉

Christmas Things to Do in London: Regent Street

Finally, the last stop is the biggest shopping street in Europe, Regent Street. Their seasonal events and decorations are unrivaled by any London neighborhood, in my opinion. From the Traffic Free Sunday’s in July, to the NFL in London Street Party, Regent Street promotes London love all year long.

Something you can do for free on Regent Street is visit Hamleys. At the entrance you are always greeted with something spectacular. The last time I visited I was showered with bubbles.

The Regent Street location has been there since 1881, so its absolutely iconic. It’s the oldest toy shop in the world, so it’s naturally always crowded.

Free Christmas Things to Do in London: Final Thoughts

When I have a leisurely day in London during the holidays, that’s the list of activities I do. I’m sure other areas have fun options, but the ones above are close to each other and offer beautiful picture opportunties, including some of London’s most iconic images.

What’s on your list of free Christmas things to do in London that you would recommend?

For more ideas, visit my Guide for Visiting London and sign up for a newsletter featuring activities in London. There’s also quite a few blog reviews on saving money at attractions with a London Pass for you too! And of course, the Sunny News YouTube channel has tons of themed things to do lists…

https://youtu.be/q4uRFxWzre4

November 10, 2015 by: Sunny London

Advice for Visiting Winter Wonderland in London

Are you one of the thousands of people who plan on visiting Winter Wonderland in London this year?

It’s certainly on the top of many people’s list of Things to Do in London at Christmas, including me.

This year it opens at 5pm on Friday, November 20th. Hours after that are 10am-10pm daily (except Christmas Day) until January 3, 2016. Admission to the famous London holiday attraction in Hyde Park is free. However, the rides and food are not.

Having been to Winter Wonderland in London several times, I want to share some advice that will help you with your visit.

Winter Wonderland in London Advice: How to Save Money

While you can enjoy all the sights and smells of Winter Wonderland for free, food, drinks and amusement rides cost money.

You must purchase tickets in advance for Ski Zillertal Ice Rink, Magical Ice Kingdom, Giant Wheel, Zippos Christmas Circus, Cirque Berserk, and Bar Ice. There are a few dates that offer non-peak rates for tickets. They are November 23, 24, 25, 26 and 29, 30 of December.

Since that is a very small list of dates, you might need another method to save money. Therefore, you should decide how much you are willing to spend at the attraction prior to visiting Winter Wonderland in London.

Rides for adults (other than anything mentioned already above) are generally £3 each, and you need to use cash to purchase tokens for them. You can’t buy tokens anywhere in advance.

A money saving suggestion is to go to a cash machine before you get to the attraction and withdraw the amount you are willing to spend. Stick to your budget, even though the rides and food can present huge temptations to over indulge.

Winter Wonderland in London Advice: Skip Saturday

Aside from those planning strategies, you can also do a few more things in advance of your visit. Foremost, plan to go during the week. Saturdays are the busiest for the attraction, so avoid them at all costs, unless you want to be in line with all the other minions!

One thing I have found helpful for visiting Winter Wonderland in London is following their Twitter account. Each year they do a great job of notifying followers about the attraction’s attendance situation. I have seen many Saturday tweets indicating that they closed entrances due to Hyde Park being at full capacity. They also announce status changes to that on Twitter too.

Winter Wonderland in London Advice: Mobile Madness

If you do visit the attraction in Hyde Park during these busy times, not only will you also deal with extreme crowds, but also will likely not have mobile service.

On several visits I haven’t been able to upload videos to Instagram or other social media accounts because of jammed networks.

You might have a tough time using your mobile phone, so consider a old-school backup plan when arranging to meet friends and decide a meeting time and place before you get there.

Winter Wonderland in London Advice: Don’t Drink and Ride

It could be hypocritical that I am going to suggest not to drink and ride while there, considering one of my favourite spots to hit is The Carousel Bar.

As an electronic music fan, I spend a lot of time at this spinning drink disco each year when visiting Winter Wonderland in London. But, I don’t really drink too much for fear of getting too dizzy.

Further, the rides at Hyde Park can be very intense. In fact, as a Florida girl who worked at Universal Studios and frequented Disney World, I feel the rides at Winter Wonderland match those of Orlando’s parks in terms of their ability to throw around your body.

My husband, the blog beer drinking expert, also wants to share some drinking advice here too. He wants everyone to know that if you drink too many steins at the Bavarian Village, you could risk the chance of leaving your stein glass behind and losing your £5 deposit that’s incorporated in to the cost of your first beer. (Yes, he’s had more than one when we visit.)

Maybe that’s because a few sneaky sips disappeared when he made a trip to the loo?

Winter Wonderland in London Advice: Dressed to Chill

Of course, you won’t have any fun if you don’t dress warm enough for the winter temperatures we experience during the holiday season in London. You can’t just rely on ‘Proper Coffee’ all night. 😉

You want to make sure your outfit keeps you warm, is practical for rides and looks great for selfies.

Here is a fun suggestion below for one Winter Wonderland outfit that will do all of these.

Black Reiss Leather Jacket, Double Layer Thermal Top, Reiss Low-rise Skinny Jeans, Michael Kors Boots, Fairy Lights Beanie Hat, and a Kate Spade Backpack.

What do you think, Sunny friends? Are you ready for Winter Wonderland in London now? What advice would you suggest, if you have been there? What other questions can I answer for you?

Don’t miss the 10 Best Things To Do at Christmas in London, which includes advice on How to Ride the Giant Wheel at Winter Wonderland. Finally, if you’re trying to decide between Christmas in London or Christmas in NYC, watch this…

October 29, 2015 by: Sunny London

Christmas Afternoon Tea at Conrad London St James

With so many hotels and restaurants offering a Christmas afternoon tea in London, how can you possibly make a decision on where to go?

Last year, I was invited to and enjoyed so many that I even hit three afternoon teas in one week!

Needless to say, the Christmas season left me feeling a bit heavy but with a strong idea of what London has to offer when it comes to Christmas afternoon tea.

While you may think it’s a bit premature to announce this year’s stand out afternoon tea for the holiday season, I am going to do it- right now.

If you are looking for an afternoon tea during the holidays that captures the essence of the range of the culinary experience, you need to book a table for the Conrad London St James Snow Queen Afternoon Tea offered in Emmeline’s Lounge.

I had the opportunity to enjoy this Christmas afternoon tea at the press launch recently with blogger friends Aftab at Fresh and Fearless and Suze from Luxury Columnist.

Last year, you may remember the #LDNBLoggersTea hosted at Conrad London St James, which was a huge London blogger event. While at the Christmas afternoon tea preview, I spent some time speaking with Chef Zoe Wager, the Head Pastry Chef at the luxury hotel.

After seeing her exquisite work two years in a row, I feel confident in saying that she, Sunny friends, is the Queen of the Christmas Afternoon Tea in London.

Why?

She masterfully uses her culinary skills to not only create exquisite food combinations but also tell a story with her work.

When I interviewed her last year regarding how she approached the competitive Christmas afternoon tea offerings in London, she indicated she wanted the tea to represent the feeling of looking out a snow covered window.

This year, when Chef Zoe came to my table, I was honoured once again by her eagerness to talk. Immediately, I asked her about the noticeable difference in this year’s Christmas afternoon tea against last year’s- the colour. Knowing her depth of thought she puts in to this luxury hotel afternoon tea, I asked her to tell me this year’s story.

She immediately indicated that colour was a bit of her inspiration. Chef Zoe wants to avoid the cliche Christmas snowmen, reindeer and Santa Claus this year. Instead, she felt guided by the Snow Queen, an original fairy tale written by Hans Christian Anderson. This story centers on the struggle between good and evil.

To the novice eye, she may appear to have jumped on the Frozen marketing sleigh.

However, the Snow Queen story is about an evil troll who makes a magic mirror which distorts the appearance of everything it reflects. How? It magnifies the ugly and bad, rather than showing the good and beautiful aspects of people.

One might argue there’s a metaphoric connection with the mirror and the effects of too much champagne consumption. 😉

Rather than labour through the rest of the story details, I want to show how every bite of the Conrad London St James Snow Queen Afternoon Tea tells this story through food and ambiance.

While we were there, Emmeline’s Lounge was transformed in to a fairy tale atmosphere with a mystical indigo lighting.

Did this disturb our pictures?

That, perhaps, depends on which interpretation of the mirror you see. 😉

As the servers floated through the room, they shared more selections from the hotel’s Christmas afternoon tea. Again, we were often served the story through reflections, showing how Chef Zoe breaks the Snow Queen’s magic mirror into icy blue sugar shards…

This Christmas afternoon tea at the Conrad London St James is not one to miss if you want to experience holiday food served with a story and incredible luxury ambiance. To transcend yourself in to the Christmas spirit of a winter wonderland fairy tale, this hotel (which has excellent ratings on TripAdvisor) is where you should go.

The Snow Queen Christmas Afternoon Tea menu includes:

Selection of Savouries

London cured smoked salmon blini, caviar, lemon creme fraiche
Mint tartlet of cropwell bishop stilton, poached pear and walnuts
Prawn cocktail, marie rose
Selection of finger sandwiches

Cakes and Pastries

Snowstorm
Coconut cream, mint macaroon, candy floss
The Magic Mirror
Salted butter shortbread, yogurt cream, frosted blueberries, sugar shards
Snow Queen’s Sceptre
Chocolate and pearl sponge, praline ganache dipped in chocolate, snoflake lace
Palace Snowflakes
Blackcurrant and cardamom cake, crushed glittering meringue, silver snowflake
Blackberry Kisses
Creme Patisserie and blackberries

Freshly Baked Plain and Raisin Scones
Served with Devonshirt clotted cream, homemade strawberry jam and mix berries curd

Aside from a selection of teas, for £55 a person, there is also free flowing champagne. It’s important to note that each table has a 1 hour and 30 minutes time allocation so guests don’t get too entranced in the winter fairy tale. The Snow Queen Christmas Afternoon Tea is offered November 23 – February 11.

Which Christmas afternoon tea in London inspires you, Sunny friends? What’s on your holiday agenda? If you need suggestions for this year’s Christmas season, don’t miss my Top 10 BEST Things to Do In London at Christmas list.

October 25, 2015 by: Sunny London

The 10 BEST Things to Do in London at Christmas

What are 10 of the best things to do in London at Christmas? The list of possibilities is quite extensive. After all, Charles Dickens invented Father Christmas, didn’t he? 😉

Ok, ok, that’s a bit big, but really, when you think about the spirit of Christmas and the whole idea of gift giving and the celebration of the event, London is absolutely one of the places in the world that you want to be.

So what are the things to do in London at Christmas that MUST be on your list of activities? Let me show you, Sunny friends…

Things to Do in London at Christmas: Winter Wonderland

As a girl who grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida and spent tons of time at Disney World, I can safely say that you should ‘Let it Go!’ when it comes to your reservations about Winter Wonderland rides in London at Christmas.

In fact, if you ask me, the rides at Winter Wonderland are more exciting than those at Disney World. Scout’s honour! That’s if you’re interested in being flipped and tipped. It’s my favourite holiday activity, as you’ll see in this video.

Make sure if you are going to Winter Wonderland and want to make it extra special, that you read my review on How to Make Winter Wonderland Wheely Fun! 😉 It’s about the VIP experience on the Wheel.

Things to Do in London at Christmas: Ice Skating

Another fun activity that you will find in many festive Northern climate cities during the holidays is ice skating. In London, during the holidays there are many places to slide across the ice (hopefully on your skates and not your bum!).

You can join the crowds at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland or visit Somerset House. Other options for ice skating in London include: Broadgate Ice Rink, Canary Wharf Ice Rink, Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, Ice Skating at Wembley Park, Natural History Museum Ice Rink, and the Tower of London Ice Rink.

Things to Do in London at Christmas: Shopping

Of course, there’s the obvious things to do in London at Christmas, which is shopping. To keep it simple, you’ll want to stay focused on the shops on Regent Street, Carnaby Street, and Seven Dials. Make sure you watch out for the shopping nights in these areas because they offer discounts to customers that are really valuable!

I’ll be sure to announce the shopping nights in my newsletter. In fact, I already sent the Seven Dials Christmas Shopping party with 20% discount information to subscribers. To make sure you don’t miss the other ones, subscribe here.

Things to Do in London at Christmas: Afternoon Tea

Who is able to visit London and skip afternoon tea? Not me!

There are many hotels that pride themselves each year on their festive Christmas afternoon teas. This year, you may wish to visit the Conrad St. James Snow Queen Afternoon Tea. It’s offered from November 23 2015- February 11 2016. I had the chance to preview it in October. My review will thoroughly explain why I choose it for this year’s Queen of the Christmas Afternoon Tea!

Although, that afternoon tea is certainly riveled by the One Aldwych Hotel’s long-standing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory inspired afternoon tea, which will be offered at least until the remainder of this year.

Popular Christmas afternoon teas from 2014 include the Corinthia Hotel and the Sofitel St James, who offered the Buche de Noel French inspired tea in honour of the hotel’s French ownership.

Things to Do in London at Christmas: Hogwarts in the Snow

One of the newest iconic things to do in London at Christmas is visiting the Warner Bros Studio Tour. From November 13, 2015 – January 31, 2016 the ‘Hogwarts in the Snow’ tour is offered. Iconic sets are decorated for festive scenes, the Great Hall is lined with trees, and the Hogwarts castle model is covered in a blanket of filmmaking snow.

Unfortunately, the Christmas dinner in the ‘Great Hall’ for December 3, 2015 is already sold out, Sunny friends. Make sure you read my blog post on what the studio tour involves before heading to Watford, London.

Things to Do in London at Christmas: Charles Dickens Museum

Visiting the Charles Dickens Museum is a great activity any time of the year. Aside from touring the inside of one of Dickens’ homes, the museum has year-round activities for literary lovers. They offer Dickensian Walks, Costumed Tours, and a reading group. You can read my review of the Charles Dickens Museum to learn more about what’s inside for you.

Things to Do in London at Christmas: Elf

Just a few streets away from the Charles Dickens Museum is the Dominion Theatre on Tottenham Court Road. From now until January 2, 2016 the show based on the 2003 hit film starring Will Farrell is running in the West End. You can see a trailer of the show here.

Things to Do in London at Christmas: See Santa

Seeing Santa at Christmas is everyone’s dream. There are many places around London this is possible. At Westfield London you can climb aboard Santa’s sleigh for a cinematic adventure. Santa’s Snowflake Grotto this year at Kew Gardens will have dancing lit-up fountains, a choir of holly bushes and a scented fire garden.

Royal Albert Hall has children’s tours with Victorian-themed stories and activities. If you’re a Florida girl like me and sometimes prefer a tropical climate over a snow storm, Santa’s Grotto at the Rain Forest Cafe might be something you consider too.

However, I’m told one of the best experiences for adults and children hoping to see Santa is at Leeds Castle, but that is a bit outside of London.

Things to Do in London at Christmas: IceBar London

If you’re thinking that it’s not appealing to subject yourself to -5° Celsius on purpose when it’s already very cold outside, you obviously haven’t been to the IceBar in London.

Soon after Mr. Sunny proposed to me, we visited the IceBar on a cold night in December. It features a ‘cold sensory experience where the walls, bar, table and even your own personal glass are made from Torne River ice which is harvested from the pristine winter wonderland of Jukkasjärvi in Northern Sweden.’ We also stayed for dinner after enjoying the subzero drinking experience. You can read more about my thoughts on the food and review for the Icebar here. Mr. Sunny and I highly recommend it!

Things to Do in London at Christmas: Drink Beer and Mulled Wine

Finally, something the British people do year round is drink. So, the holidays means you can enjoy festive ales at pubs while you’re sitting by the fireplace at your favourite local. You can also experience the traditional autumn/holiday beverage, mulled wine (AKA ‘Viking Blood’).

Ok, before you panic and feel like I’ve drained all the fun out of Christmas with that last picture, let me clarify that mulled wine is made with a recipe of red wine, various mulling spices and raisins. It’s not a drink for me. The smell is quite strong. However, it seems to be quite popular with everyone else in London at Christmas time.

If you haven’t visited the Sunny in London recommended Pub Crawls yet, make sure you do that too. Mr. Sunny and his father (both life-long Londoners) also recommend The Good Pub Guide 2019.

Things to Do in London at Christmas: Shopping Guide

If you’re visiting London and need shopping advice, you can watch the videos below. For printable maps of the areas I recommend, visit here.

Things to Do in London at Christmas: Your List?

That’s a quick list of my must see and things to do in London at Christmas. What do you suggest, Sunny friends? Don’t miss the 2016 video on ‘Christmas Things to Do in London That You Can’t Do in NYC‘ on the Sunny News YouTube channel!

Please leave your thoughts, experiences and questions in the comments below. Of course, if you found this valuable, I’d love it if you pinned it or shared it on your other social networks!

Happy Holidays to you!

Want a Food Freebie in London?

Subscribe to the Sunny in London weekly email and immediately get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London.’ It’s the ultimate free travel accessory for your London trip. The Guide has top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood. With it you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means skipping Wi-fi and finding a fab foodie place- fast!

As part of the welcome, you will also receive several other free downloads that will guide you through trip planning, plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.

December 22, 2014 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 Mr. Sunny 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.

It sounds like there’s both confusion and curiosity on both sides of the pond. But one similarity that happens on both sides of the pond is that when it comes to christmas, decorating your place of work is something that many people enjoy doing. Some even take it as far as hiring commercial christmas lights installation professionals, just to get the look they are after! After all, the festive season does just come round once, so why not go all out?

Let’s see if we can clear some of that. For a start, this is a very popular time of year for Americans to get a family photo together to send to friends and relatives. Believe me, you will need to book a professional who specializes in family photography Austin in advance around this time of year!

But first, are you spending Christmas in the USA this year? One of my friends from the UK now lives in Canada and she has told me that she is heading to the US for the festive season. Did you know that if you are planning on visiting the United States, your Canadian Criminal Record (CCR) can deem you inadmissible and you can be denied entry? With this in mind, you must obtain a US entry waiver before you attempt to enter the US, otherwise, you run the risk of being detained by the US authorities. You can learn more about the law surrounding US entry waivers on the Federal Pardon Waiver Services website.

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
The Name

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 in starts England. In August, I’ve been approached by staff members in pubs about booking a Christmas party. 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. (Oh yeah, if you’d like my brother-in-law’s recipe for How to Fry a Turkey, read here)

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’ in 2014. I still can’t figure out why.

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 suburan 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.

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. Channel 5 runs movies that are equivalent to Hallmark or Lifetime in the US throughout the day. 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. It’s concept is similar to a Thanksgiving wishbone but much prettier.

This Christmas cracker is a cardboard tube which has a present inside it. The tube is wrapped in colourful, festive paper. As two people break the cracker, a loud snapping noise is made. The person holding the larger end gets to keep the prize inside.

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.

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.

If you’re in London this holiday season, don’t miss my 10 Best Things to Do in London at Christmas blog post. In fact, I have a whole section of the blog devoted to Christmas in London.

Or the YouTube video on Things to Do for Christmas in London that You Can’t Do in NYC:

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?

You can read more about the expat experience on the blog. Be sure to see the review of an international shipping company, which includes a discount for you. If you’re planning a visit to London, the Sunny News YouTube channel has regular updates of advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes safety tips, pub advice, and a shopping guide.

December 19, 2014 by: Sunny London

Things to Do in Covent Garden- Pet a Reindeer!

Did you know one of the things to do in Covent Garden during Christmas is petting a real, live reindeer?

Yes, Sunny friends, it’s true. Seeing the reindeer has been on my list of one of my top things to do in Covent Garden for the past few years, and I finally had the chance last weekend.

You see, back in 2011 I first learned that it was possible on certain dates to see Santa’s reindeer in Covent Garden. Unfortunately, it’s back when I lived in the US and wasn’t due to visit Mr. Sunny here in London until December 23rd. The reindeer are sent back to the North Pole by then. I assume they need a few days to get ready for their big night.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been in London for the Christmas season since then.

There’s no doubt you have probably already seen the 22 foot reindeer that made its debut for this year’s Christmas in Covent Garden celebrations. It’s kind of tough to miss from any angle when you head in to the Piazza.

However, it takes a little bit of searching to find Santa’s reindeer. But, isn’t that what you’d expect from such magical creatures?

In fact, the reindeer in Covent Garden only make appearances on festive weekends. So, there’s really just 5-6 opportunities for you to see them each Christmas season. This year, they made their debut appearance on November 8. Although I had hoped to be one of the first people there to see them, I actually didn’t make it until this past weekend.

On a beautiful sunny Saturday in London, I made Mr. Sunny head to Covent Garden with me so I could finally see, and maybe pet, the reindeer.

When what to my wondering eyes did appear…

When we arrived, I was totally gutted. It sure wasn’t a ‘miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer’.

I couldn’t believe it. I mean I really thought I knew Dasher and Dancer and Prancer, and especially Vixen! But, instead of their furry, moving faces, I found an entire sleigh and reindeer built from 700,000 colourful Lego bricks!

Everyone around me seemed in awe of this gimmick. ‘Take a selfie with a reindeer!’ they said.

Bah humbug, I tell ya’

I was devasted. I told Mr. Sunny there was just no way that my favourite neighborhood in London could let me down, not after having this on my ‘things to do in Covent Garden’ bucket list for so long. So, I started searching through every nook of Covent Garden’s Apple Market. They haaaad to be somewhere!

Finally, I popped around to my favourite restaurant in the area, 21 Covent Garden, and asked someone who looked like he could be one of Santa’s trusty elves standing outside.

He pointed just off to the side and said, ‘There they are!’

In a small fenced in area I could see two reindeer surrounded by tons and tons of people waiting to see Santa’s power rangers.

I waited and waited until I could squeeze in through the layers of people so I could actually see the reindeer.

It took about 15 minutes to get in to see them. Oh, and reindeer aren’t the easiest creatures to photograph.

We played a lot of reindeer games to get their attention.

Then finally Cracker or Tinkerbell looked over at us. You see, that’s apparently the names of the two reindeer that serve as Santa’s back up sleigh pullers.

We coerced the reindeer in to coming closer, so I could say hello and fulfill my little Christmas dream.

I let Mr. Sunny feed the reindeer with moss while I furiously snapped away on my camera.

It is an opportunity I don’t think you’ll get many places. Well, except the North Pole, I suppose.

This weekend (December 20 and 21) is their last appearance for the 2014 Christmas season. If you’re looking for super fun and free things to do in Covent Garden this holiday season, stop by and see the reindeer.

Be patient and have a well charged camera battery. I took about 50 pictures of these mystical animals. They don’t stand still for long. I guess that’s part of the job responsibilities on Christmas Eve though, if you think about it.

Happy Holidays and make sure you read the ‘Differences between Christmas in the UK and America‘. You better watch out… It’s epic!

The opportunity to view reindeer in Covent Garden is complimentary (AKA free). The complimentary experience does not affect my opinion of the event. I truly believe I actually saw Santa’s reindeer. 🙂

November 7, 2014 by: Sunny London

How Carnaby London will ROCK Christmas!

Carnaby Street is known for its rockin’ history, but do you know that they have the biggest Christmas shopping party in London? This year I hear it’s gonna get loud. I mean really loud.

For this week’s #FaLaLaFriday, I’m making sure you are singing loud AND shopping smart by giving you all the details on how to rock out your Christmas via Carnaby Street.

This area, covering 13 streets, is known for throwing huge shopping parties. If you’re an avid Sunny in London reader, you’ve heard about a few on the blog. What makes them so epic?

Here’s some details about their next shopping party…

From 5-9pm on Thursday, November 13th over 150 brands, restaurants and bars will get together to throw this year’s ‘Music and Fashion’ themed party, which is sure to get Fa La La La LOUD!

I registered for my free ticket to the event last week, but you can click here to register for one too. This ticket will give you a 20% discount in participating stores. How’s that for a #FaLaLaFriday deal?!

Why you should attend this year’s Carnaby Christmas Party:

– Over 50 DJ sets will take place
– It’s more than just a shopping party. This night will be about shopping, fashion and social media! #Carnaby on everything you do, Sunny friends! Trust me, their social media accounts are tons of fun when it comes to engagement.

Advice for attending the Carnaby Christmas Shopping Party:

– Look Hot! There will be ‘style hunters’ combing the crowds for best dressed shoppers. You need to look edgy and fun, Sunny friends. That is, if you want to have your picture taken by the team and the chance to win an exclusive goodie bag worth £200. Oh yeahhhhh!
– Find a great place to stand around 6:30pm because that’s when they’ll be flipping on the famous Carnaby Street Christmas lights. I stopped by last week to see how things were progressing. I can’t wait to see what will fill the Carnaby Street sky!
– Get to Benefit early! I’ve been to previous shopping parties and Benefit gets packed fast.
– Practice your filmmaking skills. The Carnaby team wants a 20 second Instagram video of the shopping party. If you tag it with #Carnaby and #ShoppingParty, your skillz might win you £250 to spend in Carnaby and a Lomography 360 camera. Snap!

New stores for the Carnaby Christmas Shopping Party:

– Adidas Originals
– SuperTrash
– Nixon

Sunny in London Carnaby restaurant reviews:

– Whyte & Brown Restaurant, Rum Kitchen, Moosh (all are located in Kingly Court)
– Carnaby Burger Co
– Cha Cha Moon
– Kua ‘Aina Burger

Make sure you tweet me if you’re there! Maybe we can meet up somewhere, Sunny friends?

For more Carnaby London fun, you can follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

September 28, 2014 by: Sunny London

Conrad London St James Afternoon Tea Christmas Blogtacular!

What made 28 bloggers line up faster than the New York City Rockettes for a Christmas Spectacular Show? The Conrad London St James Afternoon Tea Christmas sneak preview!

That’s right, Sunny friends! You’ve seen my previous posts which show the fantastic #LDNBloggersTea group to which I belong:
– Royal Horseguards Afternoon Tea with 20 English Roses!
– The Ampersand Hotel, Science Tea and Chemistry!
– Run to the Milestone Hotel Afternoon Tea!

Thanks to Selena the Places, today we kicked our blogger heels up for this spectacular, ultra luxurious Christmas afternoon tea. And, I am sharing all the delicious pictures, right here, right now!

Hold on tight, because Santa Claus is Comin’ to London Town!We started the afternoon with flowing Laurent-Perrier champagne. And for the first time ever on Sunny in London, I’ll say I wished the London weather outside would’ve been frightful! What could be better than being trapped in a snowstorm with 27 other fabulous bloggers in a posh London hotel with flowing Laurent-Perrier?
Let it snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

As if the bubbly wasn’t enough to get our blogger bells jingling, we also had the gorgeous sounds of a harp balancing our social chatter.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even…

Oh who am I kidding….

With the beautiful display that Conrad London St James created for us to tease our pallets, we were all stirring!
Now Dasher, now Dancer, now Instagram and Twitter…

Oops! I don’t think those last two were reindeer 😉

Champagne introductions! #LDNBloggersTea @conradhotels pic.twitter.com/VSVpCgLqYZ
— Alyssa James (@aaljames) September 28, 2014

A preview of the Christmas #afternoontea at @ConradHotels St. James. How cute is the dessert?!#LDNBloggersTea pic.twitter.com/1jZT0xxw0l
— Jess Dante (@Jess_inLondon) September 28, 2014

I love team work… whilst @ShabbyChicLND take pictures. I eat scones and drink champagne! #LDNBloggersTea pic.twitter.com/3vMSEK1uMj
— Paula (@Ampola) September 28, 2014

We took our seats at the tables and started to feast. I felt like a Who in Whoville, even though there was no Who-pudding or rare Who-roast beast.
(Sorry, I just couldn’t help throwing in that old picture of me with The Grinch at Islands of Adventure Florida, because today it was just Florida HOT in London town!!! We were all melting from the heat as we entered the tea.)

Conrad London St James Christmas afternoon tea prepared by Chef Ashley is simply spectacular! Sunny friends, it becomes available on November 24th.

Here’s the menu:

Christmas Tea Menu

A Selection of Savouries
Brussel sprout salad
Turkey ballotine
Venison bite
Smoked salmon & lemon crème fraiche
Cured gammon & mustard
Beetroot & spinach

Freshly Baked Orange and Cranberry and Christmas Spice Scones
served with Devonshire clotted cream, homemade strawberry jam and blackberry curd

We really appreciated the chance to meet Chef Zoe and to learn about what inspired the menu. She floated around to each table numerous times to talk about the menu.

When I asked her what inspired her to create such a unique Christmas tea, she indicated it was about feeling and dimension.

She said she wants people to feel as if they’re peering through a snowy window or swirling in a snow globe…
What do you think, Sunny friends? I have to say, in person this afternoon tea was BRILLIANT!

After we finished the sandwiches and scones, the sweets danced like sugar plum fairies on the table.

Cakes and Pastries
Winter berry Christmas tree
Chocolate orange Battenberg present
Snowflake macaroon
White forest yule log
Christmas postcard marshmallows
Mini meringue snowmen
Edible Snow

Oh yeah, ‘Frosty the Snowman WAS a jolly, happy soul’ I sang to myself as I munched mercilessly on the edible snow. Gulp!

That meringue little man melted so fast in my mouth I kind of felt bad. Well… not really. 😉

If you’re really looking to have a holly, jolly Christmas, then this afternoon tea in London should be on the top of your holiday list of things to do. Not only is the food super delicious, but also the hotel is new too.

We had our afternoon tea at Emmeline’s, which can be hired privately for up to 60 guests. The light and airy ambiance was perfect for gathering 28 very, very excited bloggers.

It was formerly the Westminster Intercontinental and only recently changed to the Conrad London St James. It’s situated in London’s political heartland and invites global luxury travelers to experience a sophisticated environment with locally inspired style and design.

This is the Tom Clark sculpture which welcomes guests in the lobby. It depicts the common working man with Parliament on his shoulder.
Other politically themed animations and 3-D caricatures are seen throughout the reception and dining areas on the ground floor.

The hotel also features ‘the division bell’ found only in selected properties around Parliament. Conrad London St James is located at 22-28 Broadway SW1H 0BH. The Christmas Snow Scene Afternoon Tea is £37. The Christmas Snow Scene Afternoon Tea with Free-flowing Laurent-Perrier Champagne is £45.00.

London’s most iconic landmarks are within walking distance of the Conrad London St James. However, I would like to extend a very big thank you to someone who is an icon in the London blogger world. Selena, you have truly built a fabulous network of international bloggers through all the past three years.

We announced today that she’s passing the blogger torch to me for the coordination of the future #LDNBloggersTea.

If you’d like to join this group, watch my Twitter account for an announcement regarding the next #LDNbloggersTea. It’s a great way to meet other bloggers and make friends. For example, today, I finally got to meet Shikha from Why Waste Annual Leave!

You can always comment below to make sure I put you on the list. Naughty or nice, I will check it twice! And, if you’re on Triberr, I’ve also started a London Bloggers Tribe for us as well. Join it!

And just before I close this post, I want to give a big high five to all the London bloggers at today’s Conrad London St James Afternoon Tea Christmas preview! See you on November 30th for our next #LDNBloggersTea!Visit here for reviews and rates of the Conrad London St James hotel.