Lighted boxes decorate Cartier for Christmas on London’s Bond Street.
Sometimes we arrive at a hotel, put our things down, and head to the Concierge Lounge to get a bite to eat. And that’s what happened on a chilly December afternoon when we arrived at London’s Grosvenor House: A JW Marriott Hotel (a spectacular place to stay, by the way). But after a snack and quick drink, we were ready to see London, so we donned coats and boots and headed out the door, having no itinerary or idea what lay ahead of us.
Hanging above Bond Street, these sparkling orbs marked the spot for Christmas finery.
We were attracted by a sparkling orb dangling over a nearby intersection, so we turned down another side street not far from the hotel only to find ourselves in the middle of Bond Street where shoppers of means, no doubt, purchase goods for themselves or for gifts.
Shoppers on Bond Street — enjoying the lights and windows!
A lone street musician added sounds of the season to our window shopping excursion on Bond Street.
That night, however, shops were already closed, and those of us out for the evening found delight not in shopping but in peering into beautifully staged and lighted windows and soaking up sights and sounds. It was the Christmas in London we came to see — over-the-top designs, patterns, and accessories on one glitzy street.
Although shops were closed (It must have been around 9:00 PM), Gucci stood out. Well lit inside and out, Gucci was astir with hush-hush conversations. We knew something was up. First, we noticed a Maserati parked near the door behind a black stretch limo. Across the street, men in dark glasses stood firmly on the corner — feet apart, arms folded, ever vigilant. Was someone special — rock star? actress? Londoner? — inside doing a little personal shopping after hours? Oh, how we wanted to know — but never did.
Quite the stir at Gucci, the only shop open after hours on London’s Bond Street.
A few city dwellers were out and about — window shopping, strolling babies or walking dogs. A lone delivery man pedaling for Deliveroo parked his bike and searched for the correct address.
A Deliveroo box sits empty on the back of a bike — parked while the driver makes a delivery.
But other than that, it was just another glamorous evening on Bond Street where white lights and glowing windows said Christmas — London style. What a find!
Programmed lights fanned out over and over again, bringing London’s Bond Street to life.
Thanks for following our travails in London. For more short posts, click on Postcards from England: Christmas 2016 . Hope you enjoy traveling with us! — Rusha and Bert
whiskywolfcub
I live in London but have never seen much of this – good inspiration!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks! We love wandering streets of any town, but London has some magical scenery around Christmas.
whiskywolfcub
If I’m still here in a year I’ll be sure to take note ☺
ailsapm
I adore London during the holidays, such a festive atmosphere and the lights are always amazing. Wishing you a joyous, laughter-filled 2017, Rusha. xxx Ailsa
Oh, the Places We See
Ailsa, I’m not sure why I missed this comment when you first posted. I was addled during the holidays, and just now sorting out a lot of things. Thanks for always being so prompt with your Travel Theme challenges. You’re such a good blogger with great ideas. Best wishes for a wonderful 2017!
tappjeanne
I love to window shop – and find great ideas for ways to use what I already have!
Oh, the Places We See
Don’t you think those fashions look exactly like what we would expect in London!!! Loved all of them.
Curt Mekemson
Quite beautiful without the crowds, Rusha. A perfect evening for window shopping! I’m thinking big bucks, whoops, pounds. 🙂 Happy New Year to you and Bert! –Curt and Peggy
Oh, the Places We See
And Happy New Year to you and Peggy. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to catch up on my blog reading! And yours are at the top of the list! Can’t wait to see what your next topics will be.
Curt Mekemson
Thanks, Rusha. It promises to be a fun year, filled with adventures. –Curt
gallivance.net
Rusha, we lived in London for 3 years, and it remains one of our favorite cities on the planet. We were both corporate types in those days, so Christmas time for us was all about decompression. London is almost always a beehive of activity, but when it closes down, it has a charm all its own. And your post captures this wonderful feel perfectly. Thanks for a pleasant walk down memory lane. ~James
Oh, the Places We See
How fortunate for you to have lived and worked in London, a truly international city. We love the excitement of it and the variety in buildings, people, clothing, etc. So much to see and take in. I guess that’s why it was fun to be out at night when almost no one else was just doing a little window shopping. Best wishes to you for a wonderful 2017!!!
Green Global Trek
What a fun post. It just looks SO very different from the Christmas we had here on the tropical island of Sri Lanka on a road trip. That is what I love… the very contrast from one extreme to another. Bond street looks just amazing.
Have a wonderful 2017
Best,
Peta
Oh, the Places We See
I love contrasts, too. Sometimes we head to the beach during December just for warmer weather, and the decorations for Christmas are totally different from where we live in Tennessee. I’ve never been to Sri Lanka, but I can only imagine how different life would be. Best wishes for great adventures in 2017!
ourfrenchoasis
It’s quite a while since I walked down Bond Street but I know it well. I wonder who was visiting Gucci, I am sure you are right, a celeb of some sort and obviously of immense wealth, enough that meant doors were opened privately after hours! Sounds like London was truly magical for you. x
Oh, the Places We See
It was sooooo good! We’d love to return — glitz or not. So much to see there. Thanks for your support. And best wishes for a great 2017!
prior..
Hey R & B – I did enjoy this very much so.
I actually stopped and paused to go slow – thanks for bringing us to bond street with you!
Each window is art and love the classic Ralph Lauren and the summer resort wear might also be just in tine with some of the shoppers who are astutely a season ahead – like aren’t some folks looking at spring and summer wardrobes – hm
Enjoyed the lights and beauty….
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for your comments. We, too, were fascinated not only by what fashions were selected but also how they were presented. London’s a magical place — would love a return trip!
prior..
Well happy new year 💛🎉💛💛🎉🎉🎉🎉