Christmas in London 2017 brought glowing trees, busy markets and ice skating to the heart of the city. In this December film, I visit Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Somerset House, then explore the West End’s festive streets. The journey ends at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and beside the River Thames.

First published on 24 December 2017, this Roberts London episode brings together visits from the festive season. Several street-light switch-ons took place in November. Together, they capture the build-up to Christmas and the atmosphere that carried through December.

Watch Christmas in London 2017

Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree

First, I head to Trafalgar Square for the tree-lighting ceremony. The band starts while the tree is still dark, and I have a carol sheet ready for the singing. Soon, simple white lights reveal the tall spruce above the crowd.

In the film, I tell the story of Norway’s annual gift and its meaning as a symbol of friendship. The ceremony offers a gentle start to the celebrations, with the choir singing beside one of London’s most recognisable Christmas sights.

Christmas stalls in Leicester Square

Next, it is a short walk to Leicester Square Gardens. Wooden stalls and strings of lights turn the middle of the square into a Christmas market. I head in hoping to find something warm to eat and drink before continuing around town.

This stop gives the episode a different pace. Instead of waiting for a big switch-on, there is time to wander among the stalls and take in the bustle. The film then moves on to the shopping streets and their Christmas decorations.

Oxford Street’s festive switch-on

On Oxford Street, crowds gather for the lights. Screens help people farther from the stage follow the entertainment, while the stores prepare their own displays. Selfridges is part of the scene, with its illuminated façade adding to the evening.

There is a little waiting before the street lights finally come on. That anticipation is part of the fun: people have come out to share the moment, then stay to look at the decorations overhead. It is one of the busiest scenes in the film.

Ice skating at Somerset House

After the shopping streets, Somerset House provides a beautiful change of setting. Skaters circle the rink beneath the lit courtyard buildings and a large Christmas tree. The view is just as enjoyable from the edge of the ice.

The episode also mentions the 2017 season’s Skate Lates, Fortnum’s Lodge and Christmas arcade. Those details belong to this particular visit. What stands out in the footage is the setting itself: the courtyard, coloured lighting and people enjoying a winter evening together.

Covent Garden’s tree, baubles and music

Covent Garden combines a busy piazza with decorations inside the market hall. I arrive for the festive celebrations, then the film spends time with the street musicians and their audiences. Music runs through this part of the visit.

Above the shoppers, giant silver baubles and mistletoe chandeliers hang beneath the roof. Outside, the Christmas tree glows beside the market buildings. The crowds make it clear how many people have come to see the lights and enjoy the evening.

Carnaby Street’s Christmas Carnival

Carnaby Street takes a colourful approach to Christmas in London 2017. Its Christmas Carnival theme brings bright decorations and a party atmosphere to the switch-on. The countdown gives way to lights, music and performers among the crowd.

I also reflect on Carnaby’s long association with fashion. During this visit, the street feels full of energy, with people gathering beneath the decorations and spilling into the surrounding shopping streets. The carnival theme gives it a character of its own.

Regent Street’s angels and fireworks

Meanwhile, Regent Street has space for a large celebration. Part of the road closes to traffic for the event, allowing people to gather beneath the lights. Entertainment builds towards the switch-on, followed by fireworks above the illuminated angels.

Afterwards, the camera follows the sweep of the buildings and the decorations stretching across the street. This is one of the film’s grandest views, with the angels creating a glowing canopy over the West End.

Winter Wonderland and a Christmas farewell

Finally, I visit Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. The film takes in bright rides, a carousel, Christmas stalls and the festive crowds. I also stop at the Bavarian Village for a sausage before saying goodbye to the event.

The episode closes beside the Thames, opposite the London Eye. Christmas is nearly here, and the end of December points towards another year. It is a fitting final view for this collection of festive London memories.

Continue into the following month with January in London 2018, featuring Café in the Crypt, the Chandos pub and Lumiere London.