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Daria Zhivaykina
Vacation in London! [0] - 30.04.2024
© Daria Zhivaykina
Christmas has always been more important holiday than New Year`s Eve for the majority of European people. The British are no exception, but on the 31 of December thousands of people from all over the world come to London to celebrate the beginning of New Year. This year I spent a week in the capital of Great Britain and found out what the foreigners find so attractive about London in winter.
1. The Fireworks. New Year`s Eve in London is famous for its stunning fireworks show. The main venue is Westminster Bridge connecting two banks of the River Thames, right next to the London Eye and Big Ben. People start gathering six hours beforehand. A stopwatch appears in the sky at 11:59pm and people count out loud the last seconds of the year. The show begins with the first strokes made by Big Ben. The Fireworks are set off from the Parliament, from the London Eye and nearby areas. A spectacular and truly breathtaking display accompanied by music hits of the outgoing year amazes the crowd during 10-15 minutes. This very moment you feel the happiness and hope for the future, you see people smiling and kissing. The show is definitely worth watching.
Advice. It is possible to enjoy the show even if you stand near the Buckingham palace or Trafalgar square, so you don`t need to go through the crowd and inhale the smoke caused by the fireworks. Another important part, make sure you know how to leave the centre of the city if you need, because after the show you can face the transport problem.
© James O'Jenkins
2. The New Year's Day Parade. On the 1st of January, The New Year's Parade is held in West End of London. Thousands of musicians, dancers and cheerleaders walk through the streets and amuse people. The aim of this event is raising money for charity.
Advice. Several years ago they changed the route of the parade, so read some information about it in the Internet before going there.
3. Ice Rinks. At the end of November numerous of outdoor ice rinks open all over the city. Broadgate Ice Rink, Eyeskate by the London Eye, the Somerset House ice rink, Tower of London Ice Rink and Natural History Museum ice rink are the most popular among them. They usually work during the whole day, till 10:00pm. You can rent skates, hire a coach, drink mulled wine and hot chocolate and just have fun with your friends and relatives. In the evening they are illuminated by lights and the atmosphere is magical. Some of the ice rinks also have sections of ice for the little skaters and a fairground carousel on its territory.
Advice. It is better to come to an ice rink earlier, because they are situated next to London`s cultural attractions, like museums and palaces. If you have a chance bring your own skates, they are always better then ones offered there. And be careful…WATCH OUT
Museum ice rink © Daria Zhivaykina
4. Christmas Markets and festive fairs. Festive markets and fairs are places where you can taste traditional Christmas treats, cakes, all kinds of food and drinks, ride the roller coasters and Ferris wheels, take part in games and plays, buy hand-made toys and create something yourself and have a great time. Winter Wonderland takes over Hyde Park Corner. This place is a winter fairy-tale complete with rides, a giant wheel, markets, ice rink, circus and many other fun things. This year they built the Magical Ice Kingdom, where people can see the sculptures of woodland creatures, characters of movies and cartoons and unicorns made of ice and snow. Covent Garden Christmas Market is marked by a giant reindeer and large amount of Christmas trees and decorations on the streets. Artist, choirs and bands regularly perform on the market. All kind of treats from different parts of the country are presented there and you can try everything. There are also craft workshops and storytelling to keep little ones entertained.
Advice. The entry is free, but food and rides have a price, so make sure you have enough money with you. Wrap up warm, take a hat and gloves. I told you only about two of the markets, but you can find some more. Just check the Internet while planning your trip.
Winter Wonderland © Daria Zhivaykina
Winter Wonderland © Daria Zhivaykina
Covent Garden Christmas Market © Daria Zhivaykina
Covent Garden Christmas Market © Daria Zhivaykina
5. Shopping. You think that after Christmas there is nothing to buy in the shops and you can hardly find anyone in the department stores? You are quite wrong, my friend. After-Christmas time is the period of great sales. With thousands of other people you can buy presents for your beloved at a big discount. The best places for shopping are Oxford Street and Harrods, but they are also the most popular and crowded.
Advice. Make a list of the things you should buy, otherwise you can spend all your money. Sales are dangerous and a bit tricky
Oxford Street © Daria Zhivaykina
Oxford Street © Daria Zhivaykina
6. Londoners welcome and expect lots of people to come on the New Year`s Eve and they get ready for the celebrations several months before the holiday. That is why my last advice is to book a hotel, a restaurant and a night club in advance.
New Year means new life for a lot of us. Our world is enormously big, so take a chance and celebrate the start of your new life in an extraordinary place, share this moment with lots of people from other countries, try something new and get unforgettable emotions and memories.
Culture |10.01.2013 | Views: 2201
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