Life is a Compromise: London Christmas Lights & Premier League Football
Finding the Magic in London’s Festive Glow While Cheering from the Stands
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London in December transforms into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights decorating streets, festive markets buzzing with activity, and a contagious holiday spirit that fills the air. Of course, to me, it’s not comparable with Christmas markets in the Alpine region, but it has its charm.
I visited London with my significant other this weekend, mostly because I wanted to see my favorite city again and see the Poets&Lovers exhibition. To make it more appealing to him, we included a Premier League football match. I’m all for compromises in life. Or little bribes like this one 😊
London’s Christmas Lights: A Glittering Wonderland
My photos aren’t really good because we didn’t have a lot of time, and my mobile phone camera is terrible. I hope you will at least get an idea of the atmosphere.
You can find photos of different locations here.
Since the city center is large, decorations are different depending on the location. The classics are Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Carnaby Street, with large LED creations across the street.
We had the most perfect view of the Shard from our AirBnb, but my camera doesn’t do it justice so I’m sharing this one:
And here are more photos from around the city center:
Tips for Exploring London’s Christmas Lights
Timing: Go after dusk, ideally around 5 PM, when the streets are less crowded.
Walking routes: Combine Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Carnaby Street into one easy walking route, ending in Soho for dinner.
Photography: Bring a good camera or smartphone, and try visiting during weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds for clearer shots.
Why Go to a Premier League Match?
Football is more than just a sport in England—it’s a way of life. The Premier League is considered one of the best leagues in the world, and the atmosphere of a live match is something every visitor should experience.
We chose a game that fit our schedule best, Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United, and it turned out it wasn’t that good, but still – attending the game was an unforgettable experience, from the chants of passionate Newcastle fans to the spectacle on the pitch.
London’s Top Premier League Teams and Their Stadiums
Arsenal - Emirates Stadium in North London
Chelsea - Stamford Bridge in West London
Tottenham Hotspur - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in North London, one of the newest and most advanced stadiums in Europe
West Ham United - London Stadium, in East London
Making the Most of Your Match Day
get tickets early: Premier League matches are incredibly popular, especially during the festive season.
arrive early: Arrive at least an hour before kickoff to explore the stadium, grab food and drinks, and watch the players warm up.
learn the chants: Familiarize yourself with popular team chants beforehand—it’s an easy way to feel part of the crowd.
Combining the Two Experiences
Why not make a day of it?
We started our afternoon attending the match and then headed to the center to seed the lights, after which we enjoyed dinner in Chinatown (spending a small fortune, but who’s counting…).
Practical Tips
Plan ahead: December is a busy time in London, so book necessary tickets in advance.
Transportation: Use public transport like the Tube or buses to navigate the city. Both the Christmas lights and stadiums are easily accessible.
Dress warmly: Both activities are outdoors, so layer up to stay comfortable in London’s chilly winter evenings.
Did we have fun?
Yes!
Did we create new memories?
Definitely yes!
I even suggested we should see matches in all the Big Five leagues - another compromise 😊
If you want more posts on the UK, read my Journey Jots post on visiting Bath (in it you can find 14 FlashFacts).
This publication will stay free forever, but if you feel I deserve a cup of matcha 🍵 here and there, then please buy me some - the next drink’s on me! ☕
Great photos and I enjoyed sharing your London experience
On a phone, the photos look beautiful!