Oh… How my life has changed within a year! And I could not be more happy! I still can’t believe how lucky I am, when I hear my little babygirl refurnishing inside my belly (she is very busy these days)  It is Christmas and the time, where I usually become a little bit sentimental! For many years I kept on looking for happiness in the same place, where I lost it! Big mistake! Thank God for finally realizing it was time to start over – and trust the magic of new beginnings. I am so very very grateful for my new life in London, for my boyfriend – and for my little girl, who will probably be the most spoiled child on earth (I have been waiting for you for such a long time, my little one!)

Being pregnant is a very new feeling for me. I found myself a bit tired and short of breath from time to time. But since I love Christmas in London with all of my heart, Frenchie and I decided to enjoy every beautiful moment possible (with a few hot chocolate breaks, of course)

One of my new favourite hang out places is Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill . This hotel has such a cozy and romantic bar – with great food (very important!) 

Inspired by Sir Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine, The Churchill Bar & Terrace offers award-winning cocktails and delicious dining

Not a bad place to take a break from busy Christmas shopping!

You simply have to try the yummy mini Croque Monsieurs with white truffles (They were out of this world good!)

Also we enjoyed a delicious board with cold cuts, British cheeses, pheasant and duck leg terrine, Scotch qual, eggs, piccalilli and chutney (it was a big portion, so we didn’t have dinner that night!) If you like Fondue you should try out the sweet or savoury version, which also looked really delicious at our neighbours table

This winter, The Churchill Bar travelled back in time, offering their guests a visit to the most amazing  Vintage London Winter Terrace. The terrace is decorated with iconic British posters, a vintage postbox, an old station clock and of course snug blankets and hot water bottles to keep you warm

Bond Street is as always beautifully decorated…

My favourite Christmas decorated shop is of course Cartier… I just can’t get enough of this beautifully wrapped store… With lots of goodies inside! 

I also met a bear on my way… (I think he belonged to Ralph Lauren!)

Speaking of shopping… If you still haven’t bought all of your Christmas presents, here is a guide for you to be inspired (with special voucher codes for my readers only)

Christmas lights at South Molton Street…

St Cristopher´s Place…

Seven Dials…

And Covent Garden…

No doubt that London is a magical place for Christmas! We didn’t go skating, as I am a bit of a Bambi on ice (and too afraid to fall being pregnant and all). But if you are up for it, you should most certainly visit these two places:

This picture is from last year, when my mother visited from Denmark. For more info on skating at Somerset House take a look here

The ice rink at the Natural Historiy Museum is so beautiful! There is also a smaller rink for children, so it is a perfect place for family fun

Looking for good shopping deals? I know exactly the place to go! Jump on a bus or a train and visit Bicester Village! This beautiful place is home to more than 160 designer and fashion brands (with up to 60% off) I actually went twice this December, as I simply had to come back to buy more presents!

It wont get more Christmassy than this!

Let’s just say, that my mother and I did not return home empty-handed!

Especially not after having found out that all the baby clothing in Ralph Lauren was 50% off!

Tod’s shoes in all shapes and sizes. I am completely in love with their driving shoes!

It was very busy inside the Gucci Store – and you have to be prepared to wait in a line to get inside!

My mother was particularly in love with the silk/wool Gucci scarfs (they were also on sale! Joy, oh Joy!)

I however could not get enough of these cuties…

To mention a few other brands at Bicester Village, where you can save lots of money: Diane Von Furstenberg, Mulberry, Burberry, Prada, UGG, Fendi, Armani, Dior, Hackett, Boss, Barbour, Holland and Cooper and many more!

Back in London, it was time to visit Knightsbridge! Harrods was as always looking magnificent!

This year Dolce and Gabbana has brought a magical Italian Christmas to Harrods. Got to love the colourful designer duo!

This is obviously the place to buy the biggest teddy bear in the city!

We however decided to spend our money on a quick lunch at Caffé Concerto and Giorgio Armani Makeup in Harvey Nichols ! All ready for an evening out at The Royal Albert Hall

A visit to The Royal Albert Hall in December has become a tradition for my mother and I…

We usually go for the Christmas Classics Concert, which for sure will bring even Ebenezer Scrooge in a wonderful Christmas mood!

Soprano Anna Devin song Schubert’s “Ave Maria” with such passion, that I had to find my Kleenex

Yes, this truly was a magical evening and highly recommendable! 

A few other things, that I enjoyed this December was a visit to “The Residence” at John Lewis…

 – with a bit of “hygge” related Christmas shopping! Read more here

I also had the pleasure of enjoying real, authentical Italian food at the newly opened “Mother” at Battersea Power Station. Read more here

Furthermore Frenchie and I visited our favourite Thaifood place “Mango Tree” for an alternative ten course Christmas menu. Read more here

Southbank Centre Winter Festival is always a winner. We went on a Friday evening for a visit to popup restaurant Jimmy’s Lodge.

We really wanted to sit inside one of these amazing igloos, but unfortunately everything was sold out

 – so we were placed on 1st floor at the rooftop refuge restaurant, which was also really cozy!

Such a beautiful selection of small bites to share…

– but the best part was a super delicious Alpine cheese fondue! For me it isn’t really Christmas without this favourite dish of mine! Got to love cheese! We had a glorious evening at Southbank!

If you haven’t already been, you should most certainly visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. 

Frenchie and I had such a great time – I was particularly in love with the Bavarian Village! Read more here

Looking for a beautiful hotel, where they serve festive Afternoon Tea to the tunes of a pianist playing Christmas carols? Then Browns Hotel is the right answer. Read more here

There are SO many things to mention, when it comes to spending good times in London in December. I have only mentioned a few, as the list would go on forever, if I didn’t stop myself. It is now time for me to start packing, as Frenchie and I will spend our Christmas with my family in Denmark! There is nothing better than coming home for a visit – and in our family, we have such great traditions (Frenchie still think it is weird, that we dance around the Christmas Tree – maybe in time he will learn to love it)

May the spirit of Christmas bring you and your family hope, happiness and love!

Merry Christmas!

X Louise