Christmas at Trafalgar Square

"I am a gift. So are you,
and I feel you blossom and sweet fruit.
I laugh, I weep, I wait in patience, 
I sing for the healing of all nations.
Dear creatures..."

This is one of the poems from Poetry Society's Look North More Often Project. It is written as a mutual effort of many children to celebrate the annual Christmas gift which comes from Norway. Each year since 1947, the city of Oslo send to London a Christmas tree as a symbol of Anglo-Norwegian friendship. This is to commemorate the British support during the World War II. The Norwegian  Christmas tree embellishes the central London point, Trafalgar Square.

This year, the spectacular Trafalgar Square has also become a home to the memorial to hero of the people's hearts across the world Nelson Mandela who has died on 5th of December 2014.

The Norwegian Christmas Beauty next to the current design statue Blue Rooster by Farah Nayeri at the Trafalgar Square.

The Christmas installation of little Jesus born.

Feeling winter, feeling Christmas.

Trafalgar Christmas classics. 

Camera: Canon 6D, Lens: Canon 24-105mm f4 L

Christmas Lights of Hyde Park

Christmas + Hyde Park = Winter Wonderland. It looks like a fairytale from the distance, and from the closer look, too. Hence, it seemed to be a good idea to bring a visiting friend. And indeed,  these lights are charming.

And upon the closer look, and higher exposure - a fascinating queue :) Night photography is always fun!

Camera: Canon 6D, Lens: Canon 50mm f1.8 L

Christmas Lights on Regent Street 2013

The idea of Christmas lights - 2012 for London's noble Regent Street was so beautiful that London is repeating it again. The difference is in the change of the Olympic-2012 theme to the cartoons, making it more Christmassy. Old ideas work well sometimes - the reflections in the windows of the shops, taxis and busses just want you to stop and watch...

Christmas Lights Oxford Street 2013

No Christmas umbrellas anymore!

During the years we used to spot the lovely umbrellas, gift-boxes and stars while walking down the iconic Oxford Street of London. This all has gone this year, and even last year's Marmite did not manage to stay - probably more hated it than loved it, who knows? Oxford Street - 2013 is all about 'Let It Snow' theme. Myriads of the little snow balls may make simple but still very pretty, and, at times, mysterious. This photo has been captured during the sunset, and the colour play of the sky looks majestic.

Later at night...

Ask a photographer if he prefers to have food or a nice photoshot from the Christmas Oxford Street, and here is your answer!

Camera: Canon-6D, Lens: Canon 24-105mm f4 L

A Glimpse at the Christmas Leicester Square

Taking the traditions of the Winter Wonderland on board, the Leicester Square, London, has also gotten ready for the festive season. The major movie icon in London has everything for a little Christmas spend-off. Location, and over-popularity by tourists blocking all surrounding streets - tick. The little wooden houses with sweets and entertainment are there, too.

And the happy kids on the carousels, are at the square, as well. 

And even  not-oh-so happy carousel riders.

Santas are also spotted.
  

Only William Shakespeare does not feel too Christmassy reminding that there is no darkness but ignorance - through all-shining Christmas lights.

Camera: Canon-6D, Lens: Canon 24-105mm f4 L

Christmas at Fortnum and Mason

What is the festive season without some good tea? And what are the London tea places without their best of the rest, their famous classics? Fortnum and Mason looks utmost attractive in its anticipation of the coming Christmas.

Made up 'head to toe'...

With the Christmas tree installed...

 The gifts ready...

And the Angels singing the Christmas songs

We Will Rock You this Christmas

London is getting ready for the Christmas, and London theatres are obviously, too. Photo of today is for London Dominion. Freddie Mercury would have loved his Christmas image. 

Camera: Canon-650D, Lens: Canon EF 28-200mm f3.5/5.6 USM

St. Paul's in the Sky

Today's photo was inspired not only truly springy sunny weather in London and the mighty St. Paul's Cathedral, but also an interesting tender tracery created in the bright-blue sky.