London

Our last day in London and we tried to squeeze in more London-ish activities. A spot of shopping, a musical in the West End, and dinner in a Michelin starred restaurant.

If you are short on time, don’t bother going to Harrods. It will take all of your natural life to navigate this block long monolith of a store. It’s expensive and confusing and I did not like it.

Instead go to Hamley’s, the largest toy store in London where not only are there toys, but also an entire floor dedicated to candy. You can see children squealing with delight and happiness everywhere you look…and having right proper meltdowns too.

From there we moved on to Aladdin in the West End. I have to admit I wasn’t expecting much, but I could not be more wrong. The show is fabulousness to the tenth degree. The costumes, set design, and choreography are top notch. But the special effects take it over the top. A real magic carpet that actually flies, exploding fireworks, and authentic disappearing genies leave you speechless. Oh My Gosh! I just love London so much!

Image may contain: 4 people, people smiling, people standing and outdoorThe best shopping is on Oxford Street.

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The world famous Hamleys Toy Store. Five stories of sheer happiness if you’re a kid.

 

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December is a nice time to visit England. It’s all decked out and there is no snow. We lucked out with a rare sunny day.

 

Image may contain: 5 people, people smiling, people standing and outdoorMy new favorite musical in London’s West End. Highly recommended!

 

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Prince Edward Theatre is pure Victorian style fabulousness.

 

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Dinner at the Michelin starred Bar Boulud. 

 

Image may contain: indoorA very chic and smart restaurant that serves gourmet pub food with a French twist.

 

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Brian looking like a proper Englishman in his vest and tweeds

 

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Back to the hotel and feeling a little like Eloise at the Plaza.

 

Image may contain: 3 people, people smilingBundled up for the Christmas Market – a wonderful tradition held all over Europe that we Americans had never heard of.

 

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The Christmas Market is so fun with rides, food, entertainment, ice skating, and every magical Winter Wonderland experience all rolled up in one place

 

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It’s impossible not to be caught up in the Christmas spirit here.

 

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Every manner of merchandise is for sale in charming fairly lit Bavarian chalets. This one in Hyde Park has over 200 vendors.

 

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Yes! Because Paige needs more jewelry.

 

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And just look at the decorations!

 

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They even make snow to order.

 

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Olivia is 6 and this is the first time she has ever seen snow! And it’s fake. Just wait until Finland!

 

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Paige and Olivia are the only ones brave enough to ride the Christmas Coaster.

 

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Wow! Chestnuts really do roast on an open fire. All this time I thought that was just artistic license.

 

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Grace having a bratwurst smile.

 

No automatic alt text available.Look at all the cute useless things they sell.

 

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And yet still so magical! So sad to leave you England.