Merry Christmas and Happy New Years - We couldn't have been more thrilled to have Phyllis come visit over the holidays! She flew over and landed on Sunday and poor David had terrible troubles with his flight and finally made it over Christmas morning. We took advantage of the time off over the Holidays and were tourist again in London with Phyllis all the way up to Christmas day. She was a trooper and ready to go sightseeing right when we arrived!
First stop was to our favorite breakfast/coffee shop down the road from our flat, Local Hero. They have some of the best coffee in town and definitely Jeff's favorite eggs benedict around town (and we have tried just about all of them!). After a bite to eat, we headed over to the Christmas market in Hyde Park.
It was rather windy that day, so Phyllis and I decided it was time to purchase a new hat... We searched just about every shop for the best deal and then we finally found the perfect ones!
We strolled around and came up on the lake in the park as well
And of course we had to go to our favorite spot to warm up... the carousel bar!
I had a go at the ice curling... it is much harder than it actually looks!
After the Christmas Market we did a walk through St. James Park to head over to the South Bank and see Buckingham Palace on the way.
We had to get in one or two good selfie shots! 
Great view of the city!
We walked across the bridge and saw Big Ben.
After our tour across the parks, it was time to head back to the flat and rest up for dinner. It was Phyllis's Birthday a few days before she came, so we made a booking at London's only Michelin starred pub in London, The Harwood Arms, to celebrate. We had never been so it was good to experience something fun and new with her!
I had a fish and they split a venison leg with roast potatoes and cabbage.... I can see why one has to book 2 months in advance. The food was delicious!
The next day we went over to Borough Market for lunch and to get the day started. All the christmas decorations were beautiful!
How cute is this?!?
After the market we wondered over to the Tower Bridge
and then on to Tower of London.
This picture captures it all!
I just love London at Christmas time!
We made it through the Tower of London just before dusk and had some great views of the bridge
We wanted to make sure we documented it from very angle :)
After some relaxing, we started walking toward Covent Garden to see the Christmas decor before heading to our evening entertainment... I think this by far my favorite Christmas tree in London
And of course the evening entertainment was no other than WHITE CHRISTMAS! It has always been a tradition growing up to watch this movie and I can quote just about very line of it. It never quite feels like the holidays are here until I watch it.... so as you can tell I was beyond excited to see it!!!
and it was a packed house... we were up pretty high but they were still pretty good seats.
We all loved the play! They were very creative with some songs and scenes... nailing the classics and adding some fun twists to others.
The next day was Christmas eve and we headed over to the Camden Locks and Market area. Most things were closing but we were still able to take a good stroll and find a bite to eat. It was actually quite nice because the crowds were gone!
It was a beautiful day! and look at the empty streets!
After the locks, we headed over to do some more typical
tourist stuff in Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus.
The tree was looking a little sad here.... but it was still pretty
We were kids for a hot second in the M&M store! It was a mad house inside, so didn't stay around too long though
We made it Somerset house and saw the ice staking rink
Stopped in the original tea shop, Twinings
Made a stop by St. Pauls. The Christmas eve service was going on and they had a screen out in Paternoster Square with a live feed. There was a healthy crowd around it watching. We stayed for a song or two and then moved on to keep warm!
Given we went to the oldest wine bar in London, it was only fitting we go to the oldest pub in London as well. Luckily it was open so we stopped in for a drink before heading home.
Christmas Eve dinner was at Roxie's Steak and Wine... one of our favorite restaurants across the street from the flat... and it was tasty as always :)
Christmas morning the most anticipated visitor of the year finally landed safely and soundly in London... David made it! David was also a trooper and didn't let the delay dampen the mood at all. He slept in a little and we nibbled and made some fun cocktails :)
and Christmas dinner turned out better than expected! I was worried about cooking our first turkey... but it all worked out and we had a very lovely meal together. We were actually thinking this hosting business is not such a bad idea... parents be warned! We might take up hosting next year and not travel anywhere :)
Unlike some of the other big cities, London does not have a ball, apple, or acorn that drops... rather the dinging of Big Ben and the count down on the buildings are unique to London. Right after the last bell... the fireworks started immediately.
There were fireworks from a barge parked in the middle of the River Thames, fireworks from the circle of the Eye, from the top of the Eye and from the river bank. It was truly a sight to see!
Happy New Years!
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