London at Christmas feels like stepping straight into a storybook, and experiencing it while studying at LSE has made my time abroad even more memorable. Because the UK doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, the Christmas season begins as early as late October—which works perfectly for study-abroad students who return to the US in December. The city transforms almost overnight. Streets glow with lights, storefronts unveil elaborate holiday displays (Harrods, Selfridges, and Fortnum & Mason are my favorites), and Regent Street and Covent Garden—only a five-minute walk from my flat—become some of the most magical places in London. Even my normal walk to campus feels different when the streets have amazing lights displays and Christmas coffee is available at every cafe.

The festive atmosphere has been the perfect counterbalance to LSE’s academic intensity. When classes are demanding and the workload feels endless, it’s comforting to know that a Christmas market, a cozy cafe, or a beautifully lit street is always nearby. My friends and I love exploring the markets, especially the South Bank, and finding tree lightings around the city, like the one from Covent Garden pictured below. These little adventures have become some of my favorite memories.

Once London turned festive, I finally began to feel truly at home here. Being abroad during the holidays could easily feel lonely, but instead it has felt warm, bright, and surprisingly comforting. My friends have become a small family. We cook together, decorate our halls, and go to festive pub nights to get into the spirit. Our favorite spot is the famous Churchill Arms pub (in my photo below) known for their amazing Christmas lights display.  There’s something uniquely bonding about experiencing the magic of London together. Studying at LSE is challenging, but celebrating Christmas here has added so much joy to the experience and made the city feel not just exciting, but truly my own.