Experiencing the magic of Christmas through a child's eyes is a joy like no other, and London's world-class festive decorations provide the perfect backdrop. Journalist and editor Samantha Bartlett recently made a special trip from her home in Portsmouth to the capital with her toddler to discover this seasonal wonder for herself.
A Festive Day Out in the Capital
Living in Portsmouth, the journey to London is a manageable hour and a half train ride, making a day trip entirely feasible. Samantha planned her visit for a mid-week day off, hoping to avoid the peak weekend crowds. Her initial plan was to explore the Christmas decorations at Covent Garden, including a visit to the pop-up Lego Chalet. Unfortunately, on the day of their visit, the chalet was closed.
Undeterred, the duo enjoyed a visit to the nearby London Transport Museum, followed by an early viewing of the famous Oxford Street lights. The main event, however, was saved for last: the highly anticipated Disney Christmas window displays at the iconic Selfridges department store.
The Enchantment of Selfridges' Disney Windows
Samantha was determined to see the displays after dark to experience their full sparkle, and they arrived just in time before catching their train home. The windows did not disappoint, featuring a stunning array of beloved Disney scenes.
From Lady and the Tramp's iconic spaghetti dinner to a whimsical Alice in Wonderland setup with the Cheshire Cat perched on a purple sparkling tree, each window was a masterpiece. Mickey Mouse had his own dedicated space, and the 101 Dalmatians were spotted watching their own movie on a television screen.
Other highlights included a Beauty and the Beast display with gorgeous chandeliers and Lumière greeting guests, and Cinderella's glowing pumpkin carriage. Yet, among all this Disney magic, one window in particular created a truly unforgettable moment for Samantha and her little boy.
A Meeting with Tinkerbell
The Peter Pan display proved to be the most magical of all. As Tinkerbell flew across the scene and into a little house, she waved at the guests outside. Samantha's toddler, completely captivated, pressed his fingers to the glass and waved back, utterly convinced he had just met the real fairy.
Samantha captured the precious interaction on video and shared it on TikTok, where the heartwarming moment racked up more than 100 likes. Beyond the static displays, the Disney Castle is also projected onto the Selfridges building every 15 minutes between 5 pm and 9 pm. For those wanting to extend the experience, a Disney-themed pop-up café, Dolly’s Café, is serving Disney-inspired treats until January 2.
While many might advise against taking a toddler to central London at Christmas, Samantha firmly disagrees. By choosing a mid-week visit, she found it a delightful and manageable adventure. The sheer magic of the displays made the trip more than worthwhile. It's safe to say that her little boy won't be forgetting his meeting with Tinkerbell anytime soon.
