Week 13

© James Kenvin

James Kenvin checks in weekly from his study abroad semester in London; catch up with him every Wednesday on Trazee Travel.
Since Christmas has taken over London in the last few weeks, I decided to start checking out the holiday fairs and festivals around the city — the largest being Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Every Christmas season, an area of Hyde Park transforms into an elaborate Christmas kingdom.

© James Kenvin

The German-influenced holiday festival is filled with food stands, gift shops, live music and rides. From the moment my friends and I entered the extravagant theme park, we were welcomed with the all-encompassing smell of hot chocolate, sweets and the sound of classic Christmas tunes muffled under the screams and laughter coming from the various rides. After wandering through rows and rows of beautiful glittering Christmas lights and decorations, my friends and I eventually found a gigantic beer garden in the middle of the festival. It was a combination of a Christmas party and Oktoberfest — the best possible mix one can achieve. Everyone was in the holiday spirit, carrying around steins, and dancing and singing along to the live band. It was unlike any Christmas event I’ve ever experienced, yet it still made me think of home.

With people surrounded by loved ones, happy to be around one another, it’s hard not to start reminiscing of past holiday seasons back home. I feel no matter where you are or whom you’re with, the Christmas season will always bring you home.