Christmas lights in central London are a serious deal, with top flight designers like Paul Dart drafted in to create illuminations that'll be admired by millions.
Except that a bunch of school kids have gone and bested everyone.
For the past four years, children from Soho Parish School in Great Windmill Street have been lighting up the area with their own festive illuminations. In 2024, six new designs join 49 from previous years, to bring together 55 charming displays altogether, with the help of architect Antonio Capelao.
Sprinkled around Great Windmill Street, Brewer Street, Berwick Street and Dean Street, many of these designs — themed around 'lighting, identity of place and migration' — are somewhat unconventional (Christmas crab, anyone? How about a festive pineapple?).
But they're also imbued with that wonderful innocence of the festive-themed creations kids bring home with them from school this time of year.
Importantly, they prove that you can bung anything in a Santa hat, and make it look festive. Take note, Paul Dart.
You'll have to excuse some our own photos — they were taken en route to the Christmas party, when it was still light, although as you can see, the lights are switched on nice and early, which is handy if you happen to be around before it gets dark.
Anyway, if you're planning a tour of the Christmas lights in 2024, make sure these are on the list.
All images: Londonist
