John Lewis Advent Calendar 2023, Day 11: Wrap up warm and see the lights

Nothing says Christmas more than the twinkle of fairy lights. For lots of families, it’s no longer just about decorating the Christmas tree, we’re now getting creative with outdoor lighting too. 

While decorating with fairy lights is far from new, in fact they’ve been used for many years to add sparkle to a home, research by John Lewis found that for some, decorating the outside of their home is a new tradition, with 6 in 10 (57%) now adding outdoor lighting. 

This trend was sparked by the pandemic when people added lighting to their homes to spread joy during social distancing. People now go to such lengths with their designs that spotting local Christmas lights has become an activity in itself - wrapping up warm and taking a thermos of hot chocolate while wandering the streets looking for fun decorations can make a free family outing, something we may all appreciate this year during the cost of living crisis. 

We live fairly near London but I like to book a hotel (only Travelodge / premier inn!) for the weekend before. We go up look at the lights, wander round the shops or maybe the southbank. See a show. I like the atmosphere with all the lights up and Christmas stuff.

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We go home and food prep etc then go for a walk to see Christmas lights at a particularly nice street nearby.

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23rd a nice meal with DP and DS, pick up hot chocs from Costa and drive and see the lights.

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So, make sure you have what you need if you're heading out to see Christmas lights this year. Wrap up warm and make festive memories with these.

Coats and accessories for the whole family

Of course, with winter in full swing, a coat alone doesn't do the job in keeping you warm at the moment. So, make sure you're stocked up on winter accessories for everyone in the family. Here are a few we've picked out for you:

• John Lewis Pure Cashmere Gloves, £35, buy now

• John Lewis Kids' Bear Flip Top Gloves, from £9, buy now

• Bloom & Bay Alyssa Ombre Check Scarf, £40, buy now

• John Lewis ANYDAY Recycled Poly Ribbed Scarf, £20, buy now

• John Lewis Kids' Ski Faux Fur Trapper Hat, from £13, buy now

• Barts Faux Fur Cable Bandhat, One Size, £40, buy now

• John Lewis Cashmere Beanie Hat, £45, buy now

Don't forget your drinks and snacks

Join in and decorate your own home

If you want to join in the fun and decorate your home this year, research by John Lewis shows that while one in five go for bright and bold lights, the majority (72%) opt for classic colour lights. The retailer has been providing lighting to families at Christmas time since 1940 so they have everything you need to add a bit of festive sparkle to both the inside and outside of your home, including a range of fairy lights and decorations, such as twinkling LED reindeers to add something special to your outdoor décor.

What is the John Lewis Advent calendar 2023?

For the first 12 days of December, we’re serving up Christmas inspiration, gift ideas and thoughtfully curated products that carry the seal of approval from our very own Mumsnet users. Make sure you check back daily!

• Open day one

• Open day two

• Open day three

• Open day four

• Open day six

• Open day seven

• Open day eight

• Open day nine

• Open day ten

• Open day twelve

About John Lewis

Known for much more than just those tear-jerking Christmas adverts, John Lewis is a department store that will accommodate all your needs. From home, garden, electricals, beauty, and fashion it's the perfect place to find a special gift for someone, or for yourself.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she brings parents content designed to make life easier. As a mum-of-two, she knows all too well how difficult it can be organising Christmas. So, she's fully invested in finding the best Christmas gift ideas, offers and promotions for families this year. 

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog.