It’s that time of year again: the bells will soon be jingling, the snow could soon (fingers crossed) be falling, and you’re once again preparing a list of presents for all your loved ones.
If you’re finding yourself stuck for ideas, fret not, we’re here to help – we’ve put together the ultimate Christmas shopping route for your festive spending spree.
What better way to get a tour of London’s prime shopping spots than a lovely wintertime walk across the capital? With ten fabulously festive retail therapy destinations on the route, there’s bound to be something for everyone…
Harrods
It simply wouldn’t be Christmas in London without this iconic Knightsbridge department store, and this year Harrods is dreaming of an Italian Christmas. Created in partnership with fashion favourite Dolce & Gabbana, Harrods’ Christmas display is a moving homage to traditional Sicilian puppet theatre.
Designer duo Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have created 14 magically festive themes in the store’s windows, displaying puppets in motion, fabulously styled mannequins and a number of Italian influences.
Perfect for the…
…one with a sweet tooth (make sure you stop by the Godiva Chocolate Café)…
…or the one who loves stuffed animals (pick up a Harrods teddy bear from the Christmas shop).
Selfridges
After you’ve perused all of Harrods’ floors, take a stroll across Hyde Park to the next stop on our list. This Christmas, Selfridges is sending a message of love; the department store founded in 1909 invites all to enjoy the festive parade running through its windows. Christmas at Selfridges is about celebrating the diversity, creativity and eccentricity that make London great.
The windows are adorned with beautiful parade flags bearing heartwarming messages, set against a velvet backdrop that gives the shopfront a lush, lavish and wonderfully festive feel. P.S. keep an eye out for disco-themed decor!
Perfect for the…
…fashionista in your life; these Gucci handbags are sure to go down a treat under the tree.
Daunt Books
A change of pace is afoot in the next stop on our route. Weaving through the streets of Marylebone you’ll find the charming Daunt Books – a top destination for literature lovers, this independent bookseller was founded by James Daunt in 1990 and is housed in beautiful Edwardian premises. The heart of the shop is a top-lit gallery which frames an arched window, partly glazed with stained glass.
Perfect for the…
…literature lover in your life; treat them to a beautiful first-edition of their favourite book.
The Conran Shop
Further along the festival trail, you’ll find the dream design destination that is the Conran shop. Founded by Terence Conran in 1974, the store has become a leading luxury retailer offering a selection of furniture, lighting, home accessories and gifts from the most iconic and emerging designers across the globe. Their take on festive decor truly reflects the brand’s philosophy of simple functionality, considered design and innovation. Inside you’ll find tinsel and bauble-bedecked cacti in place of the traditional Christmas firs.
Perfect for the…
…design lover; take your pick from a wide selection of unique interior furnishings.
…eco-friendly friend; grab botanical presents by the basketful from Conran’s devoted green corner.
Oxford Circus
Hopefully you won’t be too weighed down with shopping by this point; it’s time to take on Oxford Circus. Boasting more shops than you can shake a stick at, this iconic area of London is teeming with festive lights to distract you as you make your way through the throng. An obvious destination in the run-up to Christmas, it would be almost rude not to make the annual pilgrimage to this shopping haven.
You’d be hard pressed to not find a gift or two, with hundreds of firm favourites from Fendi and Cartier to Tiffany & Co. Keep an eye out for the numerous festive display windows!
Perfect for the…
…one-stop shopper.
Liberty
The Regent Street department store Liberty was founded by Arthur Lasenby Liberty in the 1800s and based upon his vision of an Eastern Bazaar. The store currently its interior design cues from the famous poem, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore.
The rafters of the Tudor-style building house a reflection of the magic of Christmas Eve, whereby a silhouetted skyline is illuminated by a supermoon and fringed with hanging foliage. A firm favourite among the artistic shoppers, a visit to Liberty is a must in the countdown to Christmas.
Perfect for the…
…arts & crafts enthusiast. Gift-wrap one of these unusual ceramics to make it a Christmas to remember.
Kingly Court
It’s been a long morning and all that shopping is bound to have worked up your appetite. The good news is it’s lunchtime! Wander further into Soho, and nestled in the heart of Carnaby Street you’ll find Kingly Court. Home to over 20 restaurants, cafes and bars across three enclosed floors, there’s much to choose from – ramen, ceviche or even a green juice. All tastes are catered to.
It’s located on one of most famous streets in London, so after a brisk lunch you’ll find big-name fashion brands, boutiques and independent gift stores beneath the Carnaby Arch.
Perfect for the…
…food connoisseur in your life. Take home a bite of something delicious!
Fortnum & Mason
Rejuvenated by a sumptuous lunch, you’re ready to continue shopping in Piccadilly. Fortnum & Mason’s Christmas theme this year is togetherness, with the store issuing a rallying cry of ‘Together We’re Merrier’. This extends to one and all, including mice! Fortnum’s festive display is built around arch-enemies turned friends for the first time: the Child and the Brussels Sprout, the Lobster and the Chef and the Turkey and the Butcher. Pick up a gourmet brandy butter for the Christmas pudding once you’ve taken in the charming window installations!
Perfect for…
…anyone who loves high-end stocking fillers!
Covent Garden
Covent Garden has truly received a Christmas makeover. Pay a visit to the covered Jubilee Market that dates back to 1904 and now sells arts and crafts goods on Saturdays and Sundays. This year, Covent Garden’s Christmas decorations are all about mistletoe, with over 40 smooch-inducing chandeliers hanging above the streets. Keep an eye out for the enormous hand-picked Christmas tree glowing with festive lights, as well as the magnificent silver reindeer prancing behind the piazza. Download the dedicated app for exclusive offers and experiences in the area.
Perfect for…
…couples looking for endless excuses to kiss.
OXO Tower Wharf
The final stop on our retail ramble through London this Christmas is OXO Tower Wharf, where shoppers can find or commission unique gifts. This is the perfect spot to get all your last-minute purchases sorted; home to over 25 designer maker boutiques, OXO provides an off-the-beaten-track alternative to the high-street.
If you find your energy flagging after a long day, reward yourself with cake and tea at one of the cafés on the ground floor, or treat yourself to fine dining with river views at the OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie.
Perfect for the…
…new homeowner. The ground floor offers novelty housewarming presents galore.
