The annual Christmas shopping bonanza will see more than 40 million people visit London over the festive period – all trying to find that perfect present.
You’ll find world class independent stores, flagship big-name brands and Christmas lights, Christmas markets and other seasonal events going on in the capital – making it more than just a shopping experience.
So get your lists together (check them twice) and read on for our guide to where to get your gifts this Christmas in London.
Regent Street | Carnaby | Oxford Street | Covent Garden | Seven Dials | Marylebone High Street | Duke of York Square | Jermyn Street | Fortnum & Mason | Harrods | Westfield | Brent Cross | London Designer Outlet| Southbank Centre | Markets at Christmas
The West End
Regent Street
Regent Street Christmas Lights 2015
Few shopping streets in the world can offer a Grade II listed location and the John Nash-designed street, which has been fashionable since the Georgian era, still has some of the most stylish stores in London.
It’s a mile from the top to the bottom and you can find luxury brands like Burberry, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss and the stunning Liberty London, which has some of the finest Christmas decorations in the city, along the way.
Head there on November 15th for the traffic-free day, which starts at noon, and includes a family Christmas show, lights switch-on and other events taking place
Tech-savvy shoppers can download their app, which gives you personalised offers, as well as alerts from your favourite stores, to help you plan when to head down.
Christmas lights
This year Regent Street will reveal an innovative Christmas lighting scheme, designed by ACT LIGHTING DESIGN (ACT) on Sunday, November 15. Their artistic vision, with a touch of the avant-garde, aims to add glamour to your shopping experience.
Take a break – eat, drink and relax
Le Meridien Piccadilly – Terrace Grill & Bar
The latest store to open in Regent Street, is Jo Malone London, and the new flagship shop has exclusive products you won’t find anywhere else. They also offer free consultations and hand massages if you want to enter their store, complete with botanical garden and artisan studio, and take the weight off.
There are also scores of bars and restaurants, tucked away in the winding side streets off Regent Street to visit.
You can watch the shoppers from above in the comfort of the Le Meridien Piccadilly, whose Terrace Grill and Bar offers great views – they also specialise in eclair’s for those wanting a sweet treat.
Longitude 08’s Hibiscus fizzy Christmas cocktail
They also have one of London’s largest gin selections, and if you head into the hotel’s Longitude 0°8’ bar, they have created a special Christmas cocktail menu to enjoy after a day shopping.
Michelin starred chef Richard Corrigan, has put together a special menu at Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, which has been serving up quality seafood for a century. This is the place to treat yourself to some festive fish, and they’ll lay on all the Christmas accoutrements you’d expect.
Bentleys Oyster Bar & Grill
Getting there: Regent Street, W1
Nearest tube: Oxford Circus (north end) Piccadilly Circus (south end)
Carnaby Street
Christmas in Carnaby
One of most famous streets in London, you’ll find big-name fashion brands, boutiques and independent gift stores when you walk through the famous Carnaby Arch.
There are 150 different brands in the area and this is a great place to visit for sportswear, with Vans, Puma and Nike among the retailers while the likes of Muji have a wide range of gift ideas for all ages.
Christmas lights
The Christmas installations will be lighting up the skies on Thursday, November 12 – and it being swinging Carnaby – they’re throwing a party at the same time.
Running from 5pm to 9pm (lights on at 6.30pm), register for your free party ticket, which gives you 20% in the shops, bars and restaurants, along with access to co complimentary food & drinks, a pop-up bar and goodie bags.
Carnaby Street Light switch on
Take a break – eat, drink and relax
Visit Kingly Court next door and find more than 20 restaurants, cafes and bars across three enclosed storeys.
There is also an outdoor courtyard, which has free wifi and seating, if you want to catch up online.
They have a yoga studio, triyoga, if its all getting a bit much and you need some downtime – they do treatments and massages as well.
Getting there: Carnaby Street, City of Westminster, London, W1F 9PS
Nearest tube: Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus
Oxford Street
The lights went up early on Oxford Street, with Aussie pop icon, Kylie Minogue, doing the honours in 2015.
The flagship John Lewis store already has it’s Christmas Shop open, with baubles, wreathes and stocking fillers on offer. Selfridges has also launched it’s Christmas service, with bespoke hampers and personalisation gifts available.
Getting there: Oxford Street, London, W1
Nearest tube: Oxford Street or Tottenham Court Road
Covent Garden
Visit the famous Covent Garden area, including the covered Jubilee Market, which was built in 1904 and sells arts and crafts on Saturdays and Sundays.
There’s an app you can sign up to, which offers exclusive offers and experiences in the area.
Christmas lights
Celebrate ‘Giftmas’ on November 23, this is a special shopping weekend where you can enjoy their free wrapping service.
This year’s light scheme is inspired by mistletoe, and the 50 new illuminations go live on Thursday, November 12. The event starts at 6pm on the West Piazza.
They’re also hosting the city’s first Mulled Wine Festival, which will run for three days (12pm to 9pm) and have every different type you can imagine, and probably a few more.
Take a break – eat, drink and relax
You’re in the heart of Theatreland – so why not see a show while you’re there. Find the latest theatre deals here.
We’ve also put together a guide to some of the best things to do in Covent Garden, from cafes to bars and restaurants.
Getting there: Covent Garden, London, Wc1
Nearest tube: Covet Garden, Leicester Square or Charing Cross
Seven Dials
Seven Dials at Christmas
Head to Seven Dials (and St Martin’s Courtyard) on Thursday, December 3 for their Christmas Shopping Party – register for a free ticket here to access 20% off at a hundred stores, bars and restaurants on the night.
Taking place between 5pm and 9pm, you can also get to see the latest Christmas illuminations.
You can get a Christmas touch up at the Sassoon Salon who will be offering 20% on a cut and/or colour and a complimentary Instant treatment and goody bags.
BareMinirals: are offering nibbles and refreshments with makeover demonstrations or you can visit bespoke watch service, LJX Custom throughout the shopping evening and design a watch from scratch.
Coco de Mer have naughty entertainment in-store for a flirty festive start to the season while Miller Harris will help you find your bespoke scent.
Christmas lights
St Martin’s courtyard lights
St Martin’s Courtyard are launching their lights on Friday, November 6 – themed around the 12 Days of Christmas.
Take a break – eat, drink and relax
There are plenty of restaurants and bars to visit while you do your shopping in Seven Dials.
Hawksmmoor do some of the best steaks in London, Flesh & Buns gives you Japanese-fusion food in a funky setting and Mon Plaisir will give a Gallic twist to your evening’s eating.
Head to the Foundation Bar for cocktails.
Getting there: Seven Dials, London, WC2H 9HA
Nearest tube: Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road
Seven Dials shopping centre
Marylebone High Street
Marylebone Christmas Lights 2014
This central London “village” has plenty of independent shops you won’t find on the average high street.
Visit Aspinal of London or Paul Smith’s for high-quality accessories and stocking fillers or see where the likes of Tilda Swinton and Victoria Beckham get their vintage haute couture at William Vintage.
Christmas lights
This year’s big switch on in Marylebone Village will be on Wednesday, November 18 – and there will be live music, stalls and festive entertainment between 3.30pm and 6.30pm – lights on at 6pm.
Organised by The Howard de Walden Estate, this year the event will support the charity, Age UK Westminster, and part of the street will be closed to traffic.
There will be scores of food and drink stalls, selling mulled wine and other Christmas treats.
Reindeer’s at the Marylebone Christmas Lights 2014
Take a break – eat, drink and relax
There are more than 50 cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants around Marylebone High Street, from gastro pubs to Michelin-starred restaurants.
There also plenty of bakeries and patisseries if you just want to grab something to go – eating and drinking in Marylebone.
They have art galleries, museums, and of course Regent’s Park is a short walk away, if you want to take a shopping break.
Getting there: Marylebone High Street, Marylebone, London
Nearest tube: Regent’s Park, Oxford Circus, Bond Street and Baker Street
Duke of York Square
Christmas shopping in the Duke of York Square
See what the Chelsea set are buying for Christmas in this stylish square, which will have a magnificent Christmas tree at it’s heart for the festive season.
Top quality brands like Mary Quant and Cath Kidston have shops here, along with one of the largest Zara stores in Europe.
The Square will be offering its complimentary gift wrapping service, with skilled wrappers, to sprinkle some stardust on your packages and parcels. The service will be available daily to all shoppers at Duke of York Square from Tuesday, December 1 and is complimentary for all gifts bought on the Square(proof of purchase / max 3 wraps per person, per day).
Christmas lights
Taking place on Saturday, November 7 at 4pm, their annual Christmas Lights Switch-On, is an all-day event for all the family. Father Christmas will be installed in his grotto, and you can book ahead (see website) to get a spot.
Santa’s Grotto in the Duke of York Square
Take a break – eat, drink and relax
Every Saturday the square holds a Fine Food Market, where you pick up everything from cakes to game, and there will be a festive tinge to the food in the run up to Christmas.
Visit the Saatchi Gallery to see some of the finest modern art, and then visit the Gallery Mess for a bite to eat.
Getting there: Duke of York Square, King’s Road, London, SW3 4LY
Nearest tube: Sloane Square
Jermyn Street
If you’re shopping for the gentleman in your life, you can buy the highest quality menswear in this historic, and still fashionable street (dates back to 1664).
Here is where you’ll find the best tailors, shirt makers, leather goods and wine merchants
Christmas hamper competition
If you visit the street from now until Monday 14th, make sure you pick up a competition postcard to win the Ultimate Jermyn Street Christmas Hamper Competition.
Along with a night at The Cavendish London, and a trip to the theatre there are heaps of Christmas goodies in there, including dinner at The Ritz Club and a customised suit from the formalwear collection, a traditional Jermyn Street shirt and a tie by Hawes & Curtis.
Getting there: Jermyn Street, London, SW1
Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus or Green Park
Iconic shops
Fortnum & Masons
The famous Fortnum’s hamper has been a prized Christmas present for more than 300 years – its even been sent to Everest and the Iraq frontline.
One of London’s oldest (1707), and most iconic, shops, they like to go to town during the festive season and they have a full range of customised gifts for even the most discerning recipient (it was the Royal Grocer for 150 years)
Of course Fortnum’s is also famous for its tea, so it might be rude not to stop in at The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon for their afternoon tea selection and take a break from shopping.
Fortnum’s Christmas Store Front
Key shopping date
If you like your shopping experience to be glamorous evening, visit the store on Thursday, November 19, between 6pm and 9pm, and sip a glass of champagne while visiting the newly refurbished beauty and accessories floor.
There will be complimentary mini-treatments, fragrance consultations, makeovers and manicures as well as Fortnum’s expert jewellery, accessories and beauty buyers to advise you – you could also win an iconic signature Fortnum & Mason hamper every hour throughout the evening.
Getting there: Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER
Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus
Harrods
Luxury retailer Harrods attracts customers from across the globe, and no more so than at Christmas.
They are hosting two Christmas shopping weekends as part of their Festival of Christmas celebrations.
Taking place on Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 8 and Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29 – there will be scores of special deals, competitions, face painting and crafts on offer – as well as the arrival of Father Christmas to take residence in his Grotto for the season.
Getting there: 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL
Nearest tube: Knightsbridge
Christmas Shopping centres
Westfield London & Westfield Stratford City
The Village, Westfield London W12
If you want to do your Christmas shopping protected from the elements, then you can head east or west to two of the biggest urban shopping centres in Europe.
Westfield London
The centre has more than 250 stores, as well as their high-end – The Village – which has brands like Burberry, Tiffany & Co and Versace.
Their ice rink is opening on Thursday, November 19 and you can book tickets in advance here – each week they will have different live acts to entertain the skaters.
Website and Twitter
Getting there: Ariel Way London W12 7GF
Nearest tube: Shepherd’s Bush, White City, Wood Lane
Westfield Stratford City
Westfield Stratford City has around 350 shops and scores of places to eat and drink along with a cinema and bowling alley.
They’ll be hosting their Christmas Festival on Saturday, November 14 with a whole day of family fun planned.
There will be a Christmas Carousel, Grotto and live music from The Salvation Army and Motown singers The Estrellas as well as mulled wine and minced pies.
Website and Twitter
Getting there: Olympic Park, Montfichet Rd, London E20 1EJ
Nearest tube: Stratford
Brent Cross
Brent Cross was the first large enclosed shopping centre to be built in the UK back in 1976, and its still setting the standards today, with more than 140 stores, featuring the High Street’s biggest names, within its walls.
If you’re working in the week and wondering when you’re going to fit in gift buying, the shopping centre has that covered as from November 30th they will be open on weekdays until 10pm. This is extended from December 14th to 11pm – so plenty of time to get your presents after work.
Christmas lights
Their Christmas lights switch on takes place on Thursday, November 12th.
There will be live performances by the Urban Voices Collective , who’ll be singing festive classics (old and new) at 4pm and 6pm – before the lights are turned on at 6.30pm.
You can also visit Santa at the new Christmas Grotto offering an immersive 360 digital experience, which opens the same night. To find out more and book a place for your little one – click here.
Getting there: Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Hendon, London, NW4 3FP
Nearest tube: Brent Cross
London Designer Outlet
Christmas at the London Designer Outlet
Visit London’s only outlet which guarantees its shoppers a White Christmas – yes the snow cannon will be firing on the hour from December 14th to Christmas Eve.
Alongside Wembley Park, LDO’s festive season includes an Ice rink, traditional vintage funfair and festive street food market, all open from November 20.
Inside the shopping centre, you’ll find more than 50 top-class brands, including Nike, The Sunglass Hut and M&S, offering up to 70% OFF RRP.
They also have a cinema and scores of bars and restaurants so you can make a day of it.
Ice Rink at the London Designer Outlet
Christmas competition
From November 20 you can your LDO Christmas wish list in Santa’s post box at the centre.You have the chance to win a Christmas shopping spree worth £200 and four runners up will win a £50 voucher to LDO.
Website and Twitter
If you want to combine a trip to the London Designer Outlet with a gig or show – here’s our guide to Wembley Arena and the surrounding area.
Getting there: London Designer Outlet, Wembley Park Boulevard, Wembley, HA9 0QL
Nearest tube: Wembley Park or Wembley Stadium
Christmas markets
Winter at Southbank Centre with Nat Wes (c) Jason Alden
Winter at Southbank Centre with NatWest
Southbank Centre’s Winter Market will run from Friday, November 20 to Christmas Eve – and the wooden chalets will have festive food, drinks and crafts to buy (Sun-Thu: 11am to 9pm, Fri-Sat: 11am to 10pm)
Along with the market the festival will be hosting a range of events, raising funds for charity, with concerts, dances, choirs and auctions taking place across December – see website for dates.
Winter at Southbank Centre with Nat Wes (c) Belinda Lawley
For more adult entertainment – head to La Soirée for cabaret and circus thrills or have a drink at the traditional Scandinavian bar, The Rekorderlig Cider Lodge.
Getting there: Southbank riverside, London
Nearest tube: Waterloo
Find out more about markets in London
Greenwich Market is a great place to visit for gifts, an they have a lantern procession taking place on Wednesday, November 25 from 4pm, along with a Christmas grotto and carols.
You can visit a full market at Borough Market every day of the week, between Wednesday, December 9 and Christmas Eve in the run up to Christmas.
Visit our guide to some of London’s famous markets to find out where to buy food, flowers and antiques in the city during the festive period
Essential shopping links
Find more inspiration for things to do in London here, if you fancy taking a break from shopping.
For all the latest news and travel information, visit the Transport for London website.
If you’re planning on spending more than a day shopping in London, then we have plenty of London hotels to stay in and make a weekend of it.
And finally, remember to check out the weather forecast in case you need to head straight to the umbrella store.
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