Christmas shopping in London is magical – and just as famous. Whether you shop in London for fun and to experience World-class services alongside a wide variety of goods, or shop here last minute before the festive fun begins, it will be an unforgettable experience regardless!
We have collected the top places for Christmas shopping as well as the best Christmas markets in the city for you to try this Christmas.
Best Christmas shopping in London
Table of Contents
We think these are the 5 best shopping destinations in London:
- Jubilee and Apple Market in Covent Garden, Central London
- Selfridges
- Liberty of London
- Oxford Street
- Westfield Shopping Centre
Jubilee and Apple Market in Covent Garden, Central London
Covent Garden is truly magical around Christmas time and you are sure to find some spectacular gifts at the shops in this area. With the wonderful Christmas tree and decorations glorifying the already stunning square, it really creates a truly magical Christmas feel which is worth experiencing even if you don’t buy anything. There are several designer shops around as well as luxurious bakeries and a Disney store in the Square. There is an Apple store if you’re looking to buy some more techie things and all in all there is something for everyone. If you are looking for a hand-crafted gift or something very special you should definitely have a look at the Covent Garden Markets.
Particularly the Apple Market inside Covent Garden Market Hall is beautifully decorated during the festive season and awakes your Christmas spirit with ease. The market offers slightly upscale mostly handmade goods of local traders. This popular London market offers everything from fine to fashion jewellery, leather goods, home accessories and some trendy clothes and accessories. Even if you won’t find your ideal Christmas gift here Covet Garden is worth a visit either way.
Selfridges
Selfridges’ windows have become synonymous also with the brand, and to a certain degree have become as famous as the company and Oxford Street location itself. Selfridges at Christmas has a history of bold art initiatives when it comes to the window designs. Just as they do today, the window designs served as the opening act of the entire play of the Selfridge experience and helped capture the public’s attention to transform customers into true shoppers. The windows consistently attract tourists, designers and fashionistas alike to marvel at the current designs and styling and fashion trends. This Christmas Selfridges launched their Christmas windows ealier than ever and by now their Christmas shop on top floor is also open for you to enjoy.
Liberty of London
Liberty was founded in 1875, but the present Marlborough Street site, with its ships’ timbers and leaded windows, was built in the 1920s. The interconnecting jumble of rooms, with the odd fireplace and cushioned window seat, makes for an intimate feel – as if you’ve strayed into a private room in a stately home. It’s not an accident, founder Arthur Lasenby Liberty wanted customers to feel as if they were exploring someone’s home, keeping the shopping galleries small, albeit linked to three rather grand atriums.
Although Liberty trades well on its history, it constantly squeezes innovation into its wood-panelled rooms. Alongside one of the best edits for fashion shopping in the world, in 2011 it expanded its men’s floor, adding a huge tailoring and accessories chamber packed full of posh undies. The Paper Room soon followed on the ground floor with micro-floral Liberty print stationery and gifts, and then the Dining Room opened – quirky cookware and gadgetry in a space modelled on the kitchen in Downton Abbey.
Oxford Street
Oxford Street has loads of different shops to suit all budgets. There are some department stores as well as independent designers and other shops available. It does get extremely crowded during Christmas time so do try to go early in the morning if you can. There are low budget stores such as Primark available if you want to buy fashionable clothing for less. This store gets extremely crowded, so do try to avoid it during the rush.
Along Oxford Street you will also find shops including Zara, Swarovski, Boots, Currys Digital, French Connection and many more. If you are looking for variety, then you are sure to be satisfied with Oxford Street and its 300 different shops. If you decide to come to Oxford Street, we advise you come at the beginning of the day with a lot of energy as it can be quite overwhelming.
Westfield Shopping Centre
Westfield London is a shopping centre in White City, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. At the time of its opening it was reported to be the second largest commercial centre in the UK (after MetroCentre near Newcastle), however after an extension opened in March 2018, the centre became the largest in the UK and Europe.
Whether you’re looking for a suitable gift for children, women, men or even pets. Westfield offers an immense choice of stores. Make sure you plan a full day as queues in the fitting rooms and tills may be long especially before Christmas. It’s also advised to bring a shopping trolley as you will most likely buy more than you intended. The mall is anchored by John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, House of Fraser, Next or Primark just to name a few.
The nearest London Underground stations are Wood Lane, White City, Shepherd’s Bush and Shepherd’s Bush Market.
The best Christmas markets in London
London’s Southbank Christmas Market
This Christmas market is located in one of London’s most spectacular settings. Enjoy views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye while browsing the many stalls. If you want to have a nice wander around with a warming mulled wine in your hand, then don’t miss Southbank. There are different festive foods available as well as seasonal ingredients. The small traditional wooden chalets are lined up along the river giving it a truly magical Christmas market feel. This is the perfect place to go whether you want to enjoy a little stroll along the river, sample some of the food and drinks or buy some presents for your friends and family. Particularly if you are visiting London on a short stay and wish to combine shopping with sightseeing Southbank Christmas Market should be at the top of your list.
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland is an annual celebration at Hyde Park that runs from November to January every year. The event offers two circuses in the park as well as Santa Land and the Magical Ice Kingdom, featuring ice sculptures, ice forests and ice characters in theme rooms. You will also find a traditional Christmas market that offers everything from jewellery, handknitted goods, local produce and home accessories.
Greenwich Market in South London
Greenwich Market is situated in a beautiful market hall with shops, market stands and amazing London street food. If you’re looking for handmade crafts, handpicked clothes and accessories, original interior design or unique jewellery pieces, this is the place to go! You may also find a few exclusive vintage goods and some of London’s best souvenirs wandering the stalls. In addition, Greenwich is absolutely gorgeous to wander around. From the Cutty Sark to stunning Greenwich Park with views of Canary Wharf and some of London’s best English pubs, Greenwich has it all!
The Selfridges Christmas shop
The Oxford Street department store has decided to open its Christmas shop an eye-popping 149 days before Santa makes his yearly house calls, a ‘record’ two days earlier than it has opened in previous years. This means you have even longer to stock up on posh baubles and, should it take your fancy, a £100 figure of old Saint Nick doing yoga.
Christmas shopping itinerary
Breakfast in The Ivy in St Johns Wood
Located in the heart of St John’s Wood, The Ivy Brasserie is an exciting addition to the sophisticated North London neighbourhood: a relaxed yet stylish dining experience offering an accessible all-day menu in a friendly, neighbourly environment. They always keep a number of tables unreserved throughout the day, allowing you to sample their range of café-style menus at your leisure from breakfast until late, or you can simply pop in for a drink and some nibbles. Open seven days a week, The Ivy St John’s Wood includes outdoor Parisian style street seating, and brings some of the familiarity and charm of The Ivy brand to the already fashionable St John’s Wood.
Pick out luxury gifts at Harrods in Knightsbridge
Knightsbridge is the ideal area to venture to for some luxury London Christmas shopping. It is the perfect place to shop for some of the most exclusive designer brands in the world. There are many great places to shop in Knightsbridge. However, during the festive season we highly recommend you go to Harrods and Harvey Nichols department stores.
Harrods is transformed into a magical world during Christmas time and is surely a London shopaholics favourite! Sit on Santa’s lap, gaze at the amazing Christmas decoration or just take a wander around the sheer endless array of merchandise. There really is nothing that you can’t find here. Harrods has everything from hairdressers to ski equipment and luxurious jewellery. You will find loads of top designer brands and extremely high-quality gifts. There is a food court with different types of luxury cuisine available as well as different counters with delicacies you can buy and bring home to make Christmas extra special. Harrods is a place worth experiencing in London if on a short or extended stay.
Harvey Nichols is great for buying exclusive designer brands as well as enjoying a lovely meal or a drink at the champagne bar. The entire building is luxurious, and you will see lovely seats and sofas by some of the designer sections which are perfect for having a little break while looking at the clothes. There are attentive staff members throughout the store who are more than happy to give you all the advice and help that you need.
Enjoy Christmas afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason
Since 1707, Fortnum & Mason has grown from an exceptional grocer in the heart of London to one of the world’s preeminent destination stores. Over the past 300 years, the tradition of taking tea has formed an integral part of life at Fortnum & Mason, and now you can experience this iconic British treat by taking Afternoon Tea in Fortnum’s elegant Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon.
Opened by HM The Queen, the Tea Salon has established itself as one of London’s most stylish destinations. Expert ‘Tearistas’ will also be on hand to advise you on which tea is right for you from the incredible range of signature blends, single-estate and infusion teas – before you toast the occasion in style with a glass of Champagne.
Explore Winter Wonderland
Located in the heart of London in Hyde Park, get ready to fully immerse yourself in all things festive from 21st November 2019 to 5th January 2020. Open at 4pm on Thursday 21st November, Winter Wonderland is then open every day from 10am to 10pm. Offering an array of attractions, activities and entertainment for visitors of all ages – there really is something for everyone!
Winter Wonderland is FREE to enter and this year they’ve got loads in store with exciting new attractions including the world’s tallest transportable Observation Wheel, a new theme ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Magical Ice Kingdom, a Season Ride Pass, Paddington™ on Ice, Mr. Men & Little Miss and a fantastic new programme of comics at the Winter Wonderland Comedy Club. Let’s not forget our returning favourites including the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, funky new après ski vibes at Bar Ice and jaw dropping acts in the Circus MegaDome!
Mornings are great for families where you can enjoy Winter Wonderland at a leisurely pace. At night, Hyde Park is transformed by thousands of sparkling lights, so enjoy a mulled wine or Bavarian beer and join in the festive atmosphere.
With over 100 spectacular rides and attractions, thrilling shows, London’s biggest Christmas Market, Santa Land, which is a whole area dedicated to little ones, restaurants, cafes and themed bars, this Christmas extravaganza will keep you topped up with festive cheer!
Where to stay in London?
Danubius Hotel Regents Park is a central London hotel with a difference. Located by three iconic London landmarks: Lord’s Cricket Ground, Regent’s Park, and the renowned Wellington Hospital. Situated in central London, we pride ourselves in offering a real home from home for business and leisure travellers alike. Conveniently located a mere 10-minute walk from St John’s Wood and Baker Street tube stations, this four-star London hotel offers easy access to all the West End attractions.
The hotel is also situated near key railway stations: Marylebone, Paddington and King’s Cross St. Pancras with direct links to Heathrow Airport. Buses from our doorstep whisk you to Oxford Street within minutes. Whether you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime visit to London or have flown to the capital on business, our aim is to ensure your stay is truly memorable.
Christmas packages in Danubius Hotels Regent’s Park
Make the most of the capital’s jolly festivities and add some sparkle to your trip with our Christmas Package. Book a minimum of two nights between December 13th 2019 and January 5th 2020 and get a full English breakfast, a mini Christmas hamper and our lovely mascot Dany the teddy bear. Do not miss out on this offer to explore the city and the attractions, including the world famous Oxford Street for shopping during the festive season, Christmas markets and the theatres.
Christmas Hotel stay package in London
FAQ
Some retailers start their Christmas shopping as early as October, but traditionally Christmas shopping in London starts beginning of November.
There are many great Christmas markets in London. The locals’ as well as tourists’ definite favourites are Winter Wonderland, Southbank Christmas Market or Greenwhich Christmas market.
