Shop until you drop – The best places to do your Christmas shopping in London

Shopping Guides

Published on Wednesday, 03 December 2014 11:19

Last Updated on 05 December 2014

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London is a city that can be anything to anyone. With a vibrant cultural scene, bags of historical character and enough opportunities for retail therapy to indulge any shopaholic, where could be better to start your Christmas consumption than here, in the heart of the UK.

Unless you know London inside out already, figuring where to go and what to buy can be a daunting prospect. Fear not, because we’ve put together this handy guide to help you make the most of Christmas in the capital this year.

 

Bag a bargain

Debenhams flagship Oxford Street branch has recently undergone some serious renovation to be ready for Christmas this year. Their Christmas shop is on the 4^th floor and features the usual array of stylish stockings, glittering garlands and scented candles. They’re putting on lots of three-for-two offers this Christmas, so if you’re on a budget, bag a bargain on London’s busiest shopping street.

Feeling festive?

If you want to really immerse yourself in festive fun, Harrods has to be the number one stop. Not to be outpaced by other retailers, Harrods opened Christmas World back in July this year. Its 2,000 square feet of magic and sparkle will definitely make your tinsel tingle, and even if you’re on a tight budget this year, their inexpensive and completely gorgeous decorations are worth splashing out on.

Something classy

When nothing but the best will do, there really is no better place to shop than the designer boutiques in Kensington and Chelsea. The area is littered with interesting little boutiques, many of which are exclusive to this part of London. When you want to be sure you’re getting something truly bespoke, these designers always manage to pull something out of the bag.

Something unique

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get something truly unique for your loved ones this Christmas. Over the festive period, London plays host to a whole range of Christmas markets and fairs, bringing niche sellers of crafts, jewellery, fashion, toys and more to the masses. One of the biggest and best is the Winter Wonderland on the South Bank, but you’ll find plenty more Christmas markets around the city every day throughout December.

A tasty treat

Stuck for a present for someone? Then let good old Fortnum and Mason take care of your needs. Their legendary festive hampers always go down a treat as a gift, or you can just grab yourself some specialist Christmas biscuits while you’re there. Their entire shop becomes a winter wonderland over the festive season, and is well worth a visit even if you’re just window shopping.

Make a weekend of it

Why deny yourself a warming glass of mulled wine or two because you’ve got to drive home at the end of the day? Take a bit of time out to give yourself an early Christmas gift and make a weekend of your London visit. Lots of the hotels in Chelsea are conveniently located for maximum shopping and decent nightlife too, but remember: Loving London is for life, not just for Christmas.

 

Christmas shopping in London