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The annual Christmas shopping bonanza will see more than 40 million people visit London over the festive period.
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
Few shopping streets in the world can offer a Grade II listed location. Designed by John Nash, Regent Street has been fashionable since the Georgian era, and still has some of the most stylish stores in London.
It’s a mile from the top to the bottom, and it’s where you’ll 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.
Head there on November 17th for the traffic-free day. It starts at noon, and includes a family Christmas show, and they’ll be switching on the lights too at 6pm.
Regent Street was the first ever street to display a central London Christmas lights scheme. That was back in 1954.
Download their app for personalised offers, as well as alerts from your favourite stores.
Take a break – eat, drink and relax
Le Meridien Piccadilly – Terrace Grill & Bar
There are also bars and restaurants tucked away in the winding side streets off Regent Street to visit, like Le Meridien Piccadilly. Their Terrace Grill and Bar offers great views – they also specialise in eclairs if you fancy something sweet.
They also have one of London’s largest gin selections, and if you head into the hotel’s Longitude 0°8’ bar, you’ll find a special Christmas cocktail menu.
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
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, covering sportswear, with Vans, Puma and Adidas Originals, while the likes of Muji have a wide range of gift ideas.
Carnaby Christmas lights
The Christmas installations will be lighting up the skies on Thursday, November 10th. With it being swinging Carnaby – they’re throwing a party at the same time.
This year the theme is based on the V&A’s new exhibition ‘You Say You Want a Revolution? Records and Rebels 1966-1970 – so expect it to all get a bit Austin Powers.
Running from 5pm to 9pm (lights on at 6pm), register for your free party ticket, which gives you 20% in the shops, bars and restaurants, along with access to complimentary food & drinks, a pop-up bar and four international DJs.
Carnaby Street Light switch on
Take a break – eat, drink and relax
Kingly Courthas more than 20 restaurants, cafes and bars across three enclosed floors.
There is also an outdoor courtyard, which has free wifi and seating, as well as a yoga studio, triyoga, where they also 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
For the first time the lights on Oxford Street will have a charity theme – they’ve partnered with the NSPCC.
Aussie pop icon, Kylie Minogue, switched them on in 2015 and we’re waiting to hear who the celebrity will be on Sunday, November 6.
The flagship John Lewis store already has its Christmas Shop open, with baubles, wreathes and stocking fillers on offer. Selfridges has also launched its Christmas events. They usually do a shopping service, with bespoke hampers and personalised 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 26 to 28, a special shopping weekend where you can use their free wrapping service and enjoy late night opening. Download their shopping app for exclusive offers.
This year’s lights, ‘Meet Me Under the Mistletoe’, created by Michael Howells, go live on Thursday, November 12th. There will be 40 magnificent mistletoe chandeliers, adorned with almost 700 glistening berries and c100,000 pealights.
The event starts at 6pm on the West Piazza and there will be music from A capella group, AfterParty.
They’re also hosting the city’s first Mulled Wine Festival, which will run for three days (12pm to 9pm).
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, November 17th 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 on traffic-free streets.
You can get a festive 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.
BareMinerals are offering nibbles and refreshments with makeover demonstrations, or you can visit bespoke watch service LJX Custom, and design a watch from scratch.
Coco de Mer have naughty entertainment in-store for a flirty festive start to the season, and Miller Harris will help you find your very own scent.
Christmas lights
St Martin’s Courtyard are also launching their lights on Thursday, November 17th.
They’ve got performances from gospel choir, Urban Voices Collective, and jazz/soul singer, Izzy Chase to entertain you while you sip prosecco and eat mince pies.
Then you can visit the stores and use your 20% off to get some presents – participating stores include Jack Wills, L.K Bennett – as well as 30% off at The White Company.
Take a break – eat, drink and relax
Hawksmoor 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
Marylebone High Street
Marylebone Christmas Lights 2014
This central London “village” has plenty of independent shops.
Visit Aspinal of London or Paul Smith for high-quality accessories and stocking fillers, or see where Tilda Swinton and Victoria Beckham get their clothes from at William Vintage.
Christmas lights
This year’s big switch on in Marylebone Village will be on Wednesday, November 16th. There will be live music, stalls and festive entertainment between 3pm and 7pm – lights on at 6pm.
This year the event will support the charity Age UK Westminster, and part of the street will be closed to traffic.
There will be 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
Marylebone High Street has everything from gastro pubs to Michelin-starred restaurants.
There also plenty of bakeries and patisseries if you just want to grab something on the go see their list of places to eat and drink in Marylebone.
There’s also art galleries, museums, and of course Regent’s Park is a short walk away, if you want to take a shopping break.
Website
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 its 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.
Christmas lights
Taking place on Saturday, November 12 at 4pm, their annual Christmas Lights Switch-On is an all-day event for all the family. Father Christmas will be in his grotto, and you can book ahead (see website) to get a spot.
A special Christmas Shopping weekend will be held on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 of December.
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, selling 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, fashionable street (it dates back to 1664).
Here is where you’ll find the best tailors, shirt makers, leather goods and wine merchants in town.
Christmas hamper competition
If you visit Jermyn 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 – it’s even been sent to Everest and the Iraq frontline.
One of London’s oldest and most iconic shops, they like to go to town during the festive season with a full range of customised gifts for even the most discerning recipient (it was the Royal Grocer for 150 years).
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, December 1, between 6pm and 9pm.
There’ll 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.
Getting there: 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL
Nearest tube: Knightsbridge
Christmas Shopping centres
Westfield London & Westfield Stratford City
Wesfield London ice rink
If you want to do your Christmas shopping protected from the elements, 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 high-end area The Village – which has brands like Burberry, Tiffany & Co and Versace.
They’ve just started their first Christmas opening hours, with the complex being open until 10pm, with the times being extended until 11pm from December 14 (Sundays still close at 8pm)
Christmas lights
Katy B will be switching on the Christmas Lights this weekend on Friday, November 6 before headlining the free MUSIC CUBE festival which runs until Sunday.
Their ice rink is opening on Thursday, November 24 and you can book tickets in advance – each week they will have different live acts to entertain the skaters and you can book your tickets to Santa’s Grotto now.
Another way to take a break is to visit the Fashion Lounge at Westfield London – this is a great place to get a treatment or pamper and they offer bespoke styling and personal shopping services.
Westfield Stratford City
Westfield Stratford City is bigger, with around 350 shops, loads of restaurants,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.
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. It’s home to more than 140 stores.
If you’re working in the week and wondering when you’re going to fit in gift buying, Brent Cross will be open on weekdays until 10pm from November 30th. This is extended from December 14th to 11pm – so plenty of time to get your presents.
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, 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
London’s only outlet guarantees a White Christmas – yes, the snow cannon will be firing on the hour from December 14th to Christmas Eve.
Alongside LDO, the festive season includes an Ice rink, traditional vintage funfair and festive street food market, all open from November 20.
Inside, 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, 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 win their LDO Christmas wish list in. Just fill out the competition form (available from Guest Services in LDO) and pop it in Santa’s post box for the chance to win a Christmas shopping spree worth £200 and four runners up will win a £50 voucher to LDO
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
Southbank Centre’s Winter Market will run from Friday, November 11 to Sunday, January 8 – and the wooden chalets will have festive food, drinks and crafts to buy (Sun-Thu: 11am to 10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am to 11pm)
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
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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Source: lastminute.com