London has a special magic at Christmas time, with its lights and decorations creating a fairytale-like atmosphere that gets you into the festive spirit, with the excitement surrounding the season reminiscent of being a child again. In fact, London was just recently voted the best in Europe for its decorations.
Image Credit: Getty Images, shomos uddin. Image Location: Regents Street, London, UK
The best Christmas shops in London: ornaments, decorations, and lights
Regent Street has long been renowned for its spectacular light display during the festive season. As the first central London location to boast Christmas lights, which decorated the street in 1954, its display, known as the “The Spirit of Christmas,” shows a canopy of glittering angels in flight, as if spreading festive magic all over the city.
It’s no wonder then that retailers join in, matching such displays with their own in-store Christmas traditions as customers trundle about and tick items off their shopping lists. While many shops sell the essentials for the Christmas period—decorations, food, and gifts—some stores do it all with an extra layer of pizzazz.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Betsie Van der Meer. Image Location: London, UK
Best Christmas stores: where is good for Christmas shopping in London?
Selfridges
Walking into Selfridges at Christmas is like entering a mini festive kingdom. It’s teeming with the usual variety of displays and services, such as walk-in backrubs, henna body art, and make-up demos. But there is also a special Christmas market with street food and fair rides, as well as many stalls selling ornaments, decorations, and other Christmas-themed items.
Live DJs and choirs play Christmas tunes as customers shop, and families can enjoy a Christmas breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Don’t miss Santa’s grand entrance at the Oxford Street entrance before he makes his way to Dolly’s café on the lower ground floor for the festive breakfast.
Closest tube stations: Bond Street, Marble Arch
John Lewis
For 2023, the John Lewis store on Oxford Street is playing host to Santa Claus with charming grottos and Santa’s tea parties, bringing some extra Yuletide magic. Santa and his elves are also taking a well-earned break to enjoy a heartwarming cup of cocoa and a tasty festive biscuit.
The elves have an adventure in store for shoppers, including a mission to find a hidden code to open a portal that will save Christmas. Afterwards, customers have the chance to meet Santa, purchase a professional photo, and children will receive a plush toy.
Closest tube stations: Oxford Circus, Bond Street
Image Credit: Getty Images, Gonzalo Azumendi. Image Location: Oxford Street, London
Hamleys
The oldest toy store in the world, Hamleys retains its charm while catering to a modern clientele. Hamleys started life in 1760 as a small store on High Holborn Street and the selection of toys and games proved so popular that a new branch was opened on Regent Street in 1881, which remains the flagship store today.
Hamleys is pretty enchanting year-round, but at Christmas, it’s truly special. Over the years, the famous London toy store has hosted several festive events. In 2023, shoppers stand a chance to meet Hamley Bear in his Santa outfit, watch a seasonal parade with elves each Saturday and Sunday up until Christmas Eve, and even take part in a game show hosted by an elf.
Closest tube stations: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus
Liberty
The Liberty luxury department store, housed in a gorgeous Tudor-revival building, unveils its dedicated Liberty Christmas Shop on the store’s fourth floor, and it’s always a sight to behold, glittering with all the usual markers of the festive season. Offering luxury baubles, decorations, tree-toppers, and holly and tinsel, it also has a specialized catalogue with gift suggestions for your loved ones, available both in-store and online.
Closest tube stations: Oxford Circus, Bond Street
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Image Credit: Getty Images, Victor Huang