There’s something magical about shopping in the Northern Hemisphere at Christmas: fairy lights, hot cider and snow dust. And London, known for its year-round shopping experience, doesn’t disappoint.
Whether you parted with your pounds at the city’s famous department store or enjoyed its Christmas market, it’s the playground for shopaholics. Here are my picks of the best places to shop this festive season, or just soak up the vibes.
Harrods
87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge
Harrods is seriously committed to Christmas, opening its annual Christmas World in July this year. It’s a little posh and over the top, but with over 2000 square feet of shopping, the party department features spectacular Christmas cards, stock fillers and decorations. Get a Harrods bear in a red cardigan this year. I also love exploring the store’s decadent food halls for a wonderful selection of hams, chocolates and sweets.
Selfridges
400 Oxford Street, Marylebone
Selfridges on Oxford St is one of London’s favorite department stores – and its Christmas window displays always stand out. From high fashion to cool everyday styles, Selfridges is a Christmas haven for shopaholics. Selfridge’s Christmas Emporium is for the stylish shopper. I chose the set of advent calendars, Union Jack knick-knacks, and Christmas cookies.
Fortnum & Mason
181 Piccadilly
Favored by the Royal Family, the entire store is transformed into a winter wonderland at Christmas. A little pricey but worth the visual experience, check out Fortnum’s Christmas basket full of traditional British sweets and fashion crackers by London designer Holly Fulton.
Harvey Nichols
109-125 Knightsbridge
I love Harvey Nicks any time of year, though it has earned quite a reputation for its Christmas fare. Seen as Harrods’ younger, more fashionable cousin, Harvey Nichols’ basket is filled with delicacies from around the world.
South Bank Center Christmas Market
Near the London Eye, South Bank
For the sixth year in a row, the South Bank Center Christmas Market has returned to its magical place along the River Thames. Around 80 traditional German-style wooden chalets back onto the Queen’s Walk promenade along the riverfront stocks everything from jewelry, Christmas tree ornaments and wooden toys to handmade soaps and ceramics. I love browsing the stalls among the fairy lights and carolers with a cup of hot wine in hand.
Primary sign
499-517 Oxford Street, Mayfair
One of the road’s greatest successes was Primark. A budget chain known for its cheap knockoffs of catwalk trends. I love the new Christmas jumpers and onesies, but hurry up, they sold out early last year!
Topshop/Topman
Oxford Circus, West End, Marylebone
Cutting-edge designs at great prices have made Topshop one of the best, biggest, and most popular fashion retailers in the world. The mix of young and new designers alongside their signature cheap jeans, tops and basics makes this the perfect shopping destination.
Old Spitalfields Market
16 Horner Square, Spitalfields
Situated on a cobbled street between Brick Lane and Bishopsgate, Old Spitalfields Market is one of London’s busiest and most historic markets. Among the wide selection of stalls you will find art, fashion, antiques and curios. Perfect for a unique Christmas gift.
Even if you’re Christmas shopping on a budget, you can enjoy the magic, sights, and smells of Christmas and simply look around.
If you still haven’t planned where you will spend your holidays this year, book a last minute trip to London and hopefully you will have a white Christmas! Speak to Student Flight for more information.
Student Flight the consultant has traveled throughout Europe and London to provide you with the most up-to-date and informed travel tips.
