London at Christmas time has a special magic, with its lights and decorations creating a fairytale-like atmosphere that gets you into the festive spirit. The excitement surrounding the season is reminiscent of being a child again.
Head to Selfridges, Liberty, John Lewis and more, all synonymous with Christmas, for the best festive shopping in London. It's time to fill those shopping bags with holiday cheer!
Image Credit: Getty Images, shomos uddin. Image Location: Regents Street, London, UK
Christmas shops in London: what to expect
London truly comes alive during the festive season, and its Christmas shops are an essential part of the city's magical transformation. Whether you're looking for delicate ornaments, twinkling lights, or unique decorations, the city offers a variety of charming stores that cater to every style and budget.
Regent Street, particularly, has long been renowned for its spectacular shopping and 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 shopping in London
Selfridges
Closest tube stations: Bond Street, Marble Arch
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 meet Santa and the elves as they make special appearances from November 24 up until Christmas Eve.
John Lewis
Closest tube stations: Oxford Circus, Bond Street
Famous for its emotional and heartwarming Christmas ad, the John Lewis store on Oxford Street also plays host to Santa Claus with charming grottos and Santa’s tea parties, bringing some extra Yuletide magic. This Christmas, there are festive weekends leading up to Christmas featuring toy demos, food tastings, live music, kids' activities, a treasure hunt, and exclusive events for My John Lewis members.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Gonzalo Azumendi. Image Location: Oxford Street, London
Hamleys
Closest tube stations: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus
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. Last year shoppers had a chance to meet the 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.
Liberty
Closest tube stations: Oxford Circus, Bond Street
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, making it the go-to spot for stylish and quirky finds.
Fortnum & Mason
Closest tube stations: Green Park, Piccadilly Circus
For traditional decorations and luxury items, Fortnum & Mason is a must-visit. This iconic Piccadilly store is known for its elegantly crafted baubles, timeless ornaments, and lavish festive displays. It’s the perfect place to find high-end Christmas trimmings and exclusive seasonal gifts.
Download the Trainline App to plan all your festive train journeys to the best Christmas stores in London.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Victor Huang