Christmas Shopping in London
There is nowhere quite like London in the run-up to Christmas. It is a great place to go Christmas shopping and pick up some unique gifts whilst enjoying the sights and attending a show or two! Whether you are looking for a hand-tailored shirt in Jermyn Street or a novelty teapot on Portobello Road Market, Christmas shopping in London is guaranteed to give endless pleasure.
The main streets to head for when shopping at any time of year in London are Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street. As the Christmas season approaches, these areas are decorated with festive lights, creating a festive ambience. Oxford Street is home to 300 shops including some flagship stores such as Marks and Spencer.
Take time out to admire the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, an annual gift from the city of Oslo since World War II, and admire the Nativity scene at the nearby Church of St Martin in the Field, another annual London tradition.
Christmas at Harrods
Harrods is the ultimate festive shopping store with everything you could possibly need for the holiday season, from a fully prepared meal to crocodile-skin soccer boots at $5,000! Harrods has lavish window decorations and Santa arrives in a horse-drawn carriage to take up residence in his grotto as part of the Harrods Christmas Parade. The food basement is stacked high with delicious deli goods, fruit puddings and iced Christmas cakes. On the second floor, Harrods Christmas Shop has exclusive decorations and homeware which make the perfect gifts to take home, marked with the Harrods insignia. Opening times are extended and are from 9am to 10pm in the Food Hall (no 24-hour shopping here!) and Sunday trading is restricted from 11.30am to 6pm. From Harrod's Monopoly games to their world-famous champagne and caviar hampers, there is something to suit all tastes. There is even a Harrods concierge to help you find the perfect gift for the person who has absolutely everything!
Christmas at Hamleys
Shoppers are magically transformed into children again as they step through the doors of Hamleys in Foubert Place, the world's most iconic toy store! It is hard to resist trying out the latest high-tech toys such as the indulgent Ferrari electric car. Founded 250 years ago by William Hamley, even the Queen shops for her family at the six-floor store!
Their Aladdin's cave of toys includes old favorites such as Meccano and the latest fads such as a Barbie doll with a video camera inside her necklace. You can lose yourself for hours in Hamleys!
Christmas in Hatchards
Hatchards in Piccadilly is a specialist bookshop which is a bibliophiles dream. Opened in 1797 it offers a full-service from special orders to book signings, with regular book-related events. If you are looking for a book as a gift, Hatchards has a fine selection of editions signed by the author at no additional cost, making it a real gift to treasure. Customers at Hatchards are in good company as it has three royal warrants as suppliers to the royal family, and Disraeli, Oscar Wilde and Lord Byron once browsed these bookshelves too!
Forget Barnes and Noble, Hatchards is like a rambling old house with small rooms arranged around the central wooden staircase. Each floor has its own help desk with specialist staff who offer personal service to customers wading through the 100,000 stocked titles.
Christmas at Fortnum and Mason
Fortnum and Mason is another British institution which is more an experience than a transaction. Located in Piccadilly it is well known for its teas, groceries and hampers, which make excellent gifts in their F&M packaging. However it is so much more than "just a shop". For example it employs a story teller extraordinaire to entertain children. Treats for adults include a visit to their classy St James Dining Room for afternoon tea.
Fortnum and Mason is a great place to pick up stocking fillers (stocking stuffers) and another British tradition – Christmas crackers! These paper-covered tubes are used to decorate the table. They are held between two people and pulled to give a bang and contain a paper hat, a joke to be read out to the table and a novelty gift.
For a delightfully different Christmas, plan to do your shopping in London one year and make it a trip to remember!
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