Christmas Shopping in London
A Festive Guide to Christmas Shopping in London. Here’s what you don’t have to miss this December!
Christmas is the best time of the year to splurge yourself and your loved ones, so planning a shopping session in London should be one of the main activities you’re doing when visiting the city.
Christmas shopping in London would be so fun, considering the entire city is decorated for the holidays, with shiny lights and a festive glow-up. Embrace the cheery atmosphere and let the Christmas spirit take hold of you.
Also, if you’re making a tour of Christmas fairs, you can’t miss London!
It’s full of cute and jolly decorations, the delicious smell of cinnamon and wine is all over the place and the markets are full of sweets, artisanal crafts, ceramics, and all you ever wanted to buy!
When Does Christmas Shopping Start in London?
Christmas shopping in London typically kicks off in November, and many retailers start their holiday promotions and sales during this time. Also, around that time, retailers begin their Black Friday deals and promotions, making Mid-November the starting time for Christmas shopping in London.
Christmas lights in central London are usually turned on in November, often with a special event or ceremony.
Moreover, at the end of November, you can already find Christmas fairs so if you want to get deals from retailers and enjoy the festive London, then you should plan your visit in that period.
The Best Places for Christmas Shopping in London
During Christmas time, London is beautifully decorated, with glowing lights, and Christmas trees. This time of year is more festive than usual since the prepping for Santa’s Holiday starts early.
Moreover, some areas of the city will be filled with decorations and some of the best stores will have spectacular deals and discounts.
And if you also want to do some shopping for Christmas in London, then here are some of the best places to go to.
Iconic Shopping Centres
Photo by Dmitry Vechorko on Unsplash
Harrods (Knightsbridge)
A luxurious shopping destination known for its elaborate Christmas decorations and exclusive products, including high-end fashion, gourmet food, and unique gifts.
Fortnum & Mason (Piccadilly)
Famous for its festive hampers, teas, and luxury goods, making it an ideal spot for finding classic British Christmas treats.
Seven Dials (Covent Garden)
A vibrant area blending boutiques and independent shops with festive street performances and seasonal decorations.
Liberty London (Regent Street)
Renowned for its Tudor-style building and eclectic mix of high-end fashion, beauty, and homeware, along with a dedicated Christmas shop.
Battersea Power Station Mall
A newly revamped destination with a mix of over 140 shops and restaurants in a historic setting, perfect for modern and upscale shopping.
Westfield London (Shepherd’s Bush)
One of Europe’s largest shopping centres, featuring a mix of high-street and luxury brands, with festive events and family-friendly attractions.
Selfridges (Oxford Street)
Known for its award-winning Christmas windows, this department store offers a wide range of high-end and trendy gifts.
The Royal Exchange (City of London)
A historic shopping arcade offering luxury brands, jewelry, and bespoke gift options in an elegant setting.
Famous Shopping Streets
Photo: Obis 360
Oxford Street
This iconic shopping hub becomes a winter wonderland with over 300 shops, including flagship stores like Selfridges and Marks & Spencer. The dazzling Christmas lights and festive window displays create a magical atmosphere for holiday shoppers
Regent Street
Famous for its luxury brands like Liberty London and Hamleys, Regent Street is adorned with one of London’s most beautiful Christmas light installations. It’s perfect for finding gifts and soaking in festive cheer
Bond Street
Renowned for its designer boutiques such as Cartier, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton, Bond Street combines luxury shopping with jaw-dropping holiday decorations and creative Christmas window displays
Carnaby Street
Known for its quirky and independent stores, Carnaby Street hosts themed Christmas lights and special seasonal pop-up shops. It’s ideal for young shoppers seeking unique and stylish gifts
Covent Garden
The cobbled streets and historic piazza come alive with a giant Christmas tree, dazzling lights, and markets. Shops like Mulberry, Tiffany & Co., and the Apple Market offer luxury and artisan gifts
King’s Road, Chelsea
This chic street blends boutique shopping with festive decorations. It’s a quieter, upscale alternative for finding bespoke gifts or enjoying holiday-themed window displays
Marylebone High Street
A hidden gem for Christmas shopping, this elegant street features a mix of high-end stores, independent boutiques, and cozy cafes. The twinkling lights and festive vibes make it a serene shopping spot
Piccadilly and St. James’s
Perfect for a blend of luxury and tradition, this area includes Fortnum & Mason for iconic Christmas hampers and gifts. The seasonal lights and nearby Ritz add to the holiday ambiance
Knightsbridge
The home of Harrods and Harvey Nichols, this district is synonymous with festive luxury. Harrods’ famous Christmas windows and exclusive holiday collections make it a must-visit for indulgent gifts
Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross
A modern destination with unique stores and festive pop-ups, Coal Drops Yard offers gifts from emerging designers and artisanal creators. The area is beautifully decorated for Christmas, with a cozy yet trendy vibe
Popular London Christmas Markets
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Located along the South Bank of the River Thames, the Winter Market at the Southbank Centre is known for its wooden chalets selling handmade gifts, festive food, and mulled wine.
Christmas by the River at London Bridge City
This market stretches along the Thames near Tower Bridge and City Hall. It features a range of stalls selling gifts, crafts, and seasonal food and drinks. The location provides stunning views of Tower Bridge and the City of London.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
Leicester Square hosts a festive market with a range of stalls, a Santa’s Grotto, and a vintage Spiegeltent offering Christmas shows. It’s a central location with easy access to other West End attractions.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
If you love listening to Christmas carols and embracing that festive and jolly atmosphere, then you must wander on the Trafalgar Square Christmas Market. Every year there’s a gorgeous huge Christmas tree that you can admire.
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
A staple of London’s festive scene, this market combines traditional stalls with entertainment like an ice rink, circus shows, and a giant observation wheel. You’ll find gifts, street food, and holiday drinks like mulled wine.
Leadenhall Market
Nestled in the City of London, this historic Victorian market dazzles with its Christmas tree and lights. It offers boutique shops and pop-up stalls, perfect for unique gifts.
Greenwich Christmas Market
This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts a charming market with independent sellers offering handmade crafts, jewelry, and gifts. The family-friendly vibe makes it special.
Covent Garden Christmas Village
Known for its massive Christmas tree and festive décor, Covent Garden offers holiday stalls featuring crafts, gourmet foods, and seasonal drinks.
Kingston Christmas Market
A short trip from central London, this market captures a traditional Alpine village atmosphere with chalets offering local and European gifts, delicious snacks, and live music.
Chelsea Christmas Market
A luxurious option, Chelsea’s festive market includes high-end boutiques, stylish gifts, and artisan food vendors.
Battersea Power Station Christmas Market
Located in a vibrant riverside area, this market is ideal for modern shoppers looking for unique gifts from brands like Jo Malone and Mulberry alongside festive treats.
Hidden Gems & Lesser-Known Shopping Places
Source: Condé Nast Traveler
Borough Market at Christmas
Famous for food, this market turns extra festive during the holidays with gourmet treats, wine, and seasonal foods perfect for preparing a Christmas feast.
The Sunday Upmarket
Located in the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, it is an excellent spot for Christmas shopping in London. It offers a vibrant mix of unique handmade gifts, vintage items, and multicultural street food, making it perfect for finding one-of-a-kind presents.
Sunbury Antiques Market at Kempton Park
A must-visit for antique enthusiasts during the Christmas season, it offers over 700 indoor and outdoor stalls with a diverse selection of vintage items, collectibles, and holiday-themed treasures, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts.
Are Shops Open on Christmas Day in London?
On Christmas Day, you may find that most of the stores and shops are closed, so make sure you buy all your gifts before this day. Also, if you are planning to use public transport, be aware that it doesn’t operate on Christmas.
Major supermarkets are also closed on the 25th of December, however, you may find open some small corner shops.
Christmas shopping in London can be a magical activity, suitable for the entire family, and suitable even for the pretentious ones. The city becomes festive, and you can hear Christmas carols in any store, street, or market.
Whether you’re seeking high-end designer items or charming independent boutiques, London’s diverse retail landscape ensures a memorable and delightful Christmas shopping adventure and experience.
While shopping for Christmas, why not enjoying lunch or dinner at an iconic restaurant? Check-out this guide, curated by The Now Time London photographers, of the Best Restaurants in London.