15 of the Best Christmas Shops in London, from Cheap to Luxe
The magic of Christmas in London is undeniable. As the city lights up with festive decorations on every cobbled street, there’s no better time to embark on a shopping spree.
In this guide, we’ll unwrap the best Christmas shops in London, categorized to suit every shopper’s needs.
From hidden gems offering affordable treasures to opulent stores dripping in luxury, and not forgetting the bustling heart of London’s retail scene – Oxford Street, get ready to step into a winter wonderland of shopping!
Here are the best Christmas shops in London, to get all your post-Thanksgiving shopping done in one go.
The Best Christmas Shops in London on Oxford Street
If you want a one-stop shopping destination in London, Oxford Street is the place to go. Oxford Street is a street, but it’s also an area referred to as either Oxford Street or Oxford Circus.
The Oxford Street/Oxford Circus area is comprised of Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, and other surrounding streets.
This area is great for a girls day out, as there’s so much shopping, eating, and browsing to be done!
Here are the best Christmas shops in London on Oxford Street and in Oxford Circus.
1. John Lewis: Oxford Street & Other Locations
John Lewis is synonymous with the festive season, especially known for its heartwarming Christmas adverts. It’s known as one of the best Christmas shops in London, and for good reason.
The store transforms into a festive haven, with sections dedicated to Christmas home décor, festive fashion, and gourmet foods.
Their Christmas market section is a highlight, showcasing a wide range of ornaments, fairy lights, and wreaths. The store’s vibe is warm and family-oriented, making it a favorite destination for families to shop for quality Christmas gifts and decorations. They have an excellent toy section if you’re shopping for kids.
In-person Christmas shopping begins in John Lewis stores in September.
2. Marks & Spencer: Oxford Street and Other Locations
Marks & Spencer (or Marks & Sparks, as it’s known to Brits) brings a touch of traditional British charm to the festive season. It’s one of the best Christmas shops in London for everything from food to fairy lights.
The food hall is a highlight, offering a range of Christmas treats, from mince pies and Christmas puddings to festive sandwiches and spiced wines.
Their clothing section features cozy Christmas jumpers, festive pajamas, and holiday-themed accessories.
The store’s atmosphere is homely and inviting, making it a go-to place for those seeking quality products with a touch of British nostalgia.
In-person Christmas shopping begins in M&S stores in September.
3. Selfridge’s: Oxford Street
Selfridge’s is a spectacle during the Christmas season. Its window displays are legendary, drawing crowds with their intricate designs and festive themes. Inside, the store exudes luxury and opulence, with golden decorations, shimmering lights, and a grand Christmas tree.
Selfridge’s offers an exclusive range of designer Christmas gifts, limited-edition beauty products, and gourmet hampers. The overall ambiance is glamorous, reflecting the store’s reputation as a luxury shopping destination.
In-person Christmas shopping begins in Selfridge’s stores in September. Selfridge’s is one of the best Christmas shops in London for a classic department store experience.
4. Liberty London: Regent Street
Liberty London, housed in its iconic Tudor building, offers a vintage and classic London Christmas experience. The store is adorned with handcrafted ornaments, vintage decorations, and exquisite garlands.
Liberty’s Christmas department is a treasure trove of unique festive goods, from artisanal wreaths to bespoke stockings. The scent of pine and spiced candles fills the store, evoking a sense of warmth and tradition.
In-person Christmas shopping begins at Liberty in September, with decor and lights being added throughout the fall.
This store is a renowned luxury destination, but you can also find more affordable, smaller items if you want to shop here on a budget.
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5. Hamleys: Regent Street & Other Locations
Hamleys, the world’s oldest toy store, is a paradise for children during Christmas. The store is a riot of colors, with toy demonstrations, festive parades, and Santa’s grotto. Of all of the best Christmas shops in London on Oxford Street, this one is best for parents and kids.
Shelves are stocked with the latest toys, games, and Christmas-themed collectibles. The atmosphere is electric and joyful, with staff dressed as elves and carolers singing festive tunes. A visit to Hamley’s during the festive season is a delightful experience, filled with wonder and excitement.
You can, of course, purchase Christmas gifts for the kids year-round at Hamleys, but Christmas displays and themed gifts begin hitting shelves in September. And don’t forget to book Santa’s Grotto; it is an unforgettable experience at Hamleys!
Luxury Christmas Shops in London
We’ve already mentioned Liberty and Selfridge’s above. Those fall into the category of “Luxury Christmas shops in London,” but they’re also in the Oxford Street area.
Here are the other best Christmas shops in London that offer a luxury shopping experience.
6. Harrods: Knightsbridge
Stepping into Harrods during the Christmas season is like entering a winter wonderland. The iconic store is adorned with twinkling fairy lights, opulent decorations, and a grand Christmas tree that stands as a centerpiece.
Harrods is renowned for its luxurious Christmas hampers filled with gourmet treats, fine wines, and artisanal chocolates.
The toy department transforms into a festive paradise for children, with exclusive Christmas-themed toys and collectibles.
Harrods is the most iconic luxury department store in London, and the shopping experience is all about luxury service. Have your gifts wrapped by the experts in store, and don’t forget to indulge in a glass of champagne.
In person Christmas displays and gifts begin in the fall, with the iconic Harrods light displays (usually in affiliation with a luxe designer) turned on in mid-November. Santa’s Grotto may or may not be back for 2023, as it was canceled from 2020.
7. Harvey Nichols: Knightsbridge
Harvey Nichols (or Harvey Nicks, as Keeley from Ted Lasso calls it!) embraces the festive season with a contemporary and chic touch. The store’s windows are a highlight, showcasing avant-garde Christmas displays that merge fashion with festivity.
Inside, shoppers can find exclusive Christmas collections, from designer holiday wear to limited-edition beauty products.
The food hall offers a modern twist on Christmas treats, including artisanal mince pies, gourmet puddings, and bespoke Christmas cocktails.
The overall vibe is sophisticated, making it a go-to destination for those seeking a stylish and luxurious Christmas shopping experience.
8. Fortnum & Mason: Piccadilly Circus
Fortnum & Mason exudes a classic and timeless Christmas charm. The store is beautifully decorated with garlands, ribbons, and handcrafted ornaments.
Known for its world-famous hampers, Fortnum & Mason offers a range of festive hampers filled with traditional British Christmas delicacies, teas, and preserves.
The tea salon hosts special Christmas-themed afternoon teas, allowing visitors to indulge in seasonal pastries and cakes.
Carolers can often be heard singing classic Christmas tunes, adding to the store’s nostalgic and heartwarming atmosphere.
9. Fenwick: New Bond Street
Fenwick, with its rich heritage, offers a sophisticated Christmas shopping experience. The store is elegantly decorated, with tasteful ornaments, twinkling lights, and luxurious garlands.
Fenwick’s Christmas department showcases a curated selection of festive goods, from high-end decorations to gourmet foods. The store’s vibe is refined and understated, appealing to those who appreciate quality and tradition.
Fenwick also has a Santa’s Grotto, lovely decor, and festive atmosphere at Christmas.
Cheap Christmas Shops in London
London is expensive enough for my blood. Here’s my favorite cheap Christmas shops in London, where you can score holiday bargains everyone will love.
10. Primark: Oxford Street & Other Locations
Primark is a bustling hub during the festive season, offering affordable fashion and home goods with a Christmas twist.
The store is adorned with bright lights and festive displays, showcasing a range of Christmas jumpers, festive pajamas, and holiday-themed accessories. Their home section features budget-friendly decorations, from baubles to fairy lights.
The vibe is energetic and youthful, making it a favorite spot for those looking to get into the festive spirit without breaking the bank. For my American friends, this is as close to Target as you can get in the UK.
11. Argos
Argos, with its catalog-based shopping model, is a go-to destination for a wide range of Christmas gifts. From toys and electronics to home appliances and festive decorations, Argos offers something for everyone.
Argos isn’t a shopping experience; it’s click and collect. But that model lets the store offer some pretty incredible bargains with lower overhead.
The store is a practical and straightforward collection point with digital ordering terminals. Their annual Christmas gift guides are particularly helpful, providing shoppers with ideas for every age group and interest (and bargains).
12. TK Maxx: Oxford Street & Other Locations
TK Maxx is a treasure trove during the Christmas season, and it’s one of my favorite places to score Christmas decor.
Known for its discounted designer goods, the store offers a range of festive products, from decorations to makeup to jewelry. You can find something for everyone here (but especially for yourself).
My favorite TK Maxx is on Oxford Street since it’s the largest and best TK Maxx in London, but there’s one near you, too.
13. Poundland
Poundland is all about value, and this ethos shines during the festive season. The store is filled with a range of Christmas essentials, from decorations and wrapping paper to festive snacks and gifts.
I love scoring basics here, from tape to candy to fairy lights. For those on a tight budget, Poundland is a lifesaver, offering festive cheer at unbeatable prices.
14. Flying Tiger
Flying Tiger, with its Scandinavian roots, offers a unique take on the festive season. The store is known for its quirky and innovative products, and this creativity extends to its Christmas range.
This store is stocking stuffer heaven, and an essential stop if you’re shopping for kids. Shoppers can find a variety of playful decorations, unique gifts, and festive snacks. The store layout is fun and interactive, with products displayed in a maze-like format.
The vibe is cheerful and whimsical, making it a fun destination for those looking to add a touch of playfulness to their festive celebrations. I love stocking up on wrapping essentials here, as Flying Tiger wrapping paper is really good quality for the price.
15. Charity Shops
If you’re a DIY-er or just need to score a new outfit for the season, London charity shops are the place to be.
You can find everything from designer bags to unworn blouses; antique photo frames to festive tableware.
Charity shopping is all about the neighborhood and new stock, so check lots of stores often to score the best bargains!
There’s So Much More than Shopping!
All Year Christmas Shop in London
There are no year-round dedicated Christmas shops in London. The high rent prices and inflation have closed all of these former shops.
Sadly, the most iconic of the all year Christmas shops in London – “The Christmas Shop” in Hay’s Galleria – closed in 2015. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find Christmas decor and treats year round in London!
Most shops carry some Christmas goods like ornaments and gifts online year round, including Harrods, John Lewis, and Liberty. These types of stores also open their in-person Christmas departments in September, so you have plenty of time to prepare for the season.
If you’re visiting London and want to take home a Christmas ornament, check out museum gift shops. These little gems always have London-themed Christmas items!
My favorites are at the London Transport Museum, The British Museum, and The V&A Museum.
Best Christmas Shops in London: Final Tips
You have so much to choose from when it comes to Christmas shopping in London, but why shop in person? It’s simple: the ambiance.
Christmas in London is magical, and although the in-person shopping experience isn’t what it used to be when it was all we had, it’s still worth one day out to feel the cheer all around.
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