Christmas shopping in London can be daunting. To steer you through
the madness and mayhem, TNT brings you a guide to the best London
Christmas sales and shops in 2010.
Shop West End VIP Day
Oxford Street and Regent Street are cleared of pesky cars, buses and
taxis on November 27 from 10am to 6pm and shoppers take over. Live
performances by street theatres and spectacular Christmas lights also
make for a festive atmosphere. Shops on Bond Street will be having
sales and shopping promotions too.
Department Stores
Harrods
Shopping at Harrods during Christmas time is a tradition in itself
and there’s no shortage to the number of unique, albeit very pricey,
gifts. Whether it’s luxury toys or indulgent Christmas hampers, iconic
Harrods is the king of Christmas goods.
The late Christmas shopping hours are:
20th December – 23rd December: 10am – 9pm
Christmas Eve: 10am – 5pm
87–135 Brompton Road
Knightsbridge SW1X 7XL
Tube: Knightsbridge
Get more info: harrods.com
Selfridges
Selfridges has loads of Christmas events going on if you need a
break from browsing their massive new shoe gallery. There’s a Santa’s
Grotto, live music and pop-up performances as well as a play-themed
Christmas shop.
400 Oxford Street W1A 1AB
Tube: Bond Street
Get more info: Selfridges.com
Fortnum & Mason
As the official grocer to the Queen, Fortnum & Mason obviously
has the best traditional Christmas hampers, crackers and luxury gifts.
They’ll be having Christmas carollers, master classes and other festive
events during the season too.
181 Piccadilly
Tube: Piccadilly Circus, Green Park
Get more info: fortnumandmason.com
Malls
Westfield London Shopping Centre
It’s the biggest shopping centre in London and will be more packed
then Santa’s sleigh come Christmas season. There are no shortage of
Christmas shopping delights though: you’ll find an endless selection of
designer boutiques and department stores, a skating rink, Santa’s wish
kingdom and a concierge to help with your bags.
Ariel Way W12 7GF
Tube: Wood Lane
Get more info: uk.westfield.com/london/
Wimbledon Centre Court Shopping Centre
Wimbledon Centre has over 60 stores to peruse for gifts and treats.
Go on November 25 for a night of fireworks on the rooftop and
entertainment and market stalls on the piazza.
Wimbledon Town Centre
Tube: Wimbledon
Get more info: centrecourtshopping.co.uk
Unique Gifts
Playlounge
An adult toy store (no, not that kind of toy), Playlounge has geeky
gifts, cool prints and adorable accessories. It’s perfect for a grab
gift or stocking filler.
19 Beak Street W1F 9RP
Tube: Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus
Get more info: playlounge.co.uk
Cologne Christmas Market at Southbank Centre
With over 60 chalets, this is one of London’s biggest Christmas
markets. Vendors will be selling jewellery, Christmas knick-knacks,
candles and hand-crafted toys among other goods.
Southbank SE1 8XT
Tube: Waterloo, Embankment
Get more info: southbankcentre.co.uk
Couverture & The Garbstore
This Notting Hill store is three stories of women’s and menswear as
well as vintage knick-knacks and homeware. It’s like an upscale Urban
Outfitters, only with more unique goods and gifts.
188 Kensington Park Rd W11 2ES
Tube: Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove
Get more info: couverture.co.uk
– Heather Vandenegel