London offers so much all year round, but it’s in the run up to Christmas that magic really happens. Here is a guide to help you make the most of the festive shopping experiences and spectacular Christmas lights in Westminster.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and when London puts on its sparkliest and most dazzling dress.
Every year London, particularly in Westminster, becomes one of the best cities in the world when it comes to putting on a show of Christmas lights and shop front displays, and this year is no exception.
With a message of hope, love and gratitude to the nation’s heroes, this year’s Christmas lights in Westminster are sure you spread some festive cheer. And while you enjoy the magic of the festive season, why not do some Christmas shopping too?
Here are the best spots for Christmas shopping and for Christmas lights in Westminster to help you plan your day.
The best Christmas shopping and Christmas lights in London
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is one of London’s most popular shopping neighbourhoods all year round, but during the festive season the classic mistletoe display makes it one of the spots not to miss.
Whether you are shopping for Christmas decorations at Benjamin’s Christmas Bazaar or for a gift for that special someone at the Apple Market, Covent Garden has something for everyone.
Walk around the market and discover all different Christmas displays. The centrepiece is the famous Christmas tree in the Piazza, with its 30,000 lights and giant baubles, and the lovely giant mistletoe chandeliers.
If Christmas trees are really your thing, there is a display of individually decorated trees too. And for those Lego fans, don’t miss the Lego installation!
Carnaby
Carnaby is right at the centre of London’s shopping scene. Known as the birthplace of the Swinging 60s in London, Carnaby is now a pedestrianised area with over 100 independent boutiques, one-off concepts and bespoke specialist stores.
In Carnaby you will find fashion and lifestyle, health and beauty, accessories and specialist stores such as RS No. 9 Carnaby, the first Rolling Stones flagship store in the world.
This year also brings you the Choose Love pop-up store, where you can purchase items that will make a big difference to the lives of refugees all over the world. The Choose Love store is open until Christmas Eve, and this year’s Christmas lights are in line with this message.
While you’re in Carnaby, why not stop for lunch for one of the best burgers in London? Patty & Bun is a small independently-owned chain of burger restaurants and one of my favourites in London.
Regent Street and Oxford Street
If you are looking for an upmarket gift for your discerning friends and family, or significant other, Regent Street has a great selection of swanky stores dotted along this grand sweeping street.
Once you’ve done your Christmas shopping, it’s time to enjoy the festive displays. Regent Street has the largest, and possibly the most iconic, display of Christmas lights in Westminster.
With over 300,000 LED lights, ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ display is only switched on in the evenings for a more sustainable approach.
Perpendicular to Regent Street, you have the world-famous Oxford Street, the ultimate shopping paradise, where you will find the best high street brands for something a bit more moderate in price.
The Christmas display in Oxford Street shows a message of unity and hope, in line with a lot of the Christmas lights in Westminster, that stretches the length of the 1.5-mile road.
Burlington Arcade, South Molton Street and Bond Street
If money is no object, Burlington Arcade, South Molton Street, and both New and Old Bond Street are the place to do your Christmas shopping and impress that special person in your life.
Burlington Arcade houses some of the finest boutique shops in London, from fine jewellers to bespoke perfumers. This year’s Christmas display includes frosted Christmas trees and foliage and the traditional red, white and gold throughout.
There’s a great photo opportunity here on the Moet & Chandon swing.
The elegant shops of South Molton Street include international luxury shops and cool independent boutiques. The whole street is decorated for Christmas with a breathtaking installation of fairy light arches along the street.
Both New Old Street and Old Bond Street are home to some of the world’s most exclusive stores. Here you will find brands like Chanel, Dior, Tiffany & Co, Bulgari, etc.
Both Bond Streets display some of the most elegant Christmas lights in Westminster, in the shape of white peacock feathers.
It is here where you’ll also find the super instagrammable Cartier Christmas facade, with the famous red ribbon.
What are your favourite spots for Christmas shopping and Christmas lights in Westminster?
Let me know in the comments!
Exploring London? Check out my other London articles
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Disclosure: This post has been created as a partnership with Westminster City Council. As always, all views are my own.