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Best Places in London for Christmas Shopping

Athenaeum Life / Lifestyle / Things To Do /

There’s something quite heart-warming and joyful about Christmas shopping. Although the busy streets of London become snowed under the footfall of harried Christmas shoppers, the warm twinkling lights, aroma of mulled wine and the hum of classic Christmas songs as you pass by shop fronts creates a sense of calm in the chaos. But because London is so vast, the considerable choice of shops on offer can feel a little overwhelming when shopping for the perfect Christmas gift, so we’ve put together a guide to the best places to shop in the city.

1st October 2022

1. Connaught Village

Just a short stroll from Marble Arch and a half an hour walk from The Athenaeum, Connaught Village is a hidden gem brimming with independent fashion outlets, art galleries, beauty boutiques and specialist wine shops offering unique gifts, perfect for Christmas. Retreat from the hustle and bustle of busy Oxford Street and enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience, before taking a break and refuelling in one of the many independent coffee shops and restaurants.

2. Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park

Christmas markets are the ultimate place to shop when you’re lacking inspiration for gift ideas. Fortunately, London has plenty of festive markets dotted around. Check out Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park from 18 November until 2 January, (a stone’s throw from The Athenaeum) and wander through the market with its rows of traditional, beautifully-decorated wooden chalets that offer unique gifts. When your arms are fully laden with shopping bags, retire to one of the many eateries or bars and enjoy a well-earned rest whilst you cradle a steaming hot chocolate or mulled wine.

3. Bond Street

If you’re looking for some high-end luxury goods, head over to Bond Street where you’ll find the likes of Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Tiffany & Co. From The Athenaeum, it’s only a fifteen-minute walk through Mayfair.

4. Fortnum & Mason

Conveniently located just a ten-minute walk from The Athenaeum, Fortnum & Mason is a quintessential British department store. Home of the famous hamper, Fortnum’s offer a generous, quality selection of chocolates, biscuits, condiments and alcoholic beverages in their renowned Christmas hampers.

5. Oxford Street and Regent Street

Just a twenty-minute stroll from The Athenaeum, you’ll reach the busy and bustling Oxford Street and its neighbouring Regent Street. Not only home to over 300 different retail shops including Selfridges and Swarovski, Oxford Street and Regent Street also boast a dazzling display of bright Christmas lights, which viewing is an outing in itself.

6. Hamleys

Known for being the oldest and largest toy shop in the world, Hamleys on Regent Street is the go-to when shopping for the kids. Covering seven floors, the shelves are crammed with soft toys, dolls, action figures, LEGO, games and puzzles, so there will be no shortage of wonderful and exciting presents for the kids this Christmas.

7. Harrods

A crisp twenty-minute walk from The Athenaeum, Harrods is home to the most luxury of products that sit in its 330 departments. Shop hampers, clothing, jewellery and watches from designer labels, and scour out deliciously delectable artisanal goods, confectionary and wines in the iconic Food Halls. Once holding a royal warrant from Queen Elizabeth II for provisions and household goods, you can be sure to find a Christmas gift suitable for friends and family here.

Book a stay at The Athenaeum this Christmas and enjoy a comfortable retreat after your Christmas shopping trip.

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