Good for: A decadent gift experience
There’s not a shop in the world like Liberty at Christmas. Wandering through this doyenne of department stores is like browsing at Downton Abbey. Along with its extraordinary architecture and atmos, it houses a lovingly curated selection of beautiful floral fabrics, designer fashion and top beauty brands, plus a banging Christmas shop and wrapping service. None more festive.
Tis the season when avoiding consumerism is pretty damn near impossible: stockings must be filled, loved ones must be spoiled, and it's all too tempted to pick up a few dainty knicknacks for the tree. So embrace the joys of Christmas shopping by scouring London's retailers for goodies as festive lights displays twinkle overhead.
Yes, you could get your shopping done in one mad dash through a department store or by filling your online basket to the brim. But there's something supremely satisfying about traipsing around this city, and supporting London’s small (and big) businesses during a tough time.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of brilliant Christmas shops from all around around the capital, where you can pick up gifts that people will remember for years to come for all the right reasons. Festive dons like Harrods and Liberty are in there, of course (they’ve been hanging their tinsel since September) but we’ve got indie stores too, from arty museum giftshops to cute boutiques, geeky bookshops to top menswear spots. Get your wrapping paper at the ready and start shopping.
RECOMMENDED: Read our complete guide to Christmas in London.