Christmas shopping in London: palace pop-ups, igloos and giant elves
From a Royal Mews gift shop to Covent Garden's hourly snow, here is where London's festive shopping and street art are heading this winter.
London has already switched into festive mode, according to Secret London, with Christmas shops, lights and window displays taking over the city. If you plan to buy presents rather than simply look at them, here is where the season is taking shape.
The shops and pop-ups
Buckingham Palace has opened a Christmas pop-up shop in the Royal Mews, running from 13 November until 4 January. Secret London describes it as a cosily decorated boutique rather than a market, filled with royal-inspired gifts: chocolate, chinaware, decorations and trinkets. It sits right beside one of London's most famous landmarks, which is a bonus if you are in the area anyway.
Harrods has also got going early. Its Christmas shop opens months before the big day, with a corner of the Knightsbridge store turned into a wonderland of decorations, gifts and seasonal treats. Secret London calls it a classic London Christmas pilgrimage, and a sensible stop if you are already shopping or wandering around Knightsbridge.
On Oxford Street, John Lewis is adding igloos to its rooftop dining this Christmas. Secret London pitches it as a polished, sit-down option in central London, handy for breaking up a day of shopping or light-spotting.
Shopping with a bit of theatre
The Chelsea Winter Village and Illuminations takes over the Royal Hospital Chelsea from 25 November to 28 December. Entry to the village is free, and it brings together festive food, boutique shopping, fairground rides and live entertainment, including performances from the Chelsea Pensioners Choir.
The Illuminations light trail winds through Ranelagh Gardens, with new installations from British light artists. One of them is an Aurora piece that brings the Northern Lights to Chelsea. Tickets are needed for the trail.
Covent Garden's Theatre of Christmas programme starts on 12 November. It features a 50-foot tree, more than 300,000 lights, West End-inspired installations and surprise performances on Festive Thursdays. From 4 December the piazza's daily snowfall returns too, with flurries every hour on the hour from midday to 9pm, beside the Christmas tree. Secret London calls it one of the most reliably magical free festive photo opportunities in the city.
Markets and lights
Secret London's market round-up includes Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, the Southbank Centre Winter Market, the King's Cross Winter Market, Old Spitalfields Christmas Market, Christmas in Covent Garden and Leadenhall Christmas Market. The range runs from riverside stalls to Alpine-style chalets.
For the lights, the publication points to Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden and Bond Street, which turn into a glittering backdrop for evening shopping. In Kensington, the Churchill Arms is preparing to switch on its famous festive lights again, and Secret London calls it a perennial favourite for an over-the-top Christmas pint.
Two free art trails
Street art is part of the season this year. The Dennis and Gnasher Mega Mischief Trail puts twelve uniquely designed Dennis the Menace sculptures, each by a different artist, around the Fleet Street Quarter from 18 November to 15 January. The free trail marks 75 years of Dennis and also includes themed light projections and a programme of festive goings-on.
London's first Elf on the Shelf trail brings 12 giant Scout Elves to landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. It is a free public art trail running from November into December, with each elf designed by a different artist. Secret London suggests it turns a festive walk into a scavenger hunt.
Know before you go
- Buckingham Palace Christmas pop-up shop (Royal Mews): 13 November to 4 January.
- Chelsea Winter Village and Illuminations (Royal Hospital Chelsea): 25 November to 28 December. Village entry is free; tickets are needed for the Illuminations trail.
- Covent Garden Theatre of Christmas: from 12 November. Snow falls hourly from midday to 9pm from 4 December.
- Dennis and Gnasher Mega Mischief Trail (Fleet Street Quarter): 18 November to 15 January, free.
- Elf on the Shelf trail: November into December, free.
Sources: Secret London
