by Arietta Pouliou*
The promise of festive splendour is once again fulfilled this year, heightening the anticipation for Christmas day.
While in Greece summer months are devoted to beach days and countdowns to vacation, far to the north, in the ever-ahead-of-its-time British capital, the countdown has already begun, but in a different way. London’s early preparations aren’t about the next fashion wave or artistic trends this time, but about welcoming the holiday season: the dazzling lights and celebrations that will brighten the long winter nights and bring the year to a close in the most joyful spirit. By July at the latest, the city’s planning is already underway for public events and happenings, for the long-awaited switching-on of the Christmas lights, for festive menus, theatre performances and concerts, and of course, for the magical transformation of its grand department stores. Each year, they compete for who will outshine the rest and capture the public’s imagination.
With the ambition to become not just «talk of the town» but daily stars across social media -making words like extravaganza and spectacle sound almost modest- London’s legendary department stores have already unveiled their Christmas shops. Together with the upcoming lighting ceremonies across the city, they set the stage for us to start dreaming of ornaments, twinkling garlands and joyful gatherings around the tree.
- Fortnum & Mason
Every year, everyone tries to outdo this one-of-a-kind store whose story began in 1707 as a delicatessen and evolved into a legend of London shopping, but the truth is, no one ever quite matches Fortnum & Mason. Especially during the festive season, when it truly becomes the Home of Christmas. The magnificent five-storey building transforms into a gigantic advent calendar, its elegant Georgian façade dusted with festive magic. All eyes turn to December 1st, when, for the next 25 nights, the windows of the façade are lit one by one, while the entire building glows in red and gold light -one of the most enchanting sights of London at Christmastime. Until then, a stroll through the first floor, transformed into an adult Christmas Wonderland, is enough to make you lose all sense of time. Imagine deep crimson carpets, velvet drapes trimmed with tassels and fringes, and glittering chandeliers reflecting the sparkle of hundreds of ornaments.
Here, every corner tells a story: some baubles are displayed on antique furniture, others shimmer on tall fir trees, others spill out of Fortnum’s famous picnic hampers and some more decorate a fire place with virtual fire. Iridescent shades of bronze, chestnut, gold and green invite you into an enchanted woodland of foxes, squirrels and jewel-toned butterflies — only a few steps away from a pastel fairytale scene that whisks you back to childhood. A life-sized fairy and a Nutcracker guard a teal-blue English phone booth, surrounded by the most cheerful ornaments imaginable: cakes, candy canes, cocktails, vintage cassettes, and pastel-coloured glass balls in every joyful hue. As always, embroidered ornaments that are true works of art, exquisite porcelain tableware painted with Christmas motifs, and the brand’s famous Christmas crackers -note: don’t even try to pack them in your luggage, they’re not allowed on planes!- all prove once again Fortnum’s timeless devotion to craftsmanship and beauty.
Our highlights: Though Fortnum & Mason is the epitome of classic British elegance, this year it’s the whimsical glass ornaments that steal the show – miniature tributes to the gourmet treasures sold here: a cheese platter, a tin of caviar, chocolate boxes, even shrimp cocktail or a slice of avocado toast add a dash of British eccentricity and humor to your tree. Also not to miss: the musical or illuminated advent calendars – true collector’s pieces of nostalgic charm.
Must-have souvenir: Your velvet monogram ornament, in the store’s signature Eau-de-Nil blue, richly embroidered with golden thread, adorned with pearls, sequins and beads. And, of course, the perennially elegant decorations inspired by the ritual of five o’clock tea, served daily with Fortnum’s signature pomp and grace. (Address: 181 Piccadilly St.)
- Liberty
Celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, Liberty has every reason to shine -doubly so at Christmas. Draped in impeccable British style and overflowing with festive sparkle, this Tudor revival masterpiece, unchanged on the outside for a century and a half, conceals one of London’s most beloved department stores within its timbered walls. Every December, its fourth floor, built around the store’s iconic wooden atrium, becomes a storybook world of its own. This year, visitors are greeted by a regiment of Nutcrackers in varying sizes, as if ready to escort them through Liberty’s themed Christmas wonderlands:
First, the «Sugar Palace», a frosted dream of iridescent baubles in white and blush pink, where fairies and ballerinas pirouette among clouds of glitter. Then, «The Exotic Peacock», a rich tableau of emerald and amethyst hues, adorned with velvet ornaments and birds with sweeping real-feather tails. A few steps further, «Alice in Wonderland» whirls us into whimsy with all your favourite characters rendered as delicate glass ornaments. And finally, «Christmas in London», a joyful explosion of colour and sparkle, featuring every emblem of the city -from red buses and black cabs to red post boxes to Big Ben- shining with unapologetic amounts of glitter. Amid it all, wreaths and snow globes offer perfect finishing touches for your festive decor, while Liberty’s selection of witty miniature ornaments makes finding thoughtful stocking fillers a delight. A red ball of yarn for Grandma, a fuzzy slipper for Grandpa, a miniature travel bag for your sporty brother, Peter Pan’s book for a child, an Espresso Martini or an Aperol Spritz glass for your chic friend, and a pair of bright red lips for that special someone you hope to kiss under the mistletoe – all crafted from fine glass, all irresistibly charming.
Our highlights: The hand-painted glass baubles, adorned with alpine scenes, snow-dusted cottages, or nostalgic glimpses of London at Christmas. And for collectors, the store’s playful mascots make a festive return: Hello Kitty in an array of costumes and Snoopy dressed as Santa, ready to steal the show.
Must-have souvenir: Liberty’s collectible 2025 Christmas bauble – a shimmering glass ornament in the store’s signature royal purple, celebrating its 150th anniversary. A timeless keepsake from one of London’s most enchanting addresses. (Address: Regent St & Carnaby St)
- John Lewis
Even older than some of its glamorous neighbors, the ever-reliable John Lewis on Oxford Street has stood the test of time for more than 160 years, evolving with each decade while holding firmly to its hallmark qualities: impeccable service, timeless design, and fair prices.This season, descending to the basement feels like stepping into a colourful dream. The Christmas Shop unfolds as a universe of colour and cheer, with glossy tinsel in neon hues, wreaths dressed in stars, pinecones, and satin bows, and above all, a delightful little hero stealing every heart: the felt Christmas mouse.
Appearing in countless festive variations -wrapped in scarves and jumpers, donning royal robes, or clutching tiny presents, hearts, and sprigs of mistletoe- the mouse family has become the unofficial mascot of the John Lewis Christmas. There’s even a glamorous version of her: Lady Mouse, transformed into Mary Poppins or a sparkling party guest in an evening gown, raising a glass of red wine with impeccable poise. Around her, felt squirrels bearing gifts, maestro cats, and velvet-clad reindeer by designer Sara Miller create a whimsical tableau that’s impossible to resist. Lightweight, unbreakable, and available in so many joyful variations, they make perfect additions to any suitcase and to any Christmas tree. Around them, themed collections inspired by travel and adventure, the Arctic Circle, or even the Chinese New Year, ensure that every branch tells a story. And, naturally, a full section dedicated to London icons -red buses, black cabs, the Tower Bridge- ensures that your Christmas memories shimmer long after your trip to the British capital is over.
Our highlight: The exclusive Georg Jensen Christmas Collectibles 2025, designed especially for John Lewis. Crafted from brass plated in palladium or 8-carat gold, these elegant ornaments -each accompanied by a crimson ribbon marking this year’s festivities- add a touch of Scandinavian sophistication to any tree.
Must-have souvenir: The Elton John-inspired collection by Waterford, created in collaboration with the legendary artist himself. Think crystal glasses shaped like star-studded sunglasses, gleaming vinyl records, and miniature «Rocketman» figurines -all presented in beautiful collector’s boxes adorned with vintage photographs of the pop icon. (Address: 300 Oxford Street)
- Selfridges
Few places in London embody the festive spirit quite like Selfridges. The grand Oxford Street icon with its monumental façade and ever-buzzing energy, becomes a temple of joy each Christmas, transforming shopping into something close to theatre. Every corner bursts with wit, glitter, and imagination, echoing Walt Disney’s belief that «adults are only kids grown up». Here, the season is not to be approached with seriousness, but with wide-eyed wonder. Descend into the store’s legendary basement, and you’ll find yourself in a technicolour dreamscape, where Christmas trees don’t just stand – they dance. Each one spins to a soundtrack of classic and modern holiday hits, as though competing to win your heart. Some are neon-pop fantasies, overloaded with delightful chaos: delicate glass ornaments shaped like engagement ring boxes, cowboy boots, lipsticked divas with oversized sunglasses, leopard-print stilettos, glittering handbags, lipsticks, perfume bottles and even crystal syringes of Botox. Next to them, miniature versions of Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Miranda Priestly, and Britney Spears sparkle on the branches, as unapologetically fabulous as you’d imagine.
A few steps away, trees for the food lovers steal the show: slices of pizza, burgers and fries, croissants, jars of jam, spaghetti packs, doughnuts, strawberries, puddings, and steaming cups of hot chocolate, all perfectly rendered in glass. Children’s trees bring their own enchantment -plush toys and Frozen characters share space with gingerbread houses, snow globes, and smiling reindeer.This is Christmas at Selfridges is dazzling, daring, and deliciously fun. It’s impossible not to smile, or to leave empty-handed.
Our highlight: The mini baroque picture frames filled with portraits of animals -an unexpected, utterly charming twist- and, of course, the store’s many versions of Santa Claus himself. Whether he’s soaking in a bubble bath, lounging in a red robe with cookies and milk, or skiing down a snowy slope, he embodies Selfridges’ joyful sense of humour in perfect form.
Must-have souvenir: Anything in Selfridges’ unmistakable iconic yellow. The exclusive ornament collection dedicated to the store’s signature shade includes sparkling champagne flutes, yellow-suited Santas, candy canes, hearts painted with the Union Jack and, naturally, the classic yellow shopping bag, immortalized in glass and glitter. (Address: 400 Oxford Street)
- Harrods
And then, there’s Harrods, the grand finale of London’s Christmas symphony. That unmistakable facade, glowing beneath a constellation of 12,000 golden bulbs, is enough to make even the most cynical visitor stop in awe. Step inside, and you’re enveloped in an atmosphere that feels timeless, as if you’ve crossed into a glittering snow globe, where elegance reigns and tradition still whispers through the marble halls. This is not merely shopping, it’s a ritual. From the scent of chocolate drifting through the Food Halls to the polished brass rails gleaming beneath the chandeliers, Harrods turns the act of choosing a Christmas gift into a celebration of taste, craftsmanship, and beauty.
In the Christmas World department, located on the basement, the magic is palpable. Rows upon rows of glistening ornaments line the shelves, from glass baubles hand-painted with snowy London streets or embroidered, covered in rich velvet with countless beads and sequins to royal crowns dusted in gold, delicate angels, nutcrackers, ballerinas, and the store’s own charming icon: the Harrods bear, dressed each year in a new outfit, ready to melt every heart. Elsewhere, silver-plated reindeer, snow-dusted garlands, and crystal snowflakes hang above displays of fine porcelain and handmade wreaths. The mood is hushed yet jubilant, as though each object has been curated not merely to decorate your home, but to become part of your story, something to unwrap again and again, year after year.
Our highlight: Apart from the show-stopping, velvet coated tree baubles that seem to belong to a high fashion couturier’s atelier, the Harrods Annual Bear 2025, named Alfie this year, dressed in a cosy cable-knit jumper and bundled up with a matching bobble hat and scarf. A collector’s favourite for decades, it remains the ultimate symbol of British Christmas nostalgia.
Must-have souvenir: A Christmas pudding from the legendary Food Halls -rich, dark, and spiced to perfection- or a tin of Harrods shortbread biscuits, wrapped in gold foil and crowned with the famous crest. And for those seeking something truly special, the limited-edition Harrods baubles, gilded and dated, ensure that your tree will glimmer with a touch of Knightsbridge luxury. (Address: 87–135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge).
*Arietta Pouliou is a Travel journalist, Fashion lover, Foodie Dreamer, Arts and Sculptures lover, Ice cream addict, Wine enthusiast, you name it. A great contributor to allaboutshipping.co.uk on very special issues accompanied by great photos!
