Juliette’s Guide to Christmas in London

I love London all year round, but Christmas in our capital really is something very special. There’s no shortage of inspiration for Christmas shopping – and plenty of opportunities for festive treats. In fact, I genuinely look forward to the holiday season for months. However, for many of us, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is also the busiest. There’s so much to do, and a huge amount of choice. So, to help you navigate the festive season in style, I’m sharing my guide to Christmas in London. It features must-visit pop-ups, timeless traditional destinations and some of my favourite interiors/lifestyle products for gift-giving. I hope you find these curated highlights helpful, inspirational and fun:

Christmas afternoon tea

A themed afternoon tea makes the perfect early Christmas present for others, or even a treat for yourself. I find it’s the perfect post-shopping pick-me-up and Christmas in London would not be complete without a trip to Harrods. This year, I’ll be taking tea at the Dior Café, a gingerbread-themed space inspired by Hansel and Gretel. The café is part of a wider collaboration with the French luxury brand that includes show-stopping displays, immersive experiences and limited-edition pop-up boutiques. Don’t miss it!

If your afternoon tea tastes are more traditional, you simply can’t go wrong with The Ritz. This distinctive hotel transforms into an Edwardian winter wonderland with opulent red and gold trimmings with a traditional Christmas tree. I'm looking forward to returning this year and, for something a little more low-key and cosy, I suggest you try The Kensington hotel.

Enjoy the perfect way to celebrate the Christmas season with a festive afternoon tea in The Ritz Club. Photo: Jack Hardy

Homewares & gift shopping

If your family and friends are difficult to buy for, head for Fiona Finds. As you’d expect from an interior styling visionary, the showroom on Lowndes Street is oozing with originality. Many of their pieces can be monogrammed or engraved, and they even offer a personal shopping service. Importantly, Fiona Finds is an environmentally friendly brand that prioritises craftsmanship and sustainability.

Beautifully crafted, curated and hand-picked, the Fiona Finds collection features unique pieces and decorative objects that are sure to enhance any London home

Anya Hindmarch is best known for its iconic handbags and accessories. But I’ve always been a fan of its playful experiential retail concepts, too. This year, take the mini fashionista in your life on An Adventure in Anya’s Grotto, in the heart of Chelsea (booking essential). Visit the festive gift shop while you’re there to browse beautiful personalised pieces, consciously crafted accessories and special items for the home.

Another Christmas in London shopping favourite is Paolo Moschino on Ebury Street. I can’t resist the Buccellati silverware. But there really is something for everyone here – they even stock Belgian Shoes!

Take your Christmas tablescaping to the next level at Paolo Moschino. I’m a huge fan of the Osiris Brass Hurricane lamp, a new addition to the company’s extensive homeware collection

The luxe lovers among you should definitely check out Linley, a true treasure trove of upscale Christmas gifts for men. I also recommend the Mrs Alice Christmas collection for the perfect table linens, dinnerware and decoration sets. This year’s red and blue colour combination is festive yet fresh.

Christmas in London ornaments

Christmas in London shopping sprees are brilliant opportunities to update your Christmas tree ornaments. Lalique’s Conduit Street boutique always offers classic, yet original, crystal designs which could make beautiful gifts.

It’s almost impossible to leave Lalique without purchasing a fabulous crystal ornament for the tree

Wedgwood’s luxury ornaments and collective snow globes are also enduring favourites. You can see them in-store at Harrods and Selfridges. Try OKA for more affordable Christmas decorations, tableware and home accessories.

Enjoy Christmas in London at OKA. They provide plenty of affordable festive entertaining ideas, ranging from tableware to decorative accessories

Festive wreaths & florals

Christmas in London means plenty of festive florals to admire. In fact, I’m always inspired by the breath-taking displays at Neill Strain’s Belgravia boutique. For Christmas wreaths however, my go-to is Lucy Vail Florestry. The company offers a bespoke house dressing service and commercial installations, in addition to Christmas wreath making workshops – the perfect, festive experience.

Now available to order, this year’s wreath collection features three designs: Let It Snow, Deck the Doors and a DIY kit, which includes a useful ‘how to’ video by Lucy.

Lucy Vail’s Christmas wreaths feature dried meadow flowers from British growers, many of which originate from Floriston Flower Farm in Suffolk, which is run by Lucy’s mother

CHRISTMAS IN LONDON HOME FRAGRANCES

Smell is the most evocative of all our senses and certain scents never fail to conjure up instant festive cheer. It’s one of the reasons why, for me, Christmas in London always includes a visit to Diptyque who now has a shop on Sloane Street. Diptyque’s 2022 Holiday Collection was inspired by the stars and the night sky, so it looks, and the aroma is, divine. Spoil your loved ones with a limited-edition candle, edp, room spray or diffuser. Or treat yourself to the iconic Advent Calendar, for a fabulously fragrant countdown to Christmas.

Would you like to book a break away next year? Then read Juliette’s Guide to California here.