London is something special at Christmas. The Metropolis is the place to be for festive fun throughout the season. Whether you're one to love the shopping that's associated with the season, or one to sort it as swiftly as possible, London is home to some brilliant festive shopping and events that'll turn even the Scrooges among you into Santa himself.
Harrods
We couldn't have a post on luxurious festivities without mentioning the Christmas world in Harrods. The area looks as though Santa's workshop has relocated from the North Pole, and is the ideal shop for everything festive, without too much tackiness – depending on how you feel about a 6ft tall Santa, of course.
Winter Wonderland
Whilst you're in that side of town, it'd be a crime to not enjoy the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Every year at this time of year, the park turns into a fairground-meets-Scandinavia affair – think of a Ferris wheel, ice-rink and mulled wine and you won't go too far wrong. It's a beautiful stroll to get you in the spirit of it all if you're just passing through, but there's a lot on offer – for children and adults – if you've got the time to stay a while.
Fortnum & Mason
Now, what would the festive season be without an excess of delicious food? The iconic Fortnum & Mason have one of the most Christmassy food halls in London – the entire store is decked out immaculately – and is the perfect spot for picking up some lovely Christmas hampers – the ideal gift for those that you just don't know what to get.
Hackett
If food hampers don't fit the bill for a certain person, and you still have no idea of what to get, a visit to Hackett London's new flagship store on Regents Street is most definitely going to house your answer. This Christmas Hackett offers a combination of opening celebrations and Christmas fun. The centre of this is the children's area which has been created to look like a magical forest of sorts – the adapted Christmas version of this is something special.
Kew Gardens
Hackett is the place to visit if you're after those traditional gifts this Christmas – and if it's the traditional Christmas that you're after, then a trip to Kew Gardens would be worth your while. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a really Christmassy landscape, but it's also got plenty to keep the family entertained too, with Victorian style rides, and quintessentially festive food and markets.
