6 Things You Need To Do On Your Christmas Shopping Day Trip To London
One of the busiest times of the year, hundreds of thousands of people descend upon London to enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping every December. Both for them and for their loved ones, there’s something particularly enthralling about shopping in London on the run up to Christmas.
And with so much to take in and do, we’ve pulled together six key points that can help make your Christmas shopping day trip all that more enjoyable.
1. Take in a Christmas market
Come and visit us in London from now until the big day arrives and you’ll have an array of options available to you with shopping. From the hugely popular department stores through to the hidden boutiques, they all offer something special.
But Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to a festive market, right?
Located quite literally all throughout London, whether you’re in Clapham or Chelsea, Leicester Square or London Bridge, you’ll be only moments away from enjoying spiced apple cider, roasted chestnuts and homemade gifts for all the family.
2. See the Christmas window displays
Wherever you turn in London when it comes to enjoying a spot of retail therapy, it’s practically guaranteed that you’ll see window displays fully embracing the Christmas period.
Whilst it can be so easy to smile and walk by, take a little while to truly enjoy them. From the popular windows of Harrods through to those of the independent retailers, it may only seem like a small point, but enjoying the Christmas window displays is one of the simplest – yet favourite, for many – ways to fill up with festive cheer.
3. Break your afternoon up with tea for two (and more!)
You’ve spent all morning shopping. You started the day early and you’ve grabbed the occasional glass of mulled wine and a mince pie so far, but now you’re ready for something a little more substantial.
If this sounds like the scenario you’ll find yourself in over the next few weeks, it would be an absolute pleasure to welcome you to DUKES for our ever-popular afternoon tea.
Book now: your afternoon tea at DUKES London
A quintessentially British way to spend an hour or two out of your afternoon, we have three options available (including our unique ‘MarTEAni Afternoon Tea’!) and you can relax and enjoy a sumptuous offering of sandwiches, scones and pastries before heading back out to pick up where you left off with your Christmas shopping.
4. Join in the carol singing at Trafalgar Square
Now assuming you have headed back out into the winter wonderland of London’s bustling streets, something special happens everyday from Monday 10th to Friday 21st December in Trafalgar Square.
Taking place between 4pm and 8pm during the week (and 2pm and 6pm on a weekend), over 40 groups of brilliantly festive carol singers gather around the famous Trafalgar Square Christmas tree to sing your favourite festive songs throughout the late afternoon and into the early evening.
With participation from the crowd thoroughly encouraged, it can make a welcome break from shopping, and help top up your festive cheer!
5. Stay out into the early evening
In our opinion, one of the best times to go shopping at Christmas in London is into the early evening. The crowds have started to thin out a little, but most shops will remain open for hours yet, meaning you can spend some extra time perusing your choice of gifts.
Plus, with the sun setting before 4pm, you don’t need to stay out that late to see London come alive with Christmas lights. It really does seem that everywhere you look there are Christmas lights adorning the buildings, and it truly adds a particularly magical feel to the city.
6. Finish the day relaxing with a martini
There’s no doubt Christmas shopping in London is one of the best experiences over the festive period, but no one would say it isn’t tiring. After hours of walking around London, all you need is a comfortable chair, a great drink, and an atmosphere to rival the best of them.
And given DUKES Bar has been a favourite for Londoners for over a century, we’re sure after your first visit you’ll realise why.
Explore: the legendary DUKES Bar
Come along, have Alessandro and his team serve up your favourite drink (martinis are always recommended) and wile away the hours instantly reminiscing over your truly festive day.
Stay with us this Christmas
Located in the heart of St James’s, we’re proud of our position in London, particularly as it makes it really beneficial for Christmas shopping in around Mayfair!
Always a pleasure to welcome guests at this time of year, if you’re thinking of extending your day shopping trip to London to an overnight stay, be sure to explore our exclusive Christmas offers before you book – enjoy!
Image courtesy of Christine Matthews (Geograph)