London Xmas decorations/ shopping

[signtalker]

Were heading to London next Sunday
We live in the country and don't visit very often. Parking at shenfield and then catching the train to Liverpool Street, were only there for the day and wondered where is a good place to wander to see Christmas decorations and just walk around d shops( we've finished Xmas shopping)
Not high end designer but just to take in the festive time of the year, although I would like to visit Harrods just to look at their Xmas things.

Any do and don'ts tips?
Hubby is really good at getting around directions wise it's like haveing a sat nav with me

Any suggestions
Cheers
Jules

[lizzie145]

I was in London for a couple of days recently and I loved the decorations in the smaller streets. Didn't really like regent street but new and old bond street are lovely.
Fortnam and mason have lovely Windows and there are some lovely shops and arcades ( often seen in films)
Covent garden is also lovely
Wear comfy shoes and prepare to walk lots

[katiec68]

We love going to London and seeing the lights - for us its definately Regent Street and Oxford street - but you do have to be prepared to brave the crowds! (We never seem to have time to go anywhere else but im sure that there are loads of lovely places all done up!)

I can also recommend John Lewis roof garden - they have xmas trees, lights, seats with blankets etc and you can have drinks and food there - they also have little booths/sheds that you can sit it and have dinner in.

We've been twice and loved it - although it is freezing!

Katie x

[Guest]

They are beautiful this year - Piccadilly - don't miss Fortnum & Mason's windows. Regent Street, Carnaby Street, Oxford Street, Bond Street - all glorious.

Bond Street -

Regent Street -

This is a really good guide to them all:

timeout/london/thing...ghts-in-london

[kellsbells]

Covent Garden is lovely this time of year, personally I would start there and then walk up to Regent Street and Carnaby Street.

I work just off of Oxford Street and if you don't have actual shopping to do then personally I would avoid it (maybe that's just the frustration of walking through the crowds every day talking!) although a wander around the food hall in Selfridges is lovely at Christmas time and you usually get a few free samples

[duchy]

I do like Selfridges food hall... and Harrod's one is even better.

[signtalker]

Thanks guys that's a great help

Jules

[folkie]

Another one for Covent Garden, always lovely at Christmas, both inside and out. And while you're in the area, have a walk around the Seven Dials area - lovely decorations and some really interesting, quirky shops.

[mini-mum]

I'm also interested in this thread. We're coming to London this Friday to see the lights. Can you recommend somewhere in the Regent St area we could stop for an early evening meal. We like most food

[shona]

We did this a couple of years ago and loved Selfridges, it was like the department store in Elf. There was singers and we went to the toy department. Even if not shopping it was still magical.