London Christmas Guide

Pollen & reid Guide to Christmas in London for history, luxury and whimsy 

SHOP
Try Horner's Antiques in Alfie's Antiques Market to pick up unique Christmas decorations (think 1950's Soviet ornaments) that are historic, beautiful and make your Christmas tree look like a drag queen on acid! 

Santa Maria Novella for beautiful soaps, lotions and creams. Did you know this Florentine brand is the oldest pharmacy in the world with soaps being made by Florentine monks in 1221. 

Les Senteurs in Belgravia for unique incredible perfumes.

Pick up a hat at Lock & Co in St James's Street, or Philip Treacy in Elizabeth Street. 

Borough Market have high quality stalls for food and drinks for Christmas. You must try some local Essex oysters at Richard Haward's and pick up some Darjeeling first flush at Tea2You.

Fortnum & Mason's in the  City is quieter than the Picadilly branch and great to pick up festive Christmas puddings, mince pies and bubbly. 

VISIT

Walk on Jermyn Street, Regent's Street and various streets in Picadilly after dark to see the Christmas lights. 

Pop into Southwark Cathedral for a service, or try St Paul's Cathedral for a Swedish Lucia service. 

Celebrate Charles Dickens Museum 100 year anniversary by visiting his former Georgian home in Bloomsbury filled with Victorian treasures. The volunteers are incredibly knowledgable and full of fun facts. Did you know Charles Dickens had a memorable style think Regency Dandy with flowing locks, had 10 children, and met a boy called Bob Fagin at the shoe factory he worked at as a 10 year old when his father was imprisoned for being in debt?