Christmas is revving up in London and I, for one, am enormously excited! I know that 8 weeks of build-up is not everyone’s cup of tea, but I just can’t get enough of Christmas sparkle, scents, songs and general cosiness and cheer.

The Shops

I’m not going to lie, yes I have already been checking out the latest Christmas decorations at my very favourite places.

Up on the top floor of Liberty of London, you already have a magical winter wonderland, full of decorations, advent calendars, stocking fillers and Christmas Day board games.  I was particularly taken with a Brussel sprout wreath, king of the Corgis tree decoration, and some fabulous looking London themed crackers.  The wooden timbered store adds to the winter charm and each floor is a haven forthe perfect gift (mine’s the Liberty/Puma collaboration trainers, if anyone’s asking).

One never to be missed is Fortnum & Mason, that has been providing Christmas cheer for over 300 years. Here, in addition to the elegant decorations and curated gifts is the wonderful array of decadent Christmas food and the inimitable F&M Hampers.  On my shopping list are decadent Christmas Merrilossus biscuits and a Christmas Figgy preserve, perfect for those festive cheese boards.  The cost of the hampers can go into the thousands, but my top pick for this year is the Christmas Treat Hamper, a bargain at £100, but I would snap it up sooner, rather than later.

Then, there are those shopping areas that just put you in the Christmas mood, and my top pick would be Borough Market.  With the lingering smell of mulled wine, and an abundance of cheese, mince pies and Christmas treats, this place warms the cockles on cold winter days.  Seven Dials on the other hand, is a great place for getting some special gifts in independent boutiques, whilst you meander through the cobbled streets with a hot chocolate in hand, and thousands of twinkling lights above.

The Restaurants

I’m going to widen the spectrum here, as there is nothing as cosy at Christmas time as a warm pub, ideally with wooden decorations and an open fireplace. Many spring to mind, but firm favourites include the Punchbowl in Mayfair, where you can get a little bit of old England among the glitzy hotels and designer shops, and the historic Holly Bush in Hampstead, where you can warm your hands by the fire after a stroll on the Heath and a browse in the boutiques.  However, if you are looking for something spectacular, then we recommend you book The Great British Feast, before it sells out. This secret Dickensian, and fully immersive festive experience, backed up by renowned chefs, is always a firm favourite with those looking for the ultimate in extravagance.
For a more traditional dining experience, head to The Ivy (the original) on West Street, where the stain glass windows, wooden panelling and twinkling candles give that touch of glamour to a special evening at a magical time of year.

The Hotels

The great London hotels really do know how to create an unforgettable Christmas experience, and walking into many of the lobbies is like walking into a Winter Wonderland.  The first place I always head to is Claridges, as each year it is a revelation.  In recent years, working  alongside top designers,they have  had everything from walking into a snowy indoor forest (very Narnia), to meeting a shimmering life size gift train coming at you, complete with VIP drinks area.

However, if you’re looking for a few cheeky Christmas cocktails, then the Rosewood is always a good bet, as they are famed for their festive pop-ups in the courtyard, where al-fresco drinks are combined with cosy décor and outdoor heating, so it’s not just the cocktails giving you that warm glow.

For a traditional and cosy hotel, I would opt for the family-run Goring, as the wood panelling, quirky British décor and intimate bar really make it hard to leave on a chilly winter’s day.

The Ice Rinks and Light Shows

Two festive things that have become a must see for any Londoner are a good old Christmas ice-rink and light show.

At no other time of year do locals even consider donning a pair of skates and taking to the ice, but at Christmas, the romantic thought of gliding over the ice with loved-ones and sharing a hot chocolate or mulled wine, gets the better of us.  The most popular rink is at Somerset House, for the pure beauty of the neoclassical courtyard setting, combined with the sponsor of Moet & Chandon, fine dining options and late sessions with DJs.  Hampton Court Palace is a personal favourite, where you can skate in front of one of King Henry VIII’s favourite palaces, and this year the rink at the Natural History Museum is not to be missed as this will be its very last year.

For light shows, top of the list has to be Christmas at Kew, where the historic botanical gardens are adorned with more than a million lights.  A magical music & light show combine to create the ultimate festive sensory experience.  Grab a warm cider and roast marshmallows at the fire pit, for an unforgettable evening.

The Christmas Lights

However, London’s biggest light show is completely free!  Come and explore the Christmas lights in all of their glory on this little trail.

Start in the covered market at Covent Garden, which usually has in-your-face and larger than life displays, perfect for an Instagram moment.  Then make your way towards Seven Dials, where the small cobbled streets are perfect for thousands of traditional twinkling lights, that evoke scenes of yestayear.

Walk through Soho, stopping off for a little Christmas naughtiness at Maison Bertaux along the way, and head to Carnaby Street, which offers Christmas in all its bright neon colours, and like Soho, is famous for being a little bit edgy with its displays.

From here it’s onto Jermyn Street, St James and Regent Street for some Crown Estate royal glamour, with the most elegant of winged angels floating high above, the classiest decorations around.

Then onto Mayfair, where you will not want to miss the curated festive style of Bond street, before heading to “Connaught Village”, where the hotels, clubs and restaurants on Mount Street are a truly magical sight to behold.