TOP 8 CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DESTINATIONS
There’s nothing better for getting into the spirit than a spot of magical gift buying…
VIENNA
Visit the popular Christkindlmarkt, the Christmas illumination and the Ice Dream in the Rathauspark during advent season and shop ‘til you drop! You’ll find fab quality and true craftsmanship. Indulge a little time for yourself and unwind while international and Austrian choirs perform in the impressive ballroom at the Viennese town hall which you can reach by the entrance at the Lichtenfelsgasse. Breathtaking!
NEW YORK
Decorations, lights and window displays are up by late November so go now for a true hit of Christmas. Hosted in the iconic Grand Central train station, the Grand Central Holiday Fair is the only seasonal market in the city that’s indoors. Still don’t fancy braving New York’s icy winter? Bloomingdales is conveniently located on 59th and Lexington, which means if you choose the right subway exit, you don’t even need to go outside. A New York City Attraction Pass is a must have.
LONDON
Head to Harrods for ultimate luxury – Toy Kingdom is a grandkids’ dream come true! But consider Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop in Covent Garden if you have an appetite for playthings of the more traditional variety. Founded in 1856, this timewarp of a toy shop houses an intriguing jumble of toy theatres, books and puppets. And if all else fails, Marylebone’s Selfridges will tick off everything on your list, including a nosey at their decorated shop window.
MANCHESTER
A Mecca for all things handmade and one-of-a-kind, Manchester Craft & Design Centre is the place to be. You’ll find reasonably priced jewellery, ceramics, pottery, painting and clothing, or head for Oklahoma on the High Street for the best quirky stocking fillers! Take a load off at Altrincham Market for the best cookies and hot chocolate!
EDINBURGH
Christmas markets are in Princes Street Gardens and St Andrews Square, or hit Jenners – Edinburgh’s Harrods. Go traditional at the Nutcrackers Christmas Shop where you’ll find quirky hand-carved wooden nutcrackers by Steinbach and Ulbricht in Germany, and delicately carved wooden nativity figures in cute wooden stables, and handmade stockings that are a dream!
MUNICH
The Bavarian capital has plenty to offer and don’t be fooled into thinking once you’ve seen one German Christmas market, you’ve seen them all. Forget tat, you’ll find silverware and quality porcelain, then round off your shopping trip with luxury handbags at Louis Vuitton and festive sparkle from Swarovski jewellery. The festive season is fully embraced here with a Christmas tram and a tree lit with 3,000 candles, Bavarian singalongs and a nativity trail. Hallelujah!
UK DISCOUNT OUTLETS
Bicester Village, by Oxford, offers year-round 60% discounts on designers like Prada and Alexander McQueen, a gifting boutique for Christmas – and a valet service! They’ve recently expanded to 160 stores with great connections to Oxford and London Marylebone. Get there before 9am midweek.
GLASGOW
Escape the crowds a little by wandering the lanes of the West End. Mo’s Beady Eyes houses Mo McQuillan, a Scottish designer who makes beautiful jewellery to your specifications. Although the Buchanan Galleries is top choice, don’t dismiss the St Enoch centre, Braehead, Glasgow Fort and Silverburn – all fab choices to spend your cash. Style Mile has lots of independent boutiques, designer stores and one-off speciality shops and Argyll Arcade is Scotland’s most popular shopping destination if you’re hunting down jewellery and watches.