Five places in London where Christmas has come early

It might only just be November, but Santa’s sleighs have already descended on the capital. Grinches beware...

1. Natural History Museum Ice Rink 

A post shared by Patrice Halligan (@patrice_halligan) on Nov 3, 2017 at 6:46am PDT

Get your skates on at the Natural History Museum’s picturesque courtyard ice rink. Flanked by twinkling fairy lights and with an imposing tree slap-bang in the middle, it’s a magical spot to sharpen your skills. Scared of slipping on the ice? There’s plenty of other distractions – here’s looking at you, Hotel Chocolat’s melt-in-your-mouth hot choc. Or prosecco if you’re feeling fancy…

2. Selfridges 

A post shared by Julie Pallesen 🔅 (@thisway_) on Nov 3, 2017 at 7:51am PDT

Of course, Selfridges is Christmassified already. We’d expect nothing less from the department store. Its shop windows are already choc-full of Santas. Plus you can feast on the department store’s edible Xmas ‘greatest hits’ at its dedicated food shop. Traditionally open for 10 weeks, this year it’s here for much longer (and all the better for it). Oh and if you’re feeling particularly smug, get a head start on your Xmas shopping. There are berry wreaths and personalised Christmas sacks at your service…

3. Oxford Street

A post shared by Ionuț Deaconu (@ionut_deaconu) on Nov 3, 2017 at 8:44am PDT

Christmas in the capital wouldn’t be complete without Oxford Street’s annual light-up. Given a festive facelift for its 58th year running, 1,778 decorations (and 750,000 energy-saving LED light bulbs) have descended on the shopping haven. Sure, they might not get switched on till November 7, but the baubles are already hanging above the iconic shopping street, reminding us that Christmas is right around the corner. They also look great on Instagram with or without light.

 
4. Liberty London

A post shared by Jackie. (@jaclynmct) on Nov 2, 2017 at 1:58am PDT

So. Much. Sparkle. That’s the best way to describe the department store’s dedicated festive shop. Decked out with fairy lights and wall-to-wall ivy and pine, it’s a typically extravagant affair. Explore the grotto of traditional wooden toys, giant reindeers and baubles featuring traditional London landmarks, be it red telephone box or a wooden London bus. All that glitters really is gold...

5. Skylight

A post shared by Skylight (@skylight_london) on Nov 3, 2017 at 5:07am PDT

Spend an evening switching between skating, ice-hockey shooting and street food on this Tobacco Dock rooftop. If the arctic fun and twinkling fairy lights don’t get you in the festive mood, the cheese fondue and mulled wine (plus patio heaters) promise to warm your cockles to post-Christmas-dinner levels. 

Words: Salma Haidrani