Christmas Shopping London 2026: Best Areas, Timing and Tips from the Netherlands

Christmas lights in London: when and where

Londen is in de wereld van de kerstverlichting niet bescheiden. Oxford Street schakelt de lichten in op donderdag 5 november 2026 (traditioneel de eerste donderdag van november). Regent Street, Carnaby Street en Covent Garden volgen in dezelfde week. De verlichting brandt dagelijks tot begin januari.

Every street has its own theme. Oxford Street literally fills with lights on both sides of the road forming an arch over the carriageway. Regent Street brings a new theme with sculptures each year. Carnaby Street is known for more playful, colourful light arches. Covent Garden has a spectacular Christmas tree inside the market building.

Visit the lit streets on a weekday evening if possible. November and December weekends get very busy early on. Wednesday and Thursday evenings are quieter, shops are open until 21:00, and you can take photos at a relaxed pace.

The best shopping areas for Christmas

Liberty London deserves a chapter of its own. This Victorian building on Regent Street sells fabrics, homeware and cosmetics you will find nowhere else. The Christmas decorations change every year and are considered an event in their own right. Entry is free.

Borough Market (near London Bridge) is open Tuesday to Saturday. For Christmas gifts you can buy artisan cheeses, specialty coffee, British whisky or biscuits in beautiful tins. Not the cheapest option, but original and edible.

Flights from the Netherlands to London for Christmas

From Eindhoven, Ryanair and easyJet fly direct to London Stansted (STN) in approx. 1 hour 30 minutes. Luton Airport (LTN) is an alternative, slightly less central but also well-connected via the National Express bus (30 minutes to St. Pancras, 12 pounds). From Amsterdam Schiphol there is more choice: British Airways to Heathrow, easyJet to Stansted and Luton, KLM to Heathrow.

Booking timing makes a big difference. In September and October you can find flights for 60-90 euros return. Booking in November for a December trip, expect 120-250 euros. The week of 20-31 December is the most expensive period. Fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday for the lowest fares.

Airport to centre: Stansted Express (train) to Liverpool Street takes 52 minutes and costs approx. 29 pounds for a single ticket (book online in advance). From Luton: National Express or Thameslink to St. Pancras (approx. 30-45 minutes).

Budget for 3 days Christmas shopping in London

London is more expensive than an Eastern European city break, but 3 days need not cost a fortune. Here is a realistic budget breakdown per person:

• Flight (return EIN, booked early): 60-120 euros
• Hotel (3 nights budget, zone 2): 70-100 euros per night, total 210-300 euros
• Local transport (Oyster Card or contactless): 6-10 euros per day, total 18-30 euros
• Food and drink: 25-45 euros per day (lunch: pub or sandwich bar; dinner: average restaurant)
• Total transport + accommodation + food: from around 350-550 euros per person (excluding shopping)

Tip: book a hotel in zone 2 (e.g. near Old Street, Hackney or Brixton). Cheaper than the centre, excellent Tube or bus connections, and you discover an authentic part of London at the same time.

Itinerary: a 3-day Christmas shopping programme

Day 1: Arrival, check in, straight to Oxford Street and Regent Street for the lights atmosphere at dusk. Dinner in Soho (wide variety of cuisines, budget and premium mixed).

Day 2: Covent Garden in the morning (markets, street artists, cafes). Carnaby Street and Liberty in the afternoon. In the evening, Borough Market if it is a weekday (closes earlier on Saturdays). Optional: step into Harrods for the Christmas decorations (no purchase required).

Day 3: Camden Market for street food and alternative gifts, or a free museum (free entry: V&A, British Museum, National Gallery). Depart on afternoon or evening flight.