Plan a festive day out in St James’s
The Christmas lights are twinkling, shop windows are looking festive, and yuletide treats await around every corner… Christmas is on its way, so let’s make 2024 a magical one.
From gift shopping to dining, and top shows to festive window displays, there are plenty of things to do this Christmas in St James’s. Don’t know where to start? Here are our suggestions for a fun-filled festive day out in central London this winter.
Breakfast: 45 Jermyn Street
Start the day with breakfast or brunch at chic all-day dining spot, 45 Jermyn Street. Warm up with kedgeree or kippers, go all out with a full English fry up, or choose from a range of egg-citing creations. Spice up your choice with a pairing of alcoholic and non-alcoholic Bloody Marys, or pack in those vitamins with a tasty smoothie.
Morning: shopping for style
You’re perfectly placed to explore Jermyn Street and neighbouring Piccadilly. Start your Christmas shopping in style at the iconic Fortnum & Mason – crammed with festive food, hampers, stocking fillers and stylish accessories, it’s the ideal place to pick up presents for even the fussiest recipient.
Known as a centre of style, Jermyn Street has no shortage of heritage tailors, grooming specialists, shoe shops and perfumers to explore. Sneak a scent into your loved one’s stocking with a gift from Floris, look through colourful ties at Emma Willis, or select from handcrafted knitwear at John Smedley and menswear specialists Moss and Pink. If bookworms are on your to-buy-for list, you’re sure to find a suitable read in Europe’s largest bookshop, Waterstone’s Piccadilly, or at historic Hatchards, which has been running since 1797. Maison Assouline, meanwhile, is a great option for luxury coffee table books.
If bookworms are on your to-buy-for list, you’re sure to find a suitable read in Europe’s largest bookshop, Waterstone’s Piccadilly, or at historic Hatchards, which has been running since 1797. Maison Assouline, meanwhile, is a great option for luxury coffee table books.
Lunch: easy eats
With afternoon tea on the horizon, enjoy a light lunch at one of the neighbourhood’s laid-back lunch spots. Reward your shopping efforts by pairing a glass of bubbly with seafood delicacies at Wiltons, or share Venetian-style bites at Cicchetti.
Afternoon: art, arcades, and afternoon tea
After lunch, check out the Royal Academy of Arts’ latest exhibition, where you’ll have the chance to see some of the finest examples of Italian Renaissance drawing, including Leonardo’s Burlington House Cartoon.
Still have items on your shopping list? Explore festively decorated arcades that are full of on-of-a-kind, high-quality gifts. Discover colourful gift boxes full of chocolatey treats at Prestat, or browse luxury cashmere knitwear at Luca Faloni, both in Princes Arcade. Nearby Piccadilly Arcade is a great place for beauty products – with options including Aesop and Santa Maria Novella – as well as specialist items such as militaria and luxury cufflinks.
For more shopping inspiration, nearby Piccadilly is home to Sirplus, which crafts stylish clothing from surplus fabric and ASSOS which covers requests from sporty types. Fashionistas are well catered for on Dover Street Market’s five floors.
With your shopping bags full, it’s time to fill your stomach with a Christmas afternoon tea. Among the best this year, The Ritz with Christmas cakes, mince pies, and freshly baked scones and even a visit from Father Christmas as part of its seasonal spread.
Early evening: lights and bites at St James’s Market
As darkness falls, take in all the seasonal wonder with a walk around the iconic Christmas lights across St James’s and Regent Street. Celebrating the theme of “The Spirit of Christmas”, they can be found in St James’s Market, Glasshouse Street, Swallow Street and Quadrant Arcade this year.
At St James’s Market’s the cuisine on offer spans the whole globe. Take your pick from Neapolitan street food at ‘O ver, or enjoy influences from Asia, Oceania and the Middle East at Scully. Alternatively, share small seasonal plates with your shopping buddies at Fallow. Ole & Steen has a range of seasonal treats and warming drinks for a cosy post-meal treat.
Evening: shows and spirits
Finish in time to join a concert at Christopher Wren’s St James’s Church, Piccadilly (on select days) or see a show: follow the haunting love story of Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty’s Theatre, or bring a little magic to the holidays by catching a pantomime at Jermyn Street Theatre.
Then end the night with Christmas cheer (and spirits!) with a nightcap at one of St James’s cocktail bars. The American Bar at The Stafford, Duke’s Bar, and Rivoli Bar at The Ritz all serve up classic tipples – just make sure to buy one for Santa.