Best Christmas Shopping Destinations in the UK

The UK is filled with bustling high streets and retail outlets offering everything from the best designer brands to unique independent boutiques – but where should you go for a spot of Christmas shopping?

With so many fantastic retail destinations to choose from, we’ve selected some of the best places in the UK to buy your stocking fillers and Christmas treasures. 

London

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping in the UK’s capital, making it the ideal destination for getting your Christmas shopping all wrapped up.

Head to an iconic British landmark and one of the largest department stores in Europe, Harrods, for a day of shopping all under one roof. With over one million square feet of shopping space, you’ll be sure to find luxury products and one-of-a-kind gifts for all your loved ones here.

For something a little different, take a stroll to Regent Street to visit Liberty London, where you’ll find one-off textile prints, exclusive fabrics, and decadent homeware. 

No lavish London shopping trip would be complete without a visit to Mayfair. Head to Old Bond Street for world-famous jewellery stores such as Tiffany & Co, and Cartier. Or, for designer fashion emporiums, head to New Bond Street, where you’ll discover the likes of Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton. 

Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Christmas Market was previously named the best in Europe, so it’s easy to see why the Scottish capital should be at the top of your shopping destinations this year. 

Wander around the market as you hunt for artisan gifts and refuel with festive food. Or head to the famous Royal Mile, where you can buy some traditional Scottish presents, such as whiskey, shortbread, and classic tartan yarn. 

If you’re looking for a shopping centre, head to the St James Quarter, where you will find all you need across four floors. And if you’re looking for designer gifts, take a stroll around Edinburgh’s West End Village for bespoke fashion boutiques and upscale jewellery retailers. 

Birmingham

As hosts of the largest Christmas Market of its type outside of Germany and Austria, it’s a no-brainer that Birmingham should be at the top of your list for a festive shopping spree. Here, you’ll find handcrafted wooden decorations, toys, and traditional gifts.   

Or, if you prefer to get your Christmas shopping done in one place, then you should head to the famous Bullring & Grand Central or the popular Mailbox Birmingham where you’ll find a mixture of department stores, high street brands and plenty of restaurants to stop in when your feet need a rest.

If you’re searching for that perfect gift this Christmas, make sure you visit the Jewellery Quarter. Approximately 40% of all British jewellery is made here, and with over 100 independent retailers, you’re sure to find a unique gift for that special someone. 

York

York is home to one of the oldest shopping streets in England - The Shambles. This iconic cobbled street is filled with unique shops and boutiques, selling everything from fresh fudge to antiques and beautiful homeware in original medieval buildings. There’s also a daily market here with over 80 stalls selling everything from clothes to jewellery. 

This year, their Christmas market, St Nicholas Fair, celebrates its 30th year and is the perfect place to purchase products from local traders and independent businesses. 

For high-street bargains, head to Coppergate, Parliament, or Coney Street, and for more independent shops, take a stroll down Gillygate and Petergate. 

Newcastle

Located on the beautiful River Tyne, Newcastle is a fantastic place to visit any time of the year, but it is particularly popular for Christmas shopping. 

The Metrocentre is the second largest shopping centre in the UK and has a wide range of stores, from familiar brands to high-end retailers.

Eldon Square and Fenwick Newcastle are ideal destinations when you want to get all your shopping under one roof as it’s full of homeware, clothing, and cosmetics shops. Fenwicks is also very popular for its beautiful Christmas window displays. 

If you prefer getting out and about on the high street, head to Grey Street or Northumberland Street for all your much-loved brands.

Canterbury

The Cathedral City of Canterbury in Kent is the perfect place to visit if you like your shopping with a side of history and magnificent architecture. 

To support local businesses, head to the Cathedral Quarter for a selection of the best independent retailers, or the Castle Quarter for a bustling hub of small businesses, independent makers, and incredible coffee to help you refuel. 

The King’s Mile is a charming collection of linked streets with lots of hidden treasures. Here, you’ll find presents galore, including jewellery, clothing, arts, and crafts, games, and books. 

If you prefer to shop indoors, the Whitefriars Shopping Centre is ideal. With over 70 retailers, you’ll finish your Christmas shopping in no time. 

Manchester

Manchester is a popular shopping destination at any time of the year, but particularly during the festive season.

The city boasts a vast Christmas market, with more than 300 stalls selling a variety of handcrafted goods. But, if you prefer shopping centres, you can choose from the Manchester Arndale Centre, one of the biggest inner-city shopping centres in the UK, or the Trafford Centre – both are full to the brim with high street retailers, designer shops, and food outlets. 

For more exclusive gifts, head to the Royal Exchange Shopping Centre, where you’ll find premium brands, like Swarovski and Selfridges. 

For a more hipster Christmas shopping vibe, head to the Northern Quarter, where you’ll find independent stores, record shops and Afflecks – an indoor market filled with local retailers and one-off boutiques. 

Oxford

If you fancy getting out of the capital for Christmas shopping, Oxford is a beautiful destination to visit.

The Oxford Covered Market is packed with independent traders selling a range of products, from handmade jewellery to delicious, sweet treats. There’s also the Cornmarket, Oxford’s main shopping street, and Little Clarendon Street, filled with bespoke boutiques.

If you’re looking for a department store, head to the Westgate Oxford Centre, where you’ll find a John Lewis covering three floors. 

Or, for a bargain, head to Bicester Village, a shopping outlet with discounts on 150 designer brands. 

Liverpool

Famous for its cultural heritage, Liverpool is also a fantastic destination for Christmas shopping.

Liverpool ONE is the UK’s largest open-air shopping centre, filled with high-street names and designer brands. Bluecoat is another popular shopping centre, also in the heart of Liverpool and offers a range of independent jewellers, boutique clothing, and handmade accessories. 

For a beautiful view to accompany your shopping trip, head to the Royal Albert Dock, where you’ll discover souvenir shops, independent boutiques, and a selection of art-themed gifts and books at The Tate Liverpool.

For vintage presents, head to the Red Brick Market, where you’ll discover antiques and classic clothing from various independent retailers. 

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