With twinkling lights and spectacular displays that dot the streets, London is the most magical during Christmas. No better way to enjoy the city’s festive magic than planning a day outing in Central London. Since everyone’s favourite season is almost here, we are putting together the perfect Christmas shopping guide to Central London. From picking up your favourite on-trend, high-end outfits to grabbing your favourite Christmas gifts, enjoying light shows and the city’s Xmas magic, this Christmas itinerary in Central London has everything covered for your perfect day in the city. It also includes a stop at Kolamba, Soho’s charming Sri Lankan restaurant that serves coconut-based curries and snacks from the sunny island.

The perfect Christmas Shopping in Central London itinerary:

Start your day at the iconic Oxford Street 

With department stores and boutiques, Central London is a busy place year-round, but the brightly lit December streets add an additional charm to its grandeur. Don’t miss a chance to stop by Selfridges to pack some Christmas decos; they’ve got twinkling robins, Big Bens, mince pie advent calendars and scented candles. You can also grab some gift hampers here, and don’t forget to snap some pictures for the ‘gram—Their window displays are quite Instagramworthy.  

The Selfridges Christmas Market also has street food and fairground rides, and the Lush winter market is perfect for those who are looking for self-care goodies. Need more department store Christmas gift choices? Don’t forget Liberty London housed in a charming timbered building since the 1920s. One of the go-to places for Christmas shopping in Central London, you are sure to walk off with the iconic red bus deco. 

If you are looking for something for kids—and a fun experience altogether–find your way through the crowds to Hamely’s on Regent Street. They’ve got a large collection of model sets, LEGO, toy demos and costumed characters for a fun afternoon. Their window displays in the past have featured Harry Potter and Jurassic Park, and they change every year, too.

Stop by Kolamba, London’s favourite Sri Lankan restaurant for lunch 

While it’s magical and ‘gramworthy, Xmas gift hunting and shopping could be quite tiring and hectic. We suggest you stop for lunch at Kolamba to recharge. With light, airy spaces, terrazzo tables and plenty of greenery instilling the island's tropical spirit, our Sri Lankan restaurant in Soho will remind you of the spiced-up dishes and sunkissed days by the ocean, under the swaying coconut palms—a warm, welcoming addition to London’s wintery vibes. Once you are here, not only you’ll leave with your stomach full but your heart happy, too. 

Founded by two Sri Lankans, Kolamba’s menu pays homage to the sights, sounds and flavours of the Indian Ocean island. For lunch, our Kingly Street Sri Lankan restaurant in Central London dishes up time-honed family recipes that include slow-cooked beef steeping overnight in jaggery and spices, and the island’s flavourful chicken curry cooked in creamy coconut milk and soured with tamarind. Our mutton rolls—spiced mutton meat rolled in breadcrumbs and deep-fried, a favourite tea-time snack in Sri Lanka—are also a bestseller. Don’t miss watalappan for dessert—it’s a special festive custard prepared by Sri Lankan Muslims. It’s creamy, soft and rich and has the perfect crunch with garnished cashews. 

Experience the season’s joy with a Christmas pantomime 

After your hearty lunch at one of the best Sri Lankan restaurants in London, it’s time to head to the theatres. With Christmas around the corner, the city also returns to its beloved panto season. It’s also a great experience for families with kids to spend their perfect Xmad day in London. In Central London, Charles Court Opera is returning to the pantomime season with Holmer’s dramatic epic Odyssey until the end of December. For something joyful to enjoy with children, The London Palladium’s annual panto returns with Peter Pan this December.

Catch a Christmas light show for the perfect end  

Once the daylight dims, we recommend you head to the Carnaby street for the perfect end to the day, with  Xmas lights flickering the streets with live music, performances and plenty of dining experiences. With spectacular displays that light up December nights every Christmas, this year’s Carnaby Universe installation is  already brightening up the skies with vibrant colours and light waves. 

Throughout the festive season, the neighborhood also hosts an array of pop ups and live music shows. Don’t miss some of the famous concept stores and boutiques like the Choose Love Boutique hosting donated, upscale fashion pieces.    

Additional: If you are looking to treat your group to a Christmas dinner in London (but tropical island style), Kolamba’s got you covered with Sri Lankan-style home-cooked dishes in the heart of vibrant Soho, which would make for the perfect festive outing.

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