Selfridges & Disney : A Most Magical Christmas

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For the first time, Selfridges has partnered with Disney for a Christmas celebration. The store’s façade has been transformed into an iconic Disney castle inspired by Disneyland Paris' Sleeping Beauty Castle complete with Mickey Mouse flags along the roofline.

A Tinker Bell–sparked light show illuminates the façade every 15 minutes from 5–9 p.m. daily until January 2. Over 100 meters of sparkling lights wrap around the building featuring 40 stars, the Jolly Roger ship from Disney's Peter Pan, and Cinderella’s carriage, all choreographed to the Cinderella soundtrack.

Twelve charming hand-painted windows showcase classic Disney stories, including 101 Dalmatians, Beauty and the Beast, Lady and the Tramp, and Pinocchio.

A festive, magical experience for all!

www.selfridges.com ✆ +44 02030 920557
400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB

London Lights Up

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Each year, London transforms into a festive wonderland with Christmas lights. Oxford Street, Regent Street, St James', and Carnaby Street are among the first to turn on.

Oxford Street is the first to go on with its suspended lights stretching the length of the street.

A short walk away is Regent Street with its Spirit of Christmas installation. The iconic angel sculptures float overhead with their wings above the curving historic boulevard.
St James' beautiful golden decorations accent the area's classic architecture.

Nearby Carnaby Street is known for its creative holiday lighs based on different theme every year. This year's theme All is Bright stands out for its colorful and contemporary display.

Before leaving the area, there are two stops worth making:
Bonus 1 : Once again, Fortnum & Mason building façade has been converted to a giant advent calendar.
www.fortnumandmason.com ✆ +44 2077 348040
Bonus 2: Once again, Broadwick Soho has added an impressive light display as part of an extended partnership wtih Moulin Rouge! The Musical. www.broadwicksoho.com ✆ +44 20 70 474000
Top Tip: Visit after 10:30 p.m. for the best photos and minimal crowds.

Together, these displays create a sparkling light trail that kicks off the magic of the holiday season in London!

Miffy Pop-Up Shop Opens

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Celebrating 70 years

Created in 1955 by Dutch artist Dick Bruna, Miffy — the beloved rabbit with two dots for eyes and a cross-shaped mouth — enjoys worldwide following from fans of all ages.  Her adventures have been translated into 50+ languages, and her simple, timeless design is popular with adults and children.  Miffy's appeal extends beyond books and inspires everything from fashion collaborations to art exhibitions.

To celebrate Miffy’s 70th anniversary, a special pop-up shop has opened in London just off Carnaby Street, offering exclusive merchandise, collectibles, and limited-edition gifts.  Visitors can explore Miffy-themed items such as outfits inspired by old master paintings and miniature furniture pieces, along with a small exhibit highlighting the character’s enduring legacy.


The pop-up, which opened just in time for the holidays, will run through spring — with hopes of a permanent store to come.  Whether you’re a long-term fan or new to the magical world of Miffy — this shop is worth a visit!
 www.miffyshop.co.uk ✆ +44 2089 402752
8 Newburgh Street, Soho, London W1F 7RJ

Fortnum & Mason Wild Waste Windows

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Resourceful Animals

For 300 years, Fortnum & Mason's captivating window displays blend creativity, storytelling, and sustainability.  Their current display, Resourceful Animals, celebrates the animal kingdom’s greatest innovators and nature’s resourcefulness through custom sculptures made entirely from the store’s own waste.

Each animal, chosen for its adaptability or scavenging habits, highlights the concept of sustainability.  The large-scale sculptures include:
  • Bowerbirds crafted from dented biscuit tins and tea caddies

  • Dung beetles made from workshop remnants, such as paint chips, nails moldings and sawdust

  • An elephant formed from old Christmas brochures, marketing materials and store signage

  • Hermit crabs, hyenas, and vultures built from packaging, old uniforms, and scrap metals, respectively

  • An octopus sculpted from kitchen waste, including seafood shells and
    wine corks
In contrast to the excess often associated with luxury brands, Fortnum & Mason's display emphasizes reuse and resourcefulness.

These beautifully constructed animals invite passersby to pause and take a closer look — especially timely as the holiday season approaches.
www.fortnumandmason.com ✆ +44 2077 348040

Lavazza Flagship Store

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Celebrate World Coffee Day October 1st

In December 2023, Lavazza unveiled its impressive 5,300-square-foot flagship store in London, inspired by its original location in Milan. Located across from the iconic Liberty department store and just steps from Oxford Circus and Regent Street, the space blends Italian heritage with modern design.

With World Coffee Day on October 1st, there’s no better time to visit and immerse yourself in Lavazza’s world of premium Italian coffee.

The store is divided into three distinct experiences:

Caffetteria
  • Showcases both classic and contemporary coffee styles
  • Features Lavazza blends, espresso, and specialty creations
  • Barista-led demos and interactive coffee moments
Pasticceria
  • Italian pastries crafted to pair perfectly with coffee
  • Signature desserts by renowned pastry chef Marco Pedron
  • Includes Tiramisù, biscotti, fruit tarts, and shortbread
Gastronomia
  • Savory dishes, snacks, and light meals
  • Menu designed by Michelin-starred chef Federico Zanasi
  • Italian aperitivo-inspired small plates and gourmet bites
Extra : Watch for special themed menus during events like Afternoon Tea Week and Wimbledon — in partnership with Lavazza for 15 years.

Whether you're a dedicated coffee lover or just in need of a mid-day pick-me-up, Lavazza’s London flagship offers a stylish escape to sip, savor, and slow down.
www.lavazza.co.uk ✆ +44 2033 073730

Downton Abbey Floral Farewell

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Fleurs de Villes September 22 - October 1st

Following the London premiere of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale on September 3rd and the film’s UK cinema release on September 12th, Kew Gardens will host Fleurs de Villes: Flowers in the City – Downton Abbey from September 22 to October 1.

This enchanting exhibition features floral installations by top London floral designers, inspired by the beloved period drama. Expect to see lifelike botanical mannequins of Crawley family members, household staff, and other fan favorites — dressed head to toe in intricate, plant-based couture.


After captivating audiences in cities like Atlanta, Chicago, New York (pictured) and Vancouver, the exhibit arrives in London — city renowned for its floral artistry, from the Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows to Chelsea and Belgravia in Bloom.  The displays at Kew promise to be nothing short of spectacular.

Visitors can also enjoy live floral demonstrations, engaging talks by expert florists, and afternoon tea in the elegant Orangery. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite floral creation.

Whether you're a Downton Abbey devotee, a flower lover, or just seeking a unique day out, this is an event not to miss!
www.kew.org ✆ +44 2083 325655
288 Kew Road, Kew Gardens TW9 3DU

Free Rachel Zegler Performance

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In Evita Until September 6th

If you’re in London the next couple of weeks, keep an eye on the balcony of the London Palladium.  That’s where Rachel Zegler — star of West Side Story, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and Snow White — is performing the iconic Evita ballad 'Don’t Cry for Me Argentina' — live, and completely free.

Zegler is currently starring as Eva Perónof Evita until September 6th and the show’s most talked about moment happens outside the theater.  Each evening around 9:05 pm (and ~4 pm during Thursday and Sunday matinees), she steps out onto the Palladium’s balcony and sings to anyone watching from the street and the audience inside.


While some ticketholders have mixed feelings about the live-stream inside, others see it as a creative way to make West End theatre more accessible.  And for fans of Zegler — or musical theatre — it’s a must-see.

Note : Zegler will not be performing Monday, August 25th
www.lwtheatres.co.uk
8 Argyll Street, London W1F 7TF

Summer Exhibition : Beyond the Academy

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Halcyon Gallery until August 31st

While the Royal Academy's famed Summer Exhibition — the world’s oldest open-submission art show — closes Sunday, August 17th, there’s still time to catch another exhibition of the same name around the corner.

A short 8 minute walk from the Royal Academy is Halcyon Gallery's Summer Exhibition: Colour & Materiality. This thoughtfully curated show on display until August 31st features a select group of internationally acclaimed artists in an intimate, gallery setting.

Highlights include:

  • Paul Cummins’ striking red ceramic poppy installation spans two floors. The piece echoes his commemorative work for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day currently on display at the Tower of London.
  • One floor below, Dale Chihuly’s Float Boat — a wooden vessel filled with bright blown-glass spheres—sits alongside his vibrant Light Drawings — liquid acrylic works illuminated by LED strips.
  • David Hockney’s iPad drawings, created using the Brushes app, demonstrate how digital tools can realistically simulate traditional brushwork. Halcyon Gallery is known for bringing attention to digital art.

Whether you're a casual visitor, seasoned collector, or art aficionado, it’s well-worth stopping by Halcyon Gallery for an artful twist on the traditional summer exhibition — no ticket or queues required.

www.halcyongallery.com
29 New Bond Street, London W1S 2TR

The Lookout

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Hidden gem in the sky

Opened July 2023, The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate is one of London’s newest free viewing galleries, located on the 50th floor at 650 feet. While slightly lower than nearby Horizon 22, it offers breathtaking 270° views.

The Lookout is a quieter, more relaxed alternative with shorter queues and faster access than Horizon 22 — ideal for the perfect escape above London.

Highlights include:

  • Close-up views of London's skyline
  • The Thames and Tower Bridge
  • South London and The Shard
  • West-facing glass for stunning sunsets

Know before you go:

  • Tickets are released bi-weekly on Monday
  • Walk-ins accepted if space allows (be sure to check their website for dates they are closed to the public for private events)
  • Entry is quick and the staff is welcoming

One of London’s best-kept secrets worth checking out!

www.8bishopsgate.com/the-lookout
8 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4BQ

Lindt Flagship Store

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Celebrate World Chocolate Day July 7th

In March 2025, Lindt opened its 2,800-square-foot flagship store in London’s Piccadilly Circus to mark its 180th anniversary. With World Chocolate Day on July 7th, it's the perfect spot to indulge in premium chocolates and one-of-a-kind treats.

Store Highlights:

  • Truffle Pick & Mix Station — The UK's largest, featuring 21 Lindor flavours and 15 mini Lindt chocolates.
  • Chocolate Bar — Enjoy barista-style coffee, hot chocolate, gelato, and milkshakes.
  • Master Chocolatiers — Watch the UK's first in-store Lindt
    chocolatiers craft custom creations.
  • London-Themed Gifts — Take home souvenirs inspired by landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge.
  • Unique Treats — Inspired by the viral Middle Eastern dessert, Lindt’s sell-out Dubai style chocolate bar, featuring a blend of pistachio nuts, Kadayif pastry, and milk chocolate, is now available in-store.
Whether you're a true chocolate connoisseur or just craving something sweet, Lindt’s flagship store is a must-visit destination!


www.lindt.co.uk
14 Shaftesbury Ave, Piccadilly Circus, London W1D 7EA

Kids Week : Free Tickets for Kids

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Tickets on sale June 10th at 10 am

From July 21 to August 31, Kids Week gives children 17 and under the chance to see top West End shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult.  You can also buy half-price tickets for up to two additional children per adult ticket:

Choose from 55 popular productions, including :

  • Back to the Future The Musical*
  • The Choir of Man*
  • The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
  • Hamilton
  • Harry Potter and The Cursed Child*
  • The Great Gatsby
  • Les Miserables
  • The Lion King*
  • Mamma Mia!*
  • Matilda the Musical
  • MJ The Musical*
  • Moulin Rouge!*
  • The Mousetrap*
  • Phantom of the Opera
  • The Play that Goes Wrong*
  • Six*
  • Tina - The Tina Turner Musical
  • Wicked*
  • Witness for the Prosecution

    • *These shows offer exclusive extras, such as workshops in acting, dancing, illusions, musical theatre and singing and special Q&A sessions.

    Due to high demand, it's a good idea to plan ahead. Have a few dates and shows in mind before tickets go live.

    With no booking, postage, or transaction fees, tickets sell out quickly. For the best selection, be ready to book online when sales open on Tuesday, June 10 at 10 a.m. 

    Good luck — and enjoy the show!
    www.officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week

    The Mitre Hotel

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    A Regal Return

    Just an 8-minute walk from Hampton Court Palace, the newly refurbished The Mitre Hotel is a must-visit. Acquired by the Signet Hotel Group in 2020, the historic 36-room property underwent a £15 million transformation, earning a place in the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

    Built in 1665 by King Charles II to house courtiers, The Mitre has been beautifully restored, blending period elegance with modern comfort. Stylish lounges, bars, and restaurants feature curated art and textiles that add a contemporary twist to classic British charm.

    It is a perfect place to stop in before (or after) a visit to Hampton Court for riverside tea refreshments:
    • Cream Tea — £11: Buttermilk scones with Cornish clotted cream and jam
    • Half Afternoon Tea — £15: Includes crème brûlée cheesecake and a raspberry almond muffin (+£4 for extra)
    • Full Afternoon Tea — £35: Includes all of the above, four types of sandwiches, and two additional desserts
            All served with Twist Tea or specialty coffee.

    Whether you’re a hotel guest or a local, The Mitre is the perfect riverside retreat!

    Belgravia in Bloom

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    Through the seasons

    If you’re not ready for the floral fun to end, head to Belgravia for even more blooms — completely free. While the Chelsea in Bloom and the Chelsea Flower Show wrap up on May 24th, the 10th annual Belgravia in Bloom runs from May 19th to May 26th.  This year's theme 'Through the Seasons' will be featured in 45+ displays.

    Use the map to plan your route: start in Knightsbridge on Motcomb Street, stroll through Eccleston Yards and Elizabeth Street, and finish on Pimlico Road (Sloane Square Station is nearby). Or, reverse the route and end near Victoria Station.

    Whichever way you wander, Belgravia in Bloom is the perfect way to let your floral adventures linger just a little bit longer!
    www.belgraviavillage.com

    Hampton Court Gardens for free

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    Mothers Day weekend May 10-11

    Just in time for US Mother’s Day weekend, Hampton Court Palace is offering free entry to its historic gardens on May 10–11.

    Set along the River Thames, the gardens span over 60 acres of formal landscaping and 750 acres of parkland, showcasing centuries of garden design from the Tudor era onward.

    Highlights include:
    • Great Fountain Garden — Created in 1689 for William III and Mary II, featuring 13 fountains along with manicured flower beds and yews.
    • Privy Garden — One of the most accurate reconstructions of a baroque-style garden from 1702.
    • Hampton Court Maze — The UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze built in the 1700s.
    • Wilderness Garden — Once a formal 1680s pleasure garden, now a natural display of spring flowers and daffodils.
    • Rose Garden — Once William III’s kitchen garden, this 1930s addition features classic and hybrid English roses.
    • Great Vine — Planted in 1768 by Capability Brown, it remains the world’s largest grapevine and still produces fruit.

      Whether you’re a garden lover, history buff, or just in search of a scenic stroll, the gardens offer a perfect Mother’s Day weekend outing.

      Tip : If you miss this weekend or want to wander the gardens for free, save the July 1-6, September 13-14, October 18-19, November 22-23, and December 26.

      Note : While these open days allow free access to the gardens, a palace admission ticket is still required to visit other areas of the palace.
      www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace ✆ +44 2031 666000
      Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU

    Chelsea in Bloom

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    Flowers in Fashion

    Chelsea will once again burst into color as the 20th annual Chelsea in Bloom, (May 19–25) transforms the neighborhood with floral artistry. Running alongside the renowned Chelsea Flower Show (May 20–24), this year’s event is sponsored by Cadogan and the Royal Horticulture Society, and features a special partnership with the British Fashion Council for the theme 'Flowers in Fashion'.

    A record-breaking 100+ storefronts—including shops and restaurants—will be adorned with imaginative floral displays in every color, shape, and size. The best part? It’s completely free and open to the public. Winners will be chosen by a panel of expert judges, with a People’s Choice Award decided by online vote.

    Free walking tours depart daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., or hop on a rickshaw departing every 30 minutes from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (except May 19) from Sloane Square. Prefer to explore at your own pace? Download the self-guided map online and enjoy the trail your way.

    Whether you love flowers, fashion, or just great photo ops, Chelsea in Bloom offers a colorful, unforgettable experience!

    Watch this space for Belgravia in Bloom . . .

    Poppies return

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    May 6th - November 11th

    One of London’s most iconic public artworks returns this spring. Starting May 6th, 30,000 ceramic poppies from the original Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red will be reinstalled at the Tower of London to mark 80 years since the end of World War II.

    Originally displayed from July to November 2014, the installation commemorated the centenary of Britain’s involvement in World War I. Each of the 888,246 red ceramic poppies represented a British or colonial serviceman killed in the war.
    Most of the poppies were later sold, raising funds for six charities. In recognition of their work, ceramic artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper were awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2015.

    The returning poppies, on loan from the Imperial War Museum’s collection, will remain on display through Remembrance Day, November 11th. A portion of the installation is free to view, while full access requires a Tower of London ticket.

    Though smaller in scale than the original, this powerful tribute is still well worth a visit!
    www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london ✆ +44 333 320 6000
    London, EC3N 4AB