Harrods – The Christmas Experience
Harrods has been a staple of the tourist route in London for over a century, and despite having changed hands a few times and burned their royal warrants, it’s still a very popular place to go in the city. But at Christmas, Harrods really pulls out all the stops and doubles its efforts. From Christmassy things to buy to stunning window displays to the well-known Santa’s Grotto, visiting Harrods at Christmas is a treat.
'Tis the Season to Go Shopping
Harrods is absolutely magical for Christmas shopping. It’s beautiful every year, and if you can spare the time and a bit of Christmas shopping cash to buy a gift or two here, the experience is wonderful. The Harrods Hampers are famous, stuffed with whiskey-soaked Christmas puddings, fine wines, mince pies, caviar and cuts of meat, and the kids’ section is always extravagant and magical for children. The luxury shopping on offer is wonderful, and you should always treat yourself to a cake at the food hall.
Window Displays
The Christmas 2011 window display has gathered some serious attention from the media this year – and not all of it has been good. The display bears a kind of Narnia theme, with crystals galore and glittery white icicles decorating the spiky branches of wintry forests. There’s also almost undeniably a sort of underwater feel to it, with a blue backdrop, a swan (not a live one; they’re not that weird at Harrods) and a feeling of weightlessness to the poses of the manikins.
So what’s the problem? The usual one which comes up in the UK whenever Christmas rolls around again: “But it’s got nothing to do with CHRISTMAS! It’s supposed to be a religious holiday! What are we teaching our children? And anyway, children would find this creepy!” and so on. Nevertheless, you can’t deny the bling factor of the display, and some people happen to like the Narnia look. Best of all is the inclusion of a Ralph and Russo dress adorned with £230,000 worth of crystals.
Santa’s Grotto
The Grotto is an institution in London. Families flock here annually to teach the kids the meaning of Christmas – at least the gift-giving meaning of it. There’s always a theme going on – Peter Pan for 2010, Wizard of Oz for 2009 – which is magic-based and appropriately glittery. Kids tend to get sweets or chocolate and a gift as well as a good long chat with Father Christmas. You can buy a photo taken of your child with Santa should you wish to part with £12 or so. You can book tickets on their site, although there should be some walk-up slots saved for each day – it’s open until the 24th December 2011.
Christmas World
Christmas World opened early this year. Really early, as in summer, to catch the kids still on their holidays. Nevertheless, they were taking advantage of the weather, getting Father Christmas, who was doubtless saving up a little extra cash in his time off, to serve ice creams in the Christmas World.