Christmas shopping in London

It's a cliché but we can't get enough of it: Christmas shopping in London! Every year, the Brits pull out all the stops to make their capital even more beautiful. Department stores like Harrods, Selfridges, and Harvey Nichols seem to compete for the title of “Best Christmas Window 2013” and this year it looks like Harrods is going to win…

The theme: The Harrods Express; a super-luxury steam train, where each window display is meant to represent a festive carriage, filled with beautifully dressed passengers (and a hefty load of champagne). Each display is framed with twinkling Christmas lights and as if that wasn't enough, there are two ten-meter-high Christmas trees at the entrance.

Also, the Claridge’s Hotel goes all out every year with a gigantic Christmas tree in the lobby. After John Galliano and Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz, this year it's Dolce & Gabbana's turn to design the Christmas tree. It promises to be a Sicilian spectacle, where Italian Christmas traditions will return. Curious? Just a little more patience! The Christmas tree will be revealed on November 26.

Text: Malu Kirschbaum
Image: Harrods.com