There’s something magical about the festive season in London. From the twinkle of lights in shop windows to the scent of spiced treats in the air, it’s the season to embrace all things festive — especially when it comes to shopping, gifting and dining.
Tucked just moments from the bustle of Oxford Street, Rathbone Square is one of the capital’s best-kept secrets for Christmas shopping in London. With its calming open space, independent retailers, and tempting food stops, it’s a welcome escape from the crowds, and an ideal base for discovering the best holiday experiences Fitzrovia has to offer.
Whether you’re seeking luxury gift shops, indulgent dining, or inspiration for the festive table, here’s your go-to guide to the square’s seasonal best.
Discover Unexpected Gifts at Lab Store London
For one-of-a-kind presents, Lab Store London is a must-visit. Known for its boundary-pushing style and cult designer collections, it’s more than a store — it is a celebration of experimental fashion, bold self-expression, and artistic living.
This season, the Autumn/Winter 2025 collection includes standout partywear from Jean Paul Gaultier and Christopher Esber, along with statement outerwear by Yohji Yamamoto and LGN Louis Gabriel Nouchi. If you’re shopping for someone who truly dares to be different, this is the place.
And it’s not just about fashion. The fragrance edit features evocative home scents and niche perfumes, from Mad Et Len’s lava crystal pot pourri to Rick Owens’ L’Apparition candle — ideal for creating an atmosphere of winter luxury.
From covetable objets d’art to style-savvy stocking fillers, Lab Store makes Christmas shopping in London a whole new experience.
Shop Slow and Scandinavian at White Pine
If your ideal festive shopping trip includes a matcha latte in hand and a serene soundtrack playing in the background, then White Pine is your sanctuary.
This Nordic-inspired concept store is packed with thoughtful, wellness-focused gifts for every personality. Think sustainable homewares, elegant ceramics, and books on slow living — plus Evergreen Sweden candles that bring the peaceful essence of Scandinavian forests into any home.
The Market Collection is also a treasure trove of gourmet goodies, from organic vegan chocolates to rare teas and superfood ingredients. Looking for luxury gift shops with a conscious twist? White Pine hits the mark.
And if you’re not sure what to buy, their gift cards make the perfect back-pocket option. Plus you can round off your Christmas shopping spree with a stop-off at White Pine’s café, where you’ll find a tempting menu of Icelandic style protein shakes, cold press juices, speciality teas, organic coffees and hot chocolates, as well as an array of fresh vegetarian and vegan food, all sourced from local suppliers.
Fuel Up with Festive Favourites at Joe & The Juice
Whether you are starting the day with a winter shopping list or winding down after a full festive spree, Joe & The Juice has everything you need to refuel with flair.
This time of year, the functional shakes come into their own — ideal for pre-party prep or a post-celebration reset. The Immunity and Detox ranges are packed with feel-good ingredients to boost your system when you need it most.
Of course, indulgence is on the menu too. The much-loved Joe Ho Ho festive sandwich is loaded with turkey, beef gravy mayo, red cabbage ketchup and crispy sage shallots. Pair it with one of the vibrant seasonal lattes or a decadent pastry, and you’ve got yourself a Christmas lunch worth pausing for.
Share a Show-Stopping Meal at Circolo Popolare
Looking for festive restaurants in London that pull out all the stops? Circolo Popolare is the definition of a celebration.
A wonderland of fairy lights, floor-to-ceiling bottles, and starry ceilings, this Instagram-famous Fitzrovia favourite is every bit as spectacular as the food it serves. And in December, the wow factor gets dialled all the way up.
This year’s festive set menu (available for groups of up to 24) features five indulgent courses, all designed for sharing with family and friends. Expect Sicilian spins on the classics, plus festive twists and seasonal specials — all wrapped up in one of the most magical dining atmospheres in the city.
If you’re after a Christmas meal to remember, this is your spot – just be sure to secure your booking well in advance as this place is super-popular.
Sweeten the Season with Crosstown Doughnuts
When it comes to edible gifting (or treating yourself mid-shop), Crosstown Doughnuts always delivers — and never more so than during the festive season courtesy of their special Christmas Doughnuts range, also available in cute mini versions. Check out the White Chocolate and Ginger Christmas Cake or the vegan Spiced Pear and Cinnamon editions.
Their vegan sourdough creations are also a major pull this time of year. Think Dark Chocolate Truffle or Homemade Raspberry Jam, all baked fresh with love and packed into limited edition doughnut gift boxes that are as fun to give as they are to receive.
If you’re shopping for a sweet-toothed colleague, Secret Santa pick or teen who’s tough to buy for, Crosstown gift vouchers offer maximum flexibility with minimum stress. And yes, you’re totally allowed to pick one up for yourself too.
Browse Holiday Markets in Fitzrovia
If the traditional holiday markets in Fitzrovia are on your festive radar, Rathbone Square is the perfect base to explore them. With Oxford Street just minutes away and plenty of independent traders in surrounding streets, it’s easy to make a day of it.
Drop into White Pine or Lab Store London first to browse exclusive finds away from the crowds, then wander towards Charlotte Street, Fitzroy Place or nearby Bloomsbury for local makers, craft markets, pop-ups and winter events. You’re in the heart of one of London’s most creative neighbourhoods — and Christmas shopping in London doesn’t get more inspired than this.
Your Festive Escape Starts Here at Rathbone Square
From festive restaurants and sweet treats to sustainable stocking fillers and wow-factor fashion, Rathbone Square has everything you need to make the season feel special.
Whether you’re hunting down luxury gift shops, fuelling up for the holiday rush, or booking your table for a festive feast with friends, you’ll find it all right here — just a short stroll from the West End’s busiest streets, yet a world away from the chaos.
This Christmas, make Rathbone Square your feel-good festive HQ.
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