When Do The Christmas Shops Open? Harrods, Selfridges, John Lewis & More

Right, festive friends, Christmas is not long to go, and if you’re Christmas-obsessed like us, you’ll be itching to know when the Christmas shops open — from John Lewis to Harrods and Selfridges. Well, wonder no more, because we’re breaking them all down right here on this page to make it easier for you. Pop the kettle on, maybe even sneak in an early mince pie, and let’s get into it.

When Does The Harrods Christmas Shop Open?

Harrods always leads the way. It opened Christmas World, its Christmas shop, in August this year. Shoppers browsed baubles, fairy lights and nutcrackers on the Knightsbridge lower-ground floor mid-heatwave, while everyone else reached for the sun cream. Expect the full works down there: luxury crackers, hampers and more. Harrods sells the collectable Harrods Christmas Bear too, a tradition it started back in 1986. Love your Christmas shopping with a side of pure glamour? Head here first.

When Does The Selfridges Christmas Shop Open?

Selfridges has form for being the earliest of the lot. It’s opened its doors as early as late July in previous years, proudly calling itself the first department store in the world to launch its Christmas shop. For 2026, Selfridges is opening its Christmas Shop and Christmas Food Shop from September, so keep an eye on the Oxford Street flagship as autumn creeps in. It’s always worth the trip too, with elaborate window displays, designer decorations and the kind of festive theatre only Selfridges can pull off.

🔗 Looking to get started on your Christmas shopping? Head to Selfridges Christmas Shop Here

When Does The John Lewis Christmas Shop Open?

John Lewis tends to play the long game. Its online Christmas shop usually goes live first, with the beauty advent calendar waitlist for 2026 already opening in August, while the in-store Christmas shops traditionally follow in late September. In past years, stores nationwide have opened their festive floors around the 25th. This year’s collection brings four brand-new themes, with a family of collectable Yeti characters.

When Does The M&S Christmas Shop Open?

M&S brings the festive magic early. Last year, its Christmas food-to-order shop officially opened on 23 September, with the food halls and gifting ranges following close behind. A date hasn’t been confirmed to us yet for this year, but we’ll let you know as soon as it lands.

🔗 Head over to M&S and start your Christmas shopping here

When Does The Next Christmas Shop Open?

Next tends to follow close behind. Its Christmas decorations, homeware and gifting edits usually launch from September too, both online and in stores. Think stylish, on-trend decor at accessible prices. Next is a firm favourite for anyone wanting a full house refresh without the luxury price tag.

🔗 Ready to get shopping? Head straight to the Next Christmas shop here

A Few More Christmas Shops Worth Knowing About

Liberty London: its Christmas shop usually opens in the autumn, dripping in typically eclectic, design-led decorations.

Fortnum & Mason: famous for its festive food halls and hampers, with Christmas shopping typically well underway by early autumn.

Hamleys: the toy shop’s Christmas grotto and festive floor usually opens in good time for half term.

When Can You Actually Start Christmas Shopping?

Honestly? Whenever you like, clearly the shops agree with us, given some of them are decking the halls before the summer holidays are even over. If you’re the sort who likes to get organised early (no judgement here, we salute you), September is realistically when most of the big names will be in full festive swing.

👉 Love Christmas shopping? Check out Dunelm’s Christmas 2026 trends here

We’ll keep you updated as each shop confirms its dates, so bookmark it and check back.