Have yourself a very Knightsbridge Christmas

It might not surprise you to learn that the festive season at Harrods is a truly spectacular affair, with the impressive window displays alone – all nine of them stretched out along Brompton Road – positively bursting with festive cheer. And this year, things have ramped up a notch in the style stakes. From 10 November to 3 January, Dior’s The Fabulous World of Dior takeover will be lighting up the famous Harrods hallways, celebrating the fashion house’s powerful, long-lasting bond with the much-loved store. Expect enthralling window displays created by artist Pietro Ruffo showcasing famed Dior references, an Insta-worthy immersive exhibition and dreamlike pop-ups, including “Le Café Dior”, set in a fairytale Hansel and Gretel house.

Don’t leave without a visit to Christmas World on the Lower Ground Floor, either – a veritable Aladdin’s cave jam-packed with everything from joyful decorations to must-have gifts and toys. Pick out a glittering tree decoration or two to treasure for years to come and if time allows, stop off at Harrods Hair & Beauty Salon on the Fifth Floor. Offering everything from hair and nails to some of the most innovative brow, lash and body treatments in the most luxurious of settings, surely it would be rude not to…

The Victoria & Albert Museum in nearby South Kensington is currently playing host to the charming Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature exhibition, which runs until 8 January 2023, celebrating the illustrious life and enchanting works of one of our best-loved children’s authors. Peter Rabbit fans should hop on down ASAP to soak up the intricate sketches, letters and photographs in person.

With more than 4,000 trees, an enormous lake and over 350 acres of land, a saunter through Hyde Park on a crisp winter’s day is the perfect way to blow those cobwebs away. From the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain to The Rose Garden and famous Speaker’s Corner, there’s enough to keep even the most inquisitive minds busy (and a pleasing number of cafés and refreshment spots). And while The Serpentine Lido is closed for swimming until next summer, kids will no doubt delight in a spin round The Serpentine in a hire boat instead.

While a stay at the famous five-star The Lanesborough overlooking Hyde Park may be off limits (it’s dubbed “London’s most expensive hotel”), a pitstop for refreshments shouldn’t be. The site of the original St George’s Hospital holds 93 luxurious suites and bedrooms, as well as the highly acclaimed The Lanesborough Grill. The flagship restaurant, run by executive chef Shay Cooper (who earned Richmond’s The Bingham Hotel a Michelin star, no less) dishes up brilliantly British seasonal delicacies in one of London’s most beautiful Regency dining rooms (the beef Wellington comes highly-rated).

Famous auction house Bonhams is one of the world’s oldest and largest auctioneers, selling everything from fine art and jewellery to personal artefacts (John Peel’s gramophone, anyone?). Around 140 auctions take place at this salesroom annually (there’s another on nearby New Bond Street), so why not take a stroll around the legendary building, and place a bid on a unique piece of history for a very special Christmas gift? Over the festive period, upcoming lots include personal items from the late Habitat founder Sir Terence Conran’s personal collection (including bottles from his own wine cellar and a model Bugatti, no less) and a fine watch sale (both on 14 December). There’s also an incredible motor car auction gearing up on 16 December. Everything from an Aston Martin DB6 to a 1960 Bentley S2 Continental is up for grabs.

Said to have been Princess Diana’s favourite haunt, Harvey Nichols is another must-do at Christmas and its quintessentially British Afternoon Tea – think freshly made sandwiches, miniature cakes and homemade scones – at the Fifth Floor Café is the perfect way to replenish lost energy reserves while shopping. If you end up heading for lunch instead, don’t forget that children under 12 dine for free on Sundays at the Fifth Floor Café. And while there, beauty aficionados should treat themselves to the first-ever Harvey Nichols Beauty Advent Calendar – containing £1,200 worth of products for £250. A steal!

A disclaimer: the Mandarin Oriental’s award-winning spa is no ordinary spa. Offering everything from luxury facials and massages to more left-field experiences (treatments such as the “Rasul Water Temple” involve heavenly amounts of exfoliation, mud and steaming), you’ll emerge truly revitalised, any signs of fatigue a mere memory. When you leave, nearby Motcomb Street in Belgravia – just a stone’s throw away – boasts some of the most magical Christmas light installations in London. Oh, and did we mention award-winning British chocolatier Rococo is based there, too?

Nestled on Hans Road next to Harrods, Italian restaurant Cicchetti is a charming, classic Italian, perfect for a special occasion, or just a spot of people-watching (grab a window seat for some top-tier gawping as you soak up the mouth-watering options). It’s part of the San Carlo Restaurant Group and follows successful openings in Piccadilly and Covent Garden, so expect impeccable service, elegant interiors and plenty of old-fashioned Italian charm. The only must? Ordering the black truffle ravioli – you won’t look back.

From ice-skating under a canopy of twinkling lights to dropping by Santa’s Grotto or Zippo’s Christmas Circus, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is the very definition of festive fun, for old and young alike. Running from 18 November to 2 January and open daily from 10am to 10pm, this year’s is bigger and better than ever and promises to uplift even the most Scrooge-like visitors.