Festive fans, we are SO back! Christmas shopping season has officially begun, and this time we’re heading to Selfridges on Oxford Street to explore its wonderfully colourful Christmas department.

The theme for 2026 is Christmas in the City, and honestly, it’s a match made in heaven for Claire and the City. Think bright yellow Selfridges decorations, playful city-inspired ornaments, sparkling food decorations, retro Christmas nostalgia and plenty of fabulous festive gifts.

I’ll be honest: I went into this year’s visit with surprisingly low expectations. I’m not even sure why, because I was completely wrong! Selfridges has created an enormous Christmas department packed with everything from traditional decorations to wonderfully over-the-top novelty ornaments. It might just be the biggest luxury Christmas department I’ve seen in London this season.

Whether you’re searching for unusual Christmas tree decorations, luxury festive gifts or simply a little inspiration for your London Christmas shopping trip, here’s what to look out for at Selfridges this year.

Please note: this guide reflects my visit to Selfridges in October 2026. The Christmas department was still being completed when I visited, so further decorations may be added as the season progresses.

Selfridges Christmas 2026: Christmas in the City

Selfridges’ Christmas department is located in the basement, and this year’s theme is all about celebrating cities and modern life.

The first thing that struck me was the sheer variety. This isn’t just a traditional Christmas shop filled with red baubles and gold tinsel. Instead, you’ll find colourful displays inspired by city streets, familiar landmarks, favourite foods and the little details that make urban life so much fun.

There are playful ornaments, retro-style posters, bright signage and plenty of eye-catching displays that make you want to stop and look at everything.

One thing worth remembering is that Selfridges’ famous exterior Christmas decorations weren’t up yet during my visit. Last year’s Disney-inspired displays were spectacular, with a sparkling palace, magical windows and Mickey Mouse disco balls on the escalators. This year’s guide is all about what’s happening inside the Christmas shop.

And, of course, it’s impossible to visit Selfridges at Christmas without thinking of Love Actually. The hilarious scene in which Rowan Atkinson’s character elaborately wraps a present for Alan Rickman’s character is one of my favourite festive film moments. The scandal!

1. Selfridges-branded Christmas decorations

I love that London’s department stores create their own distinctive Christmas decorations. Each has its own personality, and Selfridges’ signature bright yellow branding does much of the work here.

The sales assistant told me that the Selfridges-branded decorations were among the shop’s best sellers, so naturally, we had to start there.

Look out for miniature Selfridges shopping bags, black taxis, coffee cups and other playful decorations inspired by the store and London life. They’re colourful, instantly recognisable and a fun way to add a little shopping-inspired personality to your Christmas tree.

The coffee cups particularly made me smile. I can’t look at one without thinking of Gary Barlow singing Back for Goodby Take That!

There’s also a cute interactive touch: visitors with a Selfridges card can collect a token to use in a little machine that dispenses a free Christmas sticker. It’s a small detail, but I love these fun additions to a shopping experience.

2. Christmas in the City: New York meets London

The main Christmas in the City display has a wonderfully busy, colourful feel. With bright street signs pointing towards festive destinations such as gift wrap and baubles, it almost feels as though you’ve stepped onto a New York street at Christmas.

Retro-style posters, a food-cart-inspired display beneath a blue and yellow umbrella, and a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments inspired by different cities bring the theme together.

It’s bright, touristy, photogenic and full of personality – a celebration of the landmarks, street food and little details that make cities distinctive.

Food lovers will appreciate the burgers, fries and other city-inspired decorations, while those who love collecting ornaments from different places will find plenty to explore.

British and London-inspired decorations

Naturally, a Christmas shop in London wouldn’t be complete without a few British references.

Selfridges has included plenty of nods to the capital and British culture, from black taxis and red buses to red post boxes and landmarks such as Buckingham Palace.

Crowns, sparkling details and decorations in red, white, blue and gold give this collection a more regal feel.

If you’re looking for a little London souvenir for your Christmas tree, these decorations are particularly lovely. They’re also a fun reminder of a festive trip to the capital.

3. Santa’s Shop: A festive British corner shop

One of my favourite displays was Santa’s Shop, a Christmas corner shop tucked inside the department.

The bright green display is inspired by the sort of local shop where you might pop in for your favourite snacks, breakfast cereal or a bottle of something fizzy. The twist? Everything has been transformed into a sparkling Christmas decoration.

Look out for miniature versions of familiar products, including Weetabix, mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, crisps, Coca-Cola and Yorkshire Tea.

It’s such a clever idea, especially if you enjoy decorations that are a little unexpected. There’s something wonderfully British about seeing familiar cupboard staples turned into festive ornaments.

I also spotted a particularly cute cat sitting in a basket. As the owner of Ruby, my own black-and-white cat, I was rather taken with this one!

4. Christmas Cheer: Food-themed Christmas decorations

If you’ve been following my Christmas department-store tours, you’ll know that food-themed decorations have become a bit of a recurring theme this year.

Selfridges has a whole section called Christmas Cheer, filled with playful ornaments inspired by snacks, drinks and treats.

The collection complements Santa’s Shop, with everything from Pringles and Coca-Cola to Heinz beans, croissants and bagels. There’s even a rainbow bagel that caught my eye.

Other highlights include a Christmas log, a bath filled with champagne bottles and naughty-and-nice biscuits that make a lovely little nod to the festive season.

The drinks decorations are just as entertaining. One of my favourites was the Turkey Wine, a humorous take on chicken wine. Some of the bottles are particularly convincing, and the rosé decoration even appeared to contain liquid.

I think food-themed decorations can make excellent Christmas gifts, especially for Secret Santa. They’re fun, colourful and often a little more personal than a traditional bauble.

Would I put a tin of sardines on my own Christmas tree? I’m not entirely convinced! But I do appreciate the creativity.

5. Modern and eclectic Christmas decorations

If you’re looking for something a little less traditional, Selfridges has plenty of options.

The modern collection is colourful, shiny and eclectic, with a wonderfully playful display that feels a little like Soho at Christmas. A multi-coloured rainbow Christmas tree, vintage-style lights and oversized shiny paper chains bring a retro feel to the space, with definite hints of the 1980s.

Then there’s the intriguingly named Making the Headlines section.

I’m still not entirely sure what the name has to do with some of the decorations, but perhaps that’s part of the fun! The collection includes everything from red flags and dartboards to bananas, high heels, glitter balls, power tools and a dog in a bag.

It’s an eclectic mix, and I suspect there’s something here for everyone — depending on your sense of humour and how adventurous you like your Christmas tree to be.

Tis the Sea-son

I’ll give Selfridges extra points for the name of this next collection: Tis the Sea-son.

As with Harrods, there’s a whole range of sea-inspired decorations, with playful nautical references and pastel colours.

I particularly enjoyed the glass ornaments elsewhere in the modern collection. They’re glossy, decorative and luxurious, although some of the larger pieces are quite substantial, so you’ll need a sturdy tree to display them.

Barbie, Disney and kitsch Christmas

Selfridges hasn’t forgotten the pop-culture fans, either.

There’s a corner devoted to familiar names such as Barbie and Disney, with bright, playful decorations that are ideal for anyone who enjoys a little kitsch Christmas magic.

These would be lovely for younger festive fans, or for grown-ups who still enjoy a playful Christmas tree.

The disco-ball headbands

And now for one of my personal highlights: the disco-ball headbands!

Not every department store embraces a comedy festive accessory quite like Selfridges, and I’m delighted that this one does. They’re sparkly, silly and exactly the sort of thing that makes Christmas shopping more entertaining.

I even found myself comparing them with the offerings elsewhere. Fortnum & Mason could absolutely create a more elegant version of the festive headband — they’re missing a trick!

Spoiler alert: I liked these headbands so much that I ended up buying one. More on that later.

6. Traditional Christmas decorations and festive florals

Of course, Selfridges hasn’t abandoned the classics.

The traditional section features a Christmas tree decorated with checked bows, alongside red and gold Santas, stars, candy canes and plenty of familiar festive favourites.

You’ll also find classic Christmas wreaths and garlands in traditional red and green. If you prefer a more timeless look for your home, this is a good section to explore.

As a flower fan, I was particularly drawn to the festive floral decorations.

One oversized golden flower caught my eye, and I was seriously tempted to take it home. I’m still not entirely sure where I’d put it, but that hasn’t stopped me thinking about it!

There are also gingerbread-style houses and trains, nostalgic robins and stars, and lovely alphabet decorations. I always enjoy finding initials among the Christmas ornaments, and Selfridges didn’t disappoint.

Oversized candy canes add another playful touch, while fabric decorations bring together animals, snowmen and other festive characters.

The collection also has a nostalgic Christmas Past feel, with traditional red and gold nutcrackers in different sizes and vintage-inspired baubles in a range of classic colours.

It’s a lovely mix of traditional Christmas charm and the more playful Selfridges personality.

7. House of Souvenirs

The House of Souvenirs is another fun corner of the department, with the message that everything must be gifted.

I particularly liked the little newsagent-style shopfront. With its blue exterior, it reminded me of the bookshops and independent shops around Portobello Road in Notting Hill.

It’s a charming addition to the city theme and another example of how Selfridges has turned familiar places and everyday experiences into festive inspiration.

8. Luxury Christmas homeware and gifts

Beyond the novelty decorations, Selfridges also has plenty for anyone looking to bring a little luxury into their home this Christmas.

The homeware section includes festive stockings, wreaths, garlands, snow globes, Christmas cups and decorative plates.

There was also an impressive display of candles, including an enormous cake-shaped candle that looked almost too elaborate to burn.

I can barely bring myself to burn a travel-sized Diptyque candle without feeling guilty, so I’m not sure how I’d cope with one of these! It would, however, make a spectacular centrepiece for a Christmas dinner table.

Naturally, there were luxury boxes of matches to accompany the statement candles.

Oversized bows were another feature of the display. They’re beautiful, but I have questions about where exactly you’re supposed to put them. A bannister? A particularly enormous Christmas tree? Let me know what you’d do with one!

Finally, there’s a festive wrapping section with gift bags, tissue paper and Christmas cards – useful if you’re hoping to get your present shopping and wrapping sorted in one trip.

Christmas food gifts and advent calendars

It’s also worth exploring the Selfridges food hall if you’re shopping for Christmas gifts.

You’ll find plenty of advent calendar options, alongside food and other festive treats that could make lovely presents.

If you’re planning a Christmas shopping trip, it’s worth allowing time to explore beyond the Christmas decorations themselves.

9. The Selfridges Christmas chocolate coin test

It’s become a little tradition on my Christmas department-store tours to buy a packet of chocolate coins and put them to the test.

This time, I picked up a bag of Selfridges Lucky Christmas Coins from the food section.

The bag contained 18 coins and cost £5.99 when I visited in October 2026, making them a little cheaper than some of the other luxury chocolate coins we’ve tried.

And the verdict?

They’re lovely: very milky, very chocolatey and thoroughly enjoyable.

My rating: 9/10.

That’s a strong score for Selfridges, and they’re a tempting little festive treat if you’re shopping for stocking fillers or Christmas gifts.

Prices and availability may change as the season progresses.

10. What did I buy at Selfridges Christmas?

After wandering around the entire department, I had to choose a little Christmas treat for myself.

And if you’ve been watching the video, you may already have guessed what I picked: the disco-ball headband!

At £10.99 when I visited, it wasn’t even as expensive as some of the other decorations and gifts I had been considering. More importantly, I could see myself actually wearing it.

It felt like the perfect souvenir from a fun Christmas shopping trip — sparkly, playful and a little bit ridiculous in the best possible way.

I’m also collecting little treats from London’s Christmas destinations for my 12 Days of Christmas advent calendar, which I’ll be opening in December, so it was a lovely addition to the collection.

Is Selfridges worth visiting at Christmas?

After going in with low expectations, I came away genuinely impressed.

The Christmas department is enormous, the variety is fantastic, and the Christmas in the City theme gives the whole experience a colourful, playful personality.

Whether you prefer traditional decorations, luxury homeware, London-inspired souvenirs, food-themed ornaments or quirky gifts that make people laugh, there’s plenty to explore.

I particularly enjoyed Santa’s Shop, the modern and eclectic decorations, the festive florals and, naturally, the disco-ball headbands.

The department was still being completed during my October visit, so I’ll be interested to see what else appears as Christmas approaches.

And don’t forget that Selfridges’ famous exterior displays are a separate part of the experience. If you’re hoping to see the windows and building decorations, check for the latest announcements before planning your visit.

My verdict? Selfridges deserves a place on your London Christmas shopping itinerary.

Have you visited Selfridges at Christmas yet? I’d love to know which decorations caught your eye –  and whether you’d put a tin of sardines on your Christmas tree!

Until next time, festive fans, happy Christmas shopping.

Claire x