Harrods Christmas World 2016 is open, a whole 24 days earlier than last year. The entire range will be in store by the 28th August, but I went along to see what you can pick up now.
Harrods Christmas World 2016: Where?
The famous luxury Department store is the third biggest tourist attraction in the capital, and hundreds of thousands of people flock here each year to wander it’s seven floors. At the beginning of August, their anticipated Christmas shop opens. On the Hans Road side of the Knightsbridge store, it’s in the Harrods Gift Shop and the Buckingham Palace Collection. I’m specific here because I asked both the security guard on the ground floor entrance and a sales assistant in the kitchenware department on the second floor and they didn’t know. I do. I’ve been and you must. Here’s a map from Harrods online site.
Harrods Christmas World 2016: Winnie The Pooh
Bears have a strong connection with the store which goes back to 1921 when a Winnie the Pooh bear was bought at Harrods by Christopher Robin’s Mother. In 1986, the first Harrods Christmas Bear was sold, and the tradition continues. Collectors from all over the world descend on the store when they go on sale.
Harrods Christmas World 2016: The Bears
Hugh the 2016 Christmas Bear is the star of this year’s show and takes up a commanding position at the front of the Shop. A smaller version is £24.95 with 2016 sewn onto the poor chap’s left paw. If money or space is no object, then the huge Hugh can be yours of £1,200.
The collectors 30th Anniversary Plates are £24.95 and the Mug £16.95.
Harrods Christmas World 2016: My First Christmas
The ‘My First’ Christmas range includes a white stocking £19.95, a 2016 Bear Decoration £14.95, 2016 Bear on a Bauble £9.95, 2016 White Crown Bauble £9.95 and a set of 3 silver decorations £14.95 and the snowglobe, £24.95.
The ‘My First’ range includes a puppy, a teddy and a kitten all at £14.95.
For the tourist, there’s plenty of suitcase-friendly souvenirs, ideal for their Christmas Tree and all at £7.95.
So apart from baubles what else can you dangle from your non-drop Nordmann Fir?
Gold Glitter Harrods Bag £9.95
Glitter Present Decoration £9.95
Glass blown Harrods store £9.95
Hand finished decorations for the Christmas decoration connoisseur.
Bear in Bell Decoration £9.95
Set of four teddies decorations £14.95
Set of three bears £19.95
Snowglobes, with the Harrods Westie wearing a Santa hat.
Festive Westie toys are £12.95.
As well as Christmas decorations the store also has a small range of their Christmas tins which include teas, hot chocolate, biscuits, chocolate and jam.
The Advent Calendar is simple, and while there’s a star pointer to determine the date, there’s room for a small treat as well, £19.95.
Harrods Christmas World 2016: Burberry
In November, Christmas ramps up, and the store will launch with the fashion house Burberry. It will be the first time they’ve teamed up with a brand for the festive campaign. We do know it’s called ‘A Very British Fairy Tale’ and will follow two children on an adventure through a snow-swept English country house. Complete with flying cars, floating bathtubs and secret passageways. Expect the Burberry plaid to feature as it takes over the store’s Christmas tree and windows on Brompton Road.
If you want to meet Santa in-store don’t forget to register ahead of opening on the 4th November. Bookings start on Monday 19th September 2016. All customers enrolled in Harrods Rewards by Sunday 28th August will receive priority booking. It’s based on the Rewards tier and these customers can book their tickets first.
