CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN THE BOROUGH OF BROMLEY
It’s official and unavoidable, the Christmas Countdown has begun. In fact, it began in the first few weeks of November, with the dulcet tones of “Do They Know Its Christmas” drifting from the radio. With Christmas preparations already well underway, we’ve rounded up the best shopping destinations in the Borough of Bromley to make sure that you got this year’s Christmas shopping in the bag.
THE GLADES
Having recently returned to its original name, The Glades Shopping Centre, this hubbub of holiday cheer is home to plenty of shops bursting with festive goodies, and is mere minutes away from both Bromley South and Bromley North stations.
With over 120 stores to choose from, there’s something for everyone; check out “Menkind” for quirky gifts like slushie machines and quadcopters, or powerhouse beauty brands MAC, Bobbi Brown and Kiko for self-pampering treats. And, the annual Christmas Shop is back, filled to the brim with baubles, bows and bright lights to help celebrate a very merry occasion.
Turn your visit into a magical journey by stopping by to see Father Christmas at this years’ grotto, ‘AdventureLAND’. Little ones will be welcomed by elves, experience 1-1 time with Father Christmas and leave with a souvenir toy.
http://www.theglades.co.uk/
BECKENHAM MARKET
For a handmade spin on your gift-giving, look no further than bustling Beckenham market. Located just off Beckenham High Street, at Venue 28, it’s a crafter’s heaven filled to the rafters with stalls run by local businesses and local people. Browse art pieces, unique jewellery and homeware, before sampling some locally sourced grub from the food emporium populated by street-food market stalls.
This year, the market is set to ‘tour’ the South-East in the lead up to Christmas, making appearances at ‘The Mansion’, Beckenham and ‘The Dulwich Pop Up & Christmas Grotto’ at Belair House. We’ll see you there!
http://beckenhammarket.co.uk/
WINTERFEST & THE CRYSTAL PALACE TRIANGLE
Renowned for its collection of eccentric shops, Crystal Palace is the perfect place for gifts for the more eclectic names on your shopping list, and is just two shakes of a reindeer’s tail from Crystal Palace station. All three sides of the ‘triangle’ are lined with independent stores, such as Glitter & Twisted and Good Taste, stocking vintage wear, handmade children’s toys, second-hand books and locally sourced artisan delicacies. If you’re stuck for gift-giving inspiration, look no further!
And, this year, the area welcomes its inaugural event, ‘Winterfest’! The South-East’s answer to the Winter Wonderlands north of the river, it promises to deliver an ice-rink, observation wheel and a rustic ‘Noel Market’ selling traditional gifts.
https://crystalpalacewinterfest.co.uk/
THE WALNUTS SHOPPING CENTRE
Well-loved by locals, the Walnuts Shopping Centre is home to over 30 shops decked out to the rafters with festive fare and seasonal surprises. Pop into The Fragrance Shop for a crowd-pleasing purchase, or peruse the shelves at CEX for budget-friendly gadgets.
With a special Christmas Market luring shoppers of all ages throughout December and Father Christmas visiting the Christmas Grotto on Saturdays, it’s set to be a busy month at the Walnuts in Orpington!
http://www.thewalnutsshoppingcentre.com/
CENTRALE & WHITGIFT CENTRE
‘Centrale’ to the Christmas festivities is the beloved shopping centre, which houses over 130 shops, waiting to welcome hordes of happy shoppers as the 25th looms closer. From fashion houses like Zara & River Island, to jewellery shops like Swarovski & Beaverbrooks, you’re sure to find a gem of a gift for your special someone. And the centre has got Christmas activities well and truly wrapped with a Toy Workshop Grotto and Weenies Christmas Cupcake Workshop on the agenda, scheduled throughout December.
Celebrations were kicked off in November with ‘Croydon’s Festive Fantasia’. Six specially commissioned films showcasing local performers are being projected up to 120 feet high onto three sites during the festive season, making Christmas in Croydon bigger and better than ever before.
And, if you’ve worked up an appetite with all these festivities, head to BoxPark Croydon to feast on Croydon’s culinary offerings, from burgers at Bukowski’s Grill to vegan donner kebabs at What the Pitta.
https://www.centraleandwhitgift.co.uk/ &
https://www.boxpark.co.uk/croydon/
What's your favourite shopping hotspot in Bromley? Let us know via social media - we are on;
Facebook,
Twitter, LinkedIn,
Google+, Instagram & Pinterest.