BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITIES: Selfridges has caught the travel bug, taking the world’s most festive, colorful cities as its Christmas theme for its stores in London, Manchester, Birmingham and on selfridges.com.
Selfridges’ 12 Oxford Street windows feature scenes from Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Lagos, New York City, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, London and the imaginary Vice City.
Santa, clever man that he is, stops for an aperitivo in Milan; lands on the rooftops of Paris, and hits the road in one of Bangkok’s tuk-tuks.
Inside the store a cast of characters including bellhops and showgirls, all of whom are dressed in bespoke costumes by the artist and theatrical designer Max Allen, will entertain guests, while activations include a Broadway-style “Snow Show,” a New York City-inspired Downtown Café.
“Christmas and the City has been imagined by our teams to create special memories to share and to make everyone feel welcome. Selfridges has always moved with the energy of our cities, and this Christmas, we’re celebrating cities real and imagined from around the world,” said Selfridges CEO André Maeder.
Selfridges London is also hosting the Downtown Café with a backdrop of illuminated skyscrapers, festive scenes in every window and a subway carriage to dine in. In addition to afternoon tea, there are New York diner classics and signature cocktails, including the lox bagel, classic hot dog, pastrami club sandwich, warm cookies and ice cream, New York cheesecake and a Coke float.
In the evening, Selfridges’ Cloakroom Bar will host a late-night Parisian cabaret, with midnight blue interiors, low lighting, and theatrical festive cocktails, while a Ralph’s Coffee pop-up on Duke Street will offer hot drinks, sweets and souvenirs.
Disney will also return to Selfridges with a festive experience inspired by “Home Alone,” reimagining the holiday classic through exclusive product collections and food inspired by the film’s memorable moments, alongside immersive activations from Disney+.
At the Art Block, Selfridges’ dedicated public art space at the Duke Street entrance, Gary Card’s 2026 Christmas commission, “The Parakeets Have Landed,” gives London’s wild parakeet population a new home.
The Orchard Street windows have been created by London-based set designer and art director Saskia Martindale, transforming materials from the city to create three takes on a Christmas tree using handmade props and colorful set builds.
Selfridges has also hired New York City-inspired yellow taxis to run in London and Birmingham, while a yellow tram takeover will stop off at both the Manchester Trafford and Exchange Square Selfridges stores.