Head to St Martin’s Courtyard for a Christmas shopping event with entertainment, freebies, discounts and more

It’s six weeks until Christmas so it’s probably time to start preparing if you haven’t already. When joining the throngs on Oxford Street or Westfield sounds rather unappetising, one of London’s less obvious shopping destinations is creating a more relaxing retail experience.

On Thursday 17 November, St Martin’s Courtyard in Covent Garden will be hosting a festive shopping party, featuring Christmas lights switch-on, entertainment, discounts, offers and complimentary drinks. The dark winter nights will be lit up by a bronze and gold festive light installation inspired by holly leaves designed by James Glancy.

Kicking things off at 5pm, gospel choir Urban Voices Collection will be performing in the courtyard. Shoppers will be able to snack on free warm mince pies and brandy butter while they soak up the festive atmosphere. Also providing the entertainment is jazz/soul vocalist, Simone Kaye, who has performed with Emeli Sande, Joss Stone and Craig David.

Meanwhile, the shops and boutiques of the area will be offering exclusive discounts between 10-30%, free gifts, competitions and activities. Visitors will also be treated to a complimentary glass of Prosecco (register for free ticket on the website) to help fuel your inspiration for gift buying.

Among the stores and restaurants taking part are Arc’teryx, Banana Republic, Barbour, Bill’s, Blow Ltd, Cycle Surgery, Cos, Dalla Terra, Eileen Fisher, Jack Wills, Jack Wolfskin, LK Bennett, Lorna Jane, Massimo Dutti, Pretty Ballerinas, Relax, Suda Thai, The Covent Garden Academy Of Flowers, The East India Company, The White Company and Yotopia.

• The Festive Shopping Evening takes place on Thursday 17 November 2016 from 5-9pm. At St Martin’s Courtyard, Covent Garden, WC2E 9AB. Nearest station: Leicester Square or Covent Garden. For more information and to register for your free ticket to obtain discounts and offers, visit the St Martin’s Courtyard website.

For a guide to what else is on in London in November, click here.

Or for listings of London’s Christmas markets and fairs, read this.

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