Top 50 festive things to do only in the West End of London this Christmas

The West End is the scene of the biggest lights switch-on in the world with more than one million LED bulbs dazzling shoppers, but there's so much more to see and do.

You could give yourself a festive treat with family and friends with a trip to the capital's entertainment mecca this Christmas.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London is the greatest city in the world andI’m thrilled that this year the West End is hosting the largest Christmas lights switch-on everseen.

"From our world-class shops, attractions, arts, and culture to our incredible bars andrestaurants - all of which will be sparkling under more than a million lights – there is somuch to see and do this festive season.

"With just six weeks to go until Christmas, I’m urging Londoners and visitors to enjoy the best our capital has to offer, see the amazing lights and support our hospitality industry to continue to bounce back.

"My message to Londoners and tourists from all over the UK and the world is, Let’s Do Christmas in London!”

Here we give you ideas on what's hot in the West End and the 50 top things there.

The top 50 things to do Only in the West End this Christmas:

1. Find the perfect present at the oldest toy store in the world, Hamleys

2. Snap a selfie at Bond Street’s iconic Christmas Tree

3. Experience the world’s first Bollinger 007 Champagne Bar, in BurlingtonArcade

4. Experience Afternoon Tea at The Ritz London: An iconic,quintessentially English experience

5. Celebrate icons from a century of cinema and entertainment with aninteractive statue trail at Scenes in the Square in London’s home of filmand entertainment, Leicester Square

6. Visit Selfridges Christmas Market on the Mews, expect everything fromsustainably grown Christmas trees, the perfect festive gifts, an impressiveHelter Skelter, performances from Santa and his friends and the capital’sgreatest street food.

Visitors can also visit their pre-loved toy pop-up,selling everything from antique teddies to board games, all part of the store’sProject Earth commitment

7. Book yourself in for a personal shopping experience like no other at MatchesFashion in Carlos Place

8. Shop at the iconic heritage listed department store, Liberty London

9. Enjoy a matinee or evening theatre performance on London’s West End

10. Visit Hatchards, the oldest book store in the world

11. Enjoy a magical Christmas tradition for the whole family at the EnglishNational Ballet’s The Nutcracker at The London Coliseum

12. Visit the Princes Arcade to find a beautiful collection of boutiques under oneroof, connecting Piccadilly with the iconic Jermyn Street