CREDIT CRUNCH? RECESSION? MELTDOWN AT THE BEEB? Blow away your winter blues and warm your heart this weekend by witnessing the arrival of Father Christmas at Harrods.


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It will be the hundredth time the kind old fellow has visited London’s premier department store, having first popped by back in 1908. And guess what? The world was suffering a tough recession then too – caused familiarly enough by recurrent financial panics and the end of a bull market.

The annual Christmas Parade brings a festive feast of seasonal cheer to the expected 6,000 strong crowd with street entertainers and performers dazzling all from 8am on Saturday, 1st November.

By 8.30am the ‘Once Upon A Time’ themed parade weaves its way along the Brompton Road in front of Harrods, down Hans Road and along Basil Street. Father Christmas will be welcomed by the Harrods Owner Mohamed Al Fayed at approximately 8.50am. The pair will then meet the crowd before declaring the store open at 9am.

The Christmas Grotto is located on the store’s 4th Floor and was fully booked within a week of going on sale back in August with over 70,000 expected to tell Father Christmas what is on their list.

Of course this year it’s parents turn to believe in Santa Claus, a few gifts coming down the chimney on Christmas morning would come in most handy during these cash-strapped times.

More Info:
Harrods Christmas
London Shopping Guide