London's Oxford Street is a Christmas shoppers' dream with everything you could possibly want and need, in a perfect festive setting.
A quick two hour train ride away from Liverpool the street is home to more than 90 flagship stores, with hundreds more situated along the one and half mile long road.
I visited with my mum in mid-December for a girly shopping trip and we weren't disappointed.
Two stops from Euston station on the Underground it took us minutes to get to our four-star hotel - The Radisson Blu Edwardian: Berkshire - situated next to Debenhams and a stone's throw from John Lewis and Selfridges.
Check-in was simple and our room had everything we could ask for, with a large comfy bed, a bathroom filled to the brim with luxury toiletries and a full coffee machine - no instant sachets in sight.
Breakfast the next day was all you could ask for and more, with a full English buffet, continental options and dishes also made fresh to order.
Oxford Street is a bustling shoppers paradise and we couldn't wait to visit some of the well known names along the road.
We headed to John Lewis' Christmas floor to get us into the festive spirit and picked out several gifts, as well as treating ourselves.
House of Fraser and Debenhams were also close by and we spent more time getting lost in the huge stores, filled to the brim with festive treats.
After a couple of hours shopping we decided to enjoy an afternoon tea at Scoff & Banter - located on the first floor of our hotel.
Despite being on Oxford Street the tearooms provided a quiet oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the shops.
We were seated and talked through the extensive menu by attentive staff and it wasn't long until we were tucking into a traditional afternoon tea with a twist in the form of hot starters including scallops, oysters and wild mushroom arancini.
Our tea was replenished regularly and after a couple of hours we were ready to hit the shops again.
As we headed out onto Oxford Street in the late afternoon we stopped to admire the Christmas lights that lined the street.
The innovative energy saving LED lights provided a focal point for shoppers, getting us into the #festivefeeling, as we walked along the road.
With so many retailers along the street it can be hard to stand out, but French Connection have tried to do so with their "French Connection Studios" at Duke Street, directly off Oxford Street.
We visited the store and were pleasantly surprised by the innovative space, perfect for shopping with ease.
It was easy to pick out presents for our family and friends, assisted by the helpful and friendly staff.
Laden with bags we headed back out onto the street and spent some more time looking at the wonderfully themed department store windows.
After a busy day of retail therapy we headed out for dinner at The Brasserie of Light located in Selfridges.
The restaurant has its own entrance on Duke Street and we were welcomed by men in top hats who helped us to the glamorous lift.
The Brasserie of Light really does have the wow factor, with the huge glittery Pegasus watching over you as you eat.
The 24ft crystal-encrusted statue of Pegasus, with a 30ft wingspan, is thought to be Damien Hirst's largest scale artwork in London to date.
But the restaurant's prices are also reasonable, making it a treat that many people could afford.
A popular choice for tourists and Londoners alike the restaurant had a buzzing atmosphere, with a DJ providing the soundtrack to our meal.
The food was just as good as the atmosphere with our scallop starter melting in the mouth, the truffle mash was another highlight, accompanied by the lamb shoulder.
And the apple tart dessert was out of this world, with my mum giving it the prestigious score of 10/10.
Heading back to our hotel and looking up at the festive lights we both reflected on what a wonderful trip it had been, there's just something truly magical about London at Christmas.
And with all those shops on offer, I've already booked to come back for the January sales.
