Jellycat Craze


A London-based icon

Jellycat was founded in London in 1999 by brothers Thomas and William Gatacre. The name was inspired by one of their sons, who loved jellies and cats. By blending classic plush animals with quirky, imaginative designs, Jellycat quickly stood out. Add ultra-soft, machine-washable fabrics, and it’s easy to see why people were drawn to them.

What began as a children’s toy soon became a favorite for all ages, with many designs turning into collectible keepsakes. Fans frequently share their growing Jellycat collections on social media, helping the brand reach a global audience. Today, Jellycat toys can be found in iconic stores such as Hamleys, Harrods, and Selfridges.
For Jellycat lovers, Selfridges is a must-visit. The dedicated Jellycat section is more of an experience than a shop, featuring playful displays of classic favorites and limited-edition finds.  Its centerpiece is the viral Jellycat Fish & Chips van, launched in 2024, where visitors can order and collect characters wrapped in nostalgic packaging.

London has always been at the heart of Jellycat’s story. From pop-up events to collaborations with institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum, the brand remains part of the city’s creative scene.

Nearly 25 years on, Jellycat continues to charm the world — one irresistibly stuffed toy at a time!
www.selfridges.com ✆ +44 02030 920557
400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB

New Year Theatre Sale

Book tickets starting at £10/seat for over 45 shows until January 31st

There is still time to book discounted tickets for £10, £20. £30, £40, £50 or £60 for top award-winning London shows:

  • Back to the Future (£30, £40, £50, £60) — Olivier Award and Broadway World Award winner for Best New Musical
  • The Devil Wears Prada (£50) — starring Vanessa Williams, WhatsOnStage Award winner for Best New Musical and Best Performer
  • Hamilton (£50, £60) — seven Olivier Awards and rarely included in sales
  • Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (£20, £50) — nine Olivier Awards, the most in the history of the awards
  • Kinky Boots (£20, £40, £50) — winner of three Olivier Awards returns to West End
  • Matilda The Musical (£30, £40, £60) — seven Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical
  • Oh, Mary! (£50, £60) — two-time Tony Award winner transfer from Broadway to the West End
  • The Play That Goes Wrong (£40, £50, £60) — Olivier Award winner for Best New Comedy
  • Titanique (£20, £30, £40, £50, £60) — winner of two Olivier Awards, including Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play

And if none of these catch your eye, there 35+ other shows to pick from!
www.OfficialLondonTheatre.com

Best of 2025, Part II

Top 10 posts — Part II

Best of the best of 2025

5. Mitre Hotel — Beautifully refurbished riverside retreat 8-minute walk from Hampton Court
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/06/the-mitre-hotel.html

4. See it Live — Book top theatre tickets for £10, £20, £30, £40, £50 & £60
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/01/see-it-live-in-2025.html
3. Poppies return — One of London's most iconic public artworks returns
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/04/poppies-return.html

2. Chelsea in Bloom — 20th annual event with record-breaking 100+ displays
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/04/chelsea-in-bloom.html
1. Kids Week — Free tickets for kids
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/06/kids-week-free-tickets-for-kids.html

It is not too early to start planning for 2026!

Best of 2025

Top 10 posts — Part I

Time limited events were particularly popular this past year— one still runs until January 2nd :

10. Vogue : Inventing the Runway — Front row runway seats at some of the best fashion shows in history
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/03/vogue-inventing-runway.html
9. Van Gogh All-Nighter — Night-time tickets for final weekend of Van Gogh : Poets & Lovers exhibition
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/01/van-gogh-all-nighter.html
8. Hampton Court Gardens for free — Just in time for US Mother's Day weekend
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/05/hampton-court-gardens-for-free.html
7. Paddington Bear — Where to find this beloved British icon
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/02/paddington-bear.html
6. Selfridges & Disney : A Most Magical Christmas — Light show and window displays until January 2nd
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/11/selfridges-disney-most-magical-christmas.html

Best of 2025Part II will feature the best of the best from 2025.

Selfridges & Disney : A Most Magical Christmas

For the first time, Selfridges has partnered with Disney for a Christmas celebration. The store’s façade has been transformed into an iconic Disney castle inspired by Disneyland Paris' Sleeping Beauty Castle complete with Mickey Mouse flags along the roofline.

A Tinker Bell–sparked light show illuminates the façade every 15 minutes from 5–9 p.m. daily until January 2. Over 100 meters of sparkling lights wrap around the building featuring 40 stars, the Jolly Roger ship from Disney's Peter Pan, and Cinderella’s carriage, all choreographed to the Cinderella soundtrack.

Twelve charming hand-painted windows showcase classic Disney stories, including 101 Dalmatians, Beauty and the Beast, Lady and the Tramp, and Pinocchio.

A festive, magical experience for all!

www.selfridges.com ✆ +44 02030 920557
400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB

London Lights Up


Each year, London transforms into a festive wonderland with Christmas lights. Oxford Street, Regent Street, St James', and Carnaby Street are among the first to turn on.

Oxford Street is the first to go on with its suspended lights stretching the length of the street.

A short walk away is Regent Street with its Spirit of Christmas installation. The iconic angel sculptures float overhead with their wings above the curving historic boulevard.
St James' beautiful golden decorations accent the area's classic architecture.

Nearby Carnaby Street is known for its creative holiday lighs based on different theme every year. This year's theme All is Bright stands out for its colorful and contemporary display.

Before leaving the area, there are two stops worth making:
Bonus 1
: Once again, Fortnum & Mason building façade has been converted to a giant advent calendar.
www.fortnumandmason.com +44 2077 348040
Bonus 2: Once again, Broadwick Soho has added an impressive light display as part of an extended partnership wtih Moulin Rouge! The Musical. www.broadwicksoho.com +44 20 70 474000
Top Tip: Visit after 10:30 p.m. for the best photos and minimal crowds.

Together, these displays create a sparkling light trail that kicks off the magic of the holiday season in London!

Miffy Pop-Up Shop Opens

Celebrating 70 years

Created in 1955 by Dutch artist Dick Bruna, Miffy — the beloved rabbit with two dots for eyes and a cross-shaped mouth — enjoys worldwide following from fans of all ages.  Her adventures have been translated into 50+ languages, and her simple, timeless design is popular with adults and children.  Miffy's appeal extends beyond books and inspires everything from fashion collaborations to art exhibitions.

To celebrate Miffy’s 70th anniversary, a special pop-up shop has opened in London just off Carnaby Street, offering exclusive merchandise, collectibles, and limited-edition gifts.  Visitors can explore Miffy-themed items such as outfits inspired by old master paintings and miniature furniture pieces, along with a small exhibit highlighting the character’s enduring legacy.


The pop-up, which opened just in time for the holidays, will run through spring — with hopes of a permanent store to come.  Whether you’re a long-term fan or new to the magical world of Miffy — this shop is worth a visit!
www.miffyshop.co.uk+44 2089 402752
8 Newburgh Street, Soho, London W1F 7RJ