Leading department stores Fenwick and Selfridges have unveiled their Christmas windows as golden quarter trading gets under way.

The pair, famous for their seasonal windows, have both gone for a new spin on traditional seasonal themes.

Fenwick Christmas windos 2024

Source: Fenwick

Fenwick has unveiled its Christmas windows

Fenwick’s windows – which have gone live at the retailer’s flagship in Newcastle upon Tyne are a reimagining of the 12 days of Christmas by children’s author and illustrator Chris Riddell.

The display features a partridge character on a quest to find Santa and includes a special version of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ sung by Tyneside band The Unthanks.

Fenwick head of creative Paul Baptiste said: “This festive season, we’re bringing a touch of the unexpected. Our take on the classic Christmas carol honours timeless traditions of a familiar Christmas, while offering a fresh Fenwick perspective with a dash of surprise.”

Alligator puppets in a window display

Source: Selfridges

One of Selfridges’ Christmas windows featuring alligators

The theme of Selfridges’ windows is the ‘more the merrier’, described as “a maximalist celebration of beauty and joy”.

The windows of Selfridges, Oxford flagship were inspired by the sculpture of British artist Andrew Logan. The windows are inspired by grottos and “each becomes a cave of wonder, where textures and patterns blend to create intricately crafted, luminous spaces”.

Selfridges chief creative Laura Weir said: “The festive season at Selfridges is an antidote to the mundane – it’s our vibrant crescendo to 2024 as we transform our stores into high-octane wonderlands.

“We’ve collaborated with an incredible host of artists and creatives, bringing together different tastes and trends in an ode to imagination and a celebration of maximalism. We want our customers to share in this joy and to help them live brighter this Christmas.”

Sales at Selfridges recently opened Christmas Shop are up 20% year on year, the retailer said.