It’s got it all: the bright lights, the shops, the hustle and bustle, but this year Oxford Street has really excelled itself.

So if you’re thinking of a family trip, or a way to introduce your children to the Big Smoke, then this is the time.

Because along with it’s fantastic Christmas lights, visitors can also ice skate on the John Lewis Roof, try the stunning new restaurants which have opened up, book into the new Lush spa, explore novel flagship stores like Next or even get your hair done at Dyson’s salon.

Where to stay is also easy. The Marriot Hotel on Grosvenor Square has spacious family rooms and suites, comfy beds, friendly staff, a stunning breakfast in Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Grill, and an amazing central location, providing the perfect base.

It is also a stone’s throw from Selfridges, and with their new restaurant Brasserie Of Light opening last week, provided a timely opportunity to visit the swanky new eaterie and its giant suspended Pegasus sculpture.

A visit to the opulent store and its famous window displays the next morning dazzled with shopping possibilities, but then we tried an altogether different department store experience - the John Lewis Skyline Skating with Sipsmith on the Roof, which was a hoot - ice-skating with a view.

Lunch at the chi chi Harry’s Bar followed on St Christopher’s Place, based on the original Harry’s Bar in Venice, where the Bellini cocktail was invented, which served up some fantastic Italian food, pizzas to due for, spaghetti served with a full adult bib, and fabulous people watching in equal measures.

If pampering is the answer then book in as a VIP at Lush for the full tour, spa and a play with their new make-up counter, take the kids to the flagship Smiggle store or schedule in an appointment at Dyson (yes the vacuum cleaner people) who have a blow dry and styling salon upstairs where they demonstrate the new Dyson hair gadgets.

Or just indulge in some serious shopping. After all Oxford Street is Europe’s longest shopping street, with over 90 flagship stores.

And with Marylebone within walking distance, and a 45 minute train journey to Oxford Parkway, it really is that easy.

The Great Gift Giveaway

Illustrators, Paul Thurlby, Lucille Clerc and Elliot Kruszynski, have created a series of limited edition handmade screen prints to celebrate Oxford Street and Print Club London’s ‘Christmas Is Calling’ campaign in stores from 5pm.

Spend over £50 in store to get an illustration or over £100 for a hand signed print.

Check out oxfordstreet.co.uk/christmas for participating stores.