There will be no shortage of Christmas trees, gifts to buy and winter drinks in Belsize Park this December, as local businesses gear up for the festive season.

The Ham&High visited some of Belsize Park’s independent businesses to find out where locals can shop this Christmas.

New to the area are Alfie Cain and Darren Cain, who will be selling Christmas trees outside Hampstead Old Town Hall in Haverstock Hill.

The Cain family has owned fruit and vegetable stalls in Portobello market for over 100 years, but the father and son pair have now set up Trees and Wreaths near Belsize Park station.

“We’re branching out if you’ll excuse the pun,” said Darren. “This is our first year here and we’re going to be here for the next five years selling Christmas trees. We’ll also be serving mulled wine over the next month or so.”

This Is Local London: 'Trees and Wreaths' will also serve mulled wine outside Hampstead Old Town Hall this December'Trees and Wreaths' will also serve mulled wine outside Hampstead Old Town Hall this December (Image: Alex Marsh)

Alfie added: “It’s a really nice area and everyone has welcomed us with open arms.”

Alfie and Darren hope locals will support their independent business, instead of relying on big corporate Christmas tree sellers who can often price smaller enterprises out of the area.

One of the businesses offering a festive discount this year is Frame Factory in Haverstock Hill, where customers can enjoy 10% off framing services during the month of December.

This Is Local London: Anthony, Sally Norris (manager) and Paul outside 'Frame Factory'Anthony, Sally Norris (manager) and Paul outside 'Frame Factory' (Image: Alex Marsh)

Sally Norris, the manager at Frame Factory, said: “We’ve started selling our Christmas cards and various small festive gifts. We’re also running a children’s competition to design a snow globe after our summer competition got a lot of responses”.

Sally encouraged locals to take part in the competition by popping in to collect an entry form.

Hot drinks and Christmas sandwiches will be available this December at Euphorium café.

This Is Local London: Christmas decorations inside Euphorium cafe on Haverstock HillChristmas decorations inside Euphorium cafe on Haverstock Hill (Image: Alex Marsh)

Cafe manager Eve said: “We’ve put up some nice decorations and we hope people will like them when they come in to eat and drink.”

And if you are struggling for children’s gift ideas, toy shop Happy Returns in Rosslyn Hill has a wide range of games and cuddly toys to choose from.

This Is Local London: 'Happy Returns' owner Jennie Danso outside the toy store on Rosslyn Hill'Happy Returns' owner Jennie Danso outside the toy store on Rosslyn Hill (Image: Alex Marsh)

Some traders say they have taken a financial hit recently due to the removal of parking spaces on Haverstock Hill to make way for the cycle lanes.