- November 22, 2019
- Posted by:
- Category: News
1. Leicester Square Christmas Market, from Nov 8 to Jan 5
At the very heart of London’s tourist district, a sparkling Christmas market is set to return for the winter season. Wander around the beautiful food and gift stalls, before heading into the Spiegeltent – host to a bunch of award-winning performances. From variety shows, to fire-breathers and cabaret sensations, to human jukeboxes, girl bands, and world leading drag tributes (the Spice Gals)! Read more about it here.
2. Southbank Winter Festival, from Nov 8 to Jan 5
At this riverside Christmas market, not far from the London Eye, the perennial Southbank street food market vendors will be adding festive fare to their menus (melted cheese on everything, please!) while other little wooden huts will be selling festive goodies and gifts. Experience the thrill at Circus 1903, or take a seat for a heartwarming performance of an old favourite, Black Beauty. Check out the sensory play installation Soundpit, have a giggle and groove to Fascinating Aïda, or check out their new photography exhibition, London Is Love Find out more here.
3. Christmas At Flat Iron Square, Southwark, Nov 11 to Jan 6
Flat Iron Square’s Apres Ski Lodge is returning this winter. Step off the slopes and snuggle up in an armchair while you munch on candied pecans and warm up with Apres Ski drinks from around the world. Grab food from one of many street vendors, take part in holiday workshops or catch one of their free weekly festive film screenings! You can also grab a ticket to Pebblefestive (Nov 30), a one day festival with a conscious Christmas market, where over thirty independent traders will be selling lovely, eco-friendly goods. Last but certainly not least, keep an eye out for info on some fluffier festivities at ‘Santa Paws’ More information on their website.
4. Kingston Christmas Market, from Nov 14 to Dec 31
Filling the town centre with festive cheer, Kingston’s traditional Christmas Market will have hand-crafted gifts and mulled wine galore! The market stalls are all housed in lovely wooden cabins adorned with Christmas decorations. It’s the perfect place to get into the festive spirit and start looking for those stocking fillers! More information here.
5. Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, from Nov 21 to Jan 5
This great big Christmas fun fair draws Londoners, day-trippers and tourists from far and wide. It plays host to the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, an ice bar, an après ski-inspired ‘village’, loads of festive food stalls, german beer tents and even hireable karaoke huts so you can work on your best Pogues impression! Entrance is free but attractions are not – tickets can be booked here.
6. Christmas by the River, Bankside, from Nov 26 to Jan 5
With a beautiful backdrop of Tower Bridge and the city skyline, Christmas by the River has been illuminating the riverside for the past four years. 2019 sees Christmas by the River get a vintage ski theme, which can only help improve on their reputation as the best UK Christmas market to impress a first date. Read more about it here.
7. Ally Pally Christmas Carnival, from Dec 1 to Dec 16
There’s all sorts of festivities happening at Alexandra Palace this Christmas, including a cute weekend craft market; a chance to meet the main man inside Santa’s Grotto; a winter edition of the legendary StrEATlife festival with incredible street food, DJs, Elf and Love Actually screenings, live music, a funfair, and many other family activities. Phew! More info here.
8. Christmas at Greenwich Market, Dec 4, 11, 18
Although Greenwich Market is fantastic all year round – boasting a massive 120 stalls within a World Heritage site – if you throw in a few twinkling lights and some mulled wine, it’s festive AF. The market will host late-opening festive sessions every Wednesday in December (excluding Christmas Day), perfect for a post-work winter wander! More info here.
9. Christmas at Camden Market, dates TBC
Last year, Camden Market transported us to the North Pole, with everything from brass bands and jazzy carols, to craft workshops to fairground games, and hourly snow flurries to really set the scene. Let’s hope we get the same this year!
Short-run London Christmas markets
From crafty Christmas markets to local Christmas festivities, this lot are only around for a short while!
10. Crafty Fox Market, Nov 23 & 24 (Brixton), Dec 7 & 8 (Elephant & Castle), Dec 13-15 (Kings Cross), and Dec 17 (South Kensington)
Although they’re around all year, Crafty Fox run some charming Christmas markets across town – and they’ve got quite the festive spread planned, popping up at The Department Store in Brixton, Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant & Castle, Canopy Market in Kings Cross, and the Natural History Museum, where they’ll run a market in the historic Hintze Hall. More info here.
11. Bohemia Place Christmas Market, Nov 30 – Dec 1, Dec 7 & 8, Dec 14 & 15
Located within Bohemia Place, right opposite Hackney Central station, Hackney Christmas Market has everything you could wish for this season. There’ll be festive food and drinks, wonderful gifts, and amazing entertainment, and it’s all set in Hackney’s coolest venues, home to east London’s hottest music venue, Night Tales. Food and drink will be supplied by ABQ London, with the help of over 50 other traders and makers. Last year, there was a clothes bank drop where you could leave coats/clothing for the homeless, as well as facilities to donate to the local Soup Kitchen. More info here.
12. The London Artisan’s Winter Edition, Brixton (Dec 1) and Brick Lane (Dec 21 & 20)
The London Artisan is the perfect place to purchase handmade, organic and sustainable gifts this Christmas. Featuring 50 contemporary designer makers, you can expect a beautiful selection of jewellery, glassware, ceramics, homewares, beauty products, and more. There’ll be opportunities to meet the designers, and chances to buy or commission products. More info here.
13. Renegade Craft Fair, Brick Lane, Dec 14 & 15
A festive and cozy marketplace newly located in the heart of Shoreditch at The Truman Brewery’s bright and airy G4 Space across from Ely’s Yard. Sip on seasonal cocktails as you shop from a hyper-curated selection of 20 talented makers and designers and get into the spirit of the season! More info here.
14. Maltby Street Night Market, Dec 14 and 21
Another market that runs all year round, but things get super special at this south eastern market. Last year there were plenty of opportunities to scoff on festive gastronomic delights and do some late-night Christmas shopping, before retreating to one of Maltby Street Market’s cosy bars for a G&T. Keep your eyes peeled for events on their website.
15. Canopy Market, King’s Cross, dates TBC
Independent food and crafts haven, Canopy Market, also gets into the Christmas spirit with festive fare, crafty workshops, carols and live music, and a mulled wine bar. Last year there was a giant tree taking centre stage, decorated with twinkly lights and garlands. More info.
