Have a free evening in the next few weeks? Make sure you take a stroll through one of the beautiful Christmas markets popping up in the City of London.
Whether you want to warm up with a mulled wine or nibble on sweet treats from alpine-style chalets, here are three cute Christmas markets that are bound to get you in the holiday spirit.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Located just behind the Southbank Centre under twinkling lights, the renowned market has had a festive makeover. Indulge in wintery drinks and seasonal goodies including bratwurst, eggnog and pancakes before taking a brisk stroll along the river. Plus there’s plenty of opportunities to shop for last-minute unique gifts and stocking fillers from the craft stalls.
The Queen’s Walk SE1 8XX
Christmas by the River at London Bridge City
This Christmas market along the river feels incredibly magical. Stretching from London Bridge City Pier to The Scoop at More London, the market is home to many chalets serving food, drinks and gifts. There’s also a pop-up winter bar in the centre of the market, which is aptly named The Riverside Lodge. And, if you’re lucky, you may catch the choir singing or even morris dancers passing by while you enjoy a hot toddy.
London Bridge City SE1 2DB
Leicester Square Christmas Market
This year’s Leicester Square Christmas Market is back with a bang. The annual extravaganza in the centre of Leicester Square has opened its many Alpine chalets once again, and you can buy Christmas trinkets, sip on warming hot chocolate and tuck into freshly made doughnuts. What’s more, you can watch an alternative circus and cabaret show called ‘La Clique’, which will take up residence in a huge tent in the middle for eight weeks. If that’s not enough, kids can enjoy events throughout the month, including Baby Loves Disco and The Bubble Show.
Leicester Square WC2H 7DE
Santa’s Workshop at The Leadenhall Building
Get ready to make the little ones excited. We’ve just had news that Santa’s Workshop has been sighted in the City!
Even the big kids will be full of Christmas spirit when they see the new 3D street art installed at The Leadenhall Building this week. The installation, which is free to the public, shows Father Christmas and his team of hardworking elves in an underground workshop beneath the pavement.
The impressive 3D art was created by 3D Joe and Max whose work includes the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles escaping sewers on London’s South Bank. It will certainly captivate all ages.
The Leadenhall Building EC3V 4AB
Borough Market
Looking for a festive feast and plenty of knick-knacks to stuff in the stocking? Your search is over. Borough Market rings in Christmas by decking the halls, hanging ornaments, and showcasing artisan bites, gifts and plenty more, all to the sound of Christmas carolers and buskers serenading crowds with yuletide classics.
8 Southwark Street SE1 1TL
Covent Garden
Christmas is a very special time in the City of London, and that sentiment is shared just over the Square Mile’s fringe, too. Covent Garden Christmas Village is certainly one pop-up to have on your radar when venturing beyond the City’s limit. Highlights include a tasty festive food market (come hungry), plenty of gift stalls, fun and games for the kids, and the type of magic that only comes at this time of year.
WC2
Winter Wonderland
Christmas in London isn’t complete without a trip to Hyde Park to bask in the glittering magic of Winter Wonderland. Hundreds of wooden cabins help set the scene, with fairground rides (we love the big wheel), gifts galore, handmade crafts, ice skating rink and more than one dazzling Christmas show keeping kids (and you, Mum and Dad) grinning ear to ear.
Hyde Park
FIND IT @ Fleet Street Quarter
The streets and squares around Fleet Street Quarter are being transformed for the very first time this Christmas. Check out the makers’ market: FIND IT @ Fleet Street Quarter, which is running every Thursday from 1 December until 15 December from 11.30am to 7pm in New Street Square. Traders have been provided by Crafty Fox Market and will be selling handcrafted gifts and curated stocking fillers from independent artists. Pick up all kinds of unique products from ceramics, candles, art prints and homeware to jewellery and fashion accessories. That’s your Christmas list sorted.
Fleet Street Quarter EC4A 2HG
Paternoster Square
Paternoster Square’s popular Christmas Market has returned this year with a variety of stalls selling gourmet street food and Christmas gifts and crafts from 11am-7pm daily. Staying in the City until late? Get yourself to the outdoor bar with mulled wine and more until 10pm. Tasty.
Paternoster Square EC4M 7DX
The Crescent, Tower Hill
Discover a brand-new Christmas shopping experience at London Love Affair’s Christmas market nestled within an idyllic location, and specially created for the occasion. Open every day with live music, mulled wine and hot festive delights, and a beautiful, grand Christmas tree. With sustainable and handcrafted goods, you’re sure to find the perfect Christmas gifts.
The Crescent, Tower Hill EC3N 1JY
For the latest headlines from the City of London and beyond, follow City Matters on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
