Photo credit: © Lukasz Pajor/Shutterstock.com
We are absolutely spoiled for choice with the winter markets in London but here are some absolute gems we recommend:
Southbank Christmas Market (2 November – 26 December)
Southbank offers a beautiful parade of chalets selling handmade gifts, street food and refreshments. There will be seasonal pop-ups including alpine-themed curling with The Curling Club. We highly recommend you tie this visit in with watching a performance or catching an exhibition at the Southbank Centre, or perhaps a screening at the British Film Institute (BFI).
Christmas in Covent Garden (7 November – January)
In addition to Covent Garden’s year-round market and piazza filled with the loveliest shops and restaurants, check their website for dates and times of the Winter Warmer Festival, the Winter Wood display, the Christmas Sandwich Festival and Marc Jacobs pop-up. Don’t miss a photo opportunity by Father Christmas’ sleigh (a reconditioned 1884 carriage painted by British artist James Gemmill).
Winter by the River (14 November – 1 January)
Winter by the River offers wooden chalets selling gifts and street food a-plenty. In Hay’s Galleria, a beautiful building of historical importance, there will be carol singing, or, should you wish to sing yourself, be sure to stop by at one of the themed karaoke rooms.
Christmas at Leadenhall Market (16 November – 6 January)
Leadenhall Market is worth a visit to see the beautiful Victorian architecture alone, but at wintertime, with festive decorations, it’s especially worthwhile. Alongside stalls selling fresh produce and flowers, there is a fabulous array of clothes shops. During this season, there will be wreath-making workshops and history walks exploring Dickens’ Victorian festivities.
Winter Wonderland (17 November – 1 January)
For a festive day out, pop along to Winter Wonderland in our local Hyde Park to enjoy a Bavarian market as well as rides, shows, ice sculptures and ice skating.
Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair (23 – 26 November)
This historic botanic garden, which was established in 1673 as a place for the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries to grow plants for medicinal use, will be hosting a Christmas fair at the end of November. It will host over 100 stalls showcasing the wares of independent suppliers, and there will be warming refreshments to enjoy as you peruse.
Christmas at Borough Market (28 November – 9 January)
This beautiful market set in the shadows of Southwark Cathedral is foodie paradise. During the Christmas season you can be guaranteed to find festive treats. Also, do visit their website which offers a fabulous selection of seasonal recipes.
Christmas at Portobello (6, 13 & 20 December)
Portobello Road Market is known for selling antiques and vintage clothing. For the three Sundays in the run up to Christmas, it will be selling its usual fabulous selection of wares alongside gifts crafted by artisans and makers, mulled wine and street food.