05/11/2024
London’s tourist traps can become unbearably crowded in the run-up to Christmas. The capital attracts around 53 per cent of all international visitors to the UK and, ahead of the holiday season, domestic tourists are especially smitten by its festivities.
In areas such as Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus, streets are lit up with decorations, department stores sparkle with festive window displays and families enjoy shopping-and-theatre trips. Christmas stalls are another draw.
While the best-known markets around South Bank and Covent Garden – not to mention the stalls and rides at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland – are always busy, there are other seasonal attractions in the city where the crowds will be thinner.
Here are some of London‘s best options for a more relaxing Christmas market experience.
Spitalfields, Tower Hamlets, east London
Dates: 30 November–24 December
Address: Old Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square, London, E1 6EW
The Christmas market at Spitalfields, just over the road from Liverpool Street railway station, will open on 30 November. Although there are traders here year round, the festive season brings a different feel to this area of shops and restaurants, which includes the Old Spitalfields covered market.
From 30 November, expect jazzy decorations and sparkling lights – and that’s before you’ve even noticed all the stalls.
This year, there will be 42 food and drink vendors and 54 individual shops and stalls. Independent traders will offer unusual gifts, such as minimalist jewellery from Naye, and accessories and home decor made from circuit boards and other computer components at Electrickery.
Open seven days a week, Thursdays will see the market transform with a seasonal makeover – think vintage gifts and retro decorations, many of which date back to the Victorian era, such as garlands featuring cats wearing bows.
On Wednesdays (4, 11 and 18 December), the market will be open until 8pm. To celebrate, there will be live music from gospel singers, wreath making and a pop-up bar serving mulled wine and spiced chais.
Borough Market, Southwark, south-east London
Dates: Open every day in December, apart from 25, 26 and 27. Opening hours may vary.
Address: Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL
Often referred to as London’s best food market, Borough Market, near London Bridge, is one of the cosiest places to shop for Christmas.
Throughout December, this perennial favourite is open every day to maximise eating, drinking and browsing time.
Decked out in mistletoe and strung with lights, the market will lean into its food-focused reputation with vendors selling treats such as handmade truffles and artisanal cheese.
Talking of cheese, if you’re a dairy lover, don’t miss Borough Market’s “Evening of Cheese”, a free event. On 11 December, you’ll be able to enjoy tastings from British, French, Italian, Spanish, Swiss and Dutch cheese makers while putting your own cheese board together with experts on hand to advise.
If you can’t make that event, all is not lost. Swing by the Borough Cheese Company to pick up the makings of a perfect Christmas Day cheese board and then head to Olivier’s Bakery for the perfect loaf to pair with your haul.
Throughout the Christmas market, there will be carol singing and mulled wine to get you in the festive spirit.
Kingston market, Kingston upon Thames, south-west London
Dates: 4 November 2024–5 January 2025
Address: Ancient Market Place, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1JH
If you’re keen to get a little further out of central London, head south west to Kingston. This popular market features European-style stalls with Alpine specialities and warm drinks to help beat the chill.
The Eden Crafts tent offers up everything from handmade bath bombs and candles to jewellery and larder-fillers.
As well as live music, there will be carol singing and Bavarian curling lanes, which will cost £10 per lane for 45 minutes
Meanwhile, the Pyramid Bar Stage in the Ancient Market Place will be hosting an open mic night every Tuesday from 6pm throughout the festive season.
Those who participate will be rewarded with a mulled wine or cider, and there will be donations collected to benefit the Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness charity.
Winter by the River, Southwark, south-east London
Dates: 12 November, 2024–5 January, 2025
Address: 2A More London Pl, London, SE1 2DB
Riverside markets are some of the most popular Christmas events in London.
Head along the Thames and you’ll find Winter by the River, with its twinkling lights reflected in the water below.
It’s right by London Bridge, and a short walk from its underground and railway stations.
Craft stalls and artists sell a wide variety of goods. Xmas Castle offers personalised decorations, for example, with proceeds from sales benefitting St Giles Trust homeless charity. There are quaint cabins covered in sparkling lights, pop up bars tempt with wine and cocktails and there are even karaoke rooms in which to belt out your favourite festive tunes.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss a snoop around Hay’s Galleria, a former warehouse that has some of the best Christmas lights displays in London.
Battersea Power Station, Wandsworth, south-west London
Dates: 7 November, 2024–5 January, 2025
Address: Battersea Power Station, Kirtling St, Nine Elms, London, SW11 8AX
If you’re keen to get your skates on, pay a visit to Battersea Power Station, which will be home to Glide, the only riverside ice rink in London.
Afterwards, step inside the power station where you’ll find unique decorations inspired by the landmark’s Art Deco heritage, including twin Christmas trees mirroring the building’s chimneys.
As well as stalls selling gifts made by independent crafters and festive decor, there’s a variety of restaurants and bars and an in-house cinema.
You could also try Battersea’s chimney lift experience, Lift 109. This takes customers right to the top of the building from where you can enjoy wraparound views of London’s skyline.
Children are well catered for at “Santa’s School For Elves” (free for children under 2, £12 for ages 3–15, £6 for adults), which teaches youngsters how to become one of Father Christmas’s little helpers while meeting the man himself.
Those who are young at heart won’t be excluded; adults can unleash their creativity at a series of arts and crafts sessions throughout the festive season.
Maltby Street, Bermondsey, Southwark, south-east London
Dates: 29 November; 6, 13, 20 December
Address: Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby St, London, SE1 3PA
A little off the tourist trail, Maltby Street Market is celebrated locally for its culinary credentials. As Christmas approaches, this gourmet venue steps up its game with a celebration of festive food.
Usually only open at weekends, the market will welcome visitors on Friday evenings for four weeks from 29 November to 20 December (from 6pm each night).
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