Heading to the “big smoke” this December for a bit of Christmas shopping or a jolly old knees up?
Take a peek at some of the best Christmas markets and events London has to offer this month.
Covent Garden Christmas Village (through 7 January)
It goes without saying that a trip to London during Christmas is not complete without a visit to the Covent Garden Christmas village. A beautiful 60ft Christmas tree dressed with more than 115,00 lights will get you into the festive spirit. And if not, mooch around the Christmas market and imbibe a few of the 25 varieties of mulled wine that are on offer. Hic! The West Piazza will also have daily snow flurries to add a little Christmas magic. Not enough to build a snowman, so don’t get too carried away!
Henrietta Hotel’s 1970s-inspired Miracle Bar (through 23 December)
Staying in the Covent Garden area, the pop-up bar at the Henrietta Hotel in Covent Garden is a must. On the hotel’s mezzanine floor, this pop-up bar looks like a retro family living room. Bedecked with kitsch Christmas decorations, this place offers respite and festive-themed cocktails for weary shoppers. It is definitely worth stopping by to try their cocktails and to take in the sheer visual overload of the decor.
Southbank Market (Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, through 26 December)
Running along the Thames on the south bank between the Southbank Centre and the London Eye, is this well-known market. Filled with decorations and gifts from various independent sellers. Pop into the Southbank Centre for refreshments too. Fondue, bratwurst, truffle burgers (there I go with truffles again) and lots of other festive drool-worthy delights. It’s all food eaten on the go, so don’t expect seating and table service here.
Afternoon tea at the Zetter (12-4pm, days vary by location)
Not everybody wants to spend their days quaffing mulled wine and going overboard with Christmas knick-knacks. If, like me, you’d rather warm your hands up on a good cup of tea, then afternoon tea at The Zetter is the ticket. The afternoon tea is available at both of their Marylebone and Clerkenwell locations. Inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and served in their cosy parlours, it all adds to the festive feel.
DIY Christmas Art & Ceramics Market (9-10 December, 11am-5pm)
If you like your gifts unique and enjoy supporting new artists, then this is THE market for you. Over 100 stall holders selling unique art, ceramics, jewellery and clothes. Independent artists all selling their wares in one place. Definitely one of my favourites and well worth the £2 entry fee. Saturday is the arts market and Sunday is the ceramics market.
Pantos (dates vary according to show)
You cannot go to London in December and NOT visit the theatre…..darrrrrrrling, it is simply unheard of. Cinderella at the New Wimbledon Theatre, the home of panto? Or Peter Pan at The Palladium? Decisions, decisions.
So Last Century Christmas Market (9-10 December, 10am-4pm)
This two-day Christmas market has over 35 vintage traders. Expect to find mid-century decor, lighting, furniture, ceramics and glass, homeware, books, records, prints, antique maps and charts, salvage, vintage designer clothes …… need I go on? There will be street food, coffee and mulled wine on offer as well. If you pop along on Sunday, the Beckenham Place Park Food & Farmer’s Market will be there too.
Ice skating (throughout December)
London has lots of pop-up ice skating rinks during December. You could get away from the capital for a bit and visit the Hampton Court Palace rink. One I have been to many times since I was lucky enough to have this one on my doorstep. You could grab a drink afterwards in one of the nearby historic pubs. Only to warm your ears, nose and toes, obviously. Or stay central and visit the closest rink off Oxford Street, in Hanover Square.
Borough Market (daily, see the website for specific times)
I could not list the best Christmas markets in London without mentioning the Borough. Steeped in history, around 1,000 years, to be a little more precise, this place is a foodie’s paradise. Decorated with wreaths, tinsel and fairy lights, the stalls add festive additions to their awesome offerings.
See the Christmas lights (throughout December)
If you feel like walking the early evening streets of the capital to absorb some festive spirit, then catch some of the Christmas light displays. Start at Oxford Street, then on to Regent Street, before heading into Carnaby Street. If you prefer to see the lights from high above, book an open-top bus tour instead and rest those aching feet.
Christmas carols at St Paul’s Cathedral (throughout December)
Listening to Christmas carols in this legendary landmark can’t be beat. If festive feels are what you are after, you cannot get better than this. Location, ambience, music, and all for free.
Now I am off for a mulled wine (or two) whilst ice skating and looking skywards at the Christmas lights. What could possibly go wrong?
