Feeling festive? Our guide to the best Christmas markets and festivals in London
- Emily Hancock
- Dec 14, 2017
- 3 min read
Christmas is fast approaching! What better way to get into the festive spirit than wonder round a market whilst sipping mulled wine, and do your Christmas shopping alongside a spot of ice-skating? This year plenty of Christmas markets have popped up over the capital. Here’s our pick of the best.
Southbank’s Wintertime
The Southbank centre has transformed this popular stretch of riverbank into a Nordic-inspired wonderland for Wintertime, the arts centre’s annual winter festival. In the shadow of the London Eye, the wooden cabins in the Christmas market sell everything from quirky gifts to hot snacks and drinks. If you fancy something a bit more substantial there’s a pop-up alpine-themed restaurant, Jimmy’s Lodge. And for something more to drink Rekorderlig have set up a two-storey ‘cider lodge’ where you can enjoy a mug of hot spiced plum cider whilst warming by the firepits. What’s more, there’s plenty of activities to enjoy: try the Finnish rooftop sauna (situated on top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall), laugh at the clowns in the Slava Snowshow, or browse the line-up of Nordic-themed entertainment.
Christmas at the river by London Bridge City
For another festive riverside pop-up, head over to London Bridge. The traditional Christmas market stretches along the banks of the river from Hays Galleria to The Scoop, and boasts an impressive 68 independent stallholders. For something chillier, layer up and head into the impressive après-ski themed ice bar by Eis Haus. Be warned, it’s -5 degrees in there!
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Hyde Park’s colossal homage to the festive season, Winter Wonderland is fast becoming an annual date in the diary for many Londoners. Boasting a fully-blown fairground with over 100 rides, multiple bars and food stops (including a dizzying carousel bar and an ice bar), an ice-rink, a circus and a German Christmas market, Winter Wonderland is the ultimate dose of festive spirit. It’s free to enter, although most activities inside cost money and some require pre-booking.
Christmas at Battersea
This year the iconic Battersea Power Station has been transformed into a festive paradise. Visit the Circus West Village Christmas Pop-Up Market to find an array of unique gifts from small businesses and designers. When you’re done with shopping, visit the Lunar Winter Cinema which is showing a variety of Christmas favourites (think Home Alone, Elf...). With both daytime and evening showings, everyone can find time to relax on the comfy couches and enjoy a Christmas classic.
Winterville on Clapham Common
Winterville is Winter Wonderland’s lesser-known little sister. Alongside a traditional Christmas market, this festive extravaganza on Clapham Common boasts an impressive line-up of activities. Get your skates on at the outdoor rink – or if ice-skating seems a bit chilly, have a spin around the roller disco instead. There’s the 9-hole crazy golf course for when you’re feeling competitive, and a Winter Night Garden cinema to relax in after. In the Spiegeltent you can find both free and ticketed cabaret shows, comedy performances and family entertainment. The extensive fairground includes a Big Wheel with panoramic views of the city. What’s more, Street Feast have co-ordinated an impressive line-up of London’s best street food vendors for when you’ve worked up an appetite.