Christmas is the best time of the year, and no other country celebrates it better than the United Kingdom. Besides the snow, the festive lights, and the array of fine festive foods, London is also best known for their Christmas markets.
From Scandinavian-style set-ups to festivals filled with irresistible finger food, and even workshops for you to release your inner crafter, the Londoners sure know how to plan a great Christmas market.
If you are planning on visiting the great city during this period, here are 8 Best Christmas Markets In London To Get You In The Festive Spirit.
Photo Credit: London Town
#1 CHRISTMAS MARKET AT LEICESTER SQUARE
Leicester Square’s Christmas Market is one of the city’s hallmark events. La Soirée, the theatrical phenomenon, will be calling the square its home from November to December 2016.xpect to witness parades filled with mind-bending, body-twisting acts and circle artists.
Expect to witness parades filled with mind-bending, body-twisting acts and circle artists. And of course, its Christmas tree is always one of the bests.
When: 11 November 2016 – 08 January 2016
Photo Credit: Loving Apartments
#2 CAMDEN CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Camden Christmas Market runs every Thursday from 17 November 2016 until Christmas.
There will be lots of stalls, live music, and of course, food! Each week boasts a different theme, so you will never be bored at the market. And there is always reason for you to go back!
When: 17 November 2016 – 15 December 2016
#3 THE SWEDISH CHURCH CHRISTMAS FAIR
Hop on by the Scandi Christmas Market in the Swedish Church in Marylebone, and treat yourselves to treats, crafts and gifts.
There is even a pop-up café in the church hall serving sandwiches and the Swedes’ rendition of mulled wine: glögg.
When: 18 November 2016 – 20 November 2016
Photo Credit: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
#4 HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND
This year’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park would mark its tenth, and it is the ultimate place to soak up the festive atmosphere. Admission into Winter Wonderland is free, but you do need to pay for the fairground rides within the park.
There will also be two circuses within the Winter Wonderland, an ice rink, and even a 60-metre tall observation wheel! Besides being an excellent location for your Christmas shopping, Winter Wonderland also brings fun for both the kids and the adults.
When: 18 November 2016 – 02 January 2017
Photo Credit: Real Food Festival
#5 REAL FOOD MARKET AT KING’S CROSS
We love Christmas so much because of the food too (duh). Cue mince pies, candy canes, stews, ham and turkey.
The Real Food Market at King’s Cross is the ultimate place to go for foodies and you can possibly get everything you need for your Christmas feast. Christmas puddings, cured meats, hampers, snacks, cheeses—you name it, the Real Food Market has it.
When: 14 December 2016 – 23 December 2016
Photo Credit: Culture Whisper
#6 SOUTHBANK CENTRE WINTER FESTIVAL
The Southbank Centre Winter Festival will come alive with performances of all kinds to welcome to festive season. The annual Christmas Market within the festival will be back again for another year with everything from Christmas tree baubles to gingerbread, and even a Bump Roller Disco that the kids will probably go nuts for!
When: 11 November 2016 – 08 January 2017
Photo Credit: Travellous World
#7 CHRISTMAS MARKET AT TATE MODERN
This Christmas Market is housed in little wooden huts occupying the spaces between Tate Modern and the Thames, and will be filled with everything you will ever need to purchase for Christmas—from wooden toys, to tree decorations, and even a number of snacks to nibble on as you shop.
When: 19 November 2016 – 24 December 2016
Photo Credit: Selvedge
#8 SELVEDGE ADVENT FESTIVAL
The Selvedge Advent Festival is the perfect opportunity for crafters to get their hands dirty. The textile-inspired events and workshops open to public will allow you to design your own wrapping paper, and even create your own Hungarian hand-cut felt appliqué for your home.
Admission fee is £5 per person.
When: 26 November 2016 – 03 December 2016