December is upon us and London is well into the Christmas market season as shoppers aim to get their hands on a bargain or high-end luxury item.
While the likes of Winchester and Bury St Edmunds have markets worthy of a trip and many Brits are drawn to what Germany has to offer, there is so much in London that you don’t really have to leave town.
Now that Black Friday and Cyber Monday have been and gone, it’s time to get stuck into the physical shopping realm.
Here are some of the best you can find in and around the capital in 2024.
And we can promise it is more of a spectacle than the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree proved to be.
Southbank Centre
Free to attend and on the sparkly banks of the Thames, the Southbank Centre hosts a charming winter market each year, replete with cosy Alpine-style cabins, warming drinks and festive snacks. Cheese fondue is forthcoming, as is mulled wine, while decorations come courtesy of local, independent designers.
Daily until Boxing Day, December 26, Southbank Centre, www.southbankcentre.co.uk/activity/winter-market/
Leadenhall
The Lord Mayor has now turned on the Christmas lights to bring a festive flavour to one of the capital’s most iconic venues.
“The glittering Christmas tree will be decked with a colour-changing LED light display, complementing the large baubles and beautiful fir tree garlands throughout the market,” organisers have said.
Leicester Square
Alongside the stalls, in a special tent, is La Clique, the circus which is celebrating 20 years in 2024.
Tickets are now on sale for the regular performances which will run up to Christmas and beyond.
Until January 5, Leicester Square, leicestersquare.london
London Bridge
London Bridge and its riverside streets become full with market stalls, themed karaoke rooms — on the pier most prominently — and pop-up bars throughout the festive season, as well as more traditional music from Christmas choirs at Hay’s Galleria. Dubbed Winter by the River, an expanse of space is transformed with decorations, Christmas lights and more. Naturally, head over to Borough Market while you’re there for cheese and wine.
Until January 5, London Bridge, londonbridgecity.co.uk
Greenwich Market
Greenwich Market is abundant with stalls, shops and pop-ups throughout the year, but things ramp up in winter.
The market has recently been given a makeover to promote the film Wicked. Look out for signs to Greenwitch!
Until January 5, greenwichmarket.london
Christmas at Portobello
Portobello Market, famous the world over thanks to its world-leading merriment of antiques, is provided with a generous sprinkling of festive cheer each year.
For Sundays, December 8 and 15 , usual bargains and oddities are joined by festive decorations, artisan gifts and seasonal fairs.
Ever artsy, there are musical performances and artists on show, too, all under a canopy of lights come evening.
Toast Festive Market
Each weekend in the run-up to Christmas, Toast Festive Market in Coal Drops Yard offers Londoners the chance to bag all manner of gifts, from jewellery to leatherwork, art pieces to socks. There are special editions, too, where artisans give demonstrations and musicians and other entertainers perform. Food and drink is available from surrounding bars and restaurants.
Every Friday to Sunday, December 6-22, toa.st
DIY Christmas Art Market
In Peckham, the DIY Christmas Art Market makes for a rejuvenating and inspiring time. Original art pieces, risographs, screen prints, and zines are all sold, as well as a host of veritable creations from sculptors, ceramicists, designers, illustrators and more.
Everything can be wrapped up under the tree, and perusing might be done with a glass or two of mulled wine and however many mince pies are desired.
Various dates. diyartmarket.com
