/ London Guide/ London Attractions/ London Shopping
December 1, 2021
As Christmas approaches, everyone begins thinking about what gifts to buy for their loved ones. London is known for having some of the best Christmas markets, where you can find that perfect present, whether it’s a piece of jewelry, a toy, chocolates, or even a bottle of wine. These markets are full of festive charm, so let’s explore the top places you should visit in the city!
The first place to mention is Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, one of London’s most famous Christmas markets. It’s located around the Bandstand on the north side of Hyde Park. This market is enormous, offering a huge selection of stalls where you can buy Christmas gifts, seasonal treats, and street food. The atmosphere here is truly magical, especially when the Christmas lights in London light up the park as evening falls.
There’s also plenty of entertainment to enjoy. You can ride the Victorian-style carousel, which has beautifully decorated horses that are a sight to see. For those who love heights, there’s a Giant Observation Wheel, offering amazing views of the city. In addition to shopping and rides, you can watch circus performances and even ice skate at the UK’s largest outdoor rink.
Next up is the Southbank Winter Festival, located along the River Thames. This market is especially popular with tourists, so it’s a good idea to get there early if you want to avoid the crowds. Once you’re there, you’ll be surrounded by wooden chalets, each decorated with thousands of twinkling lights. The view of the river, with the Houses of Parliament in the distance, creates a magical atmosphere, especially after the sun goes down.
There are also some great performances to enjoy, such as Rumpelstiltskin and Circus 1903. If you’re in the mood for something cozy, you can relax beside a fire pit while sipping on a mulled spiced cider from one of the pop-up lodges. For some extra fun, check out the ice rink by the London Eye, or take a ride on the Ferris wheel to get a stunning nighttime view of the city.
If you’re looking for something a little different, make sure to visit the Leicester Square Christmas Market. In addition to the usual festive shopping stalls, this market has some unique entertainment in its large Spiegeltent. For kids, there’s the Brat Kids Carnival, which is a fun, family-friendly experience. For adults, you can enjoy performances like the Briefs Boys or the Burlesque Carol Concert—both of which offer something a little cheeky and fun!
If you’re willing to travel a little further out, Winterville at Clapham Common is another fantastic Christmas market. Located just a short underground ride south of Central London, Winterville is a trendy alternative to Winter Wonderland. Here, you can enjoy a roller disco, crazy golf, a Ferris wheel, ice skating, and even film screenings provided by Backyard Cinema. Along with all the fun activities, there are plenty of Christmas stalls selling festive food and drinks, perfect for anyone looking for something special.
There are many other smaller, but still fantastic, Christmas markets around the city. If you’re looking for a quieter market, head over to the Pear Tree Christmas Market at Battersea’s Boating Lake. The lakeside location provides a peaceful setting for your holiday shopping. You can also check out Belgravia’s Christmas Sunday, which offers a more intimate experience with local gifts and treats.
For something more festive and unique, head to the City Christmas Fair at Drapers Hall in Bank or visit the Renegade Craft Fair in the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. These smaller markets are perfect for finding unusual and one-of-a-kind gifts.
One great way to make your Christmas shopping experience even more enjoyable is by booking a hotel near the Royal Albert Hall. Staying here makes it easy to get to the Southbank Winter Festival and other Christmas events in the city. Plus, you’ll have a wonderful central location for exploring all that London has to offer during the holiday season.
