London Met’s Student Blog will be sharing different Christmas ideas for you to explore, read, eat and wear for the next 12 days to put you in the right mood.
Christmas Markets
There is one thing that always spreads around the festive spirit and the holidays won’t be the same without it – Christmas markets are one of the best things about the holidays. Who doesn’t want a glass of mulled wine, a warm meal and a new toy from the shooting range at the funfair? London has a lot of markets to offer and you’ve probably already visited the most well-known ones: Southbank Centre Christmas Market, Winter Wonderland and Leicester Square Christmas Market, but here are some smaller and local markets that are also worth a visit.
The Islington Christmas Market – The annual 2016 Islington Christmas Market returns this year to celebrate its fifth year with a brand new location: The Angel Central Shopping Centre N1. You can choose from a variety of quality boutique traders, with new traders being introduced each week of the five-week market. The market will be open until 24 December.
Sunday Artisan Market NW3 – This market in Hampstead is a new "must visit" fixture in north-west London. It offers a great mix of quality artisan and independent stalls where you can buy unique items and also sit and relax with a coffee and a bite to eat – all in the pleasant surroundings of the Community Centre in the heart of old Hampstead. The market runs every Sunday but turns into a special Christmas market starting from today until 21December.
Columbia Road Christmas Wednesdays – The road famous for its flower market is fast becoming known for its annual late-night Christmas events too. Now in its eleventh year, this Wednesday evening shopping event sees independent stores offering magical gifts, carols singers along the way and mulled wine to keep you warm while shopping. The next event will be on 21December.
Greenwich Market at Christmas – Have a magical Christmas in Greenwich this year, with fabulous festive lights, a market boasting top gift ideas, and Santa making a special appearance. The market is open every day in the run-up to Christmas until 24December. Set within a world heritage site, the covered market offers more than 100 stalls selling crafts, jewellery, fashion, beauty, antiques, art and more, as well as festive street food and drinks to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Kingston Christmas Market – This Christmas, more than 100 traditional wooden chalets, as well as a heated tent and two large outdoor bars, line Kingston’s Ancient Market Place and its surrounding streets. Shop for Christmas gifts, decorations and art, warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate, and tuck into German-style street food while enjoying Christmas carols and music. The market will be there until 31December.
Christmas by the River at London Bridge City – The traditional Christmas market stretches along The Queen’s to The Scoop at More London, overlooking London icons including Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the City of London. Pick up unique presents, stocking fillers and edible treats from the 40-plus independent traders. When you’re done shopping, you can enjoy mulled wine, festive cocktails and craft beers at the pop-up Christmas by the River bar located at the centre of the market. The market is open until 3January.
Tate Modern Christmas Market – This market has returned for a third year in front of the famous art gallery. Enjoy a German Bratwurst or a bag of roasted chestnuts as you browse the market for hand-crafted gifts, children’s toys and unique pieces. Adults can also sip on a warming mulled wine or cool beer, while children enjoy the market’s fairground rides. The market is open until 23 December.
