Guide to London Christmas Markets and Fairs

Post

Subscribe

Nothing brings the Christmas season quite to life like being surrounded by stockings, ornaments, snow globes and kitschy crafts featuring Santa and his faithful herd of reindeer. Young and old can appreciate the variety of Christmas season wares with a visit to an assortment of markets and fairs around the city. Here are some of the more popular spots to get that unique gift or maybe even just a glass of mulled wine with roasted chestnuts.

Camden Lock Christmas Market
Camden Lock Market, Camden Lock Place, (off Chalk Farm Rd), NW1 8AF, Free Entry
Till 20 December 2012

It is worth a trip north of the river to experience the Camden Lock Christmas Market which is from 5 pm-10 pm every Thursday till 20 December 2012. You can expect to see the usual energy of the market with a seasonal twist. The eclectic mix of food stalls, vintage clothing, hand made jewellery and crafts will be accompanied with live music ranging from jazz quartets to Camden Guitars performing Christmas songs in a Spanish style. Each week there will also be hands on activities to participate in from wood working workshops to hat making classes, so it is definitely worth several trips.


We Make London Christmas Show
Lavender Hill, Battersea, London, SW11 5TN, Free entry
07 December 2012

Searching for a one of a kind gift that will put all the rest to shame? Then why not go for a hand made design at the upcoming We Make London Christmas Show. It will be featured at the Battersea Arts Centre and the best part is that entry is free. An added bonus is that you will have the chance to support local designers while getting some Christmas shopping done. It is likely that you will succumb to the temptation to treat yourself as well. Some designers featured include Ville de Fleurs for your organic skincare fix, Taniis with African inspired apparel and house wares and Kitsch & Chaotic with is described as cute hand made accessories with a 'found in Grandma's attic' vibe.

Covent Garden Christmas
Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 8RF, Free entry

Now you have a reason to head to Convent Garden besides those elusive theatre tickets at that must see new show. Come and re-experience traditional Christmas favourites which include seasonal light displays, crafts, the Real Food Market stalls, and reindeer petting. All the action will take place in the Piazza illuminated by installations from the art and design collective United Visual Art. Mulled wine and hot apple juice will be flowing alongside mince pies and roasted chestnuts. If that isn't reason enough, there will be an array of choirs providing just the right soundtrack for the season. You can expect appearances from the City of London Choir, Signature Singers and the Putney Choral Society to name a few.


Taste of Christmas
%%1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL, Tickets £18.50 in advance, £22.50 at the door
07 December - 09 December 2012 %%

This mouth watering name should be an indicator of the delicacies which await you at the ExCel Centre. The weekend will serve up a selection of some of the best that the capital's top restaurants have to offer. You will be able to feast more than your eyes on the numerous tastings going on throughout the venue. If you do plan to indulge make sure to purchase crowns which are the going currency for all the taste-sized delights. Standard entry will give you access to the taste restaurant, theatre sessions, tasting demonstrations, master classes, the boutique food market, plus a complimentary event guide. Expect to see TV chef personalities including Jamie Oliver, Rachel Allen, Vivek Singh, Ben Tish and Jun Tanaka.

Southbank Centre Christmas Market
Riverside, between Southbank Centre and the London Eye, Southbank Centre,Belvedere Rd, London, United Kingdom SE1 8XX, Free Till 24 December 2012

Stroll down Riverside and take in the picturesque view of the Thames while wandering through Southbank's Centre's Christmas Market. The charm will not be lost on you, with the numerous German themed wooden stalls selling everything from gingerbread to mulled wine and Bratwurst. Also take the opportunity to browse for gift ideas which I found to be fairly reasonable. Last year I was able to find a leather bound journal with an imprinted design for my sister which she absolutely loved. True to the season, there will be music to set that Christmas tone and it is definitely an outing for the whole family.

#christmas
#food_festivals
#markets
#december
#lists
%wnlondon