It's the most wonderful time of the year — nearly.
It may still be a fair few weeks before the big day itself, but London is already getting into the Christmas spirit with a number of winter markets chock-full of mulled wine and mince pies.
There are Bavarian beer halls, street food extravaganzas, fondue igloos and plenty of other wintry delights to be had.
So, pull on your cosiest Christmas jumper, grab your Santa hats and go down to one of these festive markets.
Southbank Centre’s Winter Market
The Southbank Centre’s popular Winter Market is returning this year with an array of yuletide delights. Cheese lovers should head to Bar Under the Bridge, which will be serving up a range of festively themed fromage snacks and cocktails, while the Circus Bar – complete with cosy fire pits – will be on hand to offer meaty dishes and plenty of mulled wine and cider to wash it all down with. Elsewhere there will be a range of stalls selling winter street food favourites from around the culinary globe. Instagrammers need only head to one place, though: Jimmy Garcia’s cheese fondue igloos.
November 8 — January 5, Queen’s Walk, South Bank, SE1 7PB, southbankcentre.co.uk
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland is the best known festive extravaganza in London, drawing in thousands of people from around the country each year. There’s loads going on, but the best place to get the traditional Christmas market experience is in the Bavarian Village. It’s packed with bars, cafes and restaurants, serving up the kind of fare you’d find in a winter market over in Germany — bratwurst, flame-grilled salmon, mulled wine and the like. There’s also a huge beer hall for the adults to indulge in some boozy refreshment. Elsewhere, there’s much more to fuel the merriment, from rollercoasters and ice rinks to stand-up comedy and circuses.
November 21 — January 5, Hyde Park, W2, hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Christmas in Leicester Square
Leicester Square will once again get a full festive makeover for winter. The market is at the centre of all the seasonal frivolities, selling a range of Christmassy snacks and drinks, as well as hand-crafted gifts. Once you’re done wandering the market, head into Santa’s Grotto, where Father Christmas himself will be telling a festive tale and giving small gifts to all of the children in attendance. There’s also a spiegeltent hosting all manner of events — including improvised Jane Austen group Austentatious, a drag tribute to Girls Aloud and a family-friendly beatbox show.
November 8 — January 5, Leicester Square, christmasinleicestersquare.com
Kingston Christmas Market
Venture just a little way out of the city and you’ll find Kingston Christmas Market — a relaxed event set in the area’s historic marketplace. There’ll be classic Christmas comforts on offer from November 14 onwards, including mulled wine, street food, intriguing market stalls and live entertainment. The market is also a good option for families, featuring fairground rides and activities to keep the kids entertained.
November 14 — December 31, Kingston upon Thames, Clarence Street, KT1 1BW, inkingston.co.uk/christmasmarket
Belgravia Christmas Sunday
This special event, taking place on one day only on December 1, welcomes guests to enjoy a luxurious Christmas experience at Elizabeth Street and Eccleston Yards in Belgravia. The annual market is home to 60 boutique stalls, offering guests the chance to stock up on top-end stocking fillers in the lead up to December 25. It’s not just shopping though — guests can expect plenty of carolling, as well as mulled wine and Christmas food.
11am-5pm, December 1, Elizabeth Street, Belgravia, SW1W, mayfairandbelgravia.com
Hampstead Village Christmas Fair
For a Christmas market with a traditional feel, head to the Hampstead Heath Village Christmas Fair on December 1. Hampstead High Street is being pedestrianised for the event, getting a total festive transformation for one day only. If it's anything like last year, children will have the opportunity to meet Santa and his reindeer in the grotto, as well as enjoying street food stalls, fairground rides and musical entertainment.
12pm-5pm, December 1, Hampstead High Street, NW3, hampsteadvillagelondon.com
