The bustle, busy lives and hustle of London can make it a somewhat unfriendly place at times, but not many cities come alive at Christmas as the UK's capital city. If you are looking for the best Christmas experience in London, read on to learn more about the best Christmas markets out there. We will check out festive photo moments in Covent Garden, warming food popups on the Southbank and a traditional festive spirit in semi-rural Kingston upon Thames. Christmas in London and Hyde Park can also be an interesting experience.
Covent Garden Xmas Markets
Covent Garden is among the most visited parts of London, with excellent shopping, a central location and a steady supply of fun/impressive street performers. Every year the market area is transformed into a Christmas wonderland with an enormous, decorated tree in the centre and incredible lights, decorations and atmosphere throughout December.
You can normally find some enjoyable photo opportunities, as the organisation that creates the market often puts fun Christmas carriages, sleighs and trees for people to enjoy and take photos with.
Covent Garden, London
WC2E 8RF London, United KingdomYou will experience amazing winter culinary experiences, exclusive pop-up restaurants and choir performances some evenings too! It is a historical, calm and easy-to-reach area, and it really brings the heart of Christmas to any visitor to London.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
The Southbank area of London is known for edgy art galleries, theatre shows and the nearby Big Ben and Parliament buildings. But at Christmas, the Southbank Market turns into a blizzard of riverside festive spirit. It is always a beautiful experience to walk along the Thames and soak in the busy but peaceful energy – the Southbank is one of the very best areas for this. Every year is different, but you will normally find winter dining with heaters and enclosed little areas, some amazing Christmas food options and even the local curling club opening its doors to curious stone sliders.
Southbank Christmas Market, London
The Queen's Walk, London SE1 8XX, UKKingston Christmas Market
If you are looking for a Christmas experience with a bit less city-centre energy and a more peaceful village experience, then the Kingston Christmas Market is the one for you. Located about 25 minute train ride from Waterloo, Kingston is one of the prettier of London’s suburbs. Right between Bushy Park and Richmond Park, the Kingston Christmas Market usually opens after the first week of November. The market is in the historical town centre square of what used to be a separate small village, a day’s horse ride outside the city. Now it is connected, although you can still feel the small-town atmosphere. There are fewer people, less rush, and more time.
This market is known for the traditional food stalls, and you can almost always find specialty cheeses, fudge and toffee and unique books too.
Kingston Christmas Market, London
KT1, Market Pl, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1JS, UKAll in all, London is a fantastic place to find some end-of-the-year cheer, and if you are looking for the best Christmas experience in London, then see any of the three markets mentioned above, and you will be basking in the warm and cosy winter wonderlands that the UK has a real knack for doing well. But, on the other hand, if you want a unique and special outing during this valued family time, then you know where to go!
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Joe Thorpe
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