Don’t miss out on London’s Christmas markets
From Dickensian stalls to riverside extravaganzas, London is alive with markets to suit everyone. Search on www.wozzon.com for more Christmas events.
Hyde Park
Now a regular fixture on the capital’s calendar, each year this Christmas market at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland just gets bigger and better. Over 70 stalls in central London will be selling everything from Christmas decorations and gifts, to crafts, clothes and sweets all within walking distance of Oxford Street. The Christmas market is situated just inside the Winter Wonderland’s main entrance, making it easy to avoid the rest of the crowds heading for the event’s fairground rides, ice rink and circus. Housed in enchanting wooden chalets, the stalls have the air of a traditional German market (unsurprising as the event’s manager is German-born David Kohlert!) This market is the perfect place to sip some mulled wine and indulge in some festive shopping away from the crush of the West End. Open every day until Jan 4, 2011 except Dec 25, 4-10pm. Hyde Park, Serpentine Road, W2 2UH. Visit http://bit.ly/ehUcYO Nearest tube: Hyde Park Corner.
Columbia Road
If you like the idea of a Dickensian Christmas, why not try shopping in a former Victorian shopping arcade? A wonderful alternative to shopping malls, this East End enclave offers a feast of retro home wares, quirky fashion and funky art works. Columbia Road is already a target for weekend shoppers due to its famous Sunday flower market, but this year the shops and galleries have extended their opening hours on Wednesday evenings as well, so eager shopping beavers can head there after work. And if the shopping all gets a little too much, try taking the edge off with a pint of locally brewed beer at the Flea Pit!Open every Wednesday Dec 1-22, 5-9pm. Columbia Road, E2 7RG. Visit http://bit.ly/glFhp6 Nearest tube: Bethnal Green. Bus: 2, 48, 55.
Covent Garden
At this time of year the Covent Garden Piazza is transformed into a Christmas market with a twist. As well as the traditional wooden huts and mulled wine, expect to find a 32ft topiary reindeer, an interactive ‘Kiss’ installation and reindeer petting sessions on Saturdays. Shoppers might find themselves forgetting to buy presents and instead smooching under the mistletoe with a loved one – an action that will activate a lighting spectacle which illuminates the plaza! If you’re looking to buy presents for foodie friends, then hit the market on Thursdays when the Covent Garden Christmas Love Market plays host to artisan bakers, chocolatiers and British cheese-mongers. Open until Jan 3, 2011. Food market Thursdays until Dec 23, 11am-7pm, plus Dec 17-19 (until 5pm Dec 19), Dec 19, Dec 22 and 23 (until 9pm Dec 23). Reindeer petting every Saturday except Dec 18, plus Weds Dec 19. Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 9DD. Visit http://bit.ly/fnOnx4 Nearest tube: Covent Garden
South Bank
This Cologne-style market situated on London’s South Bank sells traditional German handicrafts. A walk between the London Eye and the Royal Festival Hall will take shoppers straight into a German folk fair, complete with traditionally decorated wooden chalets selling gifts, handmade crafts and decorations, and stalls selling sausages and hot wine. This is a great place to look for interesting and unique gifts. And as well as finding perfect presents for friends and family while you wander among the 60 stalls, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience one of the capital’s most beautiful riverside views.Open until Dec 23 (Sunday-Thursday, 11am-8pm, Friday, Saturday, 10am-10pm).Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. Visit http://bit.ly/etIkCI Tube: Waterloo tube/rail
Angel
If you’re looking for creative festive fun, head to the Angel Christmas Fair. Over 50 artists and designers gather to offer everything from photography, jewellery and sculptures to cards, fashion and contemporary paintings, all at affordable prices, for one wonderful winter weekend in the run up to Christmas. These specialist artists come together in the delightful Candid Arts Trust building based near Angel tube and this is a wonderful chance to head off London’s beaten track and find some unique Christmas presents. There will also be mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas cake for those in need of a little Christmas shopping pick-me-up!Open Dec 11-12, noon-6pm. Candid Arts Trust Galleries, 3 Torrens Street, EC1V 1NQ. Visit http://bit.ly/f9No0c Tube: Angel
Stoke Newington
Nothing says Christmas like a local fair, and this market run by a close knit community in north London will fill you with festive spirit. Just a bus ride away from the centre of London, Stoke Newington High Street (with its diverse variety of independent retailers) is already a treasured secret among shoppers. Join them this year for their communal fayre. The local town hall will be filled with gifts and homemade craft stalls as well as festive workshops for families and friends.Open 18-19 Dec, 11am-5pm. Stoke Newington Town Hall, Church St, London, United Kingdom N16 0JR. http://bit.ly/hpoVe9 . Bus: 73 from Angel tube.
Processing your request, Please wait....
