Five best Christmas markets in London 2013

If you’d like to avoid those “same ole” high street presents, not to mention the throngs, then why not head to one of the capitals marvellous Christmas Markets this year? Indulge in some festive food and drink, enjoy the artisan stalls and pick up an unusual handmade bargain or two.

 

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Once more Hyde Park is transformed into a festive fun-zone for all ages with rides, attractions and even a circus to get you in the right spirit for Saint Nick’s arrival. Two markets are available at the park with over 200 wooden chalets to entice you with their Christmassy delights.

Food and drink are also in abundance – try the Carousel Bar which, as the name suggests, slowly spins 360 degrees while you celebrate this joyful season. Winter Wonderland is free to visit (tickets are required for certain areas – see the website for details) and provides an array of seasonal satisfactions to all your yuletide yearnings.

When: 22^nd November – 5^th January 2014 

Where: Hyde Park

Time: 10am – 10pm daily

Nearest tube: Hyde Park Corner

Cost: Free (purchase tickets for rides and attractions)

For further information visit here.

 

Berwick Street Christmas Market, Soho

Already a must-visit shopping haven in Soho and one of the capitals oldest markets, Berwick Street has this year launched a Christmas market, offering new seasonal crafts, fashion, gifts and produce from a select group of nationwide traders. These include The Dark Knights of Cholesterol specialists with their finest British farmhouse cheeses, perfect for your yuletide boards, and Smith and Sinclair speakeasy candy with a cocktail twist. This perfect cocktail-candy hybrid offers an exclusive Christmas range, plus a bar where you can create your own sweet alcoholic alchemy under the watchful eye of their resident mixologist.

When: 28^th November – 24^th December  

Where: Berwick Street Soho

Time: 9am-6pm Mon-Sat

Nearest tube: Oxford Circus / Piccadilly Circus

Cost: Free

For further information visit here.

  

Southbank Centre Christmas Market

Decking the Thames river bank for its 6^th glorious year this iconic German-style market now has over 80 stalls and makes the ideal location to fulfil that lengthy gift list you’ve complied. Items range from handmade soaps to stunning bespoke jewellery and with the traditional Christmas music accompanying your seasonal shopping, not the mention the hot mulled wine and festive snacks to keep you warm this winter, it’s easy to see how this beloved market has become a firm festive favourite.

When: 15^th November – 24^th December 

Where: Southbank Centre/Queen’s Walk

Time: 11am-9pm Mon-Thurs, 11am-10pm Fri, 10am-10pm Sat, 10am-9pm Sun

Nearest tube: Waterloo

Cost: Free

For further information visit here.

 

Barbican Design Market, The Barbican

With the focus being on unique gifts that you won’t find anywhere else, this carefully chosen market of glorious goodies range from handmade accessories to decorations and homewares. Discover genuine treasures from top-draw designers and artisans in this four week pop-up instillation. Come Christmas morning you’ll receive your deserved praise for somehow managing to find that special present for the person who has everything.

When: 28^th November – 22^nd December 

Where: The Barbican

Time: 11am-9pm Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm Sun

Nearest tube: Moorgate, Barbican

Cost: Free

For further information visit here.

 

Christmas Arcade at Somerset House

Wander through the Narnia-esque corridor adorned with snow tipped foliage and twinkling lights within the west wing of Somerset House as you indulge in some Brit-brands retail therapy. Dozens of pop-up micro shops within lovely spacious rooms offer a vast choice of gifts and personal must-haves, from BoBelle London bags and leather goods to Katie Spragg’s quirky ceramics (found in the Handmade in Britain room). Enjoy the fragrant Crabtree and Evelyn room with its beautifully packaged toiletries  (a staple stocking filler) or enjoy a little me time with a glass of bubbly in the Champagne Room as you watch those wrapped up skaters go by.

When: 14^th November – 5^th January 2014

Where: Somerset House

Time: 10am-6pm Mon & Weds, 10am-9pm Tues & Thurs, 10am-8pm Fri & Sat, 10am-6pm Sun

Nearest tube: Charing Cross

Cost: Free

For further information visit here.

Laura Jorden