London is a special place at Christmas. Whether you’re doing your Christmas shopping along Oxford Street or enjoying a warming mulled wine in Covent Garden, it’s a wonderful place for families to get into the festive spirit.
At Birchall we value tradition, family and great taste. A day at one of London’s many Christmas Markets has each of those great values. But which one should you attend? Here we’ve provided you details on some of our favorites.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
London’s spectacular Christmas destination, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is now open with free admission and even more entertainment than before. Highlights include the Magical Ice Kingdom, featuring fantastical snow and ice sculptures, the Ski Zillertal ice rink located around the picturesque band stand and the Bavarian village, serving bratwurst, mulled wine and hosting live music throughout the day and evening.
Other great attractions include Santa Land, a haven for young visitors where Father Christmas will be everyday with his elves and sacks of free gifts. For those Christmas shoppers, there’s the traditional German Christmas market with over 200 chalets. The Angels Christmas Market offers unusual and handmade gifts and crafts, including ceramics, candles, jewellery, wooden toys, nativity scenes and Christmas decorations.
For more information visit: http://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Winterville at Victoria Park
Enter a frosty town brimming with festive adventures at Winterville in Victoria Park. Winterville returns to East London with another packed programme of attractions, entertainment and food and drink. Built around the Winterville clock tower, this little festive town offers seasonal classics and dazzling alternatives for all ages.
Event highlights include the world-famous Moscow State Circus in the Winterville Circus; Backyard Cinema’s magical forest, The Winter Night Garden, showing a series of Christmas classics and family favorites; and pantomime, cabaret, theatre and live music in the Dutch Spiegeltent. Get active with friends and family on the ever-popular ice rink, or show off your skills on Plonk Crazy Golf’s wintry nine-hole course. The adventure continues with thrilling rides and panoramic views of the city from the Giant Wheel in Winterville’s Fairground. The Kids’ Quarter is the perfect place for young families to warm up and enjoy children’s activities or meet Father Christmas in Bearded Kitten’s reimagined Santa’s Grotto.
There’s also great Markets and Food. Take some time out to browse the artisanal products on offer at the Christmas Market, or shop for unique vintage and arty works in the Bizzare Bazaar. The town’s vey own pub Bar Humbug serves warming seasonal drinks and delicious food, or grab a snack from the many bars and stalls sprinkled throughout the park.
Winterville runs from the 26th Nov – 23rd Dec. For more visit: www.winterville.co.uk
Christmas at the South Bank Centre
Head over to Southbank Centre this festive season and see it transformed into a magical landscape with a bustling market, twinkling lights and a host of seasonal events for Winter at Southbank Centre.
The month-long festival offers a packed programme of free and ticketed events for all ages – from world-class theatrical performances and festive concerts, to social dances, community choirs and activities.
This year’s Winter Festival focuses on family, charity and giving, with many events and activities reflecting these three themes.
For more visit: www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Belgravia Christmas Market
Visit Belgravia’s Christmas markets and see the elegant London district transformed into a winter wonderland. Pimlico Road hosts its Christmas market on 5 December in its cosy village-like surroundings. Alongside the independent design and antique shops, festive stalls offering unique gift ideas will line the street to the sounds of live music and entertainment.
The following day (6 December), Elizabeth Street will welcome a pop-up market selling a wide range of seasonal treats and Christmas gifts, from food to fashion. Instead of his traditional grotto, Santa will this year make an appearance inside a black cab photo booth, where you can meet him and capture the moment on photo.
For more visit: www.belgravialdn.com
Tate Modern
Experience a traditional festive atmosphere as you explore the Tate Modern Christmas Market, which returns for a second year in front of the famous art gallery.
Tuck into a German Bratwurst or a bag of roasted chestnuts as you browse the market for handcrafted gifts and unique pieces. Visit the Moose Bar for a warming Glühwein or enjoy a retro cocktail in the Airstream Bar. Children can also enjoy a ride on the Victorian carousel or pay a visit to Santa in his grotto.
Opening times: 11am to 9pm Monday to Thursday, 11am to 10pm on Friday, 10am to 10pm on Saturday and 10am to 9pm on Sunday.
For more information: https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/
