Christmas markets in London

With Christmas just around the corner it’s a race to see who can get the most festive in the shortest amount of time. If you’re looking for a head start why not head down to one of the capital’s many Christmas markets and stock up on festive cheer, gingerbread and mulled wine in style.

Christmas markets were apparently a popular occurrence across the country until that old Scrooge Oliver Cromwell banned the celebration of Christmas which obviously instantly killed off he humble Christmas market. There were markets during Victorian times that sold Christmas related products but none that could actually, genuinely lay claim to the title of a Christmas market. Lincoln was the first town to revive a proper Christmas market 26 years ago and from there the tradition has grown and grown.

If you’re looking for markets in the capital, the Christmas Market on Oxford Street is a good, central place to start, offering crafts, toys, jewellery between Bond Street and Marble Arch until 3 Jan. The market is traditionally German in style so you can also avail yourself of a bratwurst and some wonderfully warming Gluwhein.

If you prefer your markets in a more picturesque location, there is a Cologne Christmas market down on the Southbank running until 23 December, “a Christmas Market flooded in special illuminations, a spectacular Christmas tree, traditional music…listening to carols whilst drinking a glass of mulled wine.” There’s also the opportunity to make sure a certain person knows what you are after for Christmas at Santa’s Secret Village.

You can also head down to the Old Truman Brewery until Dec 20 for ‘All I want for Christmas’ a shopping ‘experience’ full of independent retailers, gift markets and designer sales. Putney Christmas Market is combined with the switching on of the Christmas lights on Putney High Street on 27th November with stalls from local retailers selling food and gifts. Or for a more outdoorsy market experience you can head to Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair or Christmas at Osterley Park and House. Bring on the Gluwhein!