Get in the Christmas spirit with a visit to one of London’s incredible Christmas markets.
Get one of the serviced apartments Central London and have a great time exploring these free to enter markets that offers a fantastic range of festive fun, entertainment and activities for all the family. We take a look at the top five in London this year.
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is by far the biggest of all the Christmas markets. Relax with some ice skating around Hyde Park’s Victorian bandstand and go on a deep sea adventure into the Magical Ice Kingdom travelling past mystical water creatures made from ice and snow. Watch a performance of Cinderella on Ice by championship level skaters, or take a seat on the Giant Observation Wheel towering 200ff above Hyde Park. Then there is fun of the traditional carousel with its galloping horses or massive rollercoaster and of course, lots of stalls selling gifts, food and drink in a German style festive setting.
Over at Leicester Square a Belgian Spiegeltent has been set up hosting a range of festive shows including the Black Cat Cabaret’s Parisian Circus. Over 25 stalls selling all kinds of gifts and decorations can be found around the Square itself.
Stroll along the River Thames and enjoy the atmosphere of the South Bank Centre market. Trees are decorated with thousands of glittering lights, reflecting beautifully in the waters of the Thames. This is where you can shop for really unusual Christmas gifts with a Scandinavian flair, as well as trying Scandinavian festive fair with lots of hot, spiced cider. Rekorderlig’s pop up lodge even features traditional fire pits to keep you warm. There is Nordic themed entertainment throughout the Christmas period, as well as a lively company of clowns performing in Slava’s Snowshow and an immersive ABBA: Super Troupers exhibition. You can even find out what it is like to enjoy a Finnish sauna by visiting the Rooftop Sauna on top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall.
If you’re near the serviced apartments Earls Court, you should visit the Portobello Road Christmas Market which has a distinctly different atmosphere as traditional styles meet Calypso music and steel pan bands. This is definitely carnival time! Enjoy the music, clap along with the bands and visit Father Christmas in his magical grotto. There are plenty of really good gift ideas within the Made in London Christmas Market, and delicious food within the Acklam Village.
Head along the Thames to Greenwich for a very special experience. You can easily spend all day at this Christmas market. Watch professional ice skaters at the Wintertime ice rink, and try a few laps around the rink yourself. Relax with a drink and listen to performances by bands, DJ’s and choirs including the Kansas Smitty House Band on the Mirror stage, or search out performances by acrobats and magicians. The irresistible, timeless magic of The Snowman can be enjoyed on film, accompanied by live music from the East London Brass Band. Oh – and of course, there is lots of festive food, drink and gifts to buy within the market. If you have time, you can also stroll along to the adjacent Greenwich market where Christmas is definitely in the air, and see the historic Cutty Sark decked out for Christmas. In addition, choosing to stay in Presidential Apartments Kensington will help you maximize your holiday enjoyment.
