London Christmas Markets

Can there be anything more festive than being wrapped up nice and warm whilst trawling for goodies at a Christmas market... and maybe with the odd glass of mulled wine to ease the December chill? Plus, it really is the best place for some great, original Christmas gift ideas – such as food, jewellery, knick-knacks, clothing, toys and much more.

London is well-known for its raft of festive markets at this time of year, there’s plenty on offer to suit all tastes.

We’ve put a list together of some of London’s best-known markets... plenty to get your teeth into in the run up to Christmas:

Southbank Centre Christmas Market
Queen's Walk, The Southbank
16 November – 24 December
Monday – Friday 11am – 10pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am – 10pm
80 wooden chalets filled with festive food, drink, gifts and treats run along the twinkling riverside. Enjoy mulled wine, bratwurst and ginger bread whilst taking in the lights, sights and sounds of London at Christmas time. Come along and get in the Christmas mood.

Jewel East Christmas
Spitalfields Market
7th – 9th December
The finest jewellery designers from all around the country are back with an exciting selection of handmade and vintage pieces. The 7th and 8th will also feature Jewellery making workshops and demonstrations featuring London based jewellery schools.

Real Food Christmas Market
Southbank Centre Square
14 – 16 & 20 – 23 December
Thursday 12pm – 8pm, Friday & Saturday 11am – 8pm, Sunday 12pm – 6pm
Buy mince pies, mulled wine, cheeses, chutneys, charcuterie and all manner of traditional and non-traditional festive bites, ingredients and gifts.

Designers/Makers Christmas Market
Festival Village, Southbank Centre
14 – 16 December 2012
Friday 11am – 10pm, Saturday 11am – 8pm, Sunday 11am – 8pm
Fifty designers/makers from across the UK sell their bespoke design products. The event also includes affordable-gift workshops and demonstrations, plus festive food and drinks.

Greenwich Christmas Market
10 - 24 December
Greenwich Market, home to up to 150 craft and designer maker stalls, and the adjacent eclectic shops and boutiques make Greenwich the perfect one stop shop for really different gifts and stocking fillers, original artworks and handcrafted toys, fashions, handmade jewellery, beauty treats and delicious festive foods and drinks.