Five best London Christmas markets for 2014

The hustle and bustle of Christmas is upon us again and, love it or hate it, chances are you’ll be involved at some point in the annual mad dash for presents. Not everyone’s content with what the high street has to offer, not to mention the throngs of shoppers we’d all like to avoid, so here are our picks of some of the best markets in London to have some festive fun and pick up some more unique gifts.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

With rides, ice-skating, circus shows and a captivating ice kingdom, as well as over 200 market stalls, Hyde Park’s annual Winter Wonderland is, as always, a world of festive fun for all ages. The Christmas markets are enchanting, fairy-lit chalets bursting with hundreds of unique gifts and handmade decorations, and there’s no shortage of food and drink either! With a wide selection of themed bars, food stalls and the Famous Bavarian Village, there’s little chance you’ll leave unsatisfied.

When: 22^nd November – 5^th January 2015
Where: Hyde Park
Open: 10am – 10pm daily
Nearest tube: Hyde Park Corner
Cost: Free (purchase tickets for rides and attractions)
For further information visit here.

Christmas Market at Tate Modern

After six triumphant years on the South Bank the traditional German Christmas Market has moved downriver to the Tate Modern. Complete with beautiful chalets, handmade gifts of every persuasion and plenty of bratwurst and glühwein (mulled wine), all against the backdrop of the iconic Tate Modern and festive songs, it’s easy to see why this continental delight has become a firm favourite.

When: 22^nd November – 24^th December
Where: Tate Modern, Bankside
Open: 10am – 8pm Sun – Thurs, 10am – 9pm Fri – Sat
Nearest tube: Southwark
Cost: Free
For further information visit here.

Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival

Southbank’s Winter Festival always has something new and unique to offer and this year is no exception. With traditional gifts, tasting events at the Real Food Christmas Markets, all the chocolate you could wish for at the Chocolate Festival and products from over 50 designers at the Designer Maker Market, as well as a world of fun activities, the Winter Festival is a must. And this year they’re offering up more than just the traditional Christmas gifts: there are tonnes of ways they want to help you give back, from their Get Your Knit On! project to their Gift of Giving charity shop.

When: 15^th November – 10^th January 2015
Where: Southbank Centre
Open: 10am – 11pm daily
Nearest tube: Waterloo
Cost: Free (purchase tickets for attractions)
For further information visit here.

Barbican Christmas Market

Now in its second year, the Barbican Christmas Market is offering up a refreshing alternative to the more traditional gifts by showcasing the work of 35 local designers, traders, makers and artisans. With stalls bursting with vintage and designer clothes, handmade arts, crafts and jewellery and plenty of festive food and drink, you’re sure to find unique gifts for everyone at this gem. Stalls will vary day to day so you may even have to pop by more than once!

When: 12^th – 21^st December
Where: Barbican Centre
Open: 4 – 8:30pm Mon-Fri, 12 – 8:20pm Sat & Sun
Nearest tube: Barbican/Moorgate
Cost: Free
For further information visit here.

More London Christmas Market

Adjacent to the Scoop, right on the banks of the Thames and offering stunning views of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, it’s hard to imagine how this little market could be more in the spirit of London. With stalls showcasing the best of the local talent, handmade gifts and lots of special foodie treats, as well as choirs and bell ringers to really put you in a festive mood, this market may be small but it’s definitely a must this Christmas season.

When: 8^th – 21^st December
Where: The Scoop
Open: 11am – 7pm
Nearest Tube: London Bridge
Cost: Free
For further information visit here.

Natasha Furlong
Photos: Marcus Povey (3), Chris Parker (5), Aurelien Guichard (cover)