Christmas markets in London have a habit of popping up just when the evenings start to become a little dark and, dare I say it, dull. Most would pinpoint the clocks going back as the precise moment we start to feel this, which is why the Southbank markets arriving mere days after this occurrence proves to be just the tonic for jumping aboard the glowing festive train.
Southbank Centre’s Winter Market brings cosy wooden chalets, warming street food and hot toddies, and cute arts and crafts to the South Bank, and it’ll be running all the way from November 2 through to December 26.
London is now in a full-on sprint towards Christmas, and we’re suitably ecstatic for the return of Alpine chalets and food stalls lining the banks of the Thames, overflowing with festive cheer. And of course we’re thrilled to be able to spend our days drinking mulled wine and hot chocolate, and eating gourmet burgers, waffles, mac & cheese, fondue, bratwurst, Dutch pancakes, mince pies, and so much more. (Yes, we are most excited about the food.)
South Bank’s magical market followed last year’s lead in opening slightly sooner than usual (November 2) to offer a decent line-up of winter pop-ups and surprises. Shortly after (on November 13), the gleaming Christmas lights turn on to complete a full festive lineup of brilliance by the river.
The market stalls run until Boxing Day, but you can enjoy plenty of festive activities through the South Bank’s winter schedule – including a Love Actually variety show (called Christmas Actually) curated by Richard Curtis himself, a rendition of The Nutcracker at the Royal Festival Hall between October 28 and January 7, and an art exhibition showcasing the artistic talent of those in criminal justice settings – until January 7, 2024.
Other spectacular events around the South Bank include carol singing, a daytime reggae dance, a queer Bollywood dance class, E.T in concert with the Philharmonia orchestra, Christmas film discussions with Mark Kermode, and much more. You can check out the full Christmas schedule at the Southbank here.
Finally, Jimmy’s Winter Lodge is back with more cosy riverside snow globes than ever before, allowing us back into the igloos for fondue, stone steaks, bottomless raclette, warming drinks, and snackable Alpine street food. The South Bank Christmas market delivers festive fun in outsized measures, and it’s just what we need to see out the year in style…
The Southbank Centre Winter Market runs from November 2 – December 26. Winter lights are getting the grand reveal on November 13, and will twinkle away until January 7. Read more about it here.
Also published on Medium.
