Each set of London festive markets has its own features that make them worth a visit, and the quaint riverside appeal of those at the South Bank is difficult to ignore. They’re also known to arrive very early on the scene, and really are wasting no time this year – with the welcome of their markets coming just a day after Halloween.
November 1 marks the start of South Bank’s festive programmewhich includes the grand opening of their famous Christmas markets. It’s the perfect time, really – just after the clocks go back meaning the city is sat twiddling its thumbs waiting for things to do in the earlier darkness. South Bank invites you to enjoy the festive glow of its markets as soon as you’re out of work, and it’ll be running a fine trade all the way up to December 26.
You’ll soon be able to enjoy their cosy wooden chalets and piping hot street food–duck wraps, chicken & cajun fries, lobster buns, more–to warm you on a winter’s night soon enough as they prepare to open up the huts.
As with each year, the stalls come to a close on Boxing Daybut there will be plenty of festive activities to enjoy through the South Bank winter schedule – including the Curling Club running all through the winter into next year and the London Gay Men’s Chorus: Christmas Bop on December 6-7.
Other events include a Havana twist on The Nutcracker from Carlos Acosta, a festive performance from Sir Bryn Terfel, a live podcast with Adam Buxton & Joe Cornish, and lots more to sink your teeth into across the festive season.
Speaking of which, anyone strolling down the river poking their head into the stalls would also be foolish to miss the annual happenings over at Jimmy’s Winter Lodge. They’ll be opening up their famous igloos once more to offer up the Fire and Fromage offering for the ultimate plate of festive indulgence: raclette over a firepit to soak your potatoes in as well as steaks to sizzle. Finish it off with the roasted marshmallows and you’ve basically booked a one-way ticket to December 25 already. Good tidings to all.
Catch South Bank’s winter markets opening up on November 1 and running until December 26. Their full winter festive programme will run until January 5, so you can expect to see the lights illuminating the riverside until then. Entry to the market is free, and you can find out more about it here.
