The Southbank Christmas market is reopened!

As Christmas is approaching, streets are illuminated and markets set up in some areas. After being cancelled in 2020, the famous Southbank Christmas market is reopening its doors near to the London Eye for almost three months!

Winter is coming! As Jon Snow would say... but in London's version of this season, it's not the White Walkers that are approaching, but the Christmas holidays. Indeed, as we enter November, the English capital is already lit up for the celebrations.

After a year put on hold by the pandemic, the famous Southbank Christmas Market reopened on 4th November. Cancelled at the last moment due to lockdown measures, this year it will be open until 24 December. And you can enjoy it from Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 10pm. It close at 11am Friday and Saturday.

If you don't have any ideas for gifts for your friends and family for this holiday season, you can simply stroll between the stands. The colourful and festive lights offer a romantic stroll among the Alpine chalet-like stands.

Like a mountain air…

These small and unusual looking stalls take you into a festive and wintry world despite the mild weather this month. They have been set up by the Southbank Centre Winter Market on the banks of the Thames, on the famous Queen's walk. Here you can enjoy delicious hot street food, including Christmas-themed food and mulled wine. Waffles, burgers, mac&cheese, hot chocolates and sweets of all kinds, the tenants of the chalets have something to delight you! Come and discover the crafts that have been set up and look at the art pieces. Perhaps one of them will be the subject of a wonderful gift.

Opening a little earlier than last year, the Southbank Christmas Market has a few surprises in store for visitors. Indeed, this year, just for your eyes, an outdoor light display called Winter Lights will be installed until January 2022. Colours and animations will illuminate the promenade in a festive atmosphere.

Of course, the surrounding bars and restaurants remain open, and some will even offer activities. Bar Under the Bridge, which offers Christmas-themed mini-golf. You can also enjoy festive-themed brunches. After a less-than-festive 2020, Jimmy's Winter Lodge's snow-globes are back. The restaurant has set up tables on the waterfront in snow globe style. You can enjoy melts and charcuterie platters in a cosy and festive atmosphere.

One of many markets in London

But the Southbank Christmas market is just one of many in London. So, the legendary Christmas magic of this city may not be just a legend. With the arrival of the festive season, the capital is dotted with markets like this one in several of its districts. Indeed, from 19 November, the famous Hyde Park Winter Wonderland reopens its doors in the Royal Park. A must for families and friends... timeless!

But there's also Leicester Square, Selfridges, and even a Scandinavian Christmas market in the Finnish and Norwegian churches in Albion Street and Rotherhithe from 20 November. Christmas products and local specialities from the five Scandinavian countries will be offered in an outdoor market.

There is also the Conscious Christmas Market at The Boiler House. This market is there to remind us of the true values of Christmas: love, sharing, generosity...

The market will feature ethical and sustainable food, drinks, and products. The aim is not to encourage excessive consumption, but to make responsible purchases. Charities will be present to organize meetings and discussions.

Depending on where you live you can find out about festive events in your area to enjoy the season, its lights, and colours, in anticipation of the festive season.