London Christmas Markets first week of December

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is fun. Also the German Xmas Market on the South Bank.

When I visit in December I always try to see a pantomime ( panto ). I'm also a sucker for Camden Lock Market. Always find "gifts" to bring back home. Do you ice skate? Rinks should be set up outside the Natural History Museum and at Somerset House by then. Liberty department store is a unique albeit pricey venue that is lovely at Christmas time. Although I've yet to attend ( on this years sojourn to partake in ) I understand the SouthBank Centre has a wonderful Winter Festival schedule. Timeout London is now only available online so I would start researching in November for December events. Have fun!

Thank you for the wonderful ideas.
Anything happening at Kew Gardens/Palace or Hampton Court?
I think there is a Christmas market in Bath? Is that worth the train journey?

I commented earlier on a similar topic. I've read that Mayfair is great at Christmas time, especially Audley Street. Near Hyde Park off Park Lane.

We saw the one on the South Bank when we went last year but we enjoyed the ones outside of London so much more. It might be worth a day trip depending on how long you're staying. The one in Exeter is situated right next to the old Cathedral and near the Roman walls. The one in Cardiff is a bit smaller but the nearby shopping streets and twinkling Christmas lights immediately got me into the spirit (and on a bit of a shopping spree!)

Looking at questions on this forum there seems to be more and more misconceptions outside Europe about Christmas markets being a Europe-wide tradition. They are traditionally restricted to the German-speaking countries, and their spread to other countries are a recent and totally artificial commercial phenomenon. The "Christmas markets" in London and other UK cities all sell the same generic tat with fake German style sausages and lager. There are for more interesting things to do in London.

The Christmas market in Birmingham has more of an authentic Germanic flavour since it is mounted in association with its twin city Frankfurt. Even it though only dates back to 1997.

Philip is spot on. The 'markets' in London are just a money grab, not like the real markets seen outside the UK. Fun if you're wandering past, but not worth a special trip.

Winter Wonderland is a shadow of it's earlier self, now way too commercial. Again, fun if you happen to wander past, but don't lose sleep if you're going to miss it.

Despite the negative comments, I would go to the markets mentioned. People sometimes have different perceptions and may not like something you would enjoy. My wife and I will be In and out of London the first three weeks of December. We have tickets for shows at Royal Albert Hall and St. Martins. There are historical homes that are decorated for the holidays. Windows of the big department stores are always fun. I would imagine there will be more info online in September. Have fun!!

Thank you for all the suggestions. I have been to the UK over 15 times and I wanted to add something different to my itinerary. Since its around the holidays, I though one of the markets would be fun. Loved the idea of ice skating!

We were there around that time 3 of the past 5 years and one of our more memorable days was a couple of years ago when we went to Dennis Sever's House decorated for Christmas on a Sunday followed by a Sunday roast at the nearby Hawksmoor -Spitalfields. We spent the rest of the day walking around the area. The Christmas markets didn't seem as interesting as in previous years but maybe that was because the novelty wore off. Worth a look if you are in the area though. I thought the market in Bath was slightly more interesting. It wouldn't be worth a trip for me unless I was planning a trip there anyway. Enjoy it! It's a magical place for us in December and we are looking forward to going back again real soon.