I know the Christmas markets tend to be touristy, but any recommendations as to the least touristy? I am hoping to do some Christmas shopping and looking for local crafts. I also will have my two daughters with me (ages 9 and 10) so they would love treats/hot chocolate and ice skating!
thank you.
Jessica - Take a trip to the Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park Christmas market in London. There are rides, food, and an ice skating rink.
Go to Liberty just to see it’s unique architecture and the festive decor. Truly an oh my moment.
Each time I am in London for the holidays I do find some Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers (ornaments, trinkets, cards, art, etc) at the Saturday Portobello Road market. Go early.
Same with Brick Lane. The Southbank Centre market is new and worth a gander.
On Dec Fridays starting at 5pm the Maltby Night Christmas markets are in full swing.
I’m also one who finds interesting gifts in Museum gifts stores. The V & A, British Museum, Transport Museum have all provided holiday presents. Remember you don’t have to pay to enter the above museums.
Lastly if in London on Christmas Day be sure to reserve a spot for dinner or if in AirBnB do your grocery shopping the night before.
Virtually nothing open on Christmas Day and no public transport.
Last year Emma and Claudia helped me with my planning to London for Christmas and their recommendations are spot on. I would try to at least consider going to one or more of their recommendations. As for the Christmas markets, we went to several of the markets, but really didn’t find anything interesting.
If you want the market experience, rides, ice skating, and a fun carnival atmosphere, I would recommend Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. It is free to get in and it has most of the booths that I saw at the other markets. The one recommendation would be to go before 7:00 if you can, it can get quite crowded and if arrive before 7, it is easier to navigate and less waiting in line.
The other place that I would recommend for ice skating is the ice rink at the Natural History Museum. If your girls are up to it, you can combine ice skating with a museum visit.
I would also recommend the Gingerbread City (this year at the Somerset House):https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/museum-architectures-gingerbread-city. We went last year and it was one of the best things we did for the holiday. The cities leading designers and architects create the city of the future made entirely of gingerbread and confections. They even have gingerbread workshops. Book this in advance, it sells out quickly.
Finally, we got a lot of our gifts for the holidays at Borough Market. Check the hours as you will want to go when the full market is open. The food is great and I got local gifts (great chocolates & sweets), jams, etc. Here is the link with the details. Https://boroughmarket.org.uk/
Have a great trip.
Sandy
For the closest to a German Christmas market take a train (1:23 on Virgin/Avanti)(2:00 on London Northwestern Railway) to Birmingham New Street - the German Christmas Market is just outside, along New Street and into Victoria Square. Much more expensive than a German Market in Germany, but the atmosphere is pleasant.
