With Christmas in the air, there’s no better time to soak up the wonderful festive atmosphere with a trip to London. The city comes alive during the Christmas season, with magical activities and entertainment, stunning light displays, and best of all, the fantastic markets that set up shop all across the capital.
With The Chilworth London Paddington enjoying a handy city central location close to Paddington, it’s the best place to be if you want to tick off London’s many festive markets off your list this year. Read on to find out about the best Christmas markets taking place across the capital, and start planning your seasonal shopping!
Winter Market at the Southbank Centre
Close to the bank of the River Thames, the Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival is one of the highlights on London’s seasonal calendar, and you can expect a huge array of festive delights to enjoy. As part of the Winter Festival, you’ll find a lovely traditional Winter Market, packed with everything you’d expect, from tasty seasonal street food, hot drinks and snacks, to gifts galore.
Look out for a wide range of international fare, with seasonal treats drawing inspiration from all over the globe. You can expect mouth-watering German sausages, Italian cookies, French pancakes and plenty more. As well as lots of food, the Winter Market also features a great variety of artisanal crafts, making it an ideal place to pick up gifts and decorations for the festive holiday. After your shopping, head to the Circus Bar within the festival space, where you can enjoy a relaxed cocktail, or even catch a classic festive film screening.
The Winter Market at the Southbank Centre is easy to get to from Paddington via the Circle or District lines on the Underground. With great value London Paddington hotel deals, book your stay nearby and enjoy style, comfort and the convenience of getting around London with ease.
Angel Market at Winter Wonderland
For a Christmas market in easy walking distance of The Chilworth London Paddington, it’s hard to beat the stunning Winter Wonderland. Free to enter, Winter Wonderland takes over the spacious area of Hyde Park each winter and packs the park with plenty of festive activities, including funfair rides, an ice rink, and a bustling market.
As the park is free to enter, it’s a great place to enjoy a stroll when you feel like taking in a little of the city’s Christmas spirit. You’ll find plenty of gifts, toys and other goodies to purchase at the market, as well as heaps of other entertainment. Look out for the magical lights around the park – if you can, it’s best enjoyed after dark, when the area really comes alive with all its technicolour splendour. It’s also well worth booking tickets for some of the great rides and shows taking place in the park while you’re there.
Fortnum’s Christmas Arcade at Somerset House
Hosted by the iconic gourmet food store, Fortnum and Mason, Somerset House’s Christmas market promises plenty of delicious delicacies to enjoy. If you’re on the hunt for a gift for a food lover, this is the perfect place to find it.
Fortnum’s Christmas Arcade takes place in the elegant surroundings of the West Wing in Somerset House, where you’ll find a wide selection of goodies from Fortnum. Take your pick from fragrant teas and coffees, irresistible biscuits, and tempting chocolates. You’ll also be able to sample some warming hot chocolate, and if you have a little extra free time after your shopping spree, it’s also worth checking out the fantastic ice rink next door to the arcade.
After all that festive activity, don’t forget to treat yourself – enjoy a lovely and relaxing dinner in one of the best restaurants Paddington.
Borough Market
Borough Market is renowned for its stunning range of artisanal food and drink sellers through the year, but at Christmas, it takes this to the next level. As you step into the market, you can enjoy beautiful festive decorations all around you, from elaborate wreaths to perfectly placed lights and baubles. With cosy seating around the market, it’s the ideal place to head to and enjoy a little downtime, as you escape the hectic pace of the city outside.
As well as charming décor, you’ll also find delicious festive food, and plenty of premium ingredients to furnish the Christmas table with. Look out for exquisite cheeses, gorgeous chocolates, and wonderful festive hampers to give to your nearest and dearest. If all that food shopping leaves you feeling peckish, you’ll also find plenty of snacks to keep your appetite sated, with fresh coffee stands and warm cakes and pastries to enjoy.
Borough Market is easy to get to from London Bridge station, by following the exit marked in the subway. While the market is usually only open during weekdays, during the Christmas period, you’ll be able to check it out at weekends too, from 4 December.
Christmas Market at Tate Modern
Christmas markets traditional conjure up images of traditional Bavarian wooden chalets, lit up beautifully with gentle candlelights and fairy lights. While you might be in the heart of modern London at The Chilworth London Paddington, you’re not far away from the traditional market experience. This year, you’ll find a charming and romantic traditional Christmas market outside the Tate Modern, complete with picturesque wooden chalets, lit up by strings of coloured lights.
The market is filled with traditional gifts and products, including handmade Christmas baubles, children’s toys and beautiful accessories. You’ll also find lots of seasonally flavoured delicacies to enjoy while you’re there, including juicy, freshly cooked sausages, sweet toasted nuts, and warming mulled wine, cider and hot chocolate.
With festive music in the air and a relaxed, scenic atmosphere, it’s a great place to head to, for a leisurely stroll. Afterwards, head into the art gallery for a little culture, or head across towards the beautiful sight of St Paul’s Cathedral, for some exceptional photo opportunities during the winter season.
55 Westbourne Terrace, Paddington, London W2 3UY
