London Christmas Market recomendations

bigmaz

Hi Guys

We are going down to London this weekend for the long weekend, just wondering if anyone can recommend a Christmas market to visit?  Somewhere with good choice of food stalls.  There seems to be a lot of different markets.  We were going to do the Hyde Park one, but not sure about having to pay for food tickets etc.  Want somewhere we can wander around and choose what we want when we get there.  Also a lot of people saying the Leicester Sq market is ridiculously busy, I realise they will all be busy, but that one seems more so.

Thanks in advance.

daveyjp

I'd find one out of central.  Greenwich for example.

strawb_shortcake

I wouldn't bill Winter wonderland as a Christmas market, yes there are stalls, but it's very commercial and I think to really enjoy it for what it is you need to go to attractions, the ice statues, ice bar, circus etc and that's going to cost you ££'s.

I can't recommend what I'd consider a Christmas market in London, but as an area Greenwich is lovely

Grumpy_chap

Wherever you go, don't do Buckingham Palace Christmas Market:
https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/buckingham-palace-christmas-market-hoax-b2868871.html

dever33

You can try Southbank. It has plenty of food stalls, you can walk in freely and it feels calmer than Leicester Square. Kingston’s riverside market is also a good option if you want space to wander and pick food as you go. Both give you an easier time than Hyde Park if you want something simple without extra tickets.

plumb1_2

Don’t forget to take your Stab vest with you. And ware clothing with zips/buttons .And keep your mobile in a inside pocket 

martindow

plumb1_2 said:

Don’t forget to take your Stab vest with you. And ware clothing with zips/buttons .And keep your mobile in a inside pocket 

Or don't be paranoid and enjoy your trip.  Be sensible as you would be in any busy place, but there is no need to be fearful.

Eldi_Dos

martindow said:

plumb1_2 said:

Don’t forget to take your Stab vest with you. And ware clothing with zips/buttons .And keep your mobile in a inside pocket 

Or don't be paranoid and enjoy your trip.  Be sensible as you would be in any busy place, but there is no need to be fearful.

The comment made by @plumb1_2 was just a bit of fun.

I have relatives who have worked in the building game for decades, one recurring story I have heard is when they have been on regeneration projects that last several years, part of the contract is to employ local young people and assist in their training. When that particular project finishes and the company is moving onto the next project, which may be only 3 or 4 miles away, they often offer the young guys who have a good work record a start at the new site
Some of these young lads decline because they are 'fearful' of leaving their own postcodes and working in what they percieve to be another 'turf'.

Sad reflection on our Capital but seems to something that goes on.

plumb1_2

I don’t think I would visit any major city Christmas markets. I would feel unsafe.  Maybe an age thing ?

Crowed markets are the unsavoury characters playground imo. It’s a sad reflection in today’s society that I feel this way. 10 yrs ago I would have had a different perspective on them.
Some towns and cities are installing anti ram bollards , so imo they must have intelligence from a source. Hopefully i am 100% wrong

So for those going have a safe and happy time. Merry Christmas to all.

thegreenone

plumb1_2 said:

I don’t think I would visit any major city Christmas markets. I would feel unsafe.  Maybe an age thing ?

Crowed markets are the unsavoury characters playground imo. It’s a sad reflection in today’s society that I feel this way. 10 yrs ago I would have had a different perspective on them.
Some towns and cities are installing anti ram bollards , so imo they must have intelligence from a source. Hopefully i am 100% wrong

So for those going have a safe and happy time. Merry Christmas to all.

Towns and cities both here and in Europe have had anti ram barriers for years.  It's not a new thing.  Usual precautions need to be adhered to, wherever, whenever you travel.  Common sense.  We have just returned from 5 nights in Cologne to visit the Christmas markets.   They have temporary anti ram barriers that are operated by stewards.  We had a fabulous time and at no point did we feel unsafe, day or night.

As for London - a wander around Covent Garden should put you in the Christmas mood, although not a market as such.