'Christmas by the River', London Bridge City’s festive market

 Christmas by the River - London Bridge City’s festive market

Christmas markets are some of the best places to shop for the festive season and London has its fair share of festive markets - from Winter Wonderland to Pexmas at Peckham and from Christmas by the River at London Bridge City to Southbank's Winter Market. With a fun-filled, festive atmosphere, not only will these markets get you into the mood for shopping (think hand-made gifts, ethical presents, locally sourced products), but you’ll also get the chance to savour tasty treats like gingerbread biscuits, mince pies, mulled wine and much more. With their sparkling lights, festive decorations and array of stalls, these markets are a lovely way to get into the Christmas spirit.

We recently visited a couple of Christmas markets in London and one of them was 'Christmas by the River', London Bridge City’s charming festive market that runs along the river from London Bridge to Tower Bridge.

Christmas by the River - London Bridge City’s festive market

London Skyline

Since its arrival a few years back, Christmas by the River has become one of London's most popular Christmas markets. The market is not huge but with its riverside setting and line of wooden winter cabins that sell everything from arts & craft to clothing & confectionery, the market has something to suit every taste.

 Christmas by the River - London Bridge City’s festive market

 Christmas by the River - London Bridge City’s festive market


Food & Drink at 'Christmas by the River'


For the foodies - whether you are heading to the market for lunch or an evening out with your family, you will love the variety on offer. Some of the stalls this year at the market include Chilli Cha Cha (Punjabi fusion fast food), Taste of Greece, Kokodoo (for Korean specials), Healthy Pad Thai, German Bratwurst, Happy Crepes, Choc n Churros, Gaucho, YT Patisserie (for French pastries), Burger & Fries and Chocolate Kisses to name a few.

Food and Drink stalls at Christmas by the River in London

Food and Drink stalls at Christmas by the River in London

Food and Drink stalls at Christmas by the River in London

Pick up one of the 'Christmas by the River' guides and will find the A-Z listing of all food & drink stalls in it.


Walking with the Snowman - Festive Art Trail


This year in addition to the market stalls, Christmas by the River features a special Snowman art trail. Twelve snowman sculptures inspired by 'The 12 Days of Christmas' have been set up in a trail across the market. It is a fun, family-friendly trail that is sure to be a hit with both the young and the old alike. Check out my 'Snowman Sculpture Trail' post for more details.

Walking with the Snowman - Festive Art Trail

Christmas Workshops


Christmas by the River is also organising a number of fun workshops in the run-up to Christmas. Some of them are listed below.

Handmade cards & wrapping paper - Wednesday, 4th December - 12:00 & 13:00
Christmas wreath making - Wednesday, 11th December - 12:00 & 13:00
Make your own Christmas Jumper - Friday, 13th December - 12:00 and 13:00
Snowman's snowglobe - Saturday, 14th December - 11:00 to 15:00
Winter wellness workshop - Wednesday, 18th December - 12:00 and 13:00

Christmas by the River in London

Christmas by the River in London

Shopping at 'Christmas by the River'


The riverside market is also great place to pick up unique gifts with a number of stalls selling a variety of items - winter woollen accessories, jewellery, toys, handlooms, home decor, beautiful paintings, traditional German candle spinners, Christmas decorations, grooming essentials, London souvenirs, ceramics, leather goods, figurines, metal signs and clothing etc. – much of which is handcrafted or created by local artists/designers.

Shopping at London's Christmas Markets

Shopping at London's Christmas Markets

Shopping at London's Christmas Markets

Shopping at London's Christmas Markets

Shopping at London's Christmas Markets

Shopping at London's Christmas Markets

London is a lovely place to visit around the holidays. If you are heading to London to explore its Christmas markets, don't forget to take a look at my A-Z London guide for some travel inspiration. And for more details on Christmas by the River's opening times, check below.

When and where


Christmas by the River | London Bridge City, SE1 2DB
26 November 2019 - 05 January 2020
Monday to Sunday: 10am to 9pm
Christmas Eve: 10am to 5pm
Christmas Day: Closed
New Year's Eve: 10am to 8pm


Christmas by the River - London Bridge City’s festive market

Christmas by the River - London Bridge City’s festive market

Christmas by the River - London Bridge City’s festive market

Christmas by the River - London Bridge City’s festive market

Insider tip 1 | The market tends to get busy during the weekends, so it’s best to visit it during the weekday to avoid the crowds.

Insider tip 2 | Not all stalls accept credit/debit cards. So, don’t forget to bring some cash with you.


Do you have any tips for visiting Christmas markets? What do you love the most about Christmas markets? Let us know via the comments section below.

20 comments:

  1. I like getting to try festive foods from different cuisines

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  2. I love the unique gifts you can't find in the shops.

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  3. Finding one of a kind hand made presents 🎁

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  4. I like the unique gifts and all the festive foods

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  5. I love the atmosphere and the unusual gifts etc, it gets me in the Christmas mood!

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  6. Great to support small businesses and they have some lovely unique gift ideas.

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  7. Great atmosphere , different cuisines and odd gifts you'd never think of buying.

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  8. I love the atmosphere - everyone smiling and happy

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  9. I love just the feel of the atmosphere, and see if I can get a bargain and some ideas

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  10. It really does get you in the festive spirit

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  11. The atmosphere is my favourite and the lights and Christmas spirit! I love them so much!

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  12. I love the variety of stalls and the music

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  13. i love a glass of mulled wine

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  14. My favourite thing about Christmas markets is that they are open at night. The atmosphere in the evening is much nicer than during the day.

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  15. I love the festive atmosphere and the lights

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  16. I live sitting with a hot chocolate, in the evening and watching people go by. It's very relaxing and festive!

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  17. I love the hustle and bustle, the lights, the food, the atmosphere and how festive it feels, and the good variety of market stalls

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  18. Escapism! A few hours spent in a cinnamon-scented, sparkling, cheery festive wonderland.

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  19. I love the things you can buy. Sometimes one off things. Plus the atmosphere is buzzing and I live that building up to christmas

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