’Tis the season for those alluring Christmas markets, and where better to be for that Christmas-market experience than England’s Christmasy, carolling capital? So whether you’re looking for ideas to fill stockings or just fill your face, here are four of the best vegan-friendly Christmas markets in London to add some sparkle to your Christmas 2023.
Camden Christmas Market
When its lively market feel gets a dose a jolly Christmas spirit, Camden Christmas Market becomes an unmissable winter attraction. While browsing the miscellany of stalls, which sell everything from vegan leather goods to handmade jewellery, you can indulge in an assortment of vegan goodies, including Keto Street’s innovative low-carb, gluten-free, sugar-free, grain-free, dairy-free, yeast-free pizza, washed down with some festive spiced rum or traditional mulled wine.
Where: Camden Lock Market and Camden High Street, North London.
When: 16 November – 24 December 2023, 10:00–18:00
Price: Free
Nearest Underground Stations:
Camden Town
Chalk Farm
Camden Road
Directions: Click to Google Maps
Southbank Winter Market
Make a riverside rendezvous with the Southbank Winter Market, where Alpine-style huts line the Thames beneath twinkling Christmas lights. The many stalls of street food include vegan and gluten-free crêpes and galettes, vegan duck and vegan hot dog, livened up by music and dance performances, comedy, curling and marshmallow-toasting, to name just a few Yuletide treats the market has in store.
Where: The Queen’s Walk (near the London Eye)
When: 28 October 2023 – 7 January 2024
Fri & Sat 11:00–23:00
Sun–Thur 11:00–22:00
Christmas Eve: 10:00–16:00
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: 11:00–15:00
Price: Free
Nearest Underground Stations:
Waterloo
Embankment
Directions: Click to Google Maps
Spitalfields Christmas Market
Spitalfields is a laid-back market with stalls, live music, theatre and side events. Among the gourmet food trucks, you can find plenty of vegan eats to bring some festive plant-based cheer, including Crosstown’s vegan ice creams and doughnuts (look out for their signature vegan Ginger, Blackberry & Pear).
Where: 65 Brushfield Street
When: 15 November – 24 December 2023
Price: Free
Nearest Underground Station: Liverpool Street
Directions: Click to Google Maps
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Having begun as just a Christmas market back in 2007, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has grown into an iconic annual event packed with stalls, rides, games and live performances. The six-week winter spectacle is divided into the following zones: ‘Exhilarating Coasters’, ‘High Adrenaline’, ‘Family Favourites’, ‘Funsize Thrills’ (for children), ‘Attractions’, ‘Food and Drink’ and ‘Discover’. A variety of dietary requirements are covered, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal. For details of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland’s food and drink, see here.
Where: Hyde Park (see detailed map)
When: 17 November 2023 – 3 January 2024
Price: Free entry at off-peak times; otherwise, prices start from £5.00.
Nearest Underground Stations:
Marble Arch
Hyde Park Corner
Knightsbridge
Directions: Click to Google Maps
IMPORTANT
Advance booking is required. You have to book a two-hour arrival slot, but so long as you arrive within that timeframe, you can stay for as long as you like. Link to booking page here.
NOTE: By spending £25 per person at the time of booking on attractions, rides, games and food, you’ll receive free admission.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland’s downloadable map is available here.
The official Hyde Park Winter Wonderland app, for easy access to tickets, rides and attractions, is available here.
Tips for Visiting Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
- Avoid bringing in cameras, especially ones with large lenses; otherwise, security could deny you access (without refunding your money) as they may assume you’re there to take photos for commercial use. To be safe, use the camera on your phone for taking photos.
- Exceptionally tall people may find it difficult or impossible to go on some of the rides.
- Dress warmly, especially if you’re planning on going ice skating there or visiting Bar Ice or the Magical Ice Kingdom.
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