Friday 19th November – Light switch on with Lord Mayor of London
Wednesday 8th December – Christmas workshops, music and late-night shopping
The iconic Victorian splendour of the City of London’s Leadenhall Market will be sparkling with light as its giant Christmas tree, decorations and beautiful garlands are unveiled on Friday 19th November. As part of the much-loved annual ceremony, The Lord Mayor of London will switch on the lights at 6pm, accompanied by firework fountains to kick-start Christmas.
A fun filled festive evening of late-night shopping and Christmas workshops – from wreathmaking to whisky tasting – with Leadenhall Market’s talented tenants follows on Wednesday 8th December.
On 19th November, the free to attend evening starts a festive sing-a-long and live music from interactive party starters The Super Tenants from 5.15pm, before the countdown begins for the Lord Mayor’s speech and Christmas light switch on at 6pm. More music – including a Christmas mash-up – follows to soundtrack the opportunity to browse Leadenhall Market’s boutique stores, eat delicious food and toast the start of the festivities at its range of wine bars or traditional pub, The Lamb Tavern.
Appropriately, The Lord Mayor will arrive by Whittington Avenue – named after Dick Whittington who created the previous stone structure of Leadenhall Market in the 15th Century. This was replaced in 1881 with Leadenhall Market’s current stunning wrought iron and glass structure – including a magnificent central dome depicting a starry night sky.
On 8th December the Victorian market’s cobbled streets and airy alleyways will once again come alive with Christmas cheer. Visitors will enjoy an evening of festive fun with live music, a choice of interactive workshops, late-night shopping in the Market’s boutique stores ¹, a photobooth and the Market’s famous shoeshine team will all continue through the evening until 8pm.
Workshops will take place throughout the evening at various times². Whether it be making your very own Christmas wreath at Windsor Flowers, indulging in cheese & port tasting with Cheese at Leadenhall, discovering the best wine & charcuterie pairings with Amathus Drinks, sipping on whisky with The Lamb or learning how to wrap presents with Esther Thorpe from Origami Est, there’s plenty on offer to help people prepare for this year’s celebrations. Tickets must be booked in advance for the workshops to avoid disappointment on the night. To make a booking, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leadenhall-market-christmas-workshops-tickets-198151425247
For those simply wishing to soak up the atmosphere with family, friends or colleagues, in one of London’s most beautiful settings – made all the more magical with its Christmas decorations – the market’s 35 boutique retailers, bars, restaurants and cafes will be open as usual.
Leadenhall Market is celebrating its 700th anniversary this year, with a series of pop-ups and events. Visit www.leadenhallmarket.co.uk for more information.
Leadenhall Market is owned and managed by The City of London Corporation.