Switch-on the Christmas lights with the new Lord Mayor, indulge in festive weekend markets, enjoy guided walks and more
The new Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alastair King DL, will be lighting up the City of London’s iconic hidden gem, Leadenhall Market, on Thursday 14th November, kickstarting the Victorian market’s Christmas celebrations.
The much-loved annual Christmas lights switch-on ceremony will take place at 6pm – complete with pyrotechnic firework fountains – unveiling the full splendour of Leadenhall Market’s giant real Christmas tree, which will sit under the breathtaking central atrium which depicts a starry night sky.
The 18-foot-tall glittering Christmas tree will be decked with a colour changing LED light display, complementing the large red and gold baubles and beautiful fir tree garlands throughout the market. A twinkling light tunnel will bring festive cheer to Beehive Passage, tempting visitors to explore the shops, restaurants and bars nestled in the cobbled alleyways of Leadenhall Market.
Shoppers will be treated to live music from Super Tenants who will be encouraging crowd participation in a range of seasonal songs from 5.30pm, before the countdown begins for the Lord Mayor Alistair King’s speech and Christmas light switch on at 6pm.
The festive garlands festooning the Victorian shopfronts are being designed by Leadenhall Market’s longstanding family run florist, Windsor flowers, where customers can pick up the perfect Christmas table centrepiece, and the market’s boutique shops, restaurants and bars will be stacked full of festive gifts, food and seasonal tipples – ideal for Christmas shopping and dining in one of London’s most beautiful locations. Please check individual stores for opening times.
The Lord Mayor’s switch on is appropriate as former Lord Mayor Richard ‘Dick’ Whittington gifted the previous stone structure of Leadenhall Market to the City of London in 1411. This was replaced in 1881 with Leadenhall Market’s current stunning wrought iron and glass architecture.
- Christmas weekend markets
Bringing more festive sparkle, the popular weekend pop up markets, introduced for the first time earlier this year to bring the market back to Leadenhall, will return for the Christmas season. South-London based SoLo Craft Fair will feature a beautiful array of Christmas gifts, from uniquely hand-crafted art, jewellery, and home accessories to children’s toys and more. Run by makers, for makers, SoLo Craft Fair supports a pool of carefully selected, talented crafters that have proved very popular with weekend shoppers looking for something new.
Judy’s presents The Vintage Furniture & Flea Market has drawn in shoppers throughout the summer months with their eclectic collections of one-off pieces of furniture from the mid-century onwards, alongside fashion from the twenties to the noughties. This market day will be ideal for picking up a standout seasonal piece to create the perfect cosy home or one-of-a-kind present ideas for vintage fans.
- Saturday 16 November – SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market
- Sunday 24 November – The Vintage Furniture & Flea Christmas Market
- Saturday 7 December – SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market
- Festive walks
After the official light switch-on, visitors are invited to explore the illuminated Market by joining Leadenhall’s popular guided walks. From 20 November these tours will embrace a Christmas theme, sharing stories of the market’s holiday traditions past and present. From its Roman origins to Dickens’ Victorian celebrations and the City’s most fortunate and fearless goose – Old Tom – the tours blend fascinating history with festive fun. Led by a City of London guide, the walks are suitable for all ages and will be held every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, priced £8.30, between 20 November and 11 December. Booking in advance is required to secure your place (see website for details: leadenhallmarket.co.uk/festive-guided-walks-2024/)
- Workshops and tastings
Over the Christmas season, Leadenhall Market offers fantastic festive shopping, with some tenants also hosting exclusive Christmas activities. From 15 November, Pollock’s Toy Museum pop up will invite children of all ages to decorate their own Victorian-style face mask (contribution £2), the perfect accessory for any upcoming Christmas parties. Also available, the chance to make Danish woven paper hearts, designed to hang up as festive decoration or give as a gift – materials and assistance supplied. Pollock’s Toy Museum is open from 11am to 3pm on Wednesdays and Fridays until the 20 December.
In the run up to Christmas, wine merchants Amathus are hosting Customer tastings every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. For the wine lovers in your life, Amathus offers bespoke presents, including personalised bottle engravings and corporate gifting ideas. For those planning the office party, bulk discounts are available for corporate events.
Situated in the centre of the City of London’s financial district, the current Grade II listed Market building, designed by Sir Horace Jones, dates back to 1881. Its airy and light wrought iron and glass structure replaced the stone market previously created by Lord Mayor of London, Dick Whittington in the 15th Century. Now, the market is home to 23 restaurants, cafes and bars, which sit alongside 15 retail outlets, creating a hub for shopping and dining in the City.
Leadenhall Market is owned and managed by The City of London Corporation.