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Guide to Southbank Christmas Market in London 2023

Southbank Christmas Market is a festive market located along the banks of the River Thames. It takes place from Thursday 2nd November until Tuesday 26h December 2023. The market features a variety of attractions, including food vendors offering delicacies like Dutch pancakes, truffle burgers, and duck wraps. Visitors can also indulge in sweet treats such as mince pies and gourmet cheese toasties.

This post tells you everything you need to know about visiting Southbank Christmas Market.

southbank christmas market
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy

About Southbank Christmas Market

Southbank Christmas Market is situated near iconic landmarks like the London Eye, and Royal Festival Hall. Throughout the market, you can find wooden chalets decorated with Christmas lights, housing unique gifts, stocking fillers, and festive treats, creating a lively and cheerful shopping experience.

Practical information, including the market’s location and opening times, can be found below.

Opening Times

Southbank Centre Winter Market operates from 11am to 10pm from Sunday-Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, it has extended hours, running from 11am to 11pm.

On December 24th, the market opens earlier at 10am and closes at 5pm. It remains closed on December 25th, and reopens on December 26th, from 11am to 10pm.

It’s worth noting that the hours on Boxing Day may vary depending on individual market stall holders. This day marks the final day of the Winter Market.

Stalls

Southbank Christmas Market features a variety of different market stalls decorated in fairy lights. They offer a diverse range of festive goods and treats. Here’s a brief overview:

Food and Drink Stalls

Indulge in a culinary adventure with street food stalls offering Dutch pancakes, truffle burgers, duck wraps, and gourmet cheese toasties. Below is a selection of the food stalls at the Christmas Market

Dutch Pancakes

Dutch pancakes at the Southbank Christmas Market are a delightful and popular treat. These pancakes, also known as “poffertjes,” are a Dutch specialty that resembles small, fluffy pancakes. You can get toppings of Nutella, maple syrup, whipped cream or lemon juice.

southbank christmas market
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy
Dutch Pancakes
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy

The Mulled Wine Tavern

The Mulled Wine Tavern offers a variety of mulled wine options to suit different tastes, as well as shots of whisky and rum, and delicious mince pies.

southbank christmas market
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy
The Mulled Wine Tavern
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy

Levant Kitchen

Levant Kitchen sells Lebanese Street Food including falafels, halloumi, shawarma and salad.

southbank christmas market
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy
Levant Kitchen
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy

Truffle Burger

You can get delicious gourmet burgers made from aged beef patty, with fig jam, crispy onions, Raclette cheese and truffle mayonnaise. You can also get veggie truffle burgers made with a Beyond Meat patty.

southbank christmas market
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy
Truffle Burger
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy

Crêpes a La Carte

Crêpes a La Carte sells vegan and gluten free crêpes and galettes. You can choose from egg and cheese, egg, cheese, mushroom and spinach, or the vegan option which has mushroom, baby spinach, sprouts, nuts and tahini. There are also sweet options available with Nutella, salted butter caramel and dark chocolate.

southbank christmas market
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy
Crêpes a La Carte
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy

The Duck Shed

The Duck Shed offers duck burgers, duck wraps and duck salads. You can choose from British duck, Vietnamese duck, French duck, or vegan duck. Everything comes with a side of potato fries.

southbank christmas market
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy
The duck shed
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy

Christmas Cocktails

There are plenty of places at the Christmas market to grab a Christmas cocktail including The Hop Locker, Rekorderlig Cider Lodge and Beltane & Pop. As well as mulled wine you can get hot cider, hot chocolate and beer.

southbank christmas market
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy
Christmas Cocktails
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy
Mulled Wine
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy

Fire and Fromage

If you want to have a sit-down dinner or lunch, Fire and Fromage have small igloos with riverside views where you can enjoy a three course meal, or a two course pre-theatre meal. It’s a great place to go for dinner before seeing a show at the National Theatre.

southbank christmas market
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy
Fire and Fromage
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy

Other Food and Drink Stalls

  • Meltsmiths – selling grilled cheese toasties
  • The Polish Deli London – selling grilled smoked sausages
  • Blend and Roast – selling tea, coffee, hot chocolate and brownies
  • Yum Thai – selling pad Thai noodles and special fried rice
  • Oh My Dog – selling classic hot dogs, turkey dogs and vegan hot dogs
southbank christmas market
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy

Shopping Stalls

If you are looking for a unique gift, the wooden chalets house a variety items, including handmade crafts, ornaments, clothing, accessories, and artisanal products. Below is a selection of the shopping stalls at the Christmas Market.

Pincho Poncho Alpaca Wool

Pincho Poncho sells products made from alpaca wool. This includes jumpers, friendship bracelets, finger puppets, socks, and toys.

southbank christmas market
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy
Pincho Poncho Alpaca Wool
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy

Just Stars

Just Stars sells star decorations that come with a light cord and LED. A star set containing a 40cm star costs £26, and a 60cm star costs £29. You can get two sets for £50 and 3 for £75.

southbank christmas market
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy
Just Stars
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy

The Great British Bee Co

This stall sells products made from British bees including honey, candles, fragrance, soap and cosmetics. It’s a great place to buy Christmas gifts.

southbank christmas market
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy
Beeswax candles in alpine-style chalets
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy

Old Maps Library

This stall sells old maps from around the country, and around the world. You can get old maps of London, the British Empire, Arabia, Scotland, Edinburgh, Australia, Ireland, York, Norfolk, and many more. Small maps cost £27, large maps are £45 and extra large maps are £90.

southbank christmas market
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy
Old maps
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy

Linnet Jewellery

Linnet Jewellery sells a selection of rings, bracelets and necklaces. It’s a great place to buy a special Christmas present.

southbank christmas market
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy
Linnet Jewellery
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy

Rusty Signs

This stall sells old signs, badges and plaques. The collection includes signs with vintage advertisements, retro badges, and decorative plaques.

south bank christmas market
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy
stall at southbank centre winter festival
Photograph by Olivia Herlihy

Location

Southbank Christmas Market is located under Hungerford Bridges and Golden Jubilee Bridges, in between Royal Festival Hall and the London Eye. You can walk there from Waterloo Station, or from Westminster Station, by crossing over Westminster Bridge.

FAQs about Southbank Christmas Market

How long is the Southbank Christmas market on for?

Southbank Christmas Market is on for seven and a half weeks, from 2nd November until 26th December 2023.

Do you need tickets for Southbank Christmas Market?

No, you do not need tickets for Southbank Christmas Market.

What is the closest tube to Southbank Market?

The closest tube stations are either Waterloo or Westminster.

How many stalls are there in Southbank Christmas market?

There are around 21 stalls at Southbank Christmas Market.

Video of Southbank Christmas Market

Other Christmas Markets in London

If you want to visit other London Christmas markets over the holiday season, check out the links below.

This post was about Southbank Christmas Market

Thank you for reading my post about Southbank Christmas Market. The market is a vibrant hub that captures the essence of the festive season. With its seasonal pop-ups, diverse shopping stalls, and spirited atmosphere, this market is a must-visit destination. Immerse yourself in the joyous blend of unique gifts, nostalgic signs, and the overall Christmas spirit at this lively celebration along the banks of the Thames.