Christmas Markets are back on London streets

The festive season is now upon us. The decorative lights on main streets are shining (so pretty on Oxford Street!), long shelves in every shop are full of Christmas puddings, shopping fever has begun. This is the time of year that the Christmas Markets are being opened. Some of them just for a certain day of a week, some are known just to locals, some have a long tradition and are well-known across London.

Southbank Centre is a host to the popular Cologne Market with 60 beautifully lit wooden huts, full of traditional German-style food, mulled wine, hand-crafted gifts and Christmas decorations.

For those who are more picky and conscious about what and how they eat, there is a Christmas Slow Food market from 19 December. There you can buy carefully selected food, but also learn how to prepare vegetarian Christmas dinner, take part in a butchery workshop or try some tasty mulled wines.

Going along the Thames a little further, there is the Dazzle exhibition at the London National Theatre with contemporary designer jewellery and prints. Whether your favourite material for a necklass is silver, gold, precious stone or even wood or recycled paper anyone can find a special gift for a loved one here.

Not a big fan of following the crowd? Why not to try something local. There is the Hidden Art – Christmas Design Fair at the Old Truman Brewery in East London where you can find unique gifts from a selection of fashion, jewellery, interior products and ceramics.

If shopping for you needs to be a part of Christmas fun, not a purpose in itself then the Portobello Winter Festival is for you. There, you can enjoy food tasting, free gin cocktails, dance workshops, free film screenings and street performers. If you bring a flyover, which you can print out on their website, you will get some special offers from local designer shops and cafes.

Search for more local Christmas Markets at www.viewlondon.co.uk .

Enjoy the festive season!

Photo from Flickr by renaissancechambara's