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Best Christmas Markets in West London. The Nestor Guide to Xmas!
Mistletoe and wine, chestnuts galore! Sustainable Christmas treats & bargains up for grabs – events for all the festive elves out there. If there’s one thing that brings joy to the people of London, it is an evening well spent in one of West London’s Christmas markets.
Squares transformed into magical, Christmasy scenes, where fairy lights pay homage to delicate, glittery stalls. London is bursting with several markets to get you feeling festive.
One of the brightest things about the dark wintery nights is the shimmering Christmas lights displayed around the UK’s capital. And as the nights set in, nothing but Christmas shopping to do, and wine to drink, what better way to celebrate the festive season than in a much-needed Christmas market.
It’s safe to say, it’s been a challenging two years for everyone and in particular for London’s independent businesses. So, this year, it feels fitting to pop to a vintage fair or Christmas market to help support local vendors and traders as they seek it more than ever.
If you’re looking for a stocking filler or an excuse to enjoy mulled wine, or perhaps you’re going green in aid of the climate crisis and looking for some eco-friendly crafts, we’ve put together our favourites of the best Christmas markets in West London – each conveniently located nearby to one of Nestor’s home-like properties.
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland – November 19 to January 3
It’s not called wonderland for no reason. The largest of them all, this one needs no introduction. Drawing in Londoners, tourists, and day-trippers, this is fairyland at its best!
Let the inner child in you go free! Memories of cloud nine, majestic colourful lights, and a marvellous outdoor ice-rink – a Christmas playground if you will. These are just some of the delights on offer at Hyde Park’s enchanting corner.
Peruse the more than 100 wooden stalls with plenty of trinkets to choose from, boasting a range of handmade crafts and jewellery. Also, have we mentioned how sumptuous the food and drinks are? It’s going to be hard to not indulge, but hey that’s what Christmas is for right?
If you’re feeling brave and not afraid of heights, jump on (not literally) the Observation Wheel, or watch one of the Winter Wonderland Christmas shows. Take in the dazzling views around and enjoy a wonderland that’s draped in nothing but colour and happiness!
Chelsea’s Enchanted Christmas market– Thursday 9–Sunday 12 December, and Thursday 16–Sunday 19 December 2021
A traditional and classic Christmas market at its finest, showcasing the best of its holiday edit. Festive face painting, handmade decorations, food and drinks, hot chocolate – all with the trappings of truly opulent wealth.
Roam around a mini wonderland as vendors showcase the gift selection. Discover jewellery, stationery including leather notebooks, luscious beauty and wellbeing products, cashmere scarves, artwork, and homeware. All made by independent designer-makers and local artisans, you can go home with one-of-a-kind pieces.
This luxury fair is a superb place to find unique gifts for the family, located in the grandiose Chelsea Old Town Hall.
Hurry though, don’t miss out – each ticket includes a free mince pie and a cup of hot chocolate to keep you warm!
Sustainable Christmas Wreath Workshop in West London, held by Clarissa’s Flowers – 9 December
Now, this isn’t exactly a Christmas market, but it’s a workshop where you can learn how to create your own Christmas wreath! And given our efforts to become a more sustainably-minded business, we just had to include this one! Sustainability is at the heart of everything floral designer Clarissa Jeffery makes.
You can choose from a delightful selection of fresh and dried foliage/flowers to design your wreath, and you’ll receive step-by-step guidance along the way.
What’s more, Cafe Des Sports will be providing all the materials along with mulled wine and mince pies – what could be better!
Hang your wreath with pride this year. It’ll have the planet’s seal of approval.
Deck the Halls at Pergola Paddington – Until 31 December
Pergola Paddington is hosting its ‘Deck the Halls’ celebration for the festive season.
Get ready for 350 Christmas trees encompassing a winter wonderland forest.
If you’re just looking to soak up the Christmas atmosphere, opt for a cocktail or two at the private bar in Alpine Lodge. Or perhaps, log fires and comfort food is more your thing? Well, with five new pop-up restaurants, you won’t be short of options.
Plus, the pop-up will also host winter bottomless brunch, wreath-making workshops, and Christmas choirs. It couldn’t get more festive!
Eccleston Yards Christmas Market – Saturday and Sunday from December 4 – 19
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from London Victoria, the picturesque Eccleston Yards Christmas Market is open every day from 11 am to 5 pm. Go and explore the festive courtyard, buzzing with gifts, food, and mulled wine from recently opened brunch spot, Morena!
Independent artisan businesses, including handcrafted homeware, plants, art, ceramics, accessories, fashion, jewellery and baked delights, have all set up home here – and just in time for Christmas!
This year, go green and opt for earth-friendly, sustainable Christmas cards, vegan candles or DIY crafts to enjoy with the family. You can even purchase environmentally friendly skincare from Vui Vui Botanic Atelier or woollen stocking fillers from UDOM – perfect for reducing your environmental footprint this Christmas.
Jones Family Kitchen and Wild By Tart offer lots of delicious food to choose from while taking in all the festive scents and tunes playing around you. You can even try your hand at traditional gingerbread decorating – whatever you’re in the mood for!
Christmas at Portobello – every Sunday until 19 Dec
Did you know that Portobello’s popular stretch of antique markets is actually the largest in the world?
We didn’t either. And now it’s even opening its famous streets to locals and tourists alike on Sundays to let us explore their artisan fairs. Pick up a period piece, some eye-catching Christmas decorations, music from Portobello personalities, and artisanal gifts from local designers.
Get ready for festive-themed street food, live entertainment, an array of one-off vintage pieces and designs, and lots more.
Coined as a “festive winter market with a Portobello twist” – this one is not to be missed! Get your Christmas shopping straight from the market this year.
So whether you’re looking to purchase a £20 bauble, acquire a Germanic nutcracker for your window sill or meet a new drinking companion this Christmas – there’s something for everyone and certainly lots of festive spirit to get you in the mood! Egg-nog yourself out.
It’s also worth staying nearby to make a weekend out of it! If you’re looking for nearby earth-friendly accommodation, look no further.
Our collection of charming properties are located in the heart of London and are ready to welcome you – from stylish Kensington studios at The Knaresborough to luxury stays in Kensington at The Carlyle to unique, colourful hotel rooms in the boutique Warwick hotel in Victoria. For the perfect stay near to the best Christmas markets in West London, book now!
From all of us at Nestor, wishing you a happy, healthy Christmas period! Stay safe.