Festive Season in Spitalfields Market
Just a five-minute walk from London Liverpool Street station, Spitalfields Market (spitalfields.co.uk) is spreading festive cheer with a huge array of activations this Christmas. With twinkling LED lights shining over the market, a display of Christmas trees on Market Street, and a line-up of brand-new festive activities (such as a meet and greet day with Santa Claus and Christmas carols), there will be plenty to get into the festive spirit.
Christmas Market
The Market is filled with a variety of stalls where you can find hidden gems and unique artisanal gifts for your loved ones to remember this Christmas, from jewellery to one of a kind artwork, there is something for everyone. Spitalfields Market is home to over 90 independent traders offering contemporary and vintage fashion, music, jewellery and accessories (open every day), as well as the Arts Market in Crispin Place open Friday – Sunday supporting both up-and-coming and established local artists.
Festive Activities & Shopping
For the first time, visitors can enjoy Christmas carols in Bishops Square, with a variety of choirs performing some all-time christmassy favourites on the 30th of November, 1st December and 8th December. As well as this, there will be a meet and greet day with Santa Claus and his elves for the young ones on December 7th, with the opportunity to have a photo taken for free.
From 29th November, there will be Light the World Machines placed in Spitalfields to spread Christmas joy to everyone and donate directly to charities such as Shelter Box and The Felix Project. Donations will aid causes such as clean water, meals for vulnerable children, hygiene products, clothing and much more.
Spitalfields Market is also hosting Wildefolk Theatre’s family-friendly play The Overcoat, an adaptation of Nikolai Gogol’s short story of the same name. A classic winter tale that follows a clerk Akaki Akakievich and his journey of saving money for a new coat that later gets stolen. Wildefolk Theatre’s thrilling adaptation (written by Aysil Aksehirli) introduces a comical investigator duo, Sam and Ted, who are hot on the trail of a mysterious thief who is wreaking havoc by stealing overcoats across town. Taking place at 30 Spital Square and running from 26 November until 23 December, the East London destination offers a great backdrop to the production, filled with laughter and Christmas magic. The play is suitable for the whole family and for children over six years old.
This Christmas destination is not only providing family friendly activities across the festive season, but also is home to familiar shops everyone loves and has on their wish list this year. From Astrid & Miyu’s beautifully delicate jewellery to Malin & Goetz’s soothing gifting section, you will find exactly what you need. Other popular retailers include ON, Benefit, RAINS, Glassworks, and brand-new Earl of East. Spitalfields also boasts a wide variety of street food vendors on Lamb Street and dining restaurants and bars. Alfi has introduced Wine Wednesday’s, offering unlimited wine on tap for £15 between 5-7pm on Wednesdays, making it the perfect place for a post-Christmas shopping wind down. Alternatively head to Kill The Cat to explore the 10 different beers on tap, or their bottle shop with over one hundred beers to choose from.
