Greenwich is primarily known for its maritime history, the Royal Observatory, and the prime meridian.
The area gains additional charm during the Christmas period when Greenwich Market hosts its special Christmas event, attracting locals and tourists alike for a unique shopping experience.
In this article, you’ll find all the essential details, such as 2024 dates, opening times, and the range of local specialties awaiting you at Greenwich Christmas Market.
Greenwich becomes a hub for various winter activities, such as ice skating in the historic setting, providing you with a unique way to celebrate the holidays.
Greenwich Christmas Market
The Christmas market in Greenwich has a distinct appeal, with over 150 wooden Christmas stalls situated within a World Heritage site.
This market specialises in handmade items, including crafts, jewellery, and clothing, along with a diverse selection of food and drinks.
Every Wednesday in December, the market extends its opening hours for late-evening sessions, ideal for those looking to explore after work.
The holiday season is officially marked with a lantern procession involving local schoolchildren, making it a community-centric event.
Dates and Location
Greenwich dates: From 20th November 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Greenwich Market, London.
Opening hours: 4pm to 6pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Christmas lights: Yes, starting with a lantern procession.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes, at Queen’s House Ice Rink, a 4 minute walk from Greenwich Market.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: UNESCO World Heritage site location with 150+ wooden stalls.
Recommended sightseeing: Royal museums Greenwich day pass.
Specialities: British mulled wine, fruit mince pies, local cheese, artisan chocolates, British puddings.
Where to stay: The Mitre is a popular hotel, located 2 minutes from Greenwich Market.
Convenient Hotels
The best area to stay in Greenwich for easy access to the Christmas market is close to the Cutty Sark DLR station. This location provides a straightforward route to the market and other notable sites in Greenwich.
I’d recommend The Mitre for its proximity to both the Christmas market and convenient transport links.
Event Location
Recommended Tours
A city tour of London provides an excellent opportunity to explore the city’s diverse history and culture.
The capital is brimming with iconic landmarks, world-renowned museums, and vibrant neighbourhoods, making it a must-visit at any time of the year.
You might like to visit some of this World Heritage area’s iconic museums in Greenwich. This Greenwich museums day pass is a great bundle that provides access to the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark.
For something different, try this Secret Old London walking tour.
If you’re interested in the culinary aspect of London, a food tour is a compelling alternative. This is a hugely popular London food tour.
These tours are gaining in popularity and provide an informative and delicious way to understand local culture and flavours.
For more information on holiday markets in the capital, you’ll find my best London Christmas Market guide especially useful for planning your visits to other festive destinations in London.
If you’re interested in a day trip or weekend getaway, check out my list of the best UK Christmas markets to get some ideas on where to go later this year.
Christmas in Greenwich
Food Specialties
Mulled Wine: A warming drink found at many stalls, mulled wine in Greenwich Christmas Market is often made using local recipes. Spices like cinnamon and cloves infuse the wine, providing a comforting aroma and taste. It’s a popular choice for both keeping warm and getting into the holiday spirit.
Mince Pies: These traditional British treats are usually filled with dried fruits, spices, and a bit of brandy. Mince pies from the Greenwich market often incorporate unique twists, such as a crumble topping or unconventional spices, elevating this classic snack.
Local Cheese: Vendors at the market sell a selection of British cheeses, including varieties sourced from local farms around Greenwich. These can range from hard cheddar to creamy blues, offering a different culinary angle to your Christmas market experience.
Artisan Chocolates: Handcrafted chocolates are a feature at the Greenwich market. Expect intricate designs and an array of flavours, some of which may even incorporate local ingredients, like Kentish cherries.
British Puddings: Aside from the typical plum pudding, you’ll find a selection of British puddings that include regional favourites like sticky toffee pudding or spotted dick. These desserts provide a sweet end to your market visit.
Gingerbread: Shaped in festive designs, the gingerbread cookies here offer a blend of spices that give them a distinctive flavour. It’s not just about the shape; it’s about the taste that resonates with the holiday spirit.
Sausage Rolls: An essential British snack, sausage rolls at this market often come with seasonally inspired fillings. Think sage-infused pork or even a hint of apple to celebrate the holiday season in a local way.
Bratwurst: For those looking for something a bit more international, various stalls also serve up traditional German bratwurst. These sausages are grilled to perfection and offer a different but equally satisfying snack option.
Churros: A Spanish classic, the Greenwich Christmas Market churros often come with a British twist, such as a locally made dipping sauce. Fried to a golden crisp, they’re both a delicious and international addition to the food scene.
Gifts and Stocking Fillers
Local Art Prints: Vendors at the Christmas market in Greenwich often sell prints featuring local landmarks or maritime themes in line with Greenwich’s history. Made by local artists, these pieces serve as both a memento of your trip and support for the local art community.
Crafted Candles: These aren’t your typical scented candles. Often made using eco-friendly wax and infused with organic herbs or essential oils, these candles reflect the market’s emphasis on sustainable and artisanal products.
British Teas: You can purchase an assortment of British tea blends, including those flavoured with traditional holiday spices. These teas offer both a warm beverage for the cold weather and a take-home gift that’s easily packable.
Nautical Decor: In keeping with Greenwich’s maritime history, stalls sell nautical-themed decor. Whether it’s model ships, maritime maps, or compasses, these items provide a unique, localised touch to the market’s offerings.
Gourmet Preserves: Local artisans offer jars of homemade jams, marmalades, and chutneys, often made with British fruits. You’ll find flavours that are a bit out of the ordinary, making them excellent gifts or additions to your holiday feast.
Christmas Ornaments: While these are more typical of Christmas markets in general, the ones in Greenwich often have a unique twist. Expect to find ornaments shaped like famous local landmarks or even small model ships to hang on your tree.
Antique Maps: Given the area’s history, some stalls offer antique or replica maps of maritime routes or Greenwich itself. These maps offer a piece of local history that can make for an intriguing gift or souvenir.
Children’s Toys: Often handcrafted and painted wooden toys are available at several stalls. These toys not only provide a nostalgic charm but are also made to comply with current safety standards, making them ideal gifts for the younger members of your family.
Local Spirits: You can often find small-batch gin, whiskey, or even spiced rum from local distilleries. These spirits often incorporate regional botanicals, making them both a unique gift and a taste of Greenwich in a bottle.
Things to Do in Winter
For the most current information on activities and events in the city, including winter happenings, I recommend you consult Visit Greenwich, the area’s official website.
Sustainability Tips
Eco-friendly Hotels:
When choosing a place to stay, consider hotels that are committed to using renewable energy. Greenwich has a growing number of establishments that prioritise sustainability, often sourcing their electricity from wind or solar power. These hotels also typically feature water-saving fixtures and energy-efficient lighting.
Reducing Food Waste:
The Christmas markets in Greenwich are a feast for the senses, but it’s easy to overindulge. To minimise waste, consider sharing dishes with your travel companions. Many stalls are happy to divide portions, making it easier for you to sample a wider variety of foods without contributing to waste.
Ethical Consumption:
While the Christmas market offers an array of tempting gifts, it’s essential to shop mindfully. Consider purchasing locally made or sustainably sourced items, and consider each item’s usefulness before buying. In Greenwich, many stalls sell handcrafted goods made from recycled or upcycled materials.
Sustainable Diets:
Eating locally sourced and plant-based foods can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Greenwich has a good number of stalls that offer vegan or vegetarian options prepared using local ingredients. This supports local farmers and minimises transport-related emissions.
If you would like to leave a review of Greenwich Xmas Market, comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Greenwich, London. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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