Greenwich gains additional interest leading up to Christmas when Greenwich Market hosts its special event and lantern parade, attracting locals and tourists alike for a unique shopping experience.
Read on for the confirmed 2024 opening dates and what to expect.
Greenwich Christmas Market
Dates and Location – Confirmed
Greenwich dates: From 20th November 2024 (confirmed). Verify the details here.
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 away.
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 unique 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 the Market.
Convenient Hotels
The best area to stay in Greenwich is close to the Cutty Sark DLR station. This location provides a straightforward route to the market and other notable sites in Greenwich. I recommend The Mitre if you want to stay nearby.
Event Location
Recommended Tours
You might like to visit some of the iconic museums in Greenwich, which are part of the World Heritage area. 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 I have taken.
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 UK Christmas Markets List to get some ideas on where to go later this year.
What to Expect
Greenwich has a distinct appeal, with over 150 stalls situated within a World Heritage site.
This market specialises in handmade items, including crafts, jewellery, clothing, and 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.
Food Specialties
- Mulled Wine: Spices like cinnamon and cloves infuse the wine, providing a comforting aroma and taste. It’s a popular choice for keeping warm and getting into the holiday spirit.
- Mince Pies: Greenwich market pies 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.
- Artisan Chocolates: Handcrafted chocolates are available. Expect intricate designs and various 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 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 locally.
- Bratwurst: For those looking for something more international, various stalls also serve traditional German bratwurst. These perfectly grilled sausages offer a different but equally satisfying snack option.
- Churros: A Spanish classic, fried to a golden crisp, they’re a delicious international addition to the food scene.
Gifts and Stocking Fillers
- Local Art Prints: Find 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.
- Ornaments: While these are more typical of 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.
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 places 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: Greenwich shops 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 market offers tempting gifts, shopping mindfully is essential. 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.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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