Kingston Christmas Market 2024 Open into the New Year

Kingston-Upon-Thames becomes a lively winter spot with decorated streets and illuminated riverside views. The Christmas market is a key attraction for shopping and meeting up with friends and family.

This guide covers key details, including the confirmed dates and opening hours.

Kingston’s Christmas Market Now Continues into the New Year

Dates and Location – Confirmed

Kingston dates: 14th November 2024 to 5th January 2025 (confirmed). Verify the schedule here.
Location: Ancient Market Place between Clarence Street and High Street.
Opening times:
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm.
Sunday to Wednesday: 10am to 6pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 5:30pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Payment: Cashless is preferred.
Lights: Switch on date: 14th November (unconfirmed).
Santa: No, but there is a carousel for kids.
Attractions: Curling, live music, open mic night (for charity).
Ice skating: Not at the market, but at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink.
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.
Food specialities: Pastries; regional cheeses; seasonal pies; artisanal chocolates; traditional mulled wine.
Where to stay: The White Hart Hotel is a popular hotel, located 7 minutes away.

Convenient Hotels

Staying in Kingston city centre gives easy access to the event and local shopping, dining and entertainment. The area is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to explore.

The White Hart Hotel is a popular nearby choice for its convenience and comfortable rooms.

In my UK Christmas Markets List, you find information on more events nationwide.

Event Location

What to Expect

Food Specialties

• Traditional Mulled Wine: Served hot and spiced.
• Mince Pies: A classic British tradition.
• Roasted Chestnuts: Street vendors roast chestnuts on open grills.
• Artisanal Cheeses: Local producers showcase handmade cheeses, including some plant-based options.
• Pork Sausages and Hog Roast: Several vendors serve traditional pork sausages and succulent hog roast for meat lovers, accompanied by crispy roast potatoes and apple sauce.
• Gingerbread Cookies: A common treat.
• Vegan Stuffed Peppers: Vendors offer stuffed peppers as a wholesome vegetarian option, with a range of fillings, including rice, vegetables, and herbs.
• Handmade Chocolates: Local chocolatiers display a selection of handmade chocolates, including dark, milk and white varieties. Some provide vegan options. These sweet treats are often beautifully packaged.
• Hot Chocolate: Found at the drink stalls.
• Fish and Chips: Quintessential British street food.
• Pretzels: Though not a local specialty, pretzels are common.
• Apple Strudel: Some vendors offer strudel, another international favourite.
• Local Craft Beers: Several breweries from the area participate in the market, showcasing their craft beers.

Gifts and Stocking Fillers

• Handcrafted Jewellery: Artisans sell beautifully handcrafted jewellery, including earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Made with various materials such as silver, gold, and unique gemstones.
• Local Artwork: A selection of artists from the region display their work at the market, offering a range of paintings, prints, and sculptures.
• Homemade Candles: Vendors sell a variety of homemade candles in different shapes, sizes, and fragrances.
• Wooden Toys and Decorations: Traditional wooden toys and decorations are classic products. Ranging from intricate ornaments to hand-carved toys.
• Handmade Pottery and Ceramics: Pottery and ceramic artists from the area offer beautifully crafted bowls, plates, mugs, and more.
• Locally Produced Honey and Jams: Specialty vendors sell locally produced honey and jams made from regional fruits and flora.
• Knitted and Crocheted Items: You’ll find stalls selling handmade knitted and crocheted items such as scarves, hats and mittens.
• Books from Local Authors: For book lovers, some stalls feature works by local authors, including novels, poetry, and historical accounts of the region.
• Organic Skincare Products: Several vendors specialise in organic skincare products from locally sourced natural ingredients.
• Bespoke Stationery: For those interested in writing and journaling, stalls offer bespoke stationery sets, including personalised notebooks, pens and writing accessories.

Sustainability Tips

• Eco-Friendly Hotels: When booking accommodation, consider choosing one of the many hotels in Kingston Upon Thames that prioritise sustainable practices. Many of these establishments focus on energy conservation, recycling, and using renewable energy sources, contributing to a greener stay in the city.
• Reducing Food Waste: While enjoying the delicious foods at the Christmas markets, make conscious choices to avoid unnecessary waste. Order portions that you can finish, share dishes with friends or family, and be mindful of using recyclable or reusable containers where possible.
• Ethical Consumption: The Christmas markets present many shopping opportunities. Be thoughtful in your purchases, buying only what you genuinely need or can use. Support local artisans and craftspeople who produce ethical and environmentally friendly items.
• Sustainable Diets: Embrace a sustainable diet by seeking out Christmas stalls at the markets that use locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. This supports local farmers and reduces transportation emissions, and often results in fresher and more flavourful dishes.
• Sustainable Transport: Kingston has an array of public transport options, including buses and trains, which are an environmentally friendly alternative to driving. Consider walking or cycling to nearby destinations or use public transport to reach further areas. The city also encourages the use of electric vehicles with accessible charging stations, so consider renting one if you need a car during your visit.

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.