Christmas market on the South Bank, London
I spent yesterday (belatedly) sawing excess branches off our tree to the sound of Christmas tunes. I’ve been making endless lists and checking them repeatedly. And I’ve even managed to fit in something that’s become a mini Christmas tradition – date night with my husband at the mini Christmas market on the South Bank.
During the year I lived in Germany, I lost track of the number of Christmas markets I visited, drinking gluhwein against the bitter cold and tipsily spending all my money on scented candles and random tat for relatives. Sorry relatives.
In comparison, a lot of festive UK markets seem to pale slightly in comparison and while you can find the occasional stall with something lovely, there’s a lot of inedible-looking iced gingerbread hearts instead.
Check out my post on the best London Christmas markets with kids to visit, as well as festive ice rinks in London and the best London festive light trails with kids…
Instead, I love just to wander round enjoying the lights and the atmosphere, grabbing something to eat and drink, and just feeling festive without the pressure of getting gifts.
And while I’ve been to the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland pre-Minnie, I do love being able to look out at the views along the Thames at the South Bank’s festive fair.
This year it was split between the riverbank and a separate section with Christmas tree maze – with a separate entrance fee, so I stuck to admiring the twinkly lights – but with seemingly fewer stalls if you took out the food and chocolate (so I guess I’m not the only one who wanders but doesn’t buy).
But between mulled wine and amaretto hot chocolate (made with real dark chocolate), I also had perhaps the best fast food of my life from The Frenchie – a confit duck burger with crunchy crackling-style skin with a choice of cheese sauces in a brioche (so delicious, it vanished before I could take a photo) and fries with truffle mayo.
We went back for seconds… It’s not much of a surprise they sell about 400 each day at weekends.
In between mouthfuls as we wandered down towards Blackfriars bridge and the OXO tower, I couldn’t help noticing how many families there were.
Couples with babies tucked up warm in buggies and families with young children scampering between the stalls – mostly four and older, I’d guess. I may have missed the boat on trying to venture out with a tiny Minnie, but in a few years, perhaps she’ll be joining us on a Christmassy night out.
For more things to do on the South Bank with kids, check out my tips
And who knows, perhaps it could be the start of a new tradition – because I am also overdue a trip to Germany…
We headed back in 2016 with our daughter, then four – check out a daytime visit to the Christmas Market on the South Bank in London here… Or for an alternative Christmas market not far from London, we’ve also visited Winchester with the stalls in the shadow of the cathedral
For more of the best things to do for Christmas in London with kids, check out my top picks
Images copyright MummyTravels
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