City of London’s iconic market announces festive event programme including live music, Christmas markets, Christmas guided walks and magical twice-daily snowfall
The new Lady Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley DBE, will officially switch on Leadenhall Market’s Christmas lights on Thursday 13 November, kickstarting festive celebrations at the heart of the capital.
The most magical night of year will begin at 5.15pm with live festive tunes and sing-along favourites from band The Super Tenants, before and after the official switch-on takes place at 6pm. Leadenhall Market’s Christmas centrepiece will be an impressive 18-foot real Christmas tree, which takes centre stage under the beautiful starry night atrium. The tree will be adorned with glittering baubles and twinkling lights, and the Victorian market’s shopfronts will be decked in fir tree garlands, with giant baubles and lights throughout.
This year, visitors can experience the magic of snowfall on Leadenhall Market’s cobbled, covered walkways. As part of the Christmas lights switch-on celebrations, a flurry of festive snow will fall at 6pm – but the snow doesn’t stop there; throughout the festive season, visitors can enjoy this wintry wonder twice daily, at 12pm and 6pm, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for seasonal shopping and celebrations.
Back by popular demand, Leadenhall Market’s very own pop-up Alpine Lodge will provide favourite winter warmer drinks, along with seasonal festive treats.
Many of Leadenhall’s restaurants and bars will be open for drinks, snacks and evening meals before, during and after the switch on including The Lamb Tavern, The Golden Goose, Old Tom’s, Oriani, Argentinian Grill, Aux Merveilleux De Fred, Boom Bap Burger, Chango Empandas, Georgio, La Viña, Luc’s Brasserie, Osteria del Mercato and Pizza Express. Christmas shopping opportunities range from specialist drinks store Amathus to British clothing brands Hobbs, Reiss and Barbour, to Pollock’s Toy Museum, Flying Tiger, Solo Craft Fair and Waterstones.
Leadenhall Market’s mayoral connections stretch back to Lord Mayor Richard ‘Dick’ Whittington who gifted the original stone structure to the City of London in 1411. This was replaced with today’s iconic wrought iron and glass architecture in 1881. Dame Susan Langley’s attendance as the third woman to hold the mayoral office, and first ever to use the title Lady Mayor – will mark another historical moment for the City of London.
Leadenhall Market’s festive events programme continues with:
- Christmas Walking Tours: Amid the Victorian splendour and twinkling lights of Leadenhall Market, visitors will hear stories of some of the market’s best-loved characters – from the medieval mayor who inspired a pantomime to the resident goose who once proudly patrolled its passageways. And it wouldn’t be Christmas without mention of Charles Dickens. Led by a City of London guide, the walks are suitable for all ages and will be held every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, priced £8.30, between 19 November and 10 December. Booking in advance is required to secure a place.
- Christmas Markets – Leadenhall’s much-loved weekend markets continue throughout the festive season, offering the perfect opportunity to find unique Christmas gifts – from handcrafted art and jewellery to vintage fashion and homeware. This year, three festive pop-ups provide even more reason to visit. The SoLo Craft Fair will take place on two Saturdays (8 November and 13 December), showcasing handmade creations from independent artisans, while The Vintage Furniture and Flea Christmas Market (Sunday 30 November) invites retro enthusiasts to discover one-of-a-kind treasures with stories to tell.
Situated in the centre of the City of London’s financial district, the current Grade II listed Market building, designed by Sir Horace Jones, dates back to 1881. Its airy and light wrought iron and glass structure replaced the stone market previously created by Lord Mayor of London, Dick Whittington in the 15th Century. Now, the market is home to 23 restaurants, cafes and bars, which sit alongside 15 retail outlets, creating a hub for shopping and dining in the City. Leadenhall Market is owned and managed by The City of London Corporation.
