London's seven best Christmas markets and where festive bargain-hunters can stay on a budget

Oct. 31, 2024 - PRLog -- A leading travel expert has selected London's top Seasonal Seven Christmas markets. Lily Smith, from the specialist accommodation finder UniversityRooms.com, says: 'Christmas markets are among the highlights of the season and London boasts many of the most interesting and atmospheric in the country. Here's my pick for canny shoppers on a budget.

1. Covent Garden: A colourful location with three daily markets filled with handmade crafts and unique gifts. Opens 12 November.

2. Southbank Winter Festival: Alpine chalets and fire pits add to the welcoming atmosphere and don't miss this year's Fire and Fromage igloo. Opens 1 December.

3. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: Expect a distinctly Scandinavian vibe with over 100 wooden stands featuring items such as crafts and jewellery. Don't miss the meatballs! Opens 21 November.

4. Leadenhall Market: On 14 November at 6pm, the Lord Mayor of London will turn on the market's Christmas lights. There's everything from crafts to antiques on sale during the weekends leading up to Christmas. Opens 14 November.

5. Kings Cross markets: The area's multiple Christmas markets will transport you to a Christmas wonderland. Expect gifts from fashion to crafts, with live music and even a special vegan food market. Opens 21 November.

6. Borough Market: Borough Market is open year-round six days a week for foodies, but at Christmas it's dressed in its finest and even opens on Mondays for special festive events. Opens 2 December.

7. Kingston Christmas Market: There's a traditional German feel to the cosy market cabins that fill Kingston's Ancient Market Place. Look out for Bavarian curling lanes and Continental Bratwurst. Opens 14 November.

'For seasonal shoppers who live outside of London, staying in the capital can be very expensive, even outside peak tourist season. The great news is that a number of student accommodation centres are available during term time this autumn and winter, including:

• Elm Grove (University of Roehampton)
• Goodenough College, Bloomsbury
• Roomzzz London Stratford
• The Victoria League Student House, Bayswater

'This December, the Victoria League Student House in Leinster Square offers accommodation in a historic building from just £33 a night. Like all UniversityRooms.com properties, you don't have to be a student to rent a room there. However, it is specifically intended for young people aged 18 to 30 to stay safely in London.

'It doesn't take an educated guess to realise that more limited university term-time accommodation is likely to get booked up. For more information and to book your London stay, see: https://www.universityrooms.com/city/london/home/