It’s that time of year again. The evenings are drawing in and temperatures are dipping. This can only mean one thing: Christmas is almost here! Christmas time really is the most wonderful time of the year, and the Barbican in the City of London celebrates it better than anywhere. To celebrate the start of the festive period, AW Childs estate agents are proud to present this year’s essential guide to Christmas in the Barbican and the local area. Our guide features the very best in markets and entertainment for those in and around the City of London this Christmas.
Markets
Ah the traditional Christmas market. In London, the number and scale of Christmas markets has exploded in recent years. The opportunity to buy a unique gift, take in the festive feel and have a glass or two of mulled wine means that Christmas markets are extremely popular. Here’s our list of London’s must-visit Christmas markets.
London Bridge City
Taking on the tried and tested format of other successful Christmas markets by using wooden cabins and a vast selection of sellers offering unique wares, London Bridge City brings a festive feel that coupled with the stunning backdrop of the City of London skyline, offers a unique experience. Perfectly situated for city workers, the market brings a truly unique feel to the area and the option to pick up one-off items that you can’t buy on the high street.
South Bank
If you’re willing to venture a little further afield (or at least a couple of tube stops), then the Christmas market on the South Bank is another great option. This market also features the traditional wooden cabins that you expect to see, but as a market that’s been going for several years, attracts a huge number of vendors selling a huge array of unique treasures (not to mention lots of food stalls – nom nom). The Christmas market on the South Bank is now a huge deal and if you can’t find a unique gift there, you really will struggle to find it anywhere!
Winter Wonderland
Yet further again (though still within Zone 1!) in the world famous Hyde Park we have Winter Wonderland. Winter Wonderland is a huge deal and attracts an incredible number of visitors each year. Like the other two markets mentioned, Winter Wonderland also features a host of vendors selling unique wares – but it also has much much more! Jam packed with events, a bar and even funfair rides, there is so much to do at London’s premier winter destination.
Entertainment
Of course as much as there are fantastic Christmas markets in London, there is also a huge array of entertainment options. Many of London’s cultural icons and performing venues have busy schedules over the Christmas period and 2018 is no different.
Barbican centre
Christmas season at the Barbican Centre this year is bound to be a classic. From the 20th of December to the 1st of January, the Barbican Centre has its very own Christmas festival. The festival features a different option every evening; from Christmas classic concerts to amazing orchestras playing music from world famous movies, there is something for every type of music lover at this amazing cultural icon on our doorstep.
Ice Skating at Somerset House
The ever popular ice skating rink is back again at Somerset House. With an alpine lodge and unique shopping experience from Fortnum & Mason, the option of late night skating with music from a DJ and a the stunning backdrop of the house itself, this is a unique experience that Londoners make a beeline for year after year. And for those who are not exactly the next Torvill & Dean, there is even a skate school with cute polar bears to help you on your way!
Royal Albert Hall
Talking about cultural icons, there are few in London that have patch on the Royal Albert Hall. This Christmas season features a full schedule of variety at the landmark venue. From a 30th anniversary live Whose Line is It Anyway to Christmas classic concerts and even special shows for Children, the Royal Albert Hall has something for all the family this Christmas.
As you can see, London offers a huge array of options at Christmas and we’ve barely scratched the surface. If you would like to move a little closer to the action this Christmas and rent or buy a property in the Barbican or the surrounding areas then please get in touch. Here at AW Childs, we are local experts in the Barbican and we absolutely love our local area. To find out more about what we do, or to see our properties, please call today on 0203 693 9444 or email us at [email protected]