Christmas by the River returns to London Bridge City, with this year’s theme being ‘A Festive Tale’, which will breathe magic into the area and visitors both young and old will be delighted with delicious winter treats. Stretching from London Bridge City Pier to The Scoop at More London, the free festive market opens on Tuesday 16th November and runs until Sunday 2nd January, and includes food, drink, shopping and a pop-up winter bar The Riverside Lodge located by The Scoop to get you in the spirit.
Along the banks of the Thames, with iconic views of Tower Bridge, the City skyline and The Tower of London, Christmas by the River will host a story journey along the river path, catching glimpses of its woodland guardians and cabins filled with gifts and curiosities. To give back to the community, 14 charities will also be onsite to raise money and awareness of their chosen cause.
Home to an eclectic mix of cafes, restaurants and bars, London Bridge City will provide a stunning spot for lunch or dinner with friends and family. There will be a number of traders serving up dishes from all over the world, including Aroma – Steak and Chips serving Brazilian food, Burger & Fries providing gourmet street food, Chilli Cha Cha serving punjabi fast food, Nicholas Pitta dishing up slow-cooked Greek souvlaki, accompanied by Mexican Burrito, Pad Thai and The Aegean Deli, selling a mix of mediterranean meals.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, make sure you try Choc ‘n’ Churros, Chocolate Kisses serving German chocolates or French Patisserie for mouth-watering French pastries and desserts.
For those who are yet to sort Christmas gifts, there will be lots of shopping opportunities from London Bridge City’s home, lifestyle, fashion and accessories vendors. Delight in a mix of homeware gifts from To Home from London selling London souvenirs, Christmas Wishes which stock German Christmas decorations, Xmas Castle which sells personalised decorations and Sweyn Forkbeard who sells grooming essentials inspired by the Vikings. You can also pick up fashion and accessory gifts for loved ones or yourself, from Bath Cosmetics, godi selling leather goods, Inkas Craft inspired by Peruvian artisans, or jewellery from Jasmine Handmade Jewellery and Nabi London.
As well as food and shopping, you can enjoy a selection of delicious drinks at The Riverside Lodge located by The Scoop or Festive Spirit by London Bridge City Pier, which will both be open until 22:00 every night. At the Riverside Lodge winter cocktails will be served to keep you warm during the winter months, including the Winter Spiced Old Fashioned or a Creamy After Eight Cocktail. If cocktails aren’t your thing, there will be premium local beers, wine, spiced mulled wine and cider, as well as hot toddies. Festive Spirit will also be serving seasonable tipples including cocktails and mulled wine, which can be enjoyed while overlooking the picturesque background of The Thames.
The Riverside Lodge bar will also have alpine themed lodges which are fully heated and can be pre-booked in advance to entertain you and your friends. Kick back and watch Christmas themed films or dance the night away to live DJs throughout the week.
