The iconic Victorian splendour of the City of London’s Leadenhall Market will be sparkling with light as its central giant real Christmas tree, colour changing LED light festoons and beautiful fir tree garlands throughout the Market are unveiled on Thursday 17th November. As part of the much-loved annual ceremony, The Lord Mayor of London will switch on the lights at 6pm, accompanied by firework fountains to kick-start Christmas.
The festivities will continue from the 17th November throughout the month of December with a series of Christmas workshops – from beautiful crafts and wreathmaking with Floral Merchant London to ‘A taste of Leadenhall’ winetasting – with a mix of guest traders and Leadenhall Market’s talented tenants hosting the sessions.
Leadenhall Market’s much loved guided walks will take on a festive flavour with tales of a Leadenhall Christmas past and present – from its Roman roots to Dick Whittington, then onwards to Dickens’ Victorian festivities, to the luckiest and pluckiest goose in the City. Led by a City of London guide and suitable for all ages, walks will take place every Wednesday, 6.30 – 8pm from 23rd November until 21st December and must be booked in advance to avoid disappointment on the night.
On 17th November, the free to attend evening starts at 5.30pm with a festive sing-a-long and live performance from the London Youth Choir South East, with 40 children from primary schools in the region singing a range of Christmas Carols and seasonal songs, before the countdown begins for the Lord Mayor’s speech and Christmas light switch on at 6pm. More music follows to soundtrack the opportunity to browse Leadenhall Market’s boutique stores, eat delicious food and toast the start of the festivities at its range of wine bars or traditional pub, The Lamb Tavern. Please check individual stores for opening times.
The Lord Mayor’s switch on is appropriate given former Lord Mayor Richard ‘Dick’ Whittington gifted the previous stone structure of Leadenhall Market to the City of London in 1411. This was replaced in 1881 with Leadenhall Market’s current stunning wrought iron and glass architecture – including a magnificent central dome depicting a starry night sky.
Floral Merchant London Christmas Wreath workshops will take place Wed- Friday 7pm-9.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 10.30am -1pm & 3pm-5.30pm. Classes are 2.5 hours, running from 17th November until the 18th December. Tickets are £75 per person. Booking details on Leadenhall Market’s website.
‘A Taste of Leadenhall’ wine tasting will run on the 7th and 14th December, with a choice of two sittings per evening – 6.15pm and 7.45pm. Led by Mike Knowlden, wine educator and founder of Perennial Wine, tickets are £5 per person and must be booked in advance. Check the Leadenhall Market website for booking details.
For those simply wishing to soak up the atmosphere with family, friends or colleagues, in one of London’s most beautiful settings – made all the more magical with its Christmas decorations – the market’s 35 boutique retailers, bars, restaurants and cafes will be open as usual.
