The Lord Mayor of London will kickstart Christmas at the City of London’s iconic hidden gem, Leadenhall Market, on Thursday 16th November. The much-loved annual switch-on ceremony will take place at 6pm – complete with pyrotechnic firework fountains – unveiling the full splendour of Leadenhall Market’s giant real Christmas tree, which sits under the breathtaking central star-covered atrium of the Victorian market.
The eight-metre tall glittering Christmas tree will be decked with a colour changing LED light display, complementing the large baubles and beautiful fir tree garlands throughout the Market. New this year, a twinkling light tunnel, complete with smatterings of snow, will bring festive cheer to Beehive Passage, tempting visitors to explore the shops, restaurants and bars nestled in the cobbled alleyways of Leadenhall Market.
Children from primary schools across the capital will provide uplifting carols for the ceremony, performing seasonal songs as part of the London Youth Choir from 5.15pm, before the countdown begins for the Lord Mayor’s speech and Christmas light switch on at 6pm.
To add to the Christmas spirit, Leadenhall Market’s popular 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 and 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 22 November until 13th December and must be booked in advance to avoid disappointment. (see website for booking details).
The floral garlands festooning the Victorian shopfronts are being designed by Leadenhall Market’s longstanding family run florist, Windsor flowers, where customers can pick up the perfect Christmas table centrepiece, and the market’s boutique shops, restaurants and bars will be stacked full of festive gifts, food and seasonal tipples – perfect for Christmas shopping and dining in one of London’s most beautiful locations. 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.
