Santa and the Tower of London’s Beefeaters will be switching on the Christmas lights
When you say ‘Christmas in London’, most people will first think of the dazzling lights of Regent Street and Oxford Street, the giant Norwegian spruce in Trafalgar Square or perhaps Winter Wonderland. But, there are also countless open-air markets across the capital for festive shoppers to explore.
Of these, the Victorian-inspired market in St Katherine Docks – Central London’s only marina – is arguably the most charming. Despite being just a few minutes’ walk from Tower Bridge, it is something of an untapped jewel that has managed to keep its peaceful atmosphere, making it the ideal choice for those looking to avoid the crowds.
Stalls selling gifts, food and drink, and handmade crafts will transform the Thames-side attraction into a merry ‘village’ between November 7 and January 3. This year, the market, which is free to enter, is being set up in Marble Quay and will be open daily from 11am to 8pm.
Organisers have also planned a free celebration, including a Christmas light switch-on, on the evening of November 19. The festivities kick off at 5pm, with hot food, live music from St Kat’s Jazz Sessions and a group singalong. The Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London will be making a special appearance, as will Santa Claus.
The big man in red is making his grand arrival at 6.45pm to greet families, give gifts and pose for photographs. He and the Beefeaters will then lead visitors in the countdown before the marina’s maritime-inspired lights come to life with a musical finale.
For those seeking an even more intimate activity, St Katherine Docks will be hosting jazz sessions on selected weekends throughout December. Guests will step onto a floating pontoon and take in performances from well-known and emerging musicians whilst snuggled under a blanket.
St Katherine Docks have had a colourful life since their completion under engineer Thomas Telford in 1828. They were later amalgamated in 1864 with the neighbouring London Docks and then badly damaged by German bombing during World War II.
The site was sold to the Greater London Council in 1968, which set about leasing it to developer Taylor Woodrow to build commercial buildings and hotels. The famous Dickens Inn, which is styled as an 18th-century tavern, arrived in 1976.
Nowadays, the Docks are lined with events and work spaces, as well as several gyms and restaurants – but the stunning surroundings remain. The closest stations are Tower Hill (11-minute walk) and London Bridge (16-minute walk).
Check out some pictures below from previous years for a flavour of what to expect.
See all of the Christmas lights switch-ons that have been confirmed so far on MyLondon
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