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A London Christmas 2008: Festive Fairs
 
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Combine your Christmas shopping with some festive cheer when you visit one of London's Christmas markets. This year there are two German style markets next to outdoor ice rinks and fun fairs at Hyde Park and the Natural History Museum; it's a fun way to get festive. The South Bank is also getting Christmas-y with its markets and the Bankside Winter Festival. Street theatre, hog roasts and an Igloo cinema; that'll get you in the Christmas spirit.
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A London Christmas 2008: Related Articles Sugar and Spice | Hotel Hideaways | Food and Flower Markets | Traditional Toys | Ice Skating | Festive Fairs | Shows and Pantos | Christmas Lights | Tinsel and Trimmings | Christmas Day and Boxing Day | Carols and Services | Butchers and Fishmongers | Greengrocers and Delicatessens   Bankside Winter Festival
Bankside, SE1 9TG Friday 12th - Sunday 21st December 2008 The Frost Fair is back for its sixth year, bringing a variety of street theatre, workshops, shopping and festive cheer to Bankside along the South Bank. Things kick off with a lantern parade on Friday 12th December starting at Bernie Spain Gardens, St Paul's Cathedral and Southwark Cathedral and all congregating outside Tate Modern. Saturday 13th sees a procession of Traditional Thames Cutters carrying Frost Fair flags on the River Thames between Southwark and Blackfriars Bridges, disembarking at Bankside Pier. With guided walks taking place throughout the festival this winter is a good time to explore the treasures of the South Bank while warming up with some mulled wine. This area along the Thames is a great place for a winter wander with the Southbank Centre, the Hayward Gallery, entertainment at the Royal Festival Hall and films at the BFI. Venue: Bankside Phone: 020 7357 9168 Date: Friday 12th - Sunday 21st December 2008 Time: 10am-6pm, Starts 10am on 12th Dec, Ends 6pm on 21st Dec | Winter Market - Mon to Wed 10am-7pm, Thu to Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm Pricing: Free Nearest Station: London Bridge Tube / Rail Bankside Winter Festival - Information  Belgravia Christmas Party
Pimlico Road, Elizabeth Street and Motcomb Street Sunday 9th December 2007 Carol singers, jugglers, festive stilt walkers and Father Christmas turn the refined Belgravia streets into a riot of colour and Christmas fun. For one day only, Pimlico Road, Elizabeth Street and Motcomb Street will be packed for one big street party. If the five minute walk between streets gets too much you can flag down a free rickshaw from one street to the next. Open on this one day only is CRYSTALLIZED - a Swarovski sponsored gift wrap shop in Elizabeth Street where you can get presents elegantly wrapped for free. An altogether civilised way to mix high class Christmas shopping with a fun family day out. Venue: Pimlico Road, Elizabeth Street and Motcomb Street Date: Sunday 7th December 2007 Time: 11am-4pm Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Sloane Square Tube Belgravia Christmas Party - Information  Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair
Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS Sunday 30th November 2008 Chelsea's historical botanical gardens open their gates for a charming walk through nature and a chance to pick up some Christmas gifts. Laid out in the 17th century, the gardens were initially intended as a place to grow medicinal plants for the Royal Hospital just up the road, taking advantage of its mild micro-climate, which allows non-native species to flourish. You're welcome to wander on your own through the charming collection of flowers and plants from across the globe. But opt for a guided tour and you can tap into a rich vein of history and some green fingered anecdotes. The 3.5-acre site on the banks of the Thames is a wonderful spot for this Christmas fair which sees a shopping marquee full of stalls selling jewellery, cashmere, gloves, bags, tasty treats and loads more. Don't worry about keeping the kids entertained either, there are plenty of activities for them too, and everyone can join in with the carol singing. Venue: Chelsea Physic Garden Address: 66 Royal Hospital Road (entrance on Swan Walk), Chelsea, SW3 4HS Phone: 020 7352 5646 Date: Sunday 30th November 2008 Time: 10am-4pm Pricing: £5 (Adults), Free (5-15 Years, Students & Unemployed) Nearest Station: Sloane Square Tube Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair - Information  Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair
Business Design Centre, N1 0QH 12th - 16th November 2008 In preparation for Christmas 2008, Country Living magazine brings a taste of rural England to the Business Design Centre, with all the cosy traditionalism that goes with it. With over 400 exhibitors there's everything you need for a perfect Christmas. There are handmade toys, limited edition decorations, and, of course, plenty of seasonal food - from smoked salmon and tender ham to the delights of Cornish cheese, mulled wine, sloe gin, fudge, chocolate and traditional Christmas puddings. With all that tartan and tinsel, this is the perfect place to begin getting into the Christmas mood. It also gives you the chance to deal with all those traditional seasonal nightmares long before the last minute. Venue: Business Design Centre Address: 52 Upper Street, N1 0QH Phone: 0844 848 0169 Date: 12th - 16th November 2008 Time: Wed 10am-6pm | Wed Gala Eve 6.30pm-9pm | Thu to Sat 9.30am-6pm | Sun 10am-3pm Pricing: Adv £11.50 (Adults), £7 (5-16 years), Free (Under 5s) | On the Door £15 (Adults), £7 (5-16 years), Free (Under 5s), £11.50 (Concs) Nearest Station: Angel Tube Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair - Information  Dazzle London
Olivier Foyer, National Theatre, SE1 9PX Monday 17th November 2008 - Saturday 10th January 2009 Dazzle brings together a clutch of talented international jewellery designers who present their one-off pieces at the National Theatre. With 77 designers taking part, there are plenty of beautiful, glinting decorative pieces to catch your eye. There's even something for the boys: a special men's section featuring cufflinks and pins as well as a dedicated 'Dazzle Men' shopping evening on 3rd December (5pm to 8pm). Gift buying can be made easy with expert advice from personal shoppers, gift wrapping and complimentary drinks. There's also a special 'Dazzle in Stitches' feature including embroidery and textile work. Alongside established designers are talented youngsters fresh from their college degree shows, Leah Black, Emma Boxall-Gray and Nan Nan Liu among them. Venue: Olivier Foyer, National Theatre Address: South Bank, SE1 9PX Date: Monday 17th November 2008 - Saturday 10th January 2009 Time: Mon to Sat 10am-10pm | Sun midday-6pm | Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Waterloo Tube / Rail Dazzle London - Information  Eco-Design Christmas Fair
The Boiler House, The Old Truman Brewery, E1 6RU Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December 2008 Eco-Design is a whole fair dedicated to ethically produced, green gifts. Set up four years ago by recycled textile artist Louise Kamara, these events aren't just a place to pick up a pair of hemp trousers and some joss sticks. As well as fair trade goods like tea, coffee and chocolate, there's a great selection of handmade bespoke goods which make fabulous, individual, guilt-free gifts. Organic, recycled, non-toxic, fair trade, handmade, carbon-neutral, low-energy are the buzz words here. Whether you're after fashion, furniture, food or beauty products you'll be able to find it here. Real thought has gone into every aspect of the products and it shows. Venue: The Boiler House, The Old Truman Brewery Address: 152 Brick Lane, E1 6RU Phone: 020 7625 7779 Date: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December 2008 Time: Sat 13th Dec midday-7pm, Sun 14th Dec 11am-7pm Pricing: £2 (Adults), £1 (Concs) Nearest Station: Aldgate East Tube Eco-Design Christmas Fair - Information  Gordon Ramsay Presents Taste of Christmas
ExCeL London, E16 1XL Thursday 4th - Sunday 7th December 2008 The 'F-word' chef Gordon Ramsay, as well known for his fiery temper as his flame grilled steaks, presents a culinary showcase just in time for Christmas. Gordon isn't just putting his name to this show, he's on hand throughout the four-day food fest with demonstrations and cook-offs with fellow chefs who include Angela Hartnett, Jason Atherton and Stuart Gillies. The standard ticket gets you a seat in the Gordon Ramsay experience - just book in for a 45 minute slot. There are food stalls to make you salivate, Christmas gift ideas and, as with all 'Taste' events, Crowns can be exchanged for dishes at the restaurants - which including Ramsay ventures Maze, Boxwood Cafe and gastro pub The Narrow. Venue: ExCeL London Address: Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL Phone: 0871 230 5581 Date: Thursday 4th - Sunday 7th December 2008 Time: Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri to Sun 10am-6pm Pricing: In Advance £19 (Adults), £12 (Children) | On the Door £25 (Adults), £16 (Children) | Dining Ticket £27 (In Advance), £34 (On the Door) | VIP £49 (In Advance), £58 (On the Door) | Book of 20 Crowns £10 Nearest Station: Custom House DLR Gordon Ramsay Presents Taste of Christmas - Information  Ham House Christmas Fair
Ham House, TW10 7RS Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th | Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th | Saturday 20th December 2008 To celebrate Christmas Ham House is hosting a fantastic Christmas Fair in a heated marquee in the grounds of this Stuart mansion on the banks of the River Thames near Richmond. It's a great way to find those stocking fillers and one-off gifts with an individual touch, many having been made by local traders. Free admission to the fair means browsing, at least, won't cost you a penny. For a small fee you can also join in the Family Christmas celebrations at Ham House when decorations, face painting, balloon modelling and story telling take place in the Great Hall. Venue: Ham House Address: Ham, Richmond-upon-Thames, TW10 7RS Phone: 020 8940 1950 Date: Sat 6th & Sun 7th | Sat 13th & Sun 14th | Sat 20th Dec 2008 Time: 11am-5pm Pricing: Christmas Fair - Free | Family Christmas - £3 (Adults), £2 (Children) Nearest Station: Richmond Tube / Rail Ham House Christmas Fair - Information  Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park, W2 2UH 22nd November 2008 - 4th January 2009 Throughout December and into early January a section of Hyde Park - between Hyde Park Corner and the Serpentine - is transformed into a Winter Wonderland. Get in the Christmas spirit at the traditional German market, with wooden chalets full of gifts, food and drink. Carol concerts and fairground rides are among the entertainment or you could try the less traditional bungydome - a mix of trampolining and bungy under the cover of a domed sphere. There's also the outdoor ice rink - billed as London's largest - open from 10am to 10pm. It's a great way to embrace the cold - and flailing your arms around as you try to stay upright will soon warm you up. Doing a turn on the giant wheel, at 50 metres high, will give you great views over this winter wonderland, taking in the stunning scene over Hyde Park. Venue: Hyde Park Address: Knightsbridge, W2 2UH Phone: 0871 231 0824 Date: 22nd November 2008 - 4th January 2009. Closed Christmas Day Time: 10am-10pm Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Knightsbridge Tube Hyde Park Winter Wonderland - Information  Kenwood House Christmas Fair
Kenwood House, NW3 7JR Saturday 15th November 2008 - Sunday 18th January 2009 Kenwood House, Robert Adam's neoclassical villa to the north of Hampstead Heath, houses an impressive collection of paintings by artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Reynolds. Throughout the Christmas season and up until mid-January you can visit a Christmas Fair at Kenwood's Orangery so you can fit in some culture with your seasonal shopping. You'll find a wide selection of gift ideas at the fair which open from 10.45am on weekends. Leave time to visit the house and you'll see a temporary exhibition marking the centenary of Highgate resident and freelance photographer John Gay. Venue: Kenwood House Address: Hampstead Lane, NW3 7JR Phone: 020 8348 1286 Date: Saturday 15th November 2008 - Sunday 18th January 2009 Time: Mon to Fri 11am-4pm, Sat & Sun 10.45am-4pm Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Hampstead Tube Kenwood House Christmas Fair - Information  Natural History Museum Christmas Fair
Natural History Museum, SW7 5BD Tuesday 25th November 2008 - Sunday 4th January 2009 The Natural History Museum gets festive at this time of year with its annual German-style Christmas fair and ice rink. Wooden chalet huts house a cluster of 24 stalls near the outdoor ice rink, offering a choice of unusual gifts and food, selling everything from glassware to toys, ceramics to candles. It's a great place to do a spot of Christmas shopping - and sample some seriously good chocolate. With the market on site, you can combine a visit to the museum with some Christmas shopping. While you're here leave time to stop off at the rink-side cafe, where you can sip on something hot while watching the skaters slip up. It's a great way to enjoy the seasonal cheer while soaking up the atmosphere in the shadow of this great museum. Venue: Natural History Museum Address: Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD Phone: 020 7942 5000 Date: Tuesday 25th November 2008 - Sunday 4th January 2009 Time: Weekdays 10am-10pm, Weekends 8.45am-10pm | Closed 1st, 8th, 15th, 25th & 26th Dec Pricing: Free Nearest Station: South Kensington Tube Natural History Museum Christmas Fair - Information  Southbank Cologne Christmas Market
Queen's Walk, SE1 8XX 21st November - 23rd December 2008 This Christmas the Southbank Centre hosts two Christmas markets - the successful Slow Food Market returns and, for the first time ever, a German Christmas Market. Over 40 wooden chalet stalls stretch out along the riverside Queen's Walk between the London Eye and Royal Festival Hall. Browse among the stalls selling jewellery, hand-crafted toys, ornaments, mulled wine and festive food. Traditional Christmas music and a circus carousel add to the family fun. Address: Queen's Walk, SE1 8XX Phone: 020 7921 0600 Timing: 10am-10pm Daily Nearest Station: Waterloo Tube / Rail Southbank Cologne Christmas Market - Information  Spirit of Christmas Fair
Olympia, W14 8UX 5th - 9th November 2008 Get all your Christmas shopping done under one roof - and get it out of the way more than a month before Christmas. Backed by 'House & Garden' magazine, you can expect the finest seasonal products ranging from Christmas decorations and home accessories to children's toys and seasonal eats. With over 600 companies presenting their wares, you'll find something for everyone on your Christmas list and plenty you won't find in the shops. The Food Hall is bound to tempt with its Christmas-y gourmet treats to taste and stock up on. Look out for traditional sweets, specialist cheeses, fine cuts of meat and artisan produce; just leave room to sample the award-winning entries from Chocolate Week. Venue: Olympia Address: Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX Phone: 0871 230 1089 Date: 5th - 9th November 2008 Time: Wed to Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm Pricing: Advanced Tickets £15 (Adults), £8 (Over 12s), Free (Under 12s) | On the Door £17 (Adults), £8.50 (Over 12s), Free (Under 12s) Nearest Station: Olympia Tube / Rail Spirit of Christmas Fair - Information
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