Best Christmas Fairs 2008 in London

Enjoy Christmas Markets, Ice Rinks and Historic Advent Festivities

Nov 27, 2008

From historic Frost Fair on the river Thames to high tech fun fair delights in Hyde Park - before Christmas London offers a great variety of seasonal outdoor events.

Christmas fairs and food stalls offering mulled wine and wintry food can be found in many streets and shopping centers all over London, when festive lights are switched on and Christmas tunes lure shoppers to buy their presents. Here are five special locations that promise an unforgettable treat – and get visitors in the mood for Christmas.

Bankside Winter Festival - Frost Fair on the Thames at Tate Modern

Open December 12 - 21, Monday - Wednesday 10 am - 7 pm, Thursday - Saturday 10 am - 8 pm, Sunday 10 am - 6 pm

The Frost Fair tradition goes back to when a harsher climate made the river Thames freeze partially during winters in many years. Fairs were held on the ice from the 17th to 19th century. The tradition was revived in 2003, now on Bankside south of the Thames, as the river does not freeze over any more. This year the Frost Fair opens with a kids' lantern parade on December 12. More than 40 art and craft stalls and several food stalls and bars, which offer presents, festive treats, mulled wine or ale, can be found on the Thameswalk at Tate Modern. On weekends a photographer offers to take 'Hug a Husky'-photos of visitors and Santa's Grotto at the Golden Hinde museum ship gives Christmas a pirate style makeover. A brochure informs about all events and dates at the Winter Festival and at venues nearby.

Cologne Christmas Market on the Southbank

Open every day till December 23 from 10 am – 10 pm, includes Santa's Secret Village, Christmas Experience for children

Germany has a tradition to create romantic Christmas fairs with all kinds of attractions and nice food and drink for all age groups. Around the London Eye up to the Southbank Centre the Cologne Christmas Market with its about 30 wooden stalls offers gingerbread, roasted almonds and marzipan, or for a heartier tastes Bratwurst and Kölsch beer. Traditional decoration for Christmas trees, hand-crafted jewelry, toys and other presents can be bought while strolling along the Thames with a mug of Glühwein (hot mulled wine). Children will be delighted to find carousels and to discover Santa’s Grotto, where they can meet Santa Claus, and Mrs. Claus' Gingerbread Kitchen – booking recommended.

Ice Skate Rink at Somerset House

The grandeur of 18th century Somerset House is the perfect backdrop for a romantic ice skating date. A glamorous Tiffany Christmas tree and festive lighting create a beautiful scene for the one hour skating sessions. Visitors can enjoy a romantic moonlit skating night, or forget the cold when a DJ keeps turntables and skaters moving. Special children's events include the Penguin Club and a skate school. Booking a skating session in advance is definitely advisable. Adults pay between GBP 10.50 and 15 (about USD 15.80 to 22.60), kids' fares start at GBP 7.50 (about USD 11.30). Skaters and spectators alike are welcome to enjoy food and drinks in the Skate Café and Bar.

Christmas Delight in Covent Garden

The traditional market hall of Covent Garden appears in a new light – the artistic light installation by United Visual Artists that accompanies this stylish Christmas Fair. Interactive columns of light react to the movements of the visitors, the ebb and flow of the masses. Accompanied by electronic sound effects this creates a unique atmosphere. The light installation Constellation allows visitors, who collect a ticket in advance, control via touch screen. Virtual snow flakes create a White Christmas effect, directed individually. During the festive season free concerts entertain visitors, who come to enjoy the scene or visit the Shop of Delights.

Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland

The sportive choice: At Hyde Park Corner more than 400 skaters per hour can show off their skills on Europe's largest outdoor ice rink. Fairground attractions like helter skelter and a haunted house as well as winter fun like snowtube slide and snow ball field guarantee lots of rosy cheeks, while the big wheel allows visitors to sit back and enjoy the view over the fair and London. Chalets with seasonal products and present ideas can be found as well.

The copyright of the article Best Christmas Fairs 2008 in London in England Travel is owned by Renate Oetjens. Permission to republish Best Christmas Fairs 2008 in London in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.