Five fabulous ways to enjoy the festive season in London for less

In the weeks running up to December 25, the capital is suddenly home to dozens of pop-up wintry fairs, replete with cute little stalls peddling hand-crafted goodies, comforting winter dishes and gallons of mulled wine. And with its riverside views, prime location and festive entertainment offering, the Southbank Centre’s market is perhaps the most beloved of the lot. Pop down for a browse around its charming Bavarian-inspired wooden stalls, treat yourself to a warming hot chocolate and be sure to check out its programme of free festive activities, ranging from choir performances and piano-led singalongs to festive tea-blending workshops and a New Year’s Day ceilidh. Free.

Walking around the Victorian shopping arcade at Leadenhall Market feels like stepping inside a Dickens novel at the best of times, but it’s extra special at Christmas, thanks to a dazzling display of fir tree garlands, giant baubles and a traditional 18-foot Christmas tree glowing with colour-changing lights. Stop by to watch the Lord Mayor switch them on from 6pm on Thursday 13 November, or swing by to browse pop-up craft fairs and vintage markets taking place on Saturdays in late November and early December. Free.

Designed by celebrated Georgian architect John Nash, and situated just a stone’s throw from Oxford Street, All Souls Langham Place is an atmospheric spot for a bit of carol singing after a hectic afternoon of Christmas shopping. Carol services take place regularly in the run-up to Christmas, led by a stunning choir, and each service ends with complimentary mince pies and warming Christmas punch. The choir also performs three-hour-long concerts a day across five dates in late December. They’re always popular, though, so be sure to arrive nice and early to nab a seat. Free. 

Keen to avoid forking out for an expensive boat tour? Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is a brilliant money-saving hack, offering passengers a much more affordable way to experience London in all its festive glory. Board a boat heading west from Tower Bridge to take in a host of riverside landmarks, including London Bridge, The Golden Hinde, Shakespeare’s Globe, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern, the Oxo Tower, and the National Theatre. You could stop at the London Eye, or keep going to Battersea Power Station for some Christmas shopping underneath its iconic towers. Single fares from £9.50.

Each year, the bright lights of Leicester Square get a little bit more dazzling from mid-November, with the arrival of the plaza’s festive pop-up, which this year boasts London’s newest ice skating rink alongside its usual Alpine-inspired Christmas market. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this is the market for you, with stalls selling all manner of traditional goodies including Dutch poffertjes, French crepes, handmade fudge, chocolate-covered churros, toasted marshmallows and hand-filled donuts, alongside bars serving mulled wine and boozy hot chocolates. Just don’t blame us for the sugar crash later! Free.