Christmas in London is a magical time… and there’s no better place in the capital to get festive than Covent Garden.
If you can’t tell, we’re already feeling very Christmassy here at London x London (absolutely nothing to do with the multiple glasses of mulled wine we’ve already put away, we promise).
Don’t worry if you’ve still got a touch of the Scrooge in you, this year’s Covent Garden offering is looking like an absolute (Christmas) cracker.
From magical decorations and trees to the ultimate christmas sandwich, our round up of what’s on will have you ready to be wrapped in tinsel and shouting ho ho ho in no time.
Covent Garden Christmas – Feeling Festive
The area’s main piazza will totally transform into a magical Christmas village, and there’ll be food markets, art installations, and exclusive dining experiences to sink your teeth into throughout the jolly season.
Warming Tipples Galore
First up, the Winter Warmer Festival will be shaking things up between the 8th and 20th December.
Pop up stalls and long standing favourites will be serving mulled wine and other hot toddies sure to warm you right up in the cold weather. We’re super excited about the Mulled Rosé.
In fact, there’ll be many different varieties of the popular drink served across Covent Garden’s many brilliant restaurants and bars. Laduree, Mariage Frères, and Ave Mario are among the spots upping their festive tipple game.
Christmas Sandwich Festival
Keep it classic with turkey and cranberry? Go HAM with stuffing and bread sauce?
Whatever you like in your festive sandwich, nothing is off the table at the Covent Garden’s Christmas Sandwich Festival, taking place between the 3rd and 11th December.
Nearby eateries and restaurants have been challenged to create the perfect Christmas sandwich… we can’t wait to see who steps up to the challenge.
We love anything with stuffing, if you were wondering.
Dolce & Gabbana Pop Up
Luxury Italian fashion brand, Dolce & Gabbana, are bringing a festive pop-up to Covent Garden throughout the winter season.
Until 15th January 2023, a super-Instagrammable Holiday Market will sit in the market piazza, giving shoppers the chance to browse food and beverages, ready-to-wear fashion (including an exclusive t-shirt), and plenty of D&G gift ideas.
And the famous Covent Garden swing? Yeah, D&G have pimped that up with a little bit of Italian flair. Buon Natale!
The Sleigh
But that’s not the only Covent Garden Christmas pop-up this year. New for 2022, a Christmas Sleigh has landed in the area. Though, sadly, we can’t guarantee the big man himself will be there.
The traditional Sleigh, which is located in the South Hall of the Market Building, is a reconditioned 1884 carriage that has been hand painted by British artist James Gemmill.
Head there to snap all the joyous piccies.
Festive Family Fun
Last year, as part of their Frozen pop-up, Covent Garden introduced random snow flurries – much to the delight of children (and adults) in the area. Well, they’re bringing them back this year and we cannot wait.
These flurries will be starting from the 1st December. Timings are tbc, so keep your eyes peeled while you’re in the area and you might just find that it’s snowing.
As well as this, Covent Garden will host Festive Thursday shopping evenings each week throughout November and December. Expect plenty of bargain offers and exclusive discounts for visitors.
Surprise gospel performances from the London International Gospel Choir will also take place each week – so remember to keep an ear out for their magical sounds.
Take a Peek at the Covent Garden Christmas Tree
London welcomes plenty of Christmas trees each year (though most are overshadowed by the tree in Trafalgar Square) – but if you want to take that all-important photo for the ‘gram, you’ll want to check out the impressive Christmas tree that sits over in the west piazza.
At 60ft tall (beating last year’s 55ft number), the beautiful tree towers over the rest of Covent Garden – and makes for a stunning selfie backdrop.
Covent Garden Christmas Lights
Can’t get enough of London’s dazzling Christmas lights? Join the club. Not one to be outshone (quite literally), Covent Garden are, of course, getting in on the action again this Winter.
Not only that, but the Market Building will be reunited with its much-loved giant baubles, mistletoe, and mirror balls, as well as nearby giant nutcrackers guarding the Royal Opera House Arcade.
Practical Tips for Visiting Covent Garden at Christmas
- We LOVE visiting Covent Garden at Christmas… and so do plenty of other people. In other words, it can get busy. Head there early to beat crowds.
- Plenty of stores will be offering discounts throughout the season so it’s a great place to do some serious Christmas shopping at both big chains and independent retailers.
- We LOVE visiting Covent Garden at Christmas… and so do plenty of other people. In other words, it can get busy. Head there early to beat crowds.
- Plenty of stores will be offering discounts throughout the season so it’s a great place to do some serious Christmas shopping at both big chains and independent retailers.
