‘I visited my favourite Christmas market in London and the variety of stalls surprises me every year’

Winter by the River stretches along the South Riverside, from Tower Bridge to London Bridge, offering a perfect holiday stroll. With its charming stalls and vibrant atmosphere, it’s easily my favourite Christmas market in London.

This year, I was surprised to discover new stalls that added extra flair to the market. My top pick was a night lights stall with squishy, light-up designs.

They had so many wholesome designs, like a block of cheese and a toaster. My favourite was without a doubt the capybara - it will definitely be on my Christmas gift list.

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Another standout for me was the crochet florist - yes, you read that correctly - where there’s beautiful handmade flowers, from lavender to roses, all crafted in colourful yarn. The staff even custom makes bouquets. I think they’re the perfect gift because they last forever.

I was also happy to find that some of the market classics remain, like the beautiful mulled wine and cider bar inside Hayes Galleria. I love walking past the bar to discover a hidden huge Christmas tree adorned with stunning purple, pink, and blue decorations.

For cheese lovers like me, the Cheshire cheese stall never disappoints, with amazing flavours like truffle, mango chutney, and tomato and herbs. I never know which flavour to choose, so I always get their four-cheese deal for £26. One ball of cheese is just £7.50 though, which I think is pretty affordable.

Other food options include classics, like churros and mini pancakes and huge cookies and colourful macaroons. This year, I discovered a new Spanish stall offering generous bowls of paella, including a vegan option, which I have never seen before.

The paellas start at just £11, even the seafood one, which I think is a fantastic price for a Christmas market. They also serve a chorizo bread that reminded me of my home in Portugal, adding a warm, comforting touch to the experience.

Winter by the River also has new activities, like a Swift Stone Curling bar, where you can play the iconic game indoors and stay warm. It’s a fun, festive way to enjoy the market’s seasonal offerings.

My visit ended at the Glasshouse, where I got a mulled cider while staying warm and cosy. The view of the market, Tower Bridge, and the River Thames made it a truly special spot to relax.

You can also enjoy a pizza inside the Glasshouse, or bring any street food inside without issue. Everything at Winter by the River is designed with sustainability in mind, including reusable cups with the market’s branding.

Winter by the River is a must-see - great food, cute gifts, and plenty of festive cheer make it the perfect start to the season. If you're unsure where to kick off your Christmas season, this is my recommendation!

Winter by the River is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm, with special hours on Christmas Eve from 11 am to 5 pm. It will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but open on New Year’s Eve from 11 am to 9 pm, closing for the season on January 5th.