Enjoy festive shopping at Christmas markets in Central London

With preparations for Christmas festivities at its peak now, it would surely be a great idea to enjoy festive shopping at the famous Christmas markets, particularly in Central London. Here are some of the popular Christmas markets to shop for gift and decoration items for your family, friends and home. The best markets, especially for shopping during this festive season, in Central London include Southbank Centre Christmas Market, Real Food Christmas Market, More London Christmas Market, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Christmas Market at Tate Modern and Barbican Christmas Market. Let us now get a glimpse into the fabulous offerings at these special markets.

Southbank Centre Christmas Market
The Southbank Centre Christmas Market is being held at the Southbank Centre and will continue until January 4, 2015. This year 50 wooden chalets have been set up at the market. There’s much more to find here than just gingerbread and baubles. Visit along the Queen’s Walk at the market, which is also a part of the Southbank Centre Winter Festival, to purchase various goodies specially put on sale here such as door wreaths, local mead, sheepskin rugs, and even lobster mac ‘n’ cheese. The market is simply fantastic to visit to buy gifts and other things for your friends and family.

Real Food Christmas Market
The Real Food Christmas Market is also situated at the Southbank Center and also a part of the Southbank Centre Winter Festival. This market is located in the courtyard just behind the Royal Festival Hall. This market is a great place to buy gifts such as craft beer, traditional sweets, cheese and charcuterie. This 5-day Christmas market is also visited by people looking for a wide choice of locally produced and sustainable fine foods and other seasonal items as well. Feeling hungry after tiresome shopping? Then think of tucking into ready-to-eat treats such as mince pies and mulled wines.

More London Christmas Market
The More London Christmas Market is held annually at the More London Riverside. The market offers a wide selection of homemade gift items and delicious food. The handicraft items available for purchase include peshminas, toys and pottery. Apart from this, food items to buy here include chutneys, chocolates and many kinds of cheeses. The local choirs performing amid the panoramic views of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge make the whole atmosphere festive.
 
Christmas Market at Tate Modern
The Christmas Market at Tate Modern is held every year on the Bankside at the Tate Modern. More than 70 beautiful wooden chalets can be seen selling their wares. The wooden chalets being put up alongside the Tate Modern for the past several years during Christmas have added zing and festive cheer to the Bankside area. Many things are available for purchase here such as intricate decorations, unique jewelry, handcrafted wooden toys and much more. Enjoy your shopping while gorging on roasted nuts, crêpes, bratwurst or a warming cup of glühwein.

Barbican Christmas Market
The Barbican Christmas Market is held annually at the Barbican Centre. This is one of the best places in Central London to buy toys, arts and crafts, designer clothes and antiques. Above 35 independent designers and artisans would be selling their creative items at the shops set up in the foyers. You can also enhance your shopping experience by munching on mince pies and mulled wine.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
A visit to the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers the best Christmas shopping and fairs experience. The iconic Hyde Park has been transformed into a fairground with many Christmas markets coming up ever since November 21 and continuing until January 4. The visitors are offered free access to this winter wonderland. Shopping at the Christmas markets or enjoying fairground rides around Santa Land along with your kids is a real treat during this festive season. There are various other attractions to be enjoyed here such as two circuses -- 'Cirque Berserk' and 'Christmas Circus', a Giant Observation Wheel, and ice and skating rink at the Magical Ice Kingdom.

These are some of the hugely popular Christmas markets in Central London which are worth visiting to make your festive season quite enjoyable.