As Christmas approaches, one of London’s most iconic holiday events, the Covent Garden Christmas Market, returns to charm visitors with twinkling lights, festive stalls, and a lively atmosphere. Starting with the Christmas Lights Switch On on November 12th, Covent Garden becomes a magical wonderland filled with exclusive shopping, dining, and festive experiences. Here’s everything you need to know about making the most of the Covent Garden Christmas Market this year.
Covent Garden Christmas Lights Switch On
The official start of the Covent Garden Christmas Market will begin with the Christmas Lights Switch On, illuminating Covent Garden’s historic streets and its centerpiece, a breathtaking 60ft Christmas tree adorned with thousands of sparkling lights. The West Piazza will host the grand moment at 5:30 pm, setting the entire market aglow in holiday splendor. With Hollywood star Luke Evans flipping the switch and live performances from Tina Turner the Musical and the London International Gospel Choir, this is a moment not to be missed.
Christmas Market Shopping Offers
The Covent Garden Christmas Market is renowned for its unique shopping experience, with a variety of stores offering limited-time discounts and special holiday events. Here’s what to look forward to:
- Theory: Spend £350 or more and receive a festive, illustrated gift box.
- Bluebella: Free luxury gift wrapping and nightwear monogramming for purchases.
- Saint + Sofia: The first 30 customers receive a gift with purchase and extended shopping hours until 8 pm.
- Superga: 20% off on shoes for late-night shoppers after 6 pm.
- Happy Socks: Enjoy lucky dip discounts and complimentary drinks, plus an interactive game called “Find the Missing Sock.”
From designer brands to festive boutiques, the Covent Garden Christmas Market offers something for every style and budget, making it the ideal destination for holiday shopping.
Festive Dining Experiences at Covent Garden
Covent Garden’s renowned restaurants are going all out for the Christmas season, with festive dining offers exclusive to the Covent Garden Christmas Market. Some top options include:
- Story Cellar: Be one of the first 50 guests and enjoy complimentary spiced mulled cider.
- Covent Garden Hotel: Sip on mulled wine or port with a mince pie, plus enjoy 20% off food and drinks from 5 pm to 8 pm.
- STEREO: Enjoy £7 cocktails between 5:30 pm and 8 pm.
- VyTA: 2-for-1 cocktails from 5 pm – 7 pm, with mulled wine available for both seated and takeaway guests.
Whether you’re in the mood for seasonal cocktails or classic winter warmers, the Covent Garden Christmas Market dining experiences offer perfect stops for a festive feast.
Warm Up with Hot Chocolate and Mulled Wine
The Covent Garden Christmas Market isn’t complete without cozy winter beverages to keep you warm. From rich hot chocolate to spiced mulled wine, here are some drink hotspots you won’t want to miss:
- Hotel Chocolat: 20% off hot chocolates for VIP rewards members.
- Mariage Frères: Enjoy tea-infused mulled wine and signature Christmas teas.
- Doughnation and Pivot: Choose from hot classics like Baileys hot chocolate, chai mulled wine, and poinsettia cocktails.
With festive drinks in hand, explore Covent Garden’s market stalls and bask in the warmth and ambiance of the holiday season.
Beauty, Fragrance, and Lifestyle Treats
The Covent Garden Christmas Market also brings exclusive beauty and fragrance deals, perfect for finding thoughtful gifts or treating yourself.
- Penhaligon’s: Complimentary gift with purchases over £140.
- Molton Brown: Get live portraits and a 7.5ml Eau de Parfum gift with purchases of £85 or more.
- Jo Malone London: Enjoy festive cocktails inspired by Jo Malone’s signature fragrances at their in-store pop-up bar.
Participating stores offer limited-time discounts and bonuses, making the Covent Garden Christmas Market a one-stop-shop for holiday beauty and lifestyle gifts.
Join in the Festive Fun: Live Entertainment
The Covent Garden Christmas Market will be filled with seasonal entertainment that captures the joy of Christmas in London. Hosted by Myleene Klass, this year’s celebration will feature live performances from popular West End shows, including Tina Turner the Musical and Mean Girls the Musical. The London International Gospel Choir will also perform, bringing uplifting holiday tunes to the market.
Visit the Sipsmith Express
New to the Covent Garden Christmas Market this year, the Sipsmith Express pop-up is perfect for gin lovers. Step aboard to enjoy unique gin cocktails crafted by the Sipsmith team. This charming spot offers a cozy retreat and is sure to be one of the highlights of the Covent Garden Christmas Market.
Event Details
- Shopping & Dining Offers Start: 4 pm across Covent Garden and Seven Dials
- Lights Switch On: 5:30 pm on the West Piazza
Celebrate Christmas at the Covent Garden Christmas Market
This year’s Covent Garden Christmas Market promises a holiday experience like no other. With twinkling lights, festive food, live music, and exclusive discounts, it’s the ideal place to kick off the Christmas season in London. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, enjoying delicious seasonal treats, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, Covent Garden’s Christmas Market is a must-visit destination for holiday cheer. Please visit the official website before the actual planning. Information could be updated.
