Christmas arrives with the whiff of cakes and coffee! It’s time to soak in the festive vibe, and the London Christmas market is the place where you can experience the palpable energy.
The market exudes a quintessential European vibe, and it looks mesmerising with all the twinkling lights and bright decorations. It becomes all the more irresistible with the aroma of local delicacies.
Usually offering free admission, London Christmas markets start spilling their magic in late October. They truly become wonderlands for Christmas festivity and continue offering mesmerising stuff and experiences till it’s well into January.
With a tapestry of events and activities, these markets have emerged as spaces for community unions. Also, these create opportunities for new jobs and keep the local economy moving at a time when production and most sectors remain less active thanks to the festive season and holidays.
So, there is no wonder that there are hundreds of Christmas markets in London and its vicinity today. Do you want to know more about why these markets are very popular?
Let’s explore!
Why Is The London Christmas Market The Place To Be During Festivities?
The London Christmas market has become crucial when we talk about local tourism and the economy. As the most happening destination in its own right, the London Christmas Market is a must-visit place if you plan to stay in London during the Christmas season.
Here, I have curated some reasons why these Christmas markets have become so crucial for the local economy and festivities.
The London Christmas Market And Tourism
London Christmas markets are crucial in promoting tourism in the city and around the country. Tourists flock in great numbers when these markets run, and local tourism planners also promote these markets as one of the main attractions for a visit to London during Christmas.
The local restaurants, hotels and everyone associated with the travel and hospitality industry also experience a growth in the business during this time.
London Christmas Markets Boost The Local Economy
Christmas markets boost the sales of local businesses and service providers. You see endless stalls selling local cuisines. They experience augmented sales during the festive period, and as a result, they need to procure ingredients like flour, sugar and butter in greater quantities.
So, the local suppliers also experience an improvement in the sales figure. Further, a lot of employment happens in and around these markets. So, overall, Christmas markets bring a wide and far-fetched impact on the local economy.
Christmas Markets Create Employment Opportunities
London Christmas markets create many direct and indirect employment opportunities. Many international traders employ local people for the ease of communication and better sales figures. Also, many local performers and artists get the chance to showcase their talent in the markets.
However, the scope for employment promoted by Christmas markets goes beyond. Many people are employed temporarily in the following sectors.
- Security
- Construction
- Servicing
- Stewardship
- Cleansing
- Promotion and publicity
- Waste management
Thus, these Christmas markets create a wider impact on the local economy by creating employment opportunities.
A Hub For International Traders
An international trader trying to stream through the UK financial market will look forward to participating in the London Christmas market. You may also find the same international trader putting up different stalls simultaneously across different Christmas markets to maximise the impact on the local market and customers.
Traders from Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy are regular in these markets. However, with increasing opportunities, countries from Asia and South America have also joined the party.
London Christmas Markets Offer A Slice Of The Local Culture
Do you want to have a glimpse of the local culture? London Christmas markets are the places to be. You can enjoy live music performances by local artists, local cuisines, Indigenous handicrafts, and the most famous beverages of the country.
Also, you can experience how everyone turns up and takes part in the festivities to foster a feeling of community.
You Can Shop Your Heart Out At London Christmas Markets
London Christmas markets offer products that you will not usually find in general markets or stores. These markets come with a diverse range of products, and most of them are only available during the festive season.
So, if you are an international traveller, you are likely to find the best souvenirs in these markets.
Further, the organisers and local authorities are very much concerned about the authenticity of the products, food and beverages in the market. Authenticity, or the lack of it, is very crucial when it comes to shaping the shopping ideas and impression of a market.
Some Prominent London Christmas Markets
Christmas shopping and festivities become more exciting, with London Christmas markets offering diverse and authentic collections. Here are some of the most popular Christmas markets in London.
Each market has its own speciality, and you must be aware of how to procure only the best.
- Borough Market for food
- Columbia Road Flower Market for plants
- Southbank Centre Winter Market for Global Cuisine
- Covent Garden Christmas Markets for local crafts
- Trafalgar Square Christmas Market for overall ambience and the most tempting hot chocolate
Along with these markets, you can also visit Winter by the River at London Bridge City, Spitalfields Christmas markets, and Greenwich Christmas Market for all the fun.
The Final Note!
There are so many reasons that will make you visit the London Christmas market. Apart from the market itself, there is so much that you can do in the neighbourhood.
Also, these markets have a significant role to play when it comes to boosting the local economy and tourism. “Christmas markets generated at least £500 million to the economy in 2017” (Source). These markets even create employment opportunities and present local and international traders to sell their products.
So, when you pay a visit to the London Christmas markets, you indulge in festivities, be a part of a community activity and contribute to the growth of the local economy, which impacts the financial figures of the country.
So, are you planning a trip to London this Christmas? Don’t forget to explore the Christmas markets and share your experience with us.
