Christmas at Leadenhall Market 2025: Snowfall, Alpine Lagers & Tiny Winter Wonders
Your insider guide to the Market’s festive season what’s on, where to eat, how to get there and the best way to make the most of a very photogenic Victorian treasure.
If London had a small, jewel-box Christmas, this would be it. Leadenhall Market sits tucked between Gracechurch Street and Cornhill in the City of London a covered Victorian arcade where cobbles, lanterns and a high, painted roof make every light look cinematic. Each winter the market becomes one of the city’s most atmospheric places to shop, eat and simply stand and watch the snow fall on the cobbles. This year’s programme leans into that cosy, local vibe: twice-daily artificial snowfall, an Alpine Lodge pop up for hot drinks, guided Christmas walks and a line-up of festive craft markets and workshops that feel handmade, not mass produced.
Below I’ve broken it down into the things people actually want to know: what’s happening and when, which stalls and restaurants to prioritise, how to reach the market quickly, and a few tips that make the visit feel effortless.
What’s on (the seasonal highlights you can’t miss)
Daily Snowfall 12pm & 6pm
One of the market’s most charming touches this year is the twice-daily snowfall. At midday and again at 6pm, a soft flurry drifts down into the market’s covered passageways a perfect moment for photos and to feel quietly festive without the crush of bigger Christmas sites. It’s short, theatrical, and actually lovely.
Alpine Lodge warm drinks & a cosy pop-up
A weatherboard chalet serving mulled wine, hot chocolate and seasonal bites returns for the winter season. It’s small, atmospheric and the perfect mid-shop pit stop between boutiques and food stalls. Keep an eye on the market’s “What’s On” page for the Alpine Lodge opening times and any special late-evening menus.
Christmas Walking Tours Wednesdays, 19 Nov – 10 Dec (6:30–8pm)
City of London guides lead a 90-minute walk through the market and surrounding lanes, blending Dickensonian anecdotes, medieval mayoral tales and the odd goose story. Tickets are modestly priced and bookable via the City of London Guides / Eventbrite pages they’re a great way to get local history and a nice after-work festive treat.
SoLo Craft Fair & Festive Workshops
SoLo Craft Fair runs a Christmas market and a programme of small drop-in workshops. Expect activities like clay ornament making, an a cappella “Last Christmas” workshop and a quirky evening of festive tea-blending followed by ghost stories inspired by the market’s long history. These workshops are wonderfully local book early for the limited slots.
Weekend Festive Markets
Throughout the season the market hosts specialist markets vintage furniture and flea events, independent makers from the SoLo Craft Fair and curated weekend stalls. These are the best places to pick up interesting gifts from small designers and makers rather than the same rows you see everywhere.
Shop & eat: where to go inside Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall is full of independent shops and well-known British brands. On the food side, there’s an excellent mix of cosy taverns, restaurant counters and small patisseries. Highlights worth bookmarking: The Lamb Tavern for a proper pub vibe, Old Tom’s for seasonal plates, Aux Merveilleux De Fred for exceptional pastries, and a healthy list of dining spots from Argentinian grills to small pizza places.
Top picks in-market:
The Lamb Tavern a cosy classic for pints or a warming roast.
Aux Merveilleux De Fred for pastry lovers, and great for photographing seasonal French bakes.
Old Tom’s & Oriani proper evening dining options if you want to make an early dinner of it.
SoLo Craft Fair stalls for independent jewellery, prints and one-off gifts.
How to get there (exact, easy directions)
Leadenhall Market sits at Gracechurch Street / Leadenhall Street, EC3V right in the heart of the City. The market is extremely well connected:
Monument (Circle & District lines) ~4 minutes’ walk.
Bank (Central, Northern, Waterloo & City) ~5 minutes’ walk.
Fenchurch Street (national rail / c2c) about a 6–8 minute walk.
Liverpool Street & Moorgate both within a 10–15 minute walk if you’re coming from the east.
For buses, St Mary Axe and Bishopsgate stops are the closest; the 25 and N25 serve the area. If you’re driving, remember the City has congestion and the market itself doesn’t rely on tourist parking consider using central hotels or a transfer service.
Practical tip: if you’re coming after work, Monument/Bank is quicker than Liverpool Street because of cross-platform connections and it puts you right into the heart of the market.
Best times to visit (avoid the crush, get the magic)
Weekday mornings and lunchtimes are delightfully quiet perfect for photos and browsing small independent stalls.
Late afternoons (around 4–6pm) are busy but lovely you’ll catch the 6pm snowfall and the market lighting. If you want quieter snowfall photos, aim for the 12pm flurry on a weekday.
Weekend market days (park the dates shown on the market’s site) are when the craft stalls are at their largest and the atmosphere is buzzy but expect crowds.
Etiquette, safety and accessibility
Leadenhall Market is a working place with small shops and restaurants treat it kindly. The market is covered, so it’s generally all-weather, but wear comfortable shoes for cobbles. Many venues are step-free but older parts can be less accessible; check individual restaurants if you need lifts or specific access. If you’re photographing, be mindful of diners and shopkeepers this is a neighbourhood as much as a tourist spot.
Final thought
Leadenhall Market in December feels like one of those small London surprises you tell friends about months later. It’s theatrical in a gentle, local way snowfall on Georgian cobbles, craft stalls stacked with clever gifts, and a small Alpine Lodge where mulled wine tastes better because it’s earned. Whether you’re after a thoughtful present, a warming meal, or a quiet, sparkly place to meet a friend, Leadenhall is a perfect antidote to the loud, crowded markets.
For more real-time tips, last-minute ticket heads-up and pop-up finds, follow me on Instagram Follow @london.yaar. I share quick updates and the tiny local things I think are actually worth the trip.