Get ready for our favourite Christmas fairs in London! No one does Christmas like the Scandinavians – and here’s your chance Londoners. Buzzhopper and Finland fanatic Anthony O Neill gives us his expert lowdown on everything you need to know. See you there!
There are two types of Christmas market in London. The first is the one that consists of identikit wooden huts all selling the same stuff you see in Camden Market every weekend, but at a higher price and with a reindeer glued on. The other is the Nordic markets – a wonderful chance to buy food and goodies that you seldom see South of the 55th parallel, and a healthy dose of alcohol on the side.
So what, where, when? Let Buzzhopper be your guide. One thing to note: get there early. These events are very popular with the local communities and queues tend to form quickly.
This Weekend (From Nov 18th)
So if you’re planning your weekend, hit the Finnish market in SE16 on Saturday – but make sure you get there before 11am! And continue your Nordic festivities on Sunday and pop by the Swedish market in W1.
Finnish Xmas Market
Where? The Finnish Church in London, 33 Albion Street, SE16 7JG
Nearest tube: Rotherhithe
- Saturday 19th November (10.00 to 20.00)
- Sunday 20th November (10.00 to 17.00)
This is one part of a substantial market, that also includes outdoor stalls from the nearby Norwegian and Estonian churches. Previous years have included reindeer and husky rides for the kids. The best time to come is before 11am on Saturday.
What to eat
There’s a café serving Finnish coffee and korvapuusti, delicious cinnamon and cardamom pastries. Downstairs you can by Karelian Pies – rye-based savouries topped with rice, egg, or butter. Out the back is the grill, serving reindeer stew and makkara, Finland’s awesomely huge sausages.
What to drink
The coffee really is very good, but you may find yourself drawn to the bar. Karhu and Lapin Kulta beers will be available, along with lonkero, a gin and grapefruit ‘long drink’ that doesn’t seem to take very long to drink. And this being Finland, there will be shots of salmiakkikossu – salt liquorice vodka.
What to buy
Fazer is Finland’s national chocolate, and there will be many varieties on sale. There will also be local delicacies such as leipäjuusto, ‘squeaky cheese’ that’s eaten with cloudberry jam, mustards, vodka, and the obligatory selection of Moomin goodies.
Don’t miss…
Getting a hug from Moomintroll, Finland’s well-loved star of stage, screen and novel.
Swedish Xmas Market
Where – The Swedish Church in London, 6 Harcourt Street, London W1H 4AG
Nearest tubes: Baker Street and Edgeware Road
- Saturday 19th November (11.00 to 19.00)
- Sunday 20th November (12.00 to 17.00)
This is held in the Church hall, but there will be a few stalls outside selling soup and drinks. The best times to go are early on the Thursday evening – before 5pm – or no later than noon on the Saturday.
What to eat
Expect to see hotdogs and meatballs – the real deal, served with lingonberry jam. Elsewhere, salmon and Swedish cheeses will feature.
What to drink
Swedish beers and ciders are very much in vogue, with the likes of Pistonhead and Koppaberg becoming available everywhere. But the standout here is glögg, Sweden’s answer to mulled wine. Even if you never touch the stuff normally, this gets a hefty kick from the addition of a secret brandy-based spirit, making it a tad on the lethal side.
What to buy
It should hardly be a surprise that the country that gave us Ikea also came up with kits to build your own gingerbread house. There will be chocolate galore: Marabou is Sweden’s response to Cadbury’s and is addictive, and available in a huge variety of flavours. Cheeses, meats, salmon and other gifts will all be available.
Don’t miss…
The tombola – your chance to win anything from a lollipop to a DVD of the Swedish Elvis.
And the festivities continue next weekend as well – the Danish Xmas Market kicks off in NW3 on Saturday 26th November..stayed tuned!
Next Weekend (From Nov 26th)
Danish Xmas Market
The least-publicised of all the Scandanavian Christmas fairs, this one is still a gem. Held in a hall with a large kitchen out the back, it’s worth checking this one out!
Where?
Danish YWCA, 43 Maresfield Gardens, NW3 5TF
Nearest tube: Finchley Road / Belsize Park / Finchley Road & Frognal
When?
- Saturday 26th November (11.00 to 17.00)
- Sunday 27th November (11.00 to 16.00)
What to eat
The tent at the back will be selling Danish meatballs – these are larger than their Swedish counterpart and served with potato salad. Denmark is huge on hotdogs too, so try a pølser – a red dog served without a bun – or a Fransk Hapsdog, a large sausage drilled into the bun with tasty sauce.
What to drink
Beer, beer and more beer. There’s also mulled wine and coffee, but Danish beer is your friend here.
What to buy
It’s Christmas, so sweets galore. Matilda chocolate milk is a surefire winner, and there will be gingerbread, decorations and an assortment of secondhand books.
Don’t miss…
…anything. Don’t miss this one. It captures the spirit of Denmark more than any amount of ‘hygge’, which is is a load of fyckinge wynk.