How does the Seattle Christmas Market compare to London’s festive fairs?
We're traveling to London soon with a stop to Seattle and I am so curious as to how the holiday markets compare! So, I did some searching, and this is what I found...
If you’re looking for some holiday cheer and a chance to shop for unique gifts, you might be tempted to visit a Christmas market. These festive events are popular in many cities around the world, offering a variety of crafts, food, entertainment, and decorations. But how do they differ from one place to another? In this post, we’ll compare the Seattle Christmas Market, a new addition to the Pacific Northwest, with some of the best Christmas markets in London, a city known for its winter wonderland. And when I actually visit, I'll be sure to keep you updated!
Location and atmosphere
The Seattle Christmas Market is located at the Seattle Center, a cultural and entertainment hub that also hosts the iconic Space Needle. The market spans over the South Fountain Lawn and the Fisher Pavilion, creating a European-inspired outdoor village with wooden chalets and a 50-foot walk-through Christmas tree. The market overlooks the waterfront and offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Puget Sound. The market is open daily from November 24 to December 24, from 4 pm to 9:30 pm on weekdays and from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm on weekends.
London has several Christmas markets scattered across the city, each with its own theme and vibe. Some of the most popular ones are the Southbank Centre Winter Market, the Covent Garden Christmas Market, the Leicester Square Christmas Market, the Trafalgar Square Christmas Market, and the Winter by the River at London Bridge City. These markets are set along the banks of the Thames, in historic squares, or near famous landmarks, creating a festive backdrop for the shoppers. The markets are open from early November to early January, with varying opening hours depending on the location.
Vendors and products
The Seattle Christmas Market features over 60 vendors offering local and international artisan crafts and gifts. You can find everything from ceramics, candles, jewelry, art prints, clothing, accessories, and more. Some of the vendors include Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, Cedar Mountain Herb School, Fernweh Woodworking, Lavender Luvies, Mossy Rock, and The Tea Spot. The market also has a dedicated section for kids, where they can find toys, books, games, and activities.
London’s Christmas markets offer a similar range of products, with a mix of local and international vendors. You can browse through traditional wooden huts or modern stalls and discover handmade crafts, unique gifts, festive decorations, and more. Some of the vendors include Artbox, BoroughBox, Choc on Choc, Funky Pigeon, Lavolio, and The London Sock Exchange. The markets also have plenty of options for kids, such as the Nordstrom Letters to Santa and the Schwibbogen.
Food and drink
The Seattle Christmas Market is not only a place to shop, but also a place to eat and drink. The market has a variety of food stalls and pop-up bars that serve traditional and seasonal delicacies. You can enjoy gourmet cheese toasties, truffle burgers, fondue, bratwurst, roasted nuts, stollen, eggnog, dutch pancakes, mince pies, mulled wine, and more. You can also book a heated snow globe for a cozy and private dining experience.
London’s Christmas markets are also a feast for the senses, with a wide range of food and drink options. You can indulge in street food from around the world, such as currywurst, schnitzel, pierogies, raclette, crepes, churros, hot dogs, and more. You can also warm up with hot chocolate, mulled wine, cider, beer, or cocktails. Some of the markets have special features, such as the Belgian Spiegeltent at Leicester Square, the Mulled Wine Festival at Covent Garden, or the Alpen Haus at Southbank Centre.
Entertainment and activities
The Seattle Christmas Market is not only a place to shop and eat, but also a place to have fun and be entertained. The market has a variety of entertainment and activities for all ages and interests. You can enjoy live music and carols from local musicians on the outdoor Flying Stage or the indoor Alpen Haus Stage. You can also join the Christmas Trivia Night, the Christmas Karaoke, or the St. Nikolaus Night. You can also enjoy complimentary rides on the Nordstrom Very Merry Go Round or wander through the Lover’s Lane light installation.
London’s Christmas markets are also a place to have fun and be entertained, with a variety of entertainment and activities for all ages and interests. You can enjoy live performances, comedy shows, cabaret, circus, and more at the La Clique show at Leicester Square or the Winter Pop-Up Cinema at London Bridge City. You can also join the Scavenger Hunt at Southbank Centre, the Ice Skating at Somerset House, or the Christmas Lights Tour at Trafalgar Square.
Conclusion
The Seattle Christmas Market and London’s Christmas markets are both great ways to celebrate the holiday season and find some unique gifts for your loved ones. They both offer a variety of crafts, food, drink, entertainment, and activities that will make you feel festive and merry. However, they also have some differences in terms of location, atmosphere, vendors, products, and features. Depending on your preferences and budget, you might prefer one over the other, or you might want to visit both if you have the chance. Either way, you’re sure to have a wonderful time and create some lasting memories. Happy holidays!
For more things to do, eat, and stay, visit The Trekking Pawns page to see what Winter Wonderland is like in Seattle!
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