The Lord Mayor is switching on the Christmas lights at Leadenhall Market on Thursday 17 November with firework fountains to kick-start the festive season.
Head to Leadenhall Market to see the giant real Christmas tree, colour changing LED light festoons and beautiful fir tree garlands throughout the Market.
The free-to-attend evening starts at 5.30pm with a festive singalong and live performance from the London Youth Choir South East, with 40 children from primary schools in the region singing a range of Christmas Carols and seasonal songs, before the countdown begins for the Lord Mayor’s speech and Christmas light switch on at 6pm.
The Lord Mayor’s switch on is appropriate given former Lord Mayor Richard ‘Dick’ Whittington gifted the previous stone structure of Leadenhall Market to the City of London in 1411. This was replaced in 1881 with Leadenhall Market’s current wrought iron and glass architecture – including a magnificent central dome depicting a starry night sky.
The festivities will continue from the 17 November throughout the month of December with a series of Christmas workshops – from beautiful crafts and wreath-making with Floral Merchant London to ‘A taste of Leadenhall’ wine tasting – with a mix of guest traders and Leadenhall Market’s tenants hosting the sessions.
Leadenhall Market’s guided walks will take on a festive flavour with tales of a Leadenhall Christmas past and present. Led by a City of London guide and suitable for all ages, walks will take place every Wednesday from 6.30pm to 8pm and are available from 23 November until 21 December. Be sure to book in advance.
Floral Merchant London Christmas Wreath workshops will take place Wed- Friday 7pm-9.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 10.30am-1pm & 3pm-5.30pm. Classes are 2.5 hours, running from 17th November until the 18th December. Tickets are £75 per person. Booking details on Leadenhall Market’s website.
‘A Taste of Leadenhall’ wine tasting will run on the 7th and 14th December, with a choice of two sittings per evening – 6.15pm and 7.45pm. Led by Mike Knowlden, wine educator and founder of Perennial Wine, tickets are £5 per person and must be booked in advance.
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