Set Your Festive Spirit Sparkling At Guildhall's Historic Christmas Market

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Set Your Festive Spirit Sparkling At Guildhall's Historic Christmas Market

This is a sponsored article on behalf of British Red Cross.

The beautiful Guildhall building in the City of London has seen its fair share of Christmases over the years – over 800, for those counting. Yet the magic of this Grade-I listed, medieval gem only gets better with age. You can experience it in full, festive splendour on Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 November at British Red Cross’ Guildhall Christmas Market.

Not only is this a prime opportunity to get inside and gawp at the atmospheric crypt and vaulted Great Hall, but there’s also masses to see and do. Beautiful gifts, festive luncheons, exciting prizes, afternoon teas, fashion shows – it’s all here. What’s more, you’ll be supporting a great cause because this much-loved annual event raises vital funds for the British Red Cross. Ready to find out more? Step this way...

Stuff your Christmas stocking with treasures

Over 100 stalls transform Guildhall’s impressive Great Hall into a bustling Christmas Market. Wander through history below the soaring arches, hanging banners and Gothic stained glass windows. It's pretty inspiring, but don’t forget that there’s just as much treasure in front of your nose as above your heads.

Each stall promises a range of handmade and unique gifts. From clothing to antiques, homeware to art, this is your chance to get ahead on your Christmas prezzie shopping, pick up a personal treasure, or simply browse and soak up the surroundings.

Swing by a special event

Want to splurge on something a little extra special? Get yourself tickets to the exclusive Grand Opening on Monday evening. There's nothing quite like the majestic sight of Guildhall lit up after dark, and you'll enjoy it with a glass of bubbly and hors d'oeuvres in hand. The Telegraph's food critic William Sitwell is signing books — plus, you get first dibs on all those amazing gifts.

Tuesday is officially 'market day', but Guildhall Christmas Market also has a few surprises up its sleeve. Alongside the shopping a host of guest speakers will share their tips for wellness, there's even a full-blown fashion show. Catwalk for Kindness is curated by London Fashion Week accredited producer Becky Mullins and sees a top range of designers showing off their stylish creations.

Begin your festive feasting in style

No holiday season is complete without a dash of indulgence and Guildhall Christmas Market doesn't disappoint. In the famous Guildhall Yard, you'll find a range of street food stalls ready to warm your cockles — and Guildhall's ground floor cafe will sort your caffeine fix when you want a break from gift-hunting.

If you're lucky, you may still be able to nab a spot in the atmospheric crypt for a two-course lunch courtesy of Clink Events, complete with wine ('tis the season to be jolly after all), or a lavish Champagne Afternoon Tea which features dainty finger sandwiches, canapés, scones, teacakes, a glass of bubbly and of course… bucketloads of tea. You'll have to hurry, though — tickets are selling fast and there are just a handful remaining for Tuesday's 5pm sitting.

Hands up who fancies a year's supply of wine?

Yeah, us too! How about a flight on a Spitfire aircraft? These are just two of the incredible prizes on offer at Guildhall Christmas Market's live auction on Monday evening. You have to be in it to win it!

But don't worry if you can't make it on the Monday, because there's another way to snap up some goodies.  The Silent Auction runs throughout the event with the likes of a week-long Bali retreat, Royal Opera House tickets and even the chance to raise the the world-famous Tower Bridge all up for grabs. Want to get a head start on the competition? Check out precisely what you could get your hands on and start bidding here.

With entrance to the Guildhall Christmas Market starting from £5, plus loads to see, do, shop, eat and win while you’re there, this is one Christmas cracker you won’t want to miss. Remember, all funds raised go towards supporting the incredible work of British Red Cross.

The Guildhall Christmas Market takes places on Monday 25 November (5.30pm-9pm) and Tuesday 26 November (10.30am-8pm) at Guildhall, Gresham Street, EC2V 7HH. Tickets to Market Day on Tuesday cost £5, tickets to the Grand Opening on Monday evening cost £40, Festive Luncheon tickets are £30, Champagne Afternoon Tea tickets are £30, Fashion Show tickets cost £15. Find out more and book online here.

Last Updated 06 November 2019