Markets You need not hop over to Germany because Christmas markets have invaded London. Leicester Square, Southbank, Tower Bridge, even the massive Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park have their versions of the German Christmas markets. If you’ve tried and tested all of those, here are some others:
Red Cross Christmas Market is an annual event at Guildhall in The City. This year it’s on 27-28 November and has a preview evening for £40 or regular entry for £5.
www.redcross.org.uk/Get- involved/Events/Challenge-and-so cial-events/Social-events
Junior League of London marks the holiday season with Boutique de Noel. This year is the 38th celebration, and shopping happens across two days in November at Chelsea Old Town Hall.
www.jll.org.uk/boutique-de- noel2017
The Scandinavian Christmas Market is gaining more exposure with Finnish and Norwegians, as well as other Londoners with a taste for the Nordic. Tucked away in Rotherhithe, go for the food and stay for the unique gift options.
www.scandimarket.co.uk
Swedish Christmas Market takes place at The Swedish Church near Edgware Road. Glögg is served in many locations, along with traditional delicacies and desserts.
www.svenskakyrkan.se/london/julm arknad-/-christmas-fair.
6 FOCUS The Magazine November/December 2017
Carols Hymns can be traced back to 4th century Rome, and after the reformation, Protestant churches sang because the Lutheran faiths were accepting of music. William Sandys published Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern in 1833, be- ginning the popularisation of carols and offering a gateway for more books to fol- low. Many traditional carols sung at Christmas have English links. “Hark! Te Herald Angels Sing” was written by Charles Wesley, leader of the Methodist movement, in 1739. “Good King Wenceslas” is about a Bohemian king trav- eling in harsh winter and was written by Anglican priest John Mason Neale in 1853. Contemporary English composer John Rutter has added to the illustrious list with countless carols and arrangements for choirs including “What Sweeter Music”, “Shepherds’ Pipe Carol” and more. Churches all over London offer carol
services open to the public, including those who are not regular members. Tis is a great way to see some of these beautiful buildings. Larger churches like Southwark Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral offer a few ticketed serv- ices, but some are free. Smaller churches like St. Mary le Bow, St. Andrew Holborn, and St. Bride’s give you a chance to hear the incredible acoustics in a Christopher Wren-designed church. Each individual church will offer times on their websites for carol services.
Menorah Since 2007, a public menorah has ap- peared in Trafalgar Square, alongside the annual Christmas tree. Te symbol of Hanukkah is one of many that can be en- joyed around London. Tere is one outside Golders Green station each year, with the local rabbi using a cherry picker to light the candles each night! West Hampstead, Finchley Road, and Wimbledon also have a menorah to view and enjoy. Lighting the candles and eating fried food remembers the miracle of a drop of oil burning for eight days. Some lighting ceremonies offer free doughnuts or potato latkes as treats to eat. L’Chaim! (To Life!)
Amber Raney-Kincade is the American Tour Guide in London, offering walking tours and private hire to those looking to explore on foot. Find out more at
www.AmericanTourGuideInLondon.com or follow her on Twitter @AmericanLDN
www.focus-info.org
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