You can keep your German Christmas markets, because we’re making plans to head to Scandimarket this weekend!
Weather forecasts disagree about whether the UK will get some Arctic snow next week. But we’ve checked the radar and can guarantee that something just as good is coming out of the frozen north. It’s called Scandimarket, and it’s making landfall in Rotherhithe this weekend. You won’t be able to turn it into a snowman, but what you’ll get instead is Nordic crafts, food, and fashion. All of which will last longer than a snowman. Well the cinnamon buns certainly won’t, but you get the picture.
Scandimarket is a mini Christmas market with a Viking twist, and it’s popping up in Rotherhithe from November 24th – 26th. It’s hosted by the Finnish and Norwegian churches of Rotherhithe, and the outdoor market will connect the two. Now that’s what I call togetherness! Both churches will also host indoor Christmas fairs, and since the Finnish church has a public sauna, you should definitely take the opportunity to get inside and have a steam.
Just look at all the cute Christmas crafts! Everything from sleek Scandinavian designers like Blabar and Nordic Design Forum to kookier vendors like Sven’s Comics will be present. For sustenance, head to Scandinavian Kitchen or try a piirakka (a kind of Finnish pasty) from Proper Piirakka. Make any excuse to wash it down with Gosnell’s Mead, though, because it’s basically Christmas now.
There’s something of a Scandinavian showdown taking place this weekend, as this Danish Christmas market sets up shop in Hampstead. You won’t see Norway and Denmark go head to head again until next year’s Eurovision, so why not make a weekend of it and decide which market is best?
You’ll find Scandimarket on Albion Street, Rotherhithe, SE16 7HZ. Nearest tube station is Canada Water, or take the Overground to Rotherhithe. The market is open from 12pm-7pm on Friday, 10am-6pm on Saturday, and 10am-5pm on Sunday.