Snowfall at Leadenhall, iconic markets & a gingerbread finale

If you’re looking for a festive London walk that blends iconic landmarks, Christmas markets, rare London “snow” and seriously Instagrammable moments, this City and East London route is such a good one.

This was my final Christmas filming day, and it honestly felt like the perfect way to round off the season – classic London, cosy food stops, and a few magical surprises along the way.

Grab a warm coat, a coffee, and let’s go for a Christmas walk through The City, Leadenhall Market and along the Thames, finishing with a very special gingerbread house.

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Stop 1: Old Spitalfields Market 🎄

Nearest station: Liverpool Street

We started our morning at Old Spitalfields Market, which is always a brilliant place to kick off a festive day. At Christmas, it’s full of little seasonal stalls, wreaths and decorations – but the real star is the iconic red telephone box, dressed up with festive garlands and trimmings.

If you love an Instagrammable moment, this one ticks all the boxes.

There’s also a large Christmas wreath and small festive stalls dotted around, making it feel cosy without being overwhelming.

Coffee stop ☕

We met at around 10am and shared:

• A salmon bagel

• Hot coffee from Noxy Brothers, which was perfect fuel for the walk ahead.

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Stop 2: A Festive Walk to The Royal Exchange ✨

From Spitalfields, it’s around a 15-minute walk into the City – and this stretch is packed with festive surprises.

Along the way, keep an eye out for:

• 🎄 The tallest Christmas tree in London (67ft) outside the Pan Pacific Hotel

• ✨ The Gherkin, glowing with colourful festive lights

• 🌟 22 Bishopsgate / Horizon 22, looking very Christmassy and joyful

This part of London really comes alive at Christmas, mixing modern skyscrapers with traditional decorations.

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Stop 3: The Royal Exchange & Fortnum & Mason 🎁

Arriving at The Royal Exchange always feels special. I’ll be honest — I used to feel slightly intimidated by it (it is very posh), but it’s actually incredibly welcoming.

Think:

• A luxury, niche shopping arcade

• Jewellery brands like Tiffany & Co. and Boodles

• And, right in the centre, a beautiful Fortnum & Mason café and bar

You can sit for a drink, pick up little festive treats, or simply soak in the atmosphere.

Film location moment 🎬

Around the back of the Royal Exchange (near Montblanc) is a must-see for rom-com lovers — it’s the exact spot from Bridget Jones’s Diary, where Mark Darcy buys Bridget a new diary in the snow. One of those very London moments.

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Stop 4: Leadenhall Market Snowfall ❄️

Snow times: 12pm & 6pm daily

Next up: Leadenhall Market, and honestly – this was one of my favourite moments of the entire day.

Snow in London is rare… but here, it falls twice a day. We arrived just before midday and got absolutely soaked in the five-minute snowfall — and I’ve never seen so many people smiling at once.

The Victorian architecture, twinkling lights and falling snow make it feel straight out of a Christmas film. If you’re visiting London in December, this is an absolute must.

Nearby pub 🍺

If you want a cosy stop nearby, The Counting House is a great festive pub with lots of space and a warm, traditional feel.

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Stop 5: Tower Hill & St Katharine Docks Christmas Markets 🌟

From Leadenhall, we walked around 15 minutes towards Tower Bridge.

First, we stumbled across a quieter market at Tower Hill Terrace, perched above the Thames with views towards Tower Bridge – ideal if you want festive vibes without big crowds.

Then we continued to St Katharine Docks, where we found a Victorian-themed Christmas market. With Tower Bridge as the backdrop, it’s incredibly photogenic.

You’ll find:

• Handmade gifts & accessories

• Hot chocolate, chestnuts, crepes

• Festive food stalls (we had hot dogs — very Christmassy!)

💡 It’s smaller than you might expect, but the aesthetic is spot on.

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Stop 6: Winter by the River 🎄

Location: London Bridge City

Crossing Tower Bridge brings you to Winter by the River, one of London’s biggest and most atmospheric Christmas markets.

Highlights include:

• A huge modern gold Christmas tree overlooking Tower Bridge

• Long riverside stretches of festive stalls

• Handmade gifts, candles and clothing

• Endless food options – burgers, mac & cheese, hot chocolate and more

Don’t miss: Hay’s Galleria

Pop into Hay’s Galleria, where you’ll find:

• A stunning indoor space

• A very unique Christmas tree in purples and pinks

• Hay’s on the River, a great spot for a festive drink

It’s such a lovely detour and feels a bit like a hidden gem.

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Final Stop: A Gingerbread House at Raffles, The OWO 🍪

To finish the day, we hopped on the tube from London Bridge to Westminster – not technically East London, but so worth it.

At Raffles London at The OWO, you’ll find Café Ciel, home to the most adorable gingerbread house installation.

We popped in without a reservation and sat at the bar, ordering:

• A gingerbread hot chocolate with cream and mini marshmallows

And honestly? It tasted like Christmas in a cup.

💡 Tip: Try to arrive before sunset if you want daylight photos — we didn’t, but the cosy evening atmosphere still made it magical.

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Final Thoughts ✨

This City and East London Christmas walk is such a brilliant mix of:

• Iconic London landmarks

• Rare festive “snow”

• Beautiful markets

• Cosy food stops

• And one very special gingerbread finale

If you’re planning a festive day out in London, this route is easy to follow, packed with atmosphere, and perfect for filming, photographing or simply soaking up the Christmas magic.

🎄 You can also watch the full video over on my YouTube channel, where I share this walk in real time – plus I’ve got a whole Christmas playlist featuring Chelsea, Belgravia, Bond Street and more.

Merry Christmas, and I’ll see you in the next adventure ✨