Afternoon · Christmas 2026
City & East End Christmas Walk: St Paul's, Leadenhall Market, Spitalfields and Brick Lane
The City of London and the East End do Christmas differently from the West End: Victorian market halls, old churches and some of London's best cheap eats, all within a short walk. This two and a half hour walk starts at St Paul's Cathedral as the light fades and finishes on Brick Lane with a salt beef beigel.
On the way you'll see Leadenhall Market's Christmas tree and light tunnel under its painted Victorian roof, and stop at Old Spitalfields Market for festive street food. It's a flat walk of about 3 km, with 4 tastings included.
It runs on Wednesday and Friday afternoons, when the City is lit up and Spitalfields' food traders are open late.
Duration
2.5 hours
Starts
Wednesdays and Fridays at 16:00
Season
20 November to 18 December 2026
Group size
4 to 10 guests
Tastings
4 (1 hot drink, 1 savoury street food, 1 festive sweet, 1 Brick Lane beigel)
Walking
about 3 km, flat
Prices
- Join a group (per person): £59 adult, £36 child. Solo guests are welcome.
What is included
- 4 tastings
- A local host for the whole tour (a local food and markets enthusiast, not a licensed Blue Badge guide)
- A small group
- A digital map of Christmas markets with our food picks, sent after the tour
- All taxes and booking fees. The price you see is the price you pay
What is not included
- Travel to the meeting point and home from the end point. The tour does not end where it starts
- Entry to St Paul's Cathedral (we see it from outside)
- Extra food, drinks or shopping beyond the listed tastings
- Tips for the host (optional, never expected)
Itinerary
All times are approximate.
- 16:00
St Paul's Cathedral, at the foot of the west steps
Meet your host. St Paul's at dusk and the story of the City at Christmas
- 16:25
Bank junction and the Royal Exchange
Through the heart of the old City, with photo stops
- 16:45
Leadenhall Market
The Christmas tree and light tunnel under the Victorian roof, and the lane that stood in for Diagon Alley. Tasting 1: mulled wine or a non-alcohol hot drink
- 17:25
Old Spitalfields Market
Festive shopping and street food. Tasting 2: savoury street food. Tasting 3: a festive sweet
- 18:10
Brick Lane
Tasting 4: a salt beef or smoked salmon beigel from the 24-hour Beigel Bake
- 18:30
Tour ends
Nearest stations: Shoreditch High Street, Aldgate East, Liverpool Street
Meeting point and end point
Meeting point
St Paul's Cathedral, west stepsThe exact meeting spot is confirmed in your booking email.
Good to know
- Alcohol: mulled wine is for guests aged 18 or over. A non-alcohol hot drink is always offered.
- Dietary needs: a vegetarian option is always available. Tell us at least 48 hours before for vegan, halal or gluten-free. This is street food from shared kitchens, so we cannot guarantee any tasting is free from allergens.
- Weather: the tour runs in rain and cold. Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes.
- Tastings: stalls change during the season, so exact dishes can vary. You always get the number and type of tastings listed here. They are sample sizes, not a full meal.
- Times: all times are approximate. The City is busy with office workers on December evenings and the group may move slowly.
- Beigel: Beigel Bake is a busy, cash-friendly counter with a queue at peak times. Your host orders for the group. A vegetarian option (cream cheese or egg) is always available.
Cancellation and policies
Free cancellation and a full refund up to 24 hours before the start. Group tours need a minimum number of guests; if we do not reach it, we tell you and you choose a full refund or another date.
Common questions
How much food is there?
Each tour page lists the exact number of tastings. They are sample sizes, not a full meal. The Foodie tour has the most (5).
Can I see exactly which dishes I will get?
We list the type of each tasting, not the exact dish, because market stalls change.
Is it suitable for vegetarians?
Yes. Tell us when you book. For vegan, halal or gluten-free, tell us at least 48 hours before.
Does the tour end where it starts?
London tours end at a different place. Check the end point on the page. Day trips start and end at the same London station.
Is transport included in the day trips?
Yes. Your price includes return transport from central London in a minibus with a licensed driver — there is no train ticket to buy.
Do we go inside the colleges?
No. We see them from outside. You can visit one in your free time.
Are rides at Winter Wonderland included?
No. Your entry ticket is included. Rides and ice skating are extra and optional.
What if it rains?
The tour runs. We only cancel for official severe weather warnings, and then you get a full refund.
Can I cancel?
Yes, free up to 24 hours before London tours and 72 hours before day trips.
Can I join on my own?
Yes. Group tours are sold per person and solo guests are welcome.
What is the difference between group and private?
On a group tour you join other guests and pay per person. On a private tour only your group comes and you pay one price for up to 6 guests.
Is the car price per person?
No. Private car prices are for the whole vehicle, up to 6 guests, with driver, fuel, parking and road charges included.
What if not enough people book?
Each group tour needs 4 or 5 guests. If we do not reach that, we tell you and you choose a refund or another date.
Are tips expected?
No.
Want this tour just for your group?
Message us on WhatsApp for a private tour quote and we'll sort the details with you directly.