A journalist and self-described Christmas market connoisseur has delivered a scathing verdict on one of London's most listed festive attractions, branding the Southbank Centre Winter Market a major let-down.
A Festive Expert's High Hopes Dashed
Parul Sharma, a writer who considers visiting Christmas markets a seasonal "Olympic sport," embarked on a visit to the Southbank market on a Thursday evening in December 2025, full of anticipation. Having heard glowing reviews from friends and online guides, she travelled from East London expecting a magical riverside experience.
Instead, she and her companions were met with a scene that felt "like we were being Punk'd." The reality was a market that seemed to end almost before it began, with a surprisingly limited number of stalls. Sharma insists she is only counting the official market stalls, not the nearby festively decorated restaurants.
What Was Missing From The Southbank Experience?
The core of the disappointment lay in the absence of the chaotic, overwhelming choice that defines a great Christmas market for many. The writer lamented the lack of rows of competing food and drink vendors, the confusing array of overpriced souvenirs, and the repetitive tat sold as must-have gifts.
"What's the point of setting up a Christmas market if you can't cause customers utter confusion over which bratwurst stall to go for?" she questioned. The essential experience of comparing identical ceramic bowls at wildly different prices, or sampling multiple overpriced mulled wines, was conspicuously absent.
A Promise to Return… For Research
Despite the strong feeling that the market didn't live up to its considerable hype, the story doesn't end with a permanent boycott. Following a spirited discussion with colleagues before publishing her critique, Sharma was convinced to give the Southbank Christmas Market another chance. She plans to return that very Friday, if only to sample an overpriced festive drink in the name of journalistic thoroughness.
The final verdict? For this festive expert, the Southbank Centre Winter Market was a case of intense anticipation followed by general disappointment. It remains a staple on 'best of' lists, but one visitor's experience suggests it might be one of London's most overrated Christmas destinations.
