I live in Kent with my husband and two children, and we love exploring and finding new things to do as a family. We’re also real food lovers, always on the lookout for delicious meals and new flavours to try together. With Christmas fast approaching, we were definitely in the mood for something festive. London is so easy to reach with Thameslink, so we decided to head to Winter by the River — a magical festive market set along the Thames, filled with boutique stalls, twinkling lights, and incredible food.
A smooth journey with Thameslink
We travelled from Dartford, catching a Thameslink train from Dartford to London Bridge — just a 40-minute journey. Booking our tickets on the app the night before was quick and easy.
The kids adore getting the train, and for my husband and me it takes all the stress out of travelling — no traffic, no worrying about parking, and more time to sit back, relax, and enjoy each other’s company.
The children were especially excited as the train pulled out of the station — there’s something about a day trip to London that feels like an adventure all on its own. We had brought toys along to keep them entertained, but they were far more excited watching out of the window and spotting London landmarks as we got closer to the city, pointing out The Shard and the Tower of London. Travelling by train gives them this sense of independence and excitement you just don’t get in the car, and it made the day feel like it had started the moment we boarded.
Arriving at Winter by the River
We arrived at London Bridge and were at the market within minutes. It immediately felt like Christmas, with festive decorations up and seasonal music playing — there was a fantastic buzz in the air. The smells hit us straight away: sweet orange from dried garlands, warm cinnamon from the crêpe stalls, smoky sausages cooking on open grills, and spiced mulled wine steaming from the market bars. It was the perfect location, set against the backdrop of the Thames with a skyline of modern and historic buildings.
Alongside the traditional offerings, there’s a brilliant mix of global street food, with everything from Korean BBQ and Nepalese momos to tacos, Punjabi-inspired fast food and freshly baked cookies. There were even more family-friendly choices such as fish and chips, mac and cheese, burgers and smoked meats and making it easy to find something for everyone.
We decided to start with lunch, thinking a sit-down option with the kids would be best. The Glasshouse is a temporary two-storey venue offering panoramic views across the Thames. It serves drinks, pizza, and waffles — perfect for families. We grabbed a table easily before it got busy.
We shared some pizzas, which arrived piping hot, with a perfectly crisp base, gooey melted cheese, and tangy tomato sauce. The kids wolfed theirs down, which was a relief because it’s often tricky to find something little ones will eat. I sipped my first mulled wine of the season — rich, spiced, and warming — while taking in the stunning views of Tower Bridge.
The Glasshouse Terrace also hosts live music from Wednesday to Saturday, and they run fun Sip & Paint workshops with Pinot & Picasso — an amazing idea for a Christmas night out or a festive date.
In the market stalls, there were so many tempting lunch options it would have been hard to choose. Traditional and festive favourites included sizzling German sausages and Yorkshire puddings stuffed with roast dinner, while other exciting options — crispy fish and chips, fluffy bao buns, steaming Nepalese dumplings — all looked and smelled amazing. If we hadn’t needed to get the kids home for bedtime, we would have happily stayed for dinner!
Exploring the London Christmas market
With bellies full, we decided to take a walk before enjoying any more food. We strolled along the river, browsing the stalls selling beautiful gifts. We spotted stalls selling beautiful handmade baubles, including London-themed designs that will look gorgeous on our Christmas tree. And though we weren’t hungry at the moment, we made a note of which food stalls we’d come back to later.
However, we couldn’t resist the festive hot chocolate — each of us enjoyed one topped with whipped cream. Mine was Terry’s Chocolate Orange flavour, rich and creamy, perfectly warming my hands on a chilly November day. The kids of course requested loads of marshmallows with theirs and dripped more than a little down them!
We crossed Tower Bridge, taking in the sights and pointing out The Shard, the Tower of London, and other iconic buildings to the kids.
Family fun: Curling by the River
As part of Winter by the River, there was a curling pop-up set in a gorgeous après-ski-themed Aperol bar, which the kids were really eager to try out. It was great fun, and the little ones absolutely wiped the floor with us — somehow managing better aim, technique, and significantly more enthusiasm than the grown-ups! The whole area felt like a cosy Alpine escape, with twinkling lights, ski-lodge décor, faux furs, and the warming smell of mulled wine drifting across the lanes. Christmas music played in the background, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Curling is a great interactive activity if you want a break from browsing the stalls, and it’s easy to join — you can book a lane in advance or try your luck with the walk-up queue depending on the time of day. While we played, the bar served a range of drinks, including Aperol cocktails, and I enjoyed my second mulled wine of the season. Sipping the warm, spiced wine while cheering the kids on made it feel like a real festive treat. It’s such a fun idea for a festive gathering with friends or family, and perfect for making memories with kids of all ages.
Sweet treats at sunset
After curling, we were ready to try some of the sweet treats — and there was so much to choose from. It had everything you’d expect from a proper Christmas market: churros, crêpes, baked goods, and plenty of sweets.
My son went for his favourite, churros with lashings of dipping sauce, while the rest of us chose some incredible filled cookies. The cookies were warm, gooey, and packed with melted chocolate, while the churros were crisp on the outside and soft inside, dusted with sugar and cinnamon. We enjoyed them as the sun went down, with lights twinkling against the backdrop of the Thames.
As the daylight faded, the market really came to life, casting a warm festive glow — it was hard not to feel Christmassy, even in November!
A relaxing journey home
After a busy day, it was such a relief knowing the station was just a short walk away — perfect for tired little legs (and big ones too!) — and that we had a quick 40-minute train journey home. Once again, we were able to sit back and chat about our wonderful day, rather than stressing about traffic or taking the wrong turn on the way home. There was something lovely about watching the lights of London drift past the window while we unwound together — a rare calm moment in the run-up to Christmas. When we got home, the kids fell asleep much quicker than usual — a sure sign of a great and busy day out!
Winter by the River was the perfect way to kick off the festive season — great food, brilliant family activities, and some of London’s most iconic views all in one place. The wider London Bridge area is also packed with an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants, ideal for families, festive nights out with friends, or after-work Christmas drinks. London always feels extra enchanting during the festive season, and Winter by the River captured that Christmas magic perfectly.
With the journey made so simple by Thameslink, it felt like the ideal stress-free day out for the whole family. We left feeling full, happy, and very much in the Christmas spirit — already talking about making it a yearly tradition.
About the Author
I’m Kirsty, I'm 38 and live in Kent with my husband, our two children, and our two cats. I love long walks — especially by the sea — and I’m always exploring Kent and beyond in search of great food and drink, with a particular soft spot for our county’s wonderful vineyards. When I’m not out discovering somewhere new, you’ll usually find me with a book in hand.
I run the blog girlaboutkent.co.uk and post as @girl.aboutkent on Instagram, sharing the very best that Kent has to offer — from family days out and brilliant places to eat to hidden gems worth seeking out.
