Smithfield Market Christmas Eve Auction and a Proper London Tradition

If you like your Christmas traditions with a bit of noise, a lot of character, and the occasional turkey being held aloft like a trophy, Smithfield Market’s Christmas Eve Auction is worth a spot in your festive calendar. It is loud, good natured, and proudly old school, with a crowd that looks like it has raided the Santa hat aisle on purpose.

At its heart, the auction is a simple idea. Traders clear surplus stock before the break and the public can snap up cuts that will make Christmas dinner feel properly generous. The result is a short burst of cheerful mayhem that feels uniquely London.

What actually happens at the Christmas Eve Auction

Think of it as a festive flash sale, but with proper theatre. The auctioneer keeps things moving at pace, and the crowd does its bit too, passing cash forward and purchases back through the sea of winter coats.

You can expect to see plenty of classic Christmas staples on offer, including turkey, ham, and big joints that look like they belong on the table in a period drama. Some years even finish with a memorable final round featuring smaller whole animals that get a lot of attention.

When to go and where it takes place

The auction is held on Christmas Eve, and starts at 10am, with people often gathering earlier so they are in position when the first lots appear.

These days it is typically held in Grand Avenue at Smithfield, which gives the whole thing a proper covered backdrop and makes the event feel even more like a London institution.

Bring cash and a bag you trust

If you take one practical tip from this article, make it this. Bring cash. It is largely a cash only affair, with bidders waving notes to get spotted in the crowd.

A few other helpful bits that will make your morning easier

• Bring a sturdy shopping bag or two, ideally something that can handle a bit of weight
• Arrive with smaller notes so you are not trying to break a big one in the middle of the action
• Wear shoes you do not mind getting a bit scuffed, it gets busy quickly

Getting there on the Tube via Farringdon Barbican and St Pauls

Smithfield Market sits right where the City of London gets wonderfully walkable. Official guidance lists Farringdon, Barbican and St Paul’s among the nearest Tube stations, and it is also close to big landmarks like the Barbican and St Paul’s Cathedral.

For your on page links, you can point readers to your station pages

• Farringdon station 
• Barbican station
• St Pauls station

If you are planning content for visitors, it is also worth noting the market is described as only a few minutes walk from Farringdon and Barbican.

A Christmas crowd that brands love to reach

Events like this are a reminder of why the London Underground is such a strong place to build seasonal visibility. You have people travelling with purpose, often on a tight timetable, and in a festive spending mindset.

For brands planning winter campaigns, this is exactly the kind of audience that responds well to simple, punchy creative on the Tube. If you want to tie your message to the season, consider formats that hit commuters at the point of decision

• Digital 6 sheet for fast changing Christmas messaging
• Escalator panels for longer dwell time in central stations
• Station takeovers when you want full festive impact

Planning a festive campaign around the City this winter

If you are a brand looking to get seen during the Christmas rush, London Underground Advertising can help you plan, book, and deliver Tube campaigns across the network, including smart placements around Zone 1 stations. Start with our advertising formats page to see what is possible and when you are ready, speak to our team here.

FAQs

What is the Smithfield Market Christmas Eve Auction

It is a lively Christmas Eve tradition where surplus meat is sold to the public in a fast paced auction atmosphere.

What time does the Smithfield Christmas Eve Auction start

Recent event guides list a 10am start, with crowds often arriving earlier to get a good spot.

Do you need cash at the Smithfield meat auction

Yes, it is usually cash only, with bidders waving notes to be seen.

Which Tube stations are best for Smithfield Market

Farringdon, Barbican and St Paul’s are among the nearest stations for reaching the market on foot.