Ebenezer Scrooge transforms Leadenhall Market in festive takeover
The release from Paramount Pictures UK described the transformation of Leadenhall Market for a festive takeover celebrating the film EBENEZER. The event marked an early start to the holiday season in London and coincided with the movie's arrival in cinemas across the UK on Friday, November 13, 2026. The announcement was issued on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, noting that the market had already hosted the activity over the preceding weekend. This initiative aimed to draw attention to the theatrical release through immersive experiences at the well-known location.
During the event, Victorian carol singers filled the historic market with their performances. This created a strong festive atmosphere where both residents and tourists could step back in time. They enjoyed an afternoon of Christmas magic that featured a distinctly Dickensian twist. The singers contributed to the overall theme by evoking the period associated with the story behind the film. Attendees experienced the market in a new light as the performances brought traditional holiday elements to the forefront, enhancing the sense of stepping into a bygone era of celebration and storytelling.
The centerpiece was the Leadenhall Wunderkammer, which featured a miniature Victorian storefront reimagined as the counting house of Scrooge and Marley. Inspired by 19th-century curiosity cabinets, miniature theatres, and the market's own ornate architecture, the installation invited visitors to queue and ring a bell. Behind the window, a shopkeeper figure presented surprises. Participants could receive exclusive EBENEZER merchandise or festive items from partners including Branston, Aunt Bessie's, and Ferrero Rocher. Others encountered a marshmallow lump of coal as a humorous reference. The installation encouraged donations of 10 pounds per person, with one quarter of proceeds directed to Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.
Simon McCaugherty, Director at Visit London, commented on the event’s appeal. “London is full of surprises at Christmas, and the Ebenezer takeover at Leadenhall Market is a brilliant example of the creativity and history that makes the city such a special place to visit. This fresh twist to Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in one of London’s most historic markets is a great way to celebrate the festive season. It’s exactly the kind of imaginative experience that makes Christmas in London so memorable. We’d encourage visitors to discover it for themselves and see which ghostly gift awaits them!”
This November, prepare to be ghosted. Johnny Depp is the deliciously unpleasant Ebenezer Scrooge in a thrilling reimagining of the most iconic ghost story of all time. On one unforgettable Christmas Eve, Ebenezer collides with his past, present, and future on a supernatural journey that will decide his ultimate fate. If you think you know his story, think again. Directed by Ti West and with a screenplay by Nathaniel Halpern, Ebenezer also stars Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Charlie Murphy, with Tramell Tillman and Ian McKellen. The film is presented by Paramount Pictures in association with Domain Entertainment as a Wattsco / IN.2 Films Production.
Leadenhall Market has origins dating to the 14th century and occupies the location of the former Roman Forum in central London. It began as a market for meat, poultry, and game but now includes a variety of independent shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, and wine bars. The current building, a Grade II-listed structure designed by Sir Horace Jones in 1881, is noted for its Victorian architectural details, colorful shopfronts, cobbled paths, and wrought iron and glass roof. The market has endured numerous historical events, including the Great Fire of London, and continues to serve as a gathering spot for workers, locals, and tourists engaging in shopping, dining, and various activities.
After participating in the Wunderkammer activity, visitors had the option to remain at the market for festive meals and beverages. Available establishments include The Lamb Tavern, Luc’s Brasserie, MRBL, and Giorgio at Leadenhall. The Wunderkammer display itself remains available for visits on Thursdays through Sundays during the periods of November 12 to 15 and 19 to 22, from noon to 5pm, and extends in a broader sense until December 22, 2026.
