The Smithfield Market Christmas Eve meat auction is an annual holiday tradition in London. Every year, buyers visit the historic London market to buy surplus cuts of meat in cash-only bargain transactions. [1] [2] It is a tradition that spans back to 1327, [3] a pre-refrigeration era when meat had to be sold quickly or risk going bad. [2]
The event is known for its festive atmosphere, with people showing up in Santa hats and Christmas-themed sweaters and others waving wads of cash. [1] [4]