Stall traders have reportedly been told that they “can’t say the word Christmas” at a market in London.

GB News reporter Ben Leo visited the ‘Winter Come Together’ on the South Bank in the capital.

He said at the beginning of his video package: “So, we’ve just come down to what is described as London’s biggest Christmas market. The only problem is, they’ve called it, if you follow me, they’ve called it a Winter Come together.

Ben added: “So, my challenge now is to find anywhere in this market that says the word Christmas, maybe the word Jesus.

“Any indication that this is indeed a religious holiday in the UK.”

He then went to look at the stalls, one of which was named ‘Winter Warmers’.

Ben then asked a stall holder: “Is this a Christmas market?”

They replied: “It’s a winter market.”

“A winter market?” the reporter questioned. “What’s the difference?”

The stall holder replied: “Erm, something to do with religion; they can’t say Christmas.”

Ben then said: “So, apparently the stall traders here have been told they can’t say the word Christmas.”

Although, later a different stallholder showed the reporter that he was waering a festive jumper and Santa hat.

Ben also enquired with other members of the public as to what they think.

When asked whether people should be wished a happy Christmas or happy holidays, one person told the reporter: “Both. Not everybody celebrates Christmas.”

Another claimed that he would “offend” people by voicing his belief that the festive period should be referred to as Christmas.

Rounding off his trip to the market, Ben sampled some “mild gin” from “the winter market, not Christmas”.

“Ooh, that’s good,” he said, “that’s good. That gets me in the festive mood.”

Others have presented differing opinions about the festive period and its relationship with religion.

@PerseusSlade said on X: “It is the midwinter festival celebrated by the Romans as Saturnalia and the birth of Sol Invictus and Mithras.

“It became a Christian festival much later.”

@ladydiva17_eve said: “Christmas is a pagan holiday and I am a Christian. There is no verse in the bible instructing us to celebrate the birth of Christ.

“Yes he died for our sins, but that is what the Holy Communion is for. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

@ShantiZulu posted: “I am Jewish. Grew up in London, and went to an anthroposophy school.

“I don’t remember ever being offended by Christmas. In fact I rather enjoyed the beautiful lights in central London and the fun atmosphere. Parties too.

“It was another excuse to celebrate and be happy. I drew the line at going to Church on Sundays and prayers. I imagine, If you came to Israel you’d also join in Chanukah parties and celebrations.”