The Best Christmas Markets in London


London transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, with Christmas markets popping up across the city. These markets are perfect for getting into the festive spirit, offering a mix of unique gifts, seasonal food and fun atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, London’s Christmas markets provide a magical experience that’s not to be missed! Here’s a guide to some of the best Christmas markets in London to help you make the most of the season.

Related: Check out the Top 10 Markets in London

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Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

Dates: Thursday 21st November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most famous Christmas markets. The market is home to over 200 chalets selling crafts, gifts, festive treats and activities! Along with all the markets, Winter Wonderland also has ice skating, fairground rides, circus shows and a giant observation wheel. One of my favourite things to do is visit the Bavarian Village, which offers hearty food and live music. Winter Wonderland’s extensive attractions and festive atmosphere make it a must-visit during the holiday season. I highly recommend visiting on a weekday, outside of the school Christmas holidays, if you’re looking to avoid the bulk of the crowds. I’ve had hit and miss experiences here over the years, with some days having to deal with very queues. Winter Wonderland is perfect for everyone; from families, couples, groups and kids!

Highlights: Ice Kingdom, Christmas circus shows, Santa Land for children, and various themed bars. Check out the Winter Wonderland site for tickets, information and news on what’s on.

Southbank Centre Winter Market

Dates: Friday 1 Nov – Thursday 26 Dec 2024 (some pop ups will be available until the new year).

The Southbank Centre Winter Market, located along the Thames, offers a picturesque setting for some festive shopping. Open from mid-November to late December, the market features wooden chalets selling handcrafted gifts, festive food and Christmas drinks (like Mulled Wine!!). It’s a lovely place to visit as you get great riverside views of London, while browsing for unique Christmas presents and indulging in delicious street food. The market also hosts seasonal shows and performances throughout the period. The Southbank Centre Winter Market is ideal for those looking for a scenic and cultural Christmas experience. After you’ve enjoyed the market, be sure to wander along the river and take in the many sites along London’s River Thames.

Highlights: Seasonal food and drink, local crafts, and festive shows at the Southbank Centre. Visit the official site for more information!

Leicester Square Christmas Market

Dates: 6th November – 5th January 2025

Leicester Square Christmas Market, in the heart of the West End, brings festive cheer to one of London’s busiest areas. This market features charming wooden huts offering gifts, crafts, seasonal treats and a Santa’s Grotto for kids! The market’s cosy atmosphere is enhanced by twinkling lights and festive decorations. There’s typically a range of performances at the Leicester Square Spiegeltent too, including cabaret, comedy and family-friendly shows. The central location and vibrant ambiance make Leicester Square Christmas Market a convenient and enjoyable festive stop. Given its location, you can also pop to see the Covent Garden or Trafalgar Square markets nearby too.

Highlights: Santa’s Grotto, cabaret shows and mulled wine. Check out their official site for more information.

Greenwich Christmas Market

Dates: Lantern Parade & Christmas Lights: 20th November 2024. Christmas Carolling 1st Dec-31st Dec 2024.

Greenwich Christmas Market, located in the historic heart of Greenwich, offers a delightful festive experience. The Greenwich market features stalls selling handmade crafts, unique gifts and festive food. I love this market for its charming setting, surrounded by historic buildings and close to the famous Cutty Sark. You can enjoy live music, carol singing and seasonal treats while exploring the market too. Greenwich Christmas Market’s blend of history and holiday cheer makes it a lovely spot for festive shopping and entertainment. This is a great place to visit if you want to explore the nearby attractions in Greenwich. Read more on how to have a great day out in Greenwich!

Highlights: Craft stalls, street food, live music and the stunning surroundings. Check out this site for more information on all the Christmassy things to do in Greenwich.

Covent Garden Christmas Village

Dates: 12th November 2024

Covent Garden Christmas Village is a festive haven that is a must-do for anyone in London during the Christmas season. The iconic area gets totally transformed during the season, from the famous Piazza and Market Building, down to Neal’s Yard and Seven Dials. The market features stalls offering luxury gifts, artisanal food and festive decorations. Covent Garden is famous for its giant 60ft and iconic Christmas bells and bauble decorations. Whilst visiting the markets, you can also explore the wider shops and restaurants in the area, making it a great destination for a full day of festive fun. Covent Garden’s central location and enchanting decorations make it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

Highlights: Giant 60ft Christmas tree, live music performances and iconic festive decorations. Check out their site for more detailed information on where you can find each attraction in the area.

Christmas by the River at London Bridge

Dates: TBC

Christmas by the River, set against the stunning backdrop of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, offers a magical festive experience. Open from late November to early January, this market features wooden cabins selling gifts, crafts and delicious food. Other things to enjoy here include ice skating, live music, and workshops while taking in the spectacular views of the Thames. The market’s riverside location and festive atmosphere create a unique and charming holiday experience. Christmas by the River is perfect for those looking to combine festive shopping with iconic London sights.

Highlights: Craft stalls, winter warming drinks and amazing views of the River Thames.

Trafalgar Square Christmas Market

Dates: 9th November 2024 – 6th January 2025

The Christmas market at Trafalgar Square sits alongside the famous Christmas tree and features 34 wooden chalet stalls selling handmade gifts and decorations. There are lots of great food options here, alongside mulled wine and cider to get into the festive spirit! There’s also an insanely good Belgian hot chocolate…be sure to come here hungry. Trafalgar Square is also close to Covent Garden, so you could do both in one go if you’re pushed for time.

Highlights: The iconic Christmas tree from Norway, carol singing events and traditional market fare.

Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre

Dates: 6–8th & 13-15th December 2024

Held in the courtyards of Hampton Court Palace, this festive fayre offers a historic backdrop for seasonal shopping, with a focus on artisan gifts, festive treats and entertainment. Hampton Court Palace has an ice rink from 22 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. If you’re looking to make your visit to the Hampton Court Palace Christmas Market extra special, coincide it with a trip to the ice rink! There’s an onsite ice cafe and bar here too, so you can really make a day out of it. Check out more information on the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink and the Christmas Fayre.

Highlights: Hampton Court Palace backdrop, artisan food stalls and live music.

Kingston Christmas Markets

Dates: 14th November 2024 – 5th January 2025

Situated in Kingston’s Ancient Market Place, this charming Christmas market features a traditional alpine village theme, including wooden cabins offering seasonal food, drinks and gifts. There’s also great entertainment here with carol singers, live music and Bavarian Curling lanes! I would say compared to other Christmas Markets in London, this is a little smaller and more of a local vibe. If you’re visiting London for the Christmas Markets, I’d recommend going to one of the more central ones (like Winter Wonderland) instead.

Highlights: Live entertainment, festive street food and family-friendly activities. Check out the Kingston Christmas Market site for more information.

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