7 Christmas Markets in London You Should Definitely Visit
Looking for the best Christmas markets in London this year? From the Southbank’s riverside stalls to Winter Wonderland’s festive fairground, here’s your guide to the city’s most magical markets — where to eat, shop, and soak up the holiday cheer.
There’s nowhere quite like London at Christmas. The city glows with fairy lights, the scent of mulled wine fills the air, and festive tunes spill out from every corner. From twinkling chalets at Southbank to the grand ice rink at Somerset House, London’s Christmas markets turn the capital into a winter wonderland — full of cosy treats, handmade gifts, and that unmistakable festive buzz.
Here are the best of London’s Christmas markets if you’re venturing into England’s capital this year.
Tips for Visiting London’s Christmas Markets
Exploring London’s Christmas markets is one of the most magical things you can do in winter — but a little planning can make your visit even more enjoyable.
🗓 Check the dates before you go. Most markets pop up from early November through to early January, but each one has its own schedule. Some are open daily, while others only run on certain days of the week — and nearly all close on Christmas Day.
⏰ Double-check opening hours. Times can vary from market to market, with some opening late morning and others not getting going until afternoon. A quick look online will save you turning up to closed stalls.
👣 Go early (or midweek) if you can. Even the calmest Londoner can get overwhelmed by festive crowds. To soak up the atmosphere without the hustle, aim for a weekday afternoon or early in the season before the rush begins.
🛍 Bring a reusable bag. You’ll almost certainly find a few irresistible gifts or treats, so come prepared. It’s kinder to the planet and handier for carrying your festive finds home.
1. South Bank Winter Market
Stretching along the Queen’s Walk between the Royal Festival Hall and Jubilee Gardens, the Southbank Centre Winter Market is one of London’s most atmospheric festive spots. With the Thames twinkling beside you and fairy lights strung through the trees, it’s the kind of place that instantly makes you feel Christmassy.
The riverside stalls are packed with thoughtful gifts and treats — think handmade jewellery, local art, artisan chocolates, and beautiful Christmas decorations. You can easily lose an hour or two just browsing (and snacking) your way along the riverfront.
And when you’re ready to refuel, the pop-up bars and street food stalls have you covered. From gooey cheese toasties and duck wraps to indulgent truffle burgers, it’s impossible to go hungry. Grab a mulled wine or a steaming hot chocolate, find a spot by the river, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
The celebrations don’t stop there either — nearby venues host everything from DJ nights to festive pop-ups. Sip a hot negroni in the winter garden or dance the night away at one of the après-ski-style parties. At Southbank, Christmas cheer carries on well past sundown.
2. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
If you’re after the biggest and boldest Christmas market in London, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is the one. It’s not just a market – it’s a full-on festive theme park. Picture endless twinkly lights, rollercoasters, ice sculptures, and the smell of cinnamon and bratwurst in the air.
You’ll find over 100 wooden chalets selling everything from handmade gifts to cosy scarves and ornaments. There’s also a huge Bavarian Village where you can tuck into sausages, pretzels, and a well-earned stein of beer while live bands play. Don’t miss the ice rink, circus shows, and the giant wheel for glittering views over London.
It’s magical but busy – so book ahead, wrap up warm, and go early in the day if you can.
3. Christmas in Leicester Square
Right in the heart of the West End, Christmas in Leicester Square brings festive magic to one of London’s busiest spots. The square transforms into a sparkling wonderland filled with market stalls, twinkly trees, and the smell of roasted chestnuts drifting through the air.
You’ll find plenty of traditional Christmas gifts here – from candles and crafts to sweet treats and decorations. But the real fun is in the atmosphere: it’s lively, bright, and perfect for soaking up London’s holiday buzz after a day of shopping or theatre.
Make sure to check out the Spiegeltent too, where you’ll find a lineup of cabaret, comedy, and family-friendly festive shows all season long.
4. Covent Garden Christmas Village
Few places in London do Christmas quite like Covent Garden. The market piazza is decked out with giant baubles, mistletoe chandeliers, and a spectacular Christmas tree that glows above the cobbled square.
While Covent Garden’s shops are open year-round, the festive market brings extra sparkle with pop-up stalls selling gifts, food, and mulled wine. You’ll often find carol singers, live performances, and plenty of photo ops (don’t miss the giant reindeer statue!).
It’s a brilliant spot to pick up something stylish and soak in that quintessential London Christmas atmosphere.
5. Borough Market at Christmas
If you prefer your markets with a foodie twist, Borough Market is unbeatable at Christmas. London’s most famous food market goes full festive mode, with fairy lights hanging between the arches and stalls piled high with mince pies, cheese, and artisan chutneys.
You can pick up beautiful ingredients for your Christmas table or snack your way around with mulled wine, festive bakes, and rich hot chocolate. The smells alone are worth the trip.
Visit early to beat the lunchtime rush, and bring a big appetite — this one’s a feast for all the senses.
6. Kingston Christmas Market
For a more traditional, cosy vibe, head to Kingston upon Thames, where the market takes over the ancient marketplace with a Bavarian-style twist. Expect wooden huts, twinkling lights, and that comforting mix of cinnamon and roasted nuts wafting through the air.
Local traders sell everything from handcrafted gifts to festive food and drink. There’s usually live music, a vintage carousel, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment to keep the little ones happy.
Being slightly outside central London, it feels more relaxed – perfect if you want all the festive fun without the West End crowds.
7. Greenwich Christmas Market
Tucked away in one of London’s prettiest neighbourhoods, Greenwich Christmas Market is a charming mix of heritage and holiday sparkle. Surrounded by historic buildings and the scent of mulled wine, it’s one of the most picturesque spots to browse for gifts.
Expect handcrafted jewellery, art, homeware, and delicious food from around the world. The market is covered, so it’s a great choice for drizzly December days, and the surrounding area – with its maritime history and river views – makes for a lovely festive day out.
Afterwards, wander up to Greenwich Park for skyline views or warm up in one of the area’s cosy pubs.
Visiting London’s Christmas Markets
Whether you’re ice skating under fairy lights in Hyde Park, sipping hot chocolate by the Thames, or picking out handmade gifts in Greenwich, London’s Christmas markets capture the very best of the season. Each one has its own charm – from the buzzy excitement of Winter Wonderland to the cosy, riverside sparkle of Southbank.
Wrap up warm, bring a reusable bag for your festive finds, and let yourself get swept up in the lights, music, and magic.
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