London is a magical place to visit during the festive season, with its streets and buildings adorned with sparkling lights, its shops and windows filled with tempting gifts, and its many attractions offering seasonal entertainment. But one of the most popular and enjoyable ways to experience the spirit of Christmas in London is to visit one of its many Christmas markets.
Christmas markets are a tradition that dates to the Middle Ages when traders and craftsmen would gather in town squares to sell their goods and services in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Today, Christmas markets are a global phenomenon, attracting millions of visitors every year who come to browse the stalls, sample the food and drink, and enjoy the atmosphere.
London has a variety of Christmas markets to suit every taste and budget, from riverside pop-ups to fine foodie festivals, from traditional wooden chalets to alternative arts and crafts.
Whether you are looking for unique presents, delicious treats or festive fun, you will find it at one of these Christmas markets in London.
The best Christmas Markets in London
Here is a list of some of the best Christmas markets in London from the team at Christmas.co.uk.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
The Southbank Centre Winter Market is one of the most popular and picturesque Christmas markets in London, with its riverside setting offering stunning views of the Thames and the London Eye.
The market features a range of wooden chalets selling handmade crafts, jewellery, accessories and more, as well as international food stalls offering dishes from around the world.
You can also enjoy live entertainment, such as music, comedy and cabaret at the Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival, which runs alongside the market.
- Dates: 1 Nov – 26 Dec 2024
- Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
- Open: Monday to Thursday: 11am to 10pm. Friday to Sunday: 10am to 10pm. Christmas Eve: 10am to 5pm. Closed on Christmas Day. Boxing Day: 12pm to 10pm.
- Admission: Free
- Christmas lights: The market is illuminated by fairy lights and lanterns, creating a cosy and festive atmosphere.
- Santa: No
- Ice skating: No
- Accessible: Yes
- Pets: Yes – not recommended in busy periods.
- Why visit: The market is ideal for those who love to sample different cuisines and cultures, as well as enjoy live entertainment and stunning views.
- Specialities: Some of the food stalls include German sausages, Spanish paella, Indian curry, French crepes and Turkish delight.
Covent Garden Christmas Market
Covent Garden is one of the most iconic and historic areas of London, and it becomes even more enchanting during the Christmas season.
The market offers a selection of gourmet foods and upmarket crafts, plus street artist performances and musicians.
You can also admire the spectacular decorations, including the 60ft British-grown Christmas tree, which is covered with more than 30,000 lights and the giant mistletoe chandeliers.
Don’t miss the Sandwich Festival, which features a variety of sandwiches from different countries and regions.
- Dates: 12 November 2024 – 3rd Jan 2025
- Where: The Piazza in Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD
- Open: Monday to Saturday: 10am to 9pm. Sunday: 12pm to 5pm. Closed on Christmas Day.
- Admission: Free
- Santa: No
- Ice skating: No
- Accessibility: Yes
- Pets: Yes – not in busy periods.
- Why visit: The market is perfect for those who appreciate high-quality and luxury gifts, as well as street performances and stunning decorations.
- Specialities: Christmas pudding, mince pies, craft drinks, unique chutneys.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is more than just a Christmas market, it is a festive extravaganza that offers something for everyone.
The market features more than 200 wooden chalets selling a variety of gifts, crafts and treats, as well as a host of attractions and activities, such as ice-skating, roller-coaster rides, circus shows and live music.
You can also visit Santa’s grotto, the ice bar, the ice sculpture kingdom, and the giant observation wheel.
Winter Wonderland is one of the most popular and crowded Christmas markets in London, so be prepared for long queues and high prices.
- Dates: 21 Nov 2024 – 5 Jan 2025
- Where: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
- Open: Daily: 10am to 10pm. Closed on Christmas Day.
- Admission: Free, but some attractions require tickets, which can be booked online or on-site.
- Christmas lights: The market and the park are illuminated by millions of lights, creating a dazzling and festive display.
- Santa: Yes, in his grotto, which is free to enter, but requires a ticket, which can be booked online or on-site.
- Accessible: Yes, but some attractions may have limited access or require assistance.
- Ice skating: Yes, on the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, which requires a ticket, which can be booked online or on-site.
- Pets: No, except for assistance dogs.
- Why visit: The market is ideal for those who are looking for a fun-filled and action-packed day out, with a variety of attractions and activities to suit all ages and interests.
- Specialities: Some of the food stalls include German bratwurst, Belgian waffles, Dutch pancakes and roasted chestnuts.
Other great Christmas markets to visit in London for 2023
London has a great range of Christmas markets to enjoy and in addition to the ones described above, you could also spend visiting these markets too!
Leicester Square Christmas Market
The Leicester Square Christmas Market, or ‘Christmas in Leicester Square’, is central London’s festive heart. There are more than 25 wooden cabins that have been decorated with fairy lights and which add a traditional charm. There’s also a ‘Spiegeltent’, which is tent filled with mirrors and is home to a range of festive shows, from cabaret to family-friendly shows.
- Dates: 6 Nov 2024 – 5 Jan 2025
- Where: Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NA
- Open: Monday to Saturday: 10am to 9pm. Sunday: 12pm to 5pm. Closed on Christmas Day.
- Admission: Free, but some attractions require tickets, which can be booked online or on-site.
- Santa: No
- Accessible: Yes
- Ice skating: No
- Pets: No
- Why visit: The market is perfect for those who appreciate high-quality and luxury gifts, as well as street performances and stunning decorations.
- Specialities: Some of the products include fresh mince pies and traditional Christmas pud.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
The Trafalgar Square Christmas Market is a unique market that features the lighting of the Norwegian Christmas tree, an annual gift from Norway to the UK. This iconic tree serves as a thank-you gift from Norway to the UK for the support provided during World War II and has done so since 1947.
- Dates: 9 Nov 2024 – 2 Jan 2025
- Where: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
- Open: 11am to 9pm. Closed on Christmas Day.
- Admission: Free
- Christmas lights: 7 Dec switch on
- Santa: Yes
- Accessible: Yes
- Ice skating: No, but there is skating at Somerset House (11 min walk from Trafalgar Square).
- Pets: Yes
- Why visit: The market is ideal for those who want to witness the lighting of the historic Norwegian Christmas tree and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- Specialities: Some of the food stalls include hot chestnuts, mince pies, local craft ales, roasted hog, and Christmas pudding.
Winter by the River at London Bridge City
Winter by the River is a festive extravaganza that offers something for everyone. The market features more than 200 wooden chalets selling a variety of gifts, crafts and treats, as well as a host of attractions and activities, such as ice-skating, roller-coaster rides, circus shows and live music. You can also visit Santa’s grotto, the ice bar, the ice sculpture kingdom, and the giant observation wheel.
- Dates: 12 Nov 2024 – 5 Jan 2023
- Where: London Bridge, London SE1 2DB
- Open: Daily: 10am to 10pm. Closed on Christmas Day.
- Admission: Free, but some attractions require tickets, which can be booked online or on-site.
- Christmas lights: The market and the park are illuminated by millions of lights, creating a dazzling and festive display.
- Santa: Yes, in his grotto, which is free to enter, but requires a ticket, which can be booked online or on-site.
- Ice skating: Yes, on the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, which requires a ticket, which can be booked online or on-site.
- Pets: No, except for assistance dogs.
- Accessible: Yes, but some attractions may have limited access or require assistance.
- Why visit: The market is ideal for those who are looking for a fun-filled and action-packed day out, with a variety of attractions and activities to suit all ages and interests.
- Specialities: Some of the food stalls include German bratwurst, Belgian waffles, Dutch pancakes, and roasted chestnuts.
Spitalfields Christmas Markets
Spitalfields Christmas Markets are a series of festive markets that take place in the historic and vibrant area of Spitalfields. The markets offer a range of upscale crafts and gourmet foods, as well as performances by street artists and musicians. You can also admire the spectacular decorations, including the 60-foot Christmas tree, which has more than 30,000 lights, and the giant mistletoe chandeliers.
- Dates: 30 Nov – 24 December 2024
- Where: Spitalfields Market E1, Brushfield Street, London E1 6AA
- Open: Monday to Saturday: 10am to 9pm. Sunday: 12pm to 5pm. Closed on Christmas Day.
- Admission: Free
- Santa: No
- Accessible: Yes
- Ice skating: No
- Pets: Yes – not in busy periods.
- Why visit: The market is perfect for those who appreciate high-quality and luxury gifts, as well as lively street performances and stunning decorations.
- Specialities: Some of the products include fresh mince pies, Christmas pudding, unique chutneys and craft drinks.
Greenwich Christmas Market
The Greenwich Christmas Market is a charming market that features more than 150 wooden Christmas stalls that are in a World Heritage site. This market offers handmade items, including crafts, jewellery, and clothing, along with a variety of food and drinks.
- Dates: 20 Nov 2024 – 31Dec 2024
- Where: Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ
- Open: Monday to Thursday: 11am to 10pm. Friday to Sunday: 10am to 10pm. Christmas Eve: 10am to 5pm. Closed on Christmas Day. Boxing Day: 12pm to 10pm.
- Admission: Free
- Christmas lights: The market is illuminated by fairy lights and lanterns, creating a cosy and festive atmosphere.
- Santa: No
- Accessible: Yes
- Ice skating: No
- Pets: Yes – not in busy periods.
- Why visit: The market is ideal for those who love to sample different cuisines and cultures, as well as enjoy live entertainment and stunning views.
- Specialities: Some of the food stalls include German sausages, Spanish paella, Indian curry, French crepes, and Turkish delight.
Kingston Christmas Market
The Kingston Christmas Market includes a horse carousel, market trader stalls, lots of food and drink and a live music stage. The market is in the ancient marketplace and Jubilee Square, offering a historical setting. The market has winter cabins on the riverside, with street food, pop-up bars and crafts.
- Dates: 14 Nov 2024 – 5 January 2025
- Where: Kingston upon Thames, London KT1 1EU
- Open: Sunday to Wednesday: 10am to 6pm. Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm. Christmas Eve: 10am to 5pm. Closed on Christmas Day.
- Admission: Free
- Christmas lights: Yes.
- Santa: No, but there is a carousel for kids.
- Accessible: Yes
- Pets: Yes – not in busy periods.
- Ice skating: Not at the market, but at Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink.
- Why visit: Historical setting; traditional and contemporary stalls; ice rink; live entertainment; authentic Christmas experience.
- Specialities: Artisanal mince pies, mulled wine and cider, gourmet British sausages and British cheese boards.
