With the festive season comes a shed load of incredibly Christmassy plans to enjoy in the city, including cheesy pantos, festive Candlelight concerts, Christmas shopping and of course, London’s famous Christmas markets. Mulled wine! Mince pies! Fairground rides! And if you’re lucky, a chance to meet the big boss himself at Santa’s grotto… These London Christmas markets are all worth a visit if you ask us!
1. Winter Wonderland
This great big Christmas fun fair draws Londoners, day-trippers, and tourists from far and wide with the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, an ice bar, an après ski-inspired ‘village’, loads of festive food stalls, German beer tents and even hireable karaoke huts so you can work on your best Frank Sinatra impression! Entrance at Winter Wonderland is free during off-peak hours, otherwise, standard tickets start from £5 and peak tickets from £7.50. More info here.
📍 Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH.
🚇 Nearest stations are Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch.
2. Leicester Square Christmas Market
At the very heart of London’s tourist district, a sparkling Christmas market has returned for the winter season. Wander around the beautiful food and gift stalls, before taking in a bunch of award-winning performances. There’s everything from variety shows to fire-breathers and cabaret sensations, to circus performers in its ‘Spiegeltent’ – a mirrored tent that hosts an array of festive shows – and world-leading stalls under the lights! Entrance is free although tickets are required for the Spiegeltent shows. Read more about it here.
📍 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7LU.
🚇 Nearest station is Leicester Square.
3. South Bank Christmas Markets
At this riverside Christmas market, not far from the London Eye, the perennial Southbank street food market vendors are adding plenty of festive fare to their menus (melted cheese on everything, please!) while other huts are selling festive goodies and gifts. It’s easily one of the most glowing spots for a festive riverside walk in the city. Find out more here.
📍 The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 8XX.
🚇 Nearest station is Waterloo.
4. Christmas in Covent Garden
There’s nothing more Christmassy than Covent Garden come Winter-time. And we’re not just talking about that shop from that Last Christmas film… This year sees the return of their famous decorations, towering Christmas tree, festive markets, mulled wine stalls, pop-up food stalls and much more besides. There are even daily flurries of now! Even if you don’t fancy parting with your hard-earned dough, a mere stroll around the area makes for the perfect photo opportunity. Read all about it here.
📍 Covent Garden Market, London, WC2E 7QH.
🚇 Nearest station is Covent Garden.
5. Borough Market at Christmas
Decked out in garlands of mistletoe, twinkling lights and countless ornaments, the foodie haven of Borough Market is a great place to while away the hours this Christmas time. Along with Crimbo-themed treats, they’ve also got one-off events including ‘An Evening of Cheese’. Sign. Us. Up! Discover more here.
📍8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL.
🚇 Nearest station is London Bridge.
6. Spitalfields Christmas Market
Over in Spitalfields, this year-round market has received a festive makeover, with trees, lights, and festive decor aplenty. They’re also amping up the holiday mood with all sorts of events. We’re talking everything from live theatre to scavenger hunts, film screenings, and all manner of festive food and drink from their wealth of market traders. Come hungry! Read more here.
📍65 Brushfield Street, E1 6AA
🚇 Nearest stations are Liverpool Street and Aldgate East.
7. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Aside from viewing the *ahem* unique Christmas tree lying at its centre – there’s now another reason to make your way to Trafalgar Square. Located immediately in front of the National Gallery lies the Trafalgar Square Christmas Market. With over 30 stalls to browse there are plenty of seasonal treats and Christmas shopping galore to enjoy.
📍Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DX.
🚇 Nearest station is Charing Cross.
8. Kingston Christmas Market
Filling the town centre with festive cheer, Kingston’s traditional Christmas market boasts hand-crafted gifts and mulled wine galore! The market stalls are all housed in lovely wooden cabins adorned with Christmas decorations. It’s the perfect place to get into the festive spirit and start looking for those stocking fillers! More information here.
📍 Market Place, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 1JT.
🚇 Nearest station is Kingston.
9. Winter by the River
Crisp winter air, a lovely riverside spot, and all the trimmings and trappings of Christmas. Winter by the River has it all. One of London’s prettiest Christmas markets, the holiday season always sees it bringing the best seasonal treats and temptation to the capital. Read more about it here.
📍London Bridge City, London, SE1 2DB.
🚇 Nearest station is London Bridge.
10. Christmas at Greenwich Market
Although Greenwich Market is fantastic all year round – boasting a massive 120 stalls within a World Heritage site – if you throw in a few twinkling lights and some mulled wine, it’s a festive season HQ. The market hosts late-opening festive sessions every Wednesday in December, perfect for a post-work winter wander! More info here.
📍 5B Greenwich Market, London, SE10 9HZ.
🚇 Nearest stations are Greenwich and Cutty Sark.
11. Christmas Under The Canopy
Independent food and crafts haven, Canopy Market, also gets into the Christmas spirit with festive fare, crafty workshops, carols and live music, and a mulled wine bar. You’ll find it all besides a giant tree, decorated with twinkly lights and garlands. How wonderfully festive! But be quick, it’s only around until December 22, running from Tuesdays to Sundays (and on Monday, December 16). Find out more here.
📍 Granary Square, King’s Cross St. Pancras, London, N1C 4BH.
🚇 Nearest station is King’s Cross St. Pancras.
12. Crafty Fox Market, December 8, 14 and 15
Although they pop up around London all through the year, Crafty Fox also runs some charming Christmas markets across town. This year they’ve got another festive spread planned over at King’s Cross. Expect jewellery, prints, ceramics, and more from hundreds of traders. It’s the perfect spot to find the right Christmas gift for that special someone. More info here.
📍 Granary Square, King’s Cross St. Pancras, N1C 4AA.
🚇 Nearest station is King’s Cross St. Pancras.
13. Maltby Street Festive Fridays
Here’s another market that runs all year round, but gets super special during Christmas time. Every Friday in the run-up to Christmas, Maltby Market’s ‘Festive Fridays’ see the market shine with a festive glow into the evenings with festive decor, live music, carols, and much more! Open from 5:30-10:30pm, the food and drink traders will be on hand to keep the merry vibes flowing from 6-9:30pm. Find out more here.
📍 Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby Street, SE1 3PA.
🚇 Nearest station is London Bridge.