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, from November 21 to January 5
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, from November TBC
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 fom 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, from November TBC
At this riverside Christmas market, not far from the London Eye, the perennial Southbank street food market vendors have added plenty of festive fare to their menus (melted cheese on everything, please!) while other huts are selling festive goodies and gifts. Plus, there are those igloos – nothing spells out a London Christmas more than that right?! Find out more here.
📍 The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 8XX.
🚇 Nearest station is Waterloo.
4. Christmas in Covent Garden, from November 9 to January 3
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. Even if you don’t fancy parting with your hard-earned money, 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, from November TBC
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, from September 18 to December 24
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, from November TBC
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.
📍Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DX.
🚇 Nearest station is Charing Cross.
8. Kingston Christmas Market, from November TBC
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, from November TBC
Crisp winter air, a lovely riverside spot, and all the trimmings and trappings of Christmas. Really, Winter by the River has it all. One of London’s prettiest Christmas markets, the festive brings 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, from November 20
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 festive AF. The market hosts late-opening festive sessions every Wednesday in December, perfect for a post-work winter wander! The switch-on date is marked by a lovely little lantern procession, involving children from local schools to mark the start of Christmas. The end date for the market itself is still to be determined, but the Greenwich Market Grotto will run until December 23. More info here.
📍 5B Greenwich Market, London, SE10 9HZ.
🚇 Nearest stations are Greenwich and Cutty Sark.
11. Flat Iron Square
A flutter of festivity is stretching through the Southwark Quarter this winter. Flat Iron Square is known to install pine trees and heaps of gorgeous twinkling lights and get the festive tipples ready, and this year is no different. But to get us really in the festive feeling, London brewery Beavertown has taken over the square with a Space Rocket Advent Calendar full of delights. They’re also running charming Christmas movie screenings!
📍45 Southwark Street, London, SE1 9HP.
🚇 Nearest station is London Bridge.
Short-running Christmas markets you won’t want to miss
From crafty Christmas markets to local Christmas festivities, this lot of London Christmas markets are only around for a short while!
12. Hackney Christmas Market, TBC
Take a wander down the sparkling Bohemia Street this Christmas where you’ll be able to find all manner of Christmas treats and goodies at this market that’s on during weekends! You’ll get to tuck into some festive street food, buy artisan gifts from a whole range of producers, glug your way through mulled wine and a whole bunch of themed cocktails and get involved with some Crimbo workshops! More info here.
📍 Bohemia Place, Hackney Central, London, E8 1DU.
🚇 Nearest station is Hackney Central.
13. Crafty Fox Market, December 8, 14 and 15
Although they’re around all year, Crafty Fox runs some charming Christmas markets across town – and they’ve got another festive spread planned over at King’s Cross. More info here.
📍 Granary Square, King’s Cross St. Pancras, London, N1C 4AA.
🚇 Nearest station is King’s Cross St. Pancras.
14. DIY Christmas Art Market, December 7
This fantastic arts and crafts market offers visitors the chance to engage directly with artists / independent publishers, and purchase a broad selection of artwork at affordable prices this Crimbo. Expect ceramics, zines, independent publications, originals, patches, comics, custom t-shirts, tote bags, art prints, screen prints, jewellery and artist books too. Find out more here.
📍 Bethnal Green Road, Bethnal Green, London, E1 6LA.
🚇 Nearest station is Shoreditch High Street.
15. Maltby Street Night Market, TBC
Credit: Pete Navey / Maltby Street MarketAnother market that runs all year round, but things get super special at this market during Christmas time. In previous years there were plenty of opportunities to scoff on festive gastronomic delights and do some late-night Christmas shopping, before retreating to one of Maltby Street Market’s cosy bars for a G&T. (Almost) every Friday in the run-up to Christmas will see the market shine with a festive glow, in the form of trees, wreaths, live music, carols and much more! Find out more here.
📍 Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby Street, London, SE1 3PA.
🚇 Nearest station is London Bridge.
16. Christmas Under The Canopy, TBC
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! Read more here.
📍 Granary Square, King’s Cross St. Pancras, London, N1C 4BH.
🚇 Nearest station is King’s Cross St. Pancras.