There is nothing more Christmassy than walking around London during the gleeful season. If you’re on the hunt for a Christmas stocking, Christmas crackers or samples of traditional foods, you’re bound to find them and so much more at these 10 Christmas markets in London.
Every year, between November and December, London transforms into a brightly lit world brimming with markets and entertainment to soak up the Christmas spirit. Think magical twinkly lights, mulled wine, sweet treats, festive foods, and much more. The Christmas markets bring together the best of independent makers and sellers, so if you’ve found yourself googling ‘Christmas markets near me’ hoping to find one to visit, this one’s for you.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Is it even Christmas if you haven’t spent the day at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland? From ice skating and Zippos Circus to SantaLand parties and amusement rides, you can expect to find it all at this magical place.
You’ll find traditional carousel rides perfect for kids but if you want to see London’s iconic skyline from above, go on the 70 metres high Giant Ferris Wheel for spectacular views. If you are more of an adventurer, check out the Magical Ice Kingdom and its 500 tonnes of ice sculpted into secret passageways. But before leaving the park, stop by Edelweiss Funhouse and experience a walk-through attraction with an alpine obstacle course and illusion rooms.
Address: Hyde Park
Greenwich Market
This southeast market is open every day all year round, but a stop during the holiday season is a must. Dating back to the 1700s, this World Heritage Site gets decked to the nines with twinkling Christmas lights, creating a truly magical atmosphere. The regency-style quadrant – known to some as the Greenwich food market – has more than 100 independent art and crafts vendors and food stalls, and an incredible selection of boutique shops surrounding it.
Greenwich Christmas market is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with later shopping hours during the festive season. If you are planning on visiting with kids, make sure to stop by Santa’s Grotto, hosted to help out local charities.
Address: 5B Greenwich Market, London, SE10 9HZ
Kingston Christmas Market
Kingston Christmas Market is something else. Imagine a traditional Alpine market with wooden cabins, fairy lights, an impressive selection of Christmas food from around the world and an array of unique stalls to pick stocking fillers from. To add to the magic, this year, you can experience a new Candy Cane Forest, a free family Christmas Trail and even try a spot of curling. Once there, be sure to check out the open mic nights and local artists’ performances.
The market is open Sunday to Wednesday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Thursday to Saturday from 10:00 to 8:00 pm.
Address: 35 Market Pl, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 1JQ
Southbank Christmas Market
Picture yourself strolling along the Thames while sipping hot mulled wine and browsing through Alpine-themed pop-up shops. Around this time of the year, Southbank Centre turns into a frosty wonderland, hosting its yearly Southbank Christmas Market, an adorned winter festival. Sparkling lights illuminate the market, where musicals, art exhibitions, comedy, cabaret, curling and a plethora of free events take place. Ring in the New Year at the New Year’s Eve Spectacular, a ticketed event taking place at the Royal Festival Hall featuring five floors of music from the decades from the 1920s to today.
Address: The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 8XX
Christmas Market at Trafalgar Square
Stop by Trafalgar Square to check out the famous gigantic tree – a gift from Norway that has been present every Christmas since 1947. The Christmas tree lights are honestly impressive! Whilst there, stop by the small market decorated with fairy lights featuring 20 stalls. You can expect to find a bit of everything here, including hand-crafted gifts and seasonal foods and drinks perfect for your Christmas stockings.
This market is the perfect stop after a day of sightseeing as it is conveniently located near some of London’s most iconic landmarks like the National Gallery, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament.
Address: Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN
Leicester Square
Right in the heart of London, this Christmas market brings cheery vibes and entertainment galore. Start the day by wandering under the lights of the quadrilateral square, enjoying a Christmas treat or two and sampling a rich hot chocolate. Finish the day with the Olivier Award-winning cabaret show La Clique. If you’re visiting with the family, there are some fantastic kids’ events such as ‘Baby Loves Disco’ and ‘The Bubble Show.’
Address: Leicester Square, WC2H 7NA
Canopy Christmas Market, King’s Cross
Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square in King’s Cross get an Alpine makeover during Christmas worth visiting. Walk along the traffic-free Victorian cobbled streets surrounded by an enormous Christmas tree, glowing sculptures, and an après ski bar serving delicious cocktails and hot toddies. The market is full of the latest designers featuring sustainable wardrobes, vintage accessories and limited-edition artwork – you might even find your new favourite Christmas pyjamas!
Address: Stable St, London N1C 4DQ
Spitalfields Christmas Market
Only open between 18-24 December, this century-old market is the perfect spot for some last-minute Christmas shopping (Christmas jumpers). Featuring independent art and crafts makers, fashion, accessories and art prints, you get to browse through the stall as you enjoy live music and sample some tasty mince pies. If you’re in the mood, try making a wreath under the canopy of lights.
Address: Old Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square, E1 6EW
Christmas in Covent Garden
Photo: Covent Garden
Exclusive pop-ups, spectacular Christmas decorations, a joyful atmosphere and snow showers make this Covent Garden Christmas market a must-do. Take a stroll around the car-free piazza, followed by a little late-night shopping. Or experience a snowy Christmas as real snow is sprayed into the air, creating beautiful scenery. If you’re looking to do something more low-key, jump on a reconditioned 1884 sleigh for your ultimate Instagram shot. Don’t forget to stop by one of the incredible eateries and bars and taste some delicious food.
Address: Covent Garden
Christmas by the River
What do you get when you mix cute winter cabins near Tower Bridge and other famous landmarks with twinkling outdoor Christmas lights, pop-up bars and crafts stalls? The prettiest Christmas market. Enjoy free entertainment with outdoor screenings of films, melodic tunes from choir performances, or storytelling events suitable for kids. You’ll even find the lantern procession with children from local schools raising money for various charities, including the British Heart Foundation and Prostate Cancer UK. If you want a more hands-on experience, you can participate in a series of workshops and tastings.
Address: London Bridge City, SE1 2DB
