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London is one of the best places in the UK to enjoy the Christmas season!
From the Oxford Street lights to the ever-impressive Harrods Christmas windows, there’s just so much to get you feeling festive in the capital. Especially all the incredible London Christmas markets.
The city is bursting with them, and there really is something for everyone. From the large-scale festive extravaganza that takes over Hyde Park every year, to smaller, locally-run events. Even sustainable Christmas markets!
These markets are one of my favourite things about Christmas in the capital. Gorgeous gifts, hot snacks, mulled wine, hand-crafts, hot chocolate… need I go on?
So, here’s a list of some of the best London Christmas markets to visit this year…
Last updated October 2024: I’ll update this post with the latest dates and info as soon as they’re released.
9 of the Best London Christmas Markets
Southbank Centre Winter Festival
2024 Dates: 1 Nov 2024 – 5 Jan 2025
One of my favourite London Christmas markets can be found along the Thames at South Bank, just down the road from Westminster. Here, beautifully decorated wooden chalets line the river beneath the glittering London Eye.
The South Bank Centre Winter Festival is the perfect place to indulge a healthy Christmas appetite; German mulled wine – aka Glühwein – barbecued bratwurst, chimney cake, crepes, waffles – the list goes on and on. There’s also a great range of Christmas gifts including handmade soaps, wooden toys, and unique jewellery.
Alongside the market, the Southbank Centre always hosts a range of events over the winter period. This year, the lineup includes an immersive reimagining of the Nutcracker, a secret speakeasy at the Tuff Nutt Jazz Club on certain nights, some fun themed dance classes, and a New Years Day Ceilidh. Be sure to check the What’s-On List to plan your visit.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
2024 Dates: 21 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Every year, Winter Wonderland takes over London’s Hyde Park with glittering lights, snow-covered chalets, and dozens of fairground rides. As London’s most popular Christmas Market, it’s usually very crowded and is pretty expensive, but entry is free (at off-peak times)* and it’s so fun that it’s definitely worth a visit.
Tons of fabulous market stalls are laden with great gifts and gorgeous decorations. Plus, there are loads more attractions at Winter Wonderland – including a funfair, ice skating, Santaland, and the Magical Ice Kingdom; an immersive exhibit of stunning ice sculptures. Shows this year include Cirque Berserk, Zippo’s Christmas Circus, and Justin’s Christmas Singalong.
Some of the attractions and rides are charged and can be very popular, so it’s recommended to buy the tickets online in advance.
*Entry is free during off-peak periods only. Otherwise, entry starts from £5.
Covent Garden Christmas
2024 dates: From 12 November
For me, Covent Garden is the king of the London Christmas markets. Every year, the lights and decorations are gorgeous; it’s always a sight worth seeing! This lovely festival always boasts a range of treats including craft workshops, special festive menus, and street entertainers.
Covent Garden has some of the best Christmas lights in London so don’t miss a the chance to visit. Alongside the usual street performers, there are a range of events at Covent Garden throughout the Christmas period. Check their website for a full list of what’s on.
Kingston Upon Thames Christmas Market London
2024 Dates: 14 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Recommended by: Sophie, Travels of Sophie
Every year, the picturesque Ancient Market Place and surrounding pedestrianised streets in Kingston Upon Thames are transformed into a magical, glittering Christmas wonderland. Over 40 traditional wooden cabins appear, selling festive treasures and handmade crafts, making it the perfect place to shop for unique gifts and stocking fillers.
No Christmas Market would be complete without a cup of steaming mulled wine and street food, and Kingston Christmas Market certainly won’t disappoint. There are numerous stalls serving classic street food and all the Christmas favourites. There is also regular live entertainment to help you get into the festive spirit.
Leicester Square Christmas Market London
2024 Dates: 6 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Recommended by: Chris, More Life in your Days
There is a great Christmas Market at Leicester Square, right in the heart of London. It is a relatively new market, but it has quickly become a favourite for locals and visitors alike.
Throughout Christmas, Leicester Square is transformed into a wintery paradise complete with Christmassy music and market stalls selling all sorts of gifts (handmade wooden toys, Christmas decorations, etc) as well as warming drinks and comforting food.
FYI – entry is free, but you need to book tickets for the additional shows beforehand at an extra cost. This year’s main show is Le Clique, an award-winning cabaret spectacular. Don’t miss it!
Greenwich Market Christmas Grotto
2024 Dates: TBC
Recommended by: Rose, Where Rose Goes.
Charming Greenwich is atmospheric around the year, and Christmas is no exception. Unlike some parts of London, where a Christmas market pops up in November, Greenwich Christmas Market is like a caterpillar to a butterfly as the normal market receives a spectacular Christmas makeover.
The inside hall is decorated with hanging lights and Christmas decorations while the usual food stalls are replaced with bratwurst, gingerbread cookies and mulled wine.
Winter by the River at London Bridge City
2024 Dates: 12 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Recommended by: Rai, A Rai of Light
Set against the backdrop of some of London’s most iconic sights, Winter by the River has been a part of the festive scene for the past several years. Wooden cabins line the riverside stretching along Queen’s Walk from London Bridge City Pier to the Scoop at More London.
I particularly enjoy the wide variety of good food and drink stalls, sampling cuisine from around the world. London Bridge City market is also a good stop for some Christmas shopping where you’re able to find everything from artisan gifts to traditional souvenirs in London. The market also hosts a number of storytelling events, tastings, and free craft workshops to ensure all visitors are fully prepared for the festive season.
Country Living Christmas Fair London
2024 Dates: 13-16 November 2024
Recommended by: Lydia from Africa Wanderlust
Jumpstart your holiday shopping this November with a trip to the Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair. You can spoil your loved ones with the most exquisite gifts like a dillisk flavour soft goat cheese hand-rolled into pearls or a carefully crafted artwork of a glanced scene of birds made with glass kiln-fired enamel. The Country Living Fair is an excellent Christmas Market in the area because it carries a wide range of shopping items.
Treat yourself with a VIP experience to save you time by bypassing the queue, convenience with access to the private lounge, and a treat as you indulge in bottomless Prosecco. If you make this event a family affair, there is a group discount for parties of 10 or more. Tickets go on sale in November so start creating your wishlist because the event will be here before you know it!
Map of London Christmas Markets
What are your favourite London Christmas markets? Have I missed any from this list?
I love the Southbank Christmas Market – it’s probably my favourite London one – there was a fabulous cheese stall there last year but it’s all so festive and beautiful with those views!
I bought my dad’s xmas present at the cheese stall last year – absolutely awesome :) Southbank is one of my faves too, although it gets way too crowded!
I really want to visit some European Christmas markets. All the photos look magical, festive and brilliant! This one’s a handy post !
I’d like to see some across Europe, too! Love the ones in London :)
Awesome compilation Emily. Love the Southbank. Its about time that South London got some love though….Brixton, Croydon…? :-)
I’ve not really had any experience with their Christmas markets – the ones in this list are all my personal favourites! I lived in Brixton a couple of years ago and they didn’t have an xmas market then (that I came across). Do you have any great suggestions?
This is such a great post Emily!! I used to be a fan of your blog years back and glad I have rediscovered it again. Would love to experience the Christmas spirit in Hyde Park! That would be amazing!!
Thank you so much :D Hyde Park at xmas is definitely one of the most Christmassy places in London. It’s like a festive explosion! I love it :D
Another sustainable Xmas market which is new this year (and it’s free!): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/londons-sustainable-christmas-market-buyagift-tickets-75691690885
Ooh sounds fab! I’ll try to pay it a visit this year and add it into the post :)