Festive joy: 12 must-visit Christmas markets in London 2024

For a London Christmas market with all the bells and whistles, you can’t beat Winter Wonderland. This huge festive event is held in Hyde Park every year and has become the biggest Christmas market in the UK.

There are hundreds of wooden chalets selling everything from seasonal treats to handmade gifts. There are lots of other activities to enjoy including kid-friendly rides, a huge Ferris wheel and live performances.

Covent Garden Christmas Market is one of the longest-running festive fairs in London and an absolute must-see. This square’s historic setting and charming Victorian-era buildings make the perfect backdrop for a Christmas market.

The square is decorated with hundreds of strings of lights and there are plenty of shopping opportunities.

Browse stalls selling handmade crafts or venture into the square’s high-end shops to discover special seasonal treats (and sometimes a few discounts).

Combine a river stroll with some festive cheer at the Southbank Christmas Market. This is one of my favourite markets and is handy if you’re catching a show nearby at the National Theatre or Shakespeare’s Globe.

Browse the wooden Alpine chalets selling all kinds of wonderful gifts. There’s also plenty of food to buy – think German bratwurst, gourmet burgers, creamy fudge and festive mince pies.

London Bridge’s Christmas market never fails to amaze. That’s partly due to its amazing location next to two of London’s most iconic sights: the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

This market is on the smaller side but still packs a punch with its Christmassy treats and charming arts and crafts.

Whether you’re catching a train from King’s Cross or not, the area’s markets are well worth stopping by.

There are typically several pop-up events throughout the festive season, with many of the events centred around Coal Drops Yard.

Each market sells a fantastic range of unique gifts, from artisan food and quirky homeware to cool independent fashion items.

Get yourself down to historic Greenwich for its annual festive fair. The event takes place in the locally-loved Greenwich Market (which is open all year round).

The venue is decorated for the Advent period, while there are usually a few stalls outside along the riverfront, too.

Greenwich Christmas Market is well-known for its unique and crafty stalls, so prepare to pick up some amazing gifts.

Borough Market is a foodie haven throughout the year but it gets an awesome festive makeover in the winter months. Decorations are strung up between its arches, heaps of seasonal treats go on sale and there’s usually a busker or two singing Christmas tunes.

Spoiler alert: make sure you visit with an appetite. There are usually heaps of artisanal food from across the globe to purchase, from sweet delights like mince pies and stollen to award-winning cheeses perfect for your Boxing Day leftovers spread.

At any other time of year, you’ll find Leicester Square full of tourists snapping photos or queuing up to enter the M&M store. By early November, the square turns into a festive fairytale filled with wooden chalets and a huge Christmas tree.

It’s one of the best 2024 Christmas markets in London for those seeking a European vibe. Browse stalls selling bratwurst, gluhwein and other German delights.

Need some entertainment? Check out the Belgian-style Spiegeltent hosting shows by the award-winning La Clique circus, cabaret and comedy troupe.

2024 is Leicester Square Christmas market‘s 20th anniversary, so expect them to pull out all the stops to mark it.

Few settings are more romantic than an actual royal palace! If you want to have a magical Christmas market experience with your other half, head to Hampton Court. The former home of Henry VIII is transformed into a winter wonderland for two weekends every December.

The event is hosted throughout the palace grounds and features tonnes of stalls selling street food, artisan gifts and handmade crafts.

Note that Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre is a ticketed event and includes entrance to the palace.

Picture tucking into a bag of hot roasted chestnuts with a view of the monumental St Paul’s Cathedral. That’s what’s on offer at this small yet charming Christmas market in London’s Paternoster Square.

It plays host to a regular monthly food market throughout the year. In November and December, things get festive.

As well as 20 or so cabins selling all sorts of lovely items, there’s a charming Christmas tree to admire in the heart of the square.

Lush plants, ethereal greenhouses and lots of sparkly lights await at this venue. Kew Gardens is a must-see in London, no matter the time of year. Come Christmas though, the venue is transformed into a festive paradise.

The event will be in its 12th year in 2024 – and it’s likely to be as awesome as 2023’s event.The main attraction of Christmas at Kew is the festive light trail which combines thousands of sparkling lights with music, fire displays and mesmerising illuminations.

Fancy getting into the festive mood a little early? Get your shopping done well ahead of time with a trip to the Spirit of Christmas Fair.

This three-day 2024 Christmas market in London will take place in early November at Olympia London and it’s always a memorable experience. It’s ticketed (prices start at £23) but worth paying for as you’ll have access to over 700 stalls from both independent and well-known brands.

If all that shopping starts to make you peckish, you’ll be spoilt for choice by delicious delicacies. Browse stalls selling festive delights or book a table at the Spirit of Christmas restaurant for an indulgent multi-course meal.

You’ll also have access to dozens of creative workshops, demonstrations and tastings, plus some incredible live music.