Legendary historic sights, awesome (and often free) museums and fabulous food and drinks. There’s no shortage of things to do in the UK capital. Come winter, though, there’s also the added appeal of the city’s festive attractions. Top of the list? Those seriously spectacular Christmas markets in London.
I’m a huge fan of a festive fair and London’s magical collection gets better year after year. Whether you want to sip mulled wine with a backdrop of the River Thames or check out London’s ever-growing Winter Wonderland extravaganza, there are so many outstanding options. Not sure which to add to your agenda first this November or December? Pop your Santa hat on and let’s dive in.
There’s (almost) a Christmas market in London for every day of December. From big, bustling picks with German Christmas market vibes to pop-up weekend fairs ideal for picking up gorgeous gifts, here are my top picks.
Must try: Pull on your skates and hit the ice rink – it’s the biggest in the UK.
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.
2. Covent Garden Christmas Market
2024 dates: TBC
Where: Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD
Nearest station: Covent Garden
Must try: Snap a photo in a restored 19th-century sleigh surrounded by leafy decorated fir trees.
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).
3. Southbank Centre Christmas Market
2024 dates: TBC
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
Nearest station: Southwark or Waterloo
Must try: Enjoy festive drinks in your very own igloo along the riverfront.
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.
4. Winter by the River
2024 dates: TBC
Where: London Bridge, Riverside, London SE1 2DB
Nearest station: London Bridge
Must try: Grab a cup of mulled wine and sip it slowly as you gaze out at London’s skyline.
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.
5. King’s Cross Christmas Markets
2024 dates: TBC
Where: various venues around King’s Cross station, Euston Road, London N1 9AL
Nearest station: Kings Cross St Pancras
Must try: Seek out the 47ft Norddman fir tree adorned with hundreds of lights and cool ski-themed decorations.
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.
6. Greenwich Christmas Market
2024 dates: 20 November to late December
Where: Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ
Nearest station: Cutty Sark
Must try: Grab a festive drink and wander Greenwich’s pretty streets which are decked out in twinkling lights.
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.
7. Christmas at Borough Market
2024 dates: TBC
Where: Borough Market, London SE1 9AL
Nearest station: London Bridge or Borough
Must try: Keep an eye on the market’s website for themed festive food evenings that will have you salivating.
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.
8. Leicester Square Christmas Market
2024 dates: 6th November to 5th January
Where: Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LU
Nearest station Leicester Square
Must try: Grab tickets to one of the lively shows in the 1920s Spiegeltent.
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.
Must try: Check out the enchanting ice rink in front of the palace’s gates (open from 22 November to 5 January).
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.
Must try: Cherish your visit by taking a photo in the market’s giant snow globe.
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.
11. Christmas at Kew
2024 dates: 13th November to 5th January
Where: Kew Gardens, Richmond TW9 3AB
Nearest station: Kew Gardens
Must try: Make a beeline for the Christmas Cathedral; a huge tunnel featuring dozens upon dozens of strings of fairy lights.
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.
12. Spirit of Christmas Fair
2024 dates: 4th to 10th November
Where: Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, London W14 8UX
Nearest station: Kensington (Olympia)
Must try: Learn how to make a Christmas wreath or how to expertly wrap gifts in a workshop.
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.
London Christmas Market FAQs
When do Christmas markets in London in 2024 start?
Most Christmas markets in London start popping up in mid to late November. The majority will close either on Christmas Eve or just before, although a select few stay open into January. You’ll also find a few pop-up festive fairs in early November, including the Spirit of Christmas Fair.
What is the most famous Christmas market in London?
That honour definitely goes to Winter Wonderland. The landmark event takes over Hyde Park for six weeks of the year and is truly immense. From dozens of food stalls to thrilling rides and the largest ice rink in the UK, it is truly unmissable for those who consider Christmas their favourite time of the year.
Are Christmas markets in London free?
The majority of Christmas markets in London are free to visit – you’ll just need some cash to spend on seasonal treats. The exception is Hyde Park Winter Wonderland which is only free if you visit at an off peak time. Otherwise, tickets start at £5 .
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