10 Christmas Markets in London You Should Visit This Winter

Visit London in December and you’ll encounter wooden chalets festooned with wreaths, carol singers gathered on square corners and the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts wafting through the frosty air. From traditional food strolls to offbeat artisan crafts, here are 10 of the top Christmas markets in London – including perennial favourites and lesser-known gems – complete with local tips, good-to-know facts and suggestions for nearby hotels for your festive winter escape.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is London’s largest and most celebrated Christmas market, combining a vast Bavarian-inspired village, fairground rides, circus shows and the UK's largest outdoor ice rink. Follow the lights to discover more than 100 wooden cabins overflowing with crafts, jewellery and street food. Take in the views from the giant observation wheel, sip cocktails in the ice bar and enjoy entertainment at the family-friendly Christmas shows. Vibrant, noisy and full of fun, Winter Wonderland captures the capital's festive spirit in one spectacular package.

• Louisa Duckworth Walk, W1K 7AN
• Opening hours vary
• Entry tickets are free off-peak, £7.50 (€8.50) peak. Rides and attractions cost extra
• Take the Tube to Marble Arch (Central line), Hyde Park Corner or Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line).
• Stay at Mercure London Hyde Park Hotel, a stylish base just 10 minutes' walk from the action.

Lining the banks of the River Thames, the Southbank Centre Winter Market unfolds in a festive stretch of alpine-style chalets framed by the London Eye and city skyline. The market has a relaxed riverside vibe, with a mix of pop-up bars and global food stalls – from Himalayan dumplings and raclette burgers to Yorkshire pudding wraps and Dutch waffles – perfect for a festive snack as you stroll. Craft stalls sell jewellery, decorations and fashion made by independent traders, making it a great spot for bespoke gifts.

• Queen's Walk, SE1 8XX
• Open daily 11am‑11pm
• Take the Tube to Waterloo Station (Bakerloo, Northern, Jubilee, Waterloo & City lines) and walk along the South Bank.
• To experience the city in exclusive style, Raffles London at The OWO is just across the river.

Set against the stunning views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, this seasonal market offers artisan crafts, food huts and a picturesque riverside setting. With the skyline reflecting on the Thames, it’s a particularly atmospheric spot, making it popular with couples and those seeking a quieter festive experience. Relax in the glittering Glasshouse with panoramic views or take part in festive activities like wreath-making, Christmas singalongs and gingerbread decoration.

• London Bridge, SE1 2DB
• Open daily 11am-10pm
• The closest station is London Bridge, accessible via the Northern and Jubilee lines.
• Mercure London Bridge or Novotel London Blackfriars are convenient bases nearby. 

With its elegant mix of craft stalls, rustic wooden chalets and luxury dining domes set around the piazza's towering tree, Covent Garden is a quintessential London Christmas market experience. Giant gold bells, mistletoe chandeliers and dazzling displays of over 300,000 sparkling lights complement the historic architecture, while street performers, live music and an interactive Santa's sleigh immerse you in seasonal magic. Shop for gifts in the designer boutiques before enjoying a Christmas cocktail.

• Market Building, WC2E 8RF
• Open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm; Sun 11am-6pm
• Nearest Tube: Covent Garden (Piccadilly line), Leicester Square or Charing Cross
• Stay in elegance at The Savoy, just five minutes' walk away.

In the heart of London’s theatre district, Leicester Square transforms into a hub of twinkling lights and seasonal festivities. Vintage wooden chalets line the square, brimming with crafts, gifts and indulgent treats, while the atmospheric ice rink offers plenty of family fun. Catch live entertainment in the performance tent or soak up the lively atmosphere before taking in a West End show. Compact, central and full of cheer, this market brings a touch of Christmas magic to the home of film premieres.

• 4 Leicester Square, WC2H 7DE
• Open daily 10am-10pm
• Leicester Square Tube (Northern & Piccadilly lines)
• Sofitel London St James offers a luxury West End stay.

London’s favourite food market goes full festive in December, with its historic arches glittering with lights and the air filled with the scent of mulled wine and spices. Stalls overflow with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, pastries and gourmet street food from around the world – a feast for every palate. Soak up the sound of buskers performing cheerful carols and look out for special themed events like the famous Evening of Cheese. Bustling yet steeped in character, Borough Market is the ultimate festive stop for food lovers. Be sure to come hungry.

• 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL
• Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm
• It's a short walk to the market from London Bridge or Borough Tube stations.
• Novotel London Tower Bridge is nearby, perfect for a food-focused stay.

This contemporary festive hub combines boutique shopping, seasonal pop-ups and stylish décor in a trendy, less touristy setting. Browse independent brands, design-led products and artisan gifts while enjoying a calm, sophisticated atmosphere – a chic alternative to the larger London Christmas markets. Come for warming drinks, hearty street food and vegan treats while live music fills the air, creating a lively yet relaxed experience.

• West Handyside Canopy, Coal Drops Yard, N1C 4BH and various locations around King's Cross
• Opening hours vary
• Take the Tube or overland train to King’s Cross St Pancras station, from where it's under 10 minutes' walk to the market.
• Stay just a short walk away from transport links and the market at Pullman London St Pancras.

To mark the official start of the winter season, the community gathers for Greenwich’s beloved Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-On. Local schoolchildren carry handmade lanterns through the streets of Maritime Greenwich, while the sound of carol singing and brass band fills the air. Set within a historic covered market, Greenwich’s Christmas Fair showcases over 200 stalls selling everything from handcrafted jewellery and original artworks to house plants and vintage toys. Its relaxed pace and charming surroundings make it feel authentically local – perfect for picking up one-of-a-kind artisan gifts.

• Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ
• Open 10am-6pm
• Take the DLR to Cutty Sark or Greenwich stations, or hop on the Thames Clipper boat from central London.
• Novotel London Greenwich is a comfortable, family-friendly hotel nearby.

Head to picturesque Kingston upon Thames for a London Christmas market full of alpine charm. Set around the historic Ancient Market Place, you'll find twinkling chalets brimming with handmade crafts, quirky stocking fillers and festive decorations. Bavarian curling lanes, live carols and stalls full of sizzling street food – from bratwurst to mulled wine – combine to create a lively buzz. Quieter than central London, it’s ideal for a relaxed half-day with friends or family, and the scenic riverside setting gives the market a warm, community feel that makes Kingston a festive must-visit.

• 20 Market Place, KT1 1JP
• Opening hours vary
• Trains from Waterloo to Kingston take approximately 30-35 minutes, from where it's a short walk to the market. 
• Want to stay in west London? ibis budget London Hounslow is a great no-frills base that also gives you easy access to the best things to do in Twickenham.

Set within the tranquil grounds of London’s oldest botanic garden, this boutique-style market offers a peaceful festive escape. Over 100 independent sellers and small businesses gather to sell handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, homewares, wreaths and botanical decorations, making it perfect for those who prefer a more refined experience away from the crowds. Fine food and speciality drinks add to the enchanting atmosphere, creating a London Christmas market experience that feels both intimate and distinctly elegant.

• 66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS
• Open daily 9am-4pm
• Tickets cost £8 (€9) in advance or £10 (€11.40) on the door.
• The nearest Tube station is Sloane Square, a few minutes' walk from the garden's entrance. 
• ibis Styles London Gloucester Road is just two Tube stops away in the fashionable Kensington district.

Most of London's Christmas markets follow a similar seasonal rhythm. For 2025, many open from early or mid-November and run through to early January. It’s always advisable to check each market’s website for exact dates and opening hours, especially if you plan late-evening visits or on special event days.

For travellers who appreciate atmosphere and variety, London’s Christmas markets deliver both big-town sparkle and a local community feel. You can combine one or two major markets (such as Southbank or Covent Garden) with a more niche stop (like King’s Cross or Chelsea Physic Garden) and still fit in museum visits, theatre, riverside walks or gallery stops in the same trip. So why not make a weekend of it and plan your winter break now?