Soak up the festive spirit in a London Christmas market near you. From alpine-themed river-side strolls to top-quality produce, here are the best Christmas Markets in London.
LAST UPDATE: 17 Dec 2023
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A stroll through the London Christmas Markets is a celebration of the diversity of the city.
Some feature coloured trinkets, sweet mulled wine, and fat German sausage. Others favour specialist produce, designer goods, and festive events.
Find a Christmas treasure from an up-and-coming designer or fill your stockings with bold decorations and Santa hats.
The London Christmas Markets bring together some of the country’s best producers under the gaze of the city’s prominent landmarks.
1. TRAFALGAR SQUARE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Set in an iconic London location, the Trafalgar Square Christmas market is a tourist favourite.
Under the façade of the National Gallery, it’s a very popular spot to get in the festive spirit. So some may find it a little too busy, but there’s no lack of Christmas cheer.
The star at Trafalgar Square over Christmas is the huge Norwegian spruce tree. It’s donated from Norway each year in gratitude to the British people for the support received during World War II.
See Trafalgar Square on our London Christmas lights walking route.
Dates: 10 November 2023 to 7 January 2024.
2. LEICESTER SQUARE CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Christmas Market at Leicester Square is great for a night out with friends in London’s West End.
The market has all the usual festive treats you’d expect including traditional sausage, and plenty of boozy treats.
The Prahava Beer Tent has a raucous atmosphere where you can grab a pint, elbow to elbow, under Leicester Squares’ sparkling lights.
The highlight at Leicester Square is Spiegeltent, one of our favourite London Christmas Events. Be entertained by some incredible performing artists. Book your tickets to La Clique.
Dates: 8 November 2023 to 7 January 2024.
3. COVENT GARDEN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Christmas in Covent Garden is the festive hot spot of the capital.
Each year, there’s a host of activities occupying the iconic piazza and 2023 is going to be no exception.
The Jubilee Market supplies an eclectic selection of arts, crafts and jewellery. Don’t miss the famous reconditioned 1884 Christmas Sleigh, the perfect festive photo opportunity.
The Christmas market at Covent Garden is a non-stop destination with late-night shopping, discounts, and happy hours.
Dates: from November 2023.
4. SOUTHBANK CENTRE WINTER MARKET
The Southbank Centre Winter Market is one of the best Christmas markets in London for a festive atmosphere in a vibrant riverside location.
Pop-up bars and cosy igloos serve some of the country’s best produce overlooking London’s best landmarks.
There’s a wide selection of global and local cuisine. Feast on grilled meats, follow with churros, and wash it down with spiced whiskey.
Pop into the Between the Bridges and unique riverside location with street food, bars live music and karaoke.
Dates: 28 October 2023 to 3 January 2024.
5. WINTER BY THE RIVER, LONDON BRIDGE
Winter by the River has a panoramic setting under the gaze of Tower Bridge. It’s the perfect London Christmas market for festive experiences in iconic surroundings.
The market is located on the Queen’s Walk between London Bridge and Tower Bridge near the HMS Belfast.
You’ll find craft stalls and artisanal makers in cabins adorned by fairy lights. There’s also a karaoke room and pop-up bars.
Don’t miss the Hay Galleria which has stunning decorations and a cool tree.
Dates: 14 November 2023 to 1 January 2024.
6. CHRISTMAS AT BOROUGH MARKET
While not a specific Christmas Market, Borough Market is one of the best places in London to stock up on quality supplies for your Christmas events.
It’s also buzzing with energy throughout the festive season.
The highlight of the Christmas calendar at Borough is An Evening of Cheese on Wed 13 December. Enjoy tastings from British, French, Italian, and Spanish cheesemakers along with expert advice.
Dates: 28 November 2023 to 31 December 2023.
7. SPITALFIELDS CHRISTMAS MARKET
Spitalfields is the best London Christmas Market for that unique gift idea for 2023.
All the regular traders will be on hand, and there’s a bumper programme of curated festive events. It’s one of the best places for Christmas shopping in London.
The Old Spitalfields Market will be open 7 days a week with independent retailers supplying a host of Christmas gift ideas. Munch on some of the best street food in London or join one of their festive workshops to learn a new skill.
From 1 December to 24 December 2023, The Greenhouse Theatre will take over a disused shop at Spitalfields to stage a play called The Lost Library of Spitalfields Market. It’s suitable for all ages and there will also be a festive pub quiz in their zero-waste bar, plus carol singing and wreath making.
Dates: 15 November 2023 to 24 December 2023.
8. BATTERSEA POWER STATION CHRISTMAS MARKET
Battersea Power Station transforms into a festive feast for the eyes with high-tech installations, stunning Christmas decorations, London’s only river-side ice skating, and plenty of great shopping.
The Christmas Market at Battersea runs from 9 December to 22 December 2023.
There are hundreds of independent craft stalls featuring handmade gifts, Christmas cards, personalized baubles, ceramics, jewellery, and much more.
The Christmas market is located on the Ground Floor, Turbine Hall B.
9. COLUMBIA ROAD WEDNESDAY CHRISTMAS MARKET
Columbia Road is a vibrant flower market in London. On Wednesdays leading up to Christmas, the shops open late for one of the friendliest Christmas markets in London.
Christmas Trees are on sale opposite the Royal Oak pub and carol singing takes place on the street accompanied by a brass quintet from the Guildhall.
With a laid-back neighbourhood feel, Columba Rd Wednesday is one of our favourite things to do for Christmas in London.
Dates: 29 Nov, 6 Dec, 13 Dec, 20 Dec (5 pm to 9 pm)
10. HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVE FAYRE
The Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre is a magical Christmas event in the historic setting of Hampton Court Palace.
The palace courtyard and grounds are transformed into a Christmas wonderland with over 100 independent artisan producers offering tasty food and interesting gifts.
Try a cocktail masterclass, savor the flavors of mulled wine or go ice skating in front of the magnificent Tudor Palace.
Book a timed entry at hrpfestivals.com
Dates: 1 Dec – 3 Dec 2023; and 8 Dec -10 Dec 2023.
11. WINTER WONDERLAND CHRISTMAS MARKET
Winter Wonderland is a huge theme park-style Christmas village in Hyde Park.
In addition to rides and arcade games, Winter Wonderland also has a traditional Christmas Market.
In spite of the carnival atmosphere, this is actually one of the best Christmas Markets for unique gifts. There are handcrafted decorations and various other artisanal products.
The Winter Wonderland Christmas Market is located next to the ice rink.
Entrance is free during off-peak times which is 10 am to 12 pm Monday to Thursday. However, online bookings are required even for free entry.
Dates: 17 November 2023 to 1 January 2024.
12. KINGSTON CHRISTMAS MARKET
Set in the historic Ancient Market Place, Kingston has one of the most festive Christmas markets in London.
Armed with a mulled wine, stroll the European-style festive stalls filled with unique gift ideas. Pick up a thoughtful Christmas gift in the Eden Crafts tent which has everything from artisanal cheeses and bath bombs, to handmade jewelry and candles.
You’ll also find top-quality street food from across the globe, as well as quality products for your Christmas nibbles.
Dates: 16 November 2023 to 31 December 2023.
13. KING’S CROSS CHRISTMAS MARKET
With its whopping 47-foot Nordmann fir tree, King’s Cross is one of our favourite spots for festive Christmas lights.
It’s also a wonderful destination for some inspirational Christmas shopping.
The King’s Cross Christmas Market in Coal Drops Yard has quality handmade gifts and cool designer pieces. You’ll also be tempted by delicious food from some of London’s best bars and restaurants.
If you’ve had your fill of shopping, there are plenty of other things to do at King’s Cross over Christmas including curling, late-night shopping, and themed cinema nights. Check the latest events at kingscross.co.uk.
Dates: 9 November 2023 to 23 December 2023.
14. MALTBY STREET WINTER MARKET
Maltby Street Market, known for its delectable food offerings, is a true gem in the heart of London. Over the festive season, they put on a Christmas Market with winter merriment centered around delicious food.
Festive Fridays will take place on 1, 8, and 15 December. The street food stalls will be open from 6 pm to 9 pm, while the bars and restaurants open until 10:30 pm.
For an extra dose of holiday cheer, the Borough Welsh Choir (Côr Y Boro) will serenade visitors on the first two Fridays from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
A great way to get ready for Christmas is by taking a Festive Wreath Making lesson with Jemima in the Woods. Classes run from November 29 to December 13 at The Old Timber Store. Bubbles and refreshments are included for a cost of £95.
Dates: 1 Dec, 8 Dec, 15 Dec | hours – 6 pm to 9 pm.
15. FLEET STREET QUARTER MAKERS’ MARKET
The Fleet Street Quarter Makers’ Market offers a quieter and more local Christmas market in London.
New Market Square will be transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring unique gift ideas provided by the talented Crafty Fox Market.
You can expect to find homewares, jewelry, fashion, beauty, and arts and crafts.
Additionally, there will be a series of free festive workshops. You can brush up on your wreath-making skills or elevate your homemade Christmas cards with the assistance of local artists.
Dates: 5 December to 7 December 2023.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN LONDON | MAP
There’s a magical London Christmas Market near many of the great attractions in the city. Use our map to find a festive winter warmer or beguiling alpine hut near you.
How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.
