This post covers the top 12 London Christmas Markets, where to find them, and what you will see.
Also, check our full guide to Christmas in London. Dates and times have been updated for the holidays in 2023.
We will continue to update this post as more information is released in the months leading up to the holiday season.
We are local tour guides who spend much of our holiday free time in these markets. We know the vendors because some of our guides are vendors.
And as you can see in the video below, we even film at the markets.
Sinead, a tour guide with Free Tours by Foot, takes you on a virtual tour of 10 London Christmas markets.
You can also join us on one of our Christmas-themed tours and visit some of these markets.
1. LEICESTER SQUARE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Though entrance to the very Christmas-y market is free, tickets to visit Santa's Grotto or the theatrical performance La Clique must be purchased in advance.
Due to its extremely central location, this market is perfect for those who lack the time or interest to dedicate an entire night to a Christmas market.
We have a full post reviewing this market.
And in the video below, Sinead takes you on a virtual walk through the market.
Nearest Tube: Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus
Christmas Market Opening times: Dates are 8th November - 7th January from 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm Monday to Friday and 10:00 am - 10:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays)
La Clique Showtimes: Dates: Nov 8th, 2023 - Jan 7th, 2024
Price: from £22.50
Duration: 110 minutes
Check their calendar to see what's happening each week.
Learn more about the area with our guide to Leicester Square.
Visit this market with us on our pay-what-you-wish London Christmas Lights Tour.
2. CHRISTMAS AT COVENT GARDEN
Covent Garden is worth visiting any time of the year, but at Christmas, it truly stands out.
The covered market and piazza are festooned with beautiful decorations, giant baubles, twinkling lights, and mistletoe chandeliers.
This year, there is a 55' Christmas Tree, a Frozen-themed tree display (with hourly snowfalls), a Lego Christmas carosaul, as well as a winter market both inside and outside.
Nearest Tube: Leicester Square
Opening times: Christmas events will continue from November 2023 until January 2024. On 7th November, 2023 Christmas lights will be switched on, Choosing Keeping will be held on 16th November 2023 and many more events will go on. For the full schedule, click here.
3. TRAFALGAR SQUARE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Trafalgar Square can sometimes be looked down on by Londoners as "too touristy".
And the most magical of all the yearly events is the Trafalgar Square Christmas Market.
However, throughout the year, the Square plays host to numerous events and activities that bring visitors and locals alike here into the heart of London.
The Trafalgar Square Christmas Market is not as big as others like the Leicester Square Market or the Southbank Christmas Market.
But, it is centrally located, perfectly beautiful, and full of plenty of things to eat, drink, and buy.
Nearest Tube: Charing Cross or Leicester Square
Opening Times: 2023 dates TBD (Last year's dates were from 11th November - 2nd January)
4. SOUTHBANK CENTRE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Similar to the Christmas market at the Tate Modern, the Southbank Centre Christmas market is a stunning spectacle of traditional chalets and Christmas cheer.
In addition to an endless selection of homemade crafts including jewellery and ceramics, warm beverages, and German snacks, there are also rides and carols singing to entertain the whole family.
If you have extra time on your hands, then consider walking from the Southbank Centre Christmas market to the one at the Tate Modern - the view along the way is stunning, and each market has its own unique ambiance.
Also, unlike most of the other Christmas markets in London, the one at the Southbank Centre stays open until the beginning of January.
So, visitors can continue to partake in the holiday spirit long after Christmas has passed.
Nearest Tube: Waterloo
Opening times: Winter festival will be held from Oct 28th, 2023 up to Jan 7th, 2024.
Click here for more information.
5. GREENWICH CHRISTMAS MARKET
While Greenwich Market is open year-round, December is a special time at this World Heritage site.
In December, every Wednesday Christmas comes to the market for "Late Christmas Market Nights".
Christmas lights give an extra sparkle to the market. There are more than 100 vendor stalls selling a variety of food and holiday knick-knacks.
Though some might be put off by the idea of traveling to Greenwich, its location away from the city centre means that it is much less crowded than most.
Nearest Rail: Greenwich
Opening times: From 15th November to January, from 10:00 am - 5:30 pm)
Visit their website for more information.
Learn more about other things to do in Greenwich.
6. WINTER WONDERLAND
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is the biggest and most famous of all the Christmas markets in London.
Originally opening in 2006, Winter Wonderland has grown to feature the UK's largest outdoor ice-skating rink, a giant Ferris Wheel, a magical ice kingdom, several foods and festivities, merchandise stalls, and more.
We have a full post on what to expect at Winter Wonderland.
Entry to Winter Wonderland is free during off-peak periods, but you'll have to pay for tickets during the following peak hours:
- £5 on Standard hours
- £7.50 on Peak hours
- Prices may vary for different times on the same day as well.
Tickets are free when you spend £25 or more on attractions, rides, games, food, or drinks at the same time you pay for admission.
This is all likely done for crowd control because Winter Wonderland tends to attract a lot more visitors on weekends.
If possible, try visiting during the daytime and on weekdays to avoid both the crowds and ticket prices.
Opening times: November 17th, 2023 - January 1st, 2024 from Monday to Sunday: 10 am - 10 pm
Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge, Marble Arch, or Green Park
Learn more or purchase tickets ahead of time.
7. Spitalfields Christmas Market
This traders' market is typically open daily, but they also offer special events and activities during the holidays.
In the past, they have offered late-night shopping, choirs singing Christmas carols, nativity plays, and even opportunities to meet Santa!
Entry is free, and you can expect to find a lot of great gift ideas and even festive treats to enjoy.
There will also be a lot of great Christmas decorations as well, so if you're interested in seeing some nice lighting displays, this is a good opportunity.
Dates and Times: 18th November 2023 to 24th December 2023 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
(The market itself is open the whole day but the Christmas popups have smaller hours)
Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street Station
8. Christmas at Borough Market
This is another marketplace near the London Bridge and River Thames, and it's another great location to visit during the holidays.
Borough Market is known for its excellent food options.
So, if you're looking for a few things to put together a lovely British Christmas meal, you'll probably find it here.
Borough Market offers special opening times for Christmas every year.
Dates and Times: Variable dates and times between Nov 28th, 2023, and Jan 9th, 2024. Check their website HERE for a complete schedule.
Nearest Tube: London Bridge
Find out more about Christmas at Borough Market.
9. CHRISTMAS BY THE RIVER AT LONDON BRIDGE CITY
This Christmas market features the unbeatable backdrop of Tower Bridge making it one of the most stunning Christmas markets.
The perfect destination for a couple's date night, this market becomes all the more romantic on Tuesdays when a selection of Christmas films is shown.
Nearest Tube: London Bridge
Opening times: 2023 dates TBD (last year's dates were from Tue, Nov 15 - Sun, Jan 1.
- Sundays-Wednesdays 11 am - 9 pm
- Thursdays-Saturdays 11 am - 10 pm
10. Kingston Christmas Market
Kingston Christmas Market is a festive event in southwest London, offering seasonal delights and holiday gifts.
The market hosts stalls with handcrafted goods, decorations, and traditional Christmas market treats.
Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, and more while shopping for unique presents.
Entertainment, carol singing, and ice skating rinks add to the joyful ambiance. Children can meet Santa in his charming Grotto, creating cherished memories.
The market embodies the spirit of the season, bringing the community together in a merry celebration.
Nearest Tube: Kingston rail station
Opening times:
Market stalls will open from November 16th, 2023 – December 31st, 2023 from Sunday to Wednesday – 10 am to 6 pm & Thursday to Saturday – 10 am to 8 pm.
11. Christmas Under the Canopy at King’s Cross
Christmas Under the Canopy is a festive event transforming the area into a winter wonderland.
The event features twinkling lights, decorations, and a bustling market with artisanal crafts.
Attendees can enjoy seasonal foods, hot drinks, craft beer, and entertainment throughout.
Ice rink and a visit from Santa Claus delight visitors of all ages.
The event captures the magic of the holiday season, inviting the community to celebrate in a picturesque setting.
It's a cherished gathering, embodying the spirit of Christmas.
Nearest Tube: King’s Cross
Opening times: The market will open between November 23rd, 2023 – December 23rd, 2023.
12. Selfridges Christmas Market
Selfridges, a renowned department store located in Edward Mews, hosts a vibrant Christmas Market.
The market showcases an array of festive goods and unique gift options.
Visitors can explore stalls offering seasonal treats, decorations, stocking fillers, and crafts.
It's a delightful destination for Christmas shopping and immersing in the holiday spirit. The Selfridges Christmas Market adds a touch of magic to the festive season.
Nearest Tube: Bond Street
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