In a lot of my blog posts about London, I mention that those of us who live here rarely come to Leicester Square.
But the exception to that is during the holiday season!
The Leicester Square Christmas Market gets a visit from me every single year.
In this post, I'm going to outline everything you need to know about visiting the Leicester Square Christmas Market in central London.
I'll include details about festive activities, decorations, winter markets, and other fun things to see and do.
NOTE: For 2025, the Christmas Market will open on the 6th of November and run until the 5th of January.
- What is the Leicester Square Christmas Market?
- Things to Do
- Dates and Times
- How to Get Here
- Christmas in London
- London Christmas Lights
Not coming to London this Christmas?
In the video just below, Sinead, a tour guide with us, Tours by Foot London, takes you on a walk through the market last year:
What is the Leicester Square Christmas Market?
Every year, Leicester Square gets decked out in sparkling lights and filled with little wooden chalets, all waiting to be explored.
Think delicious street food, hot mulled drinks (I can't get enough mulled wine), hand-crafted gifts, and holiday music playing through it all.
To be, it creates the perfect holiday atmosphere...but I'm one of those people that loves Christmas music.
I know some of my friends find it annoying after a while!
But the big draw to the Leicester Square Christmas Market - and the reason I come every year - is the Spiegeltent, which I'll outline below.
I'll also mention that our fantastic London Christmas Lights Tour, led by the incredible Canice, will bring you right here so consider joining us!
Things to Do
Eat
Make sure you come with your appetite!
The Leicester Square Christmas Market has a plethora of delicious things to eat - at any time of the day or night.
I always see hundreds of deliciously sizzling sausages, traditional bratwurst, hot chips (my favourite on a cold evening), and other warm delights.
For dessert, there are barrels of sweets just waiting for you to grab, as well as handmade fudge, miniature pancakes, and also hand-crafted chocolates and brownies to enjoy while you're here, or to take home for later.
Some of the visitors on my tours ask about what foods and snacks "real" Londoners eat.
And, I think Christmas Markets are a great way to try some unique and tasty British sweets so I really recommend coming down to see what catches your eye!
Also, I've noticed in the last few years that chocolate fountains are getting more popular at the markets so save space for a cup of fresh strawberries covered in warm chocolate.
I'm getting hungry just writing about them!
Drink
And come thirsty, too! It's impossible to visit a London Christmas market without getting a warm glass of something to drink.
My favourite, and the classic, is mulled wine or gleuwein. But I also always see mulled cider - both alcoholic and non.
Some of my friends don't drink but that doesn't mean they miss out on delicious drinks.
There are always several types of hot chocolates, topped with marshmallows and sweets of your choosing.
Sometimes, when I'm in the mood, I'll get a hot chocolate, too, but ask for it with a bit of brandy or Irish whiskey.
See a Show
Leicester Square is the heart of the West End entertainment district all year long so it's no surprise that the same is true of their Christmas Market.
The Leicester Square Christmas Market is home to the Spiegeltent - a tented venue where a variety of shows will play out throughout the Christmas season, including La Clique.
Cabaret, magic, comedy...you never know what to expect from these top-quality entertaining performances.
One memorable year, I sat close to the stage and a woman was hanging from the rooftop by her hair, spinning over us in the crowds!
It was honestly breathtaking.
Shows run throughout the day and into the evening hours and the schedule varies day by day which means you may want to come back again and again.
I have literally seen two shows in a single night before!
I get asked a lot about where to get discounted theatre tickets in London.
So, I want to make a note that Leicester Square is also home to the TKTS booth, delivering cheap theatre tickets for the West End's hottest shows.
Find out more on my blog post on how to get cheap West End tickets.
Do Some Christmas Shopping
The Market is absolutely packed with treasures, gifts, and treats for you to buy.
I think the market is best for little things like stocking stuffers. Although I do like the large glass lamps that are on display, I tend to gravitate toward the handmade jewellery and festive bottles of different tipples.
I also always see a plethora of hats, scarves, and gloves as well as charming wooden Christmas decor.
You'd be surprised at the number of wooden reindeer I have up in my house every Christmas.
And I love buying a new ornament from a London market every year for my Christmas tree.
I recommend Christmas baubles to my guests as unique, thoughtful and relatively useful souvenir to take home.
It also helps that they don't weigh a lot so won't add to your luggage limit!
Bring the Kids
All my talk of mulled wine and cabaret shows might give you the impression that the Market is aimed at adults but this is definitely a family-friendly affair!
I have two nephews and a niece (all aged between 3 and 5) and I love bringing them to the Christmas Market.
Not only are there special sweets and snacks for the little ones, there are hand-crafted toys and even a visit from Father Christmas.
Although I have noticed that the adults are sometimes more excited to see Santa than the little ones are!
The Spiegeltent, as well as nearby West End Theatres, will also play host to children's performances.
I've seen classic Christmas pantomimes as well as children's magic shows that I found as enjoyable as the kids did.
Walk the West End
When you're in Leicester Square, you're right in the middle of the West End, London's world-famous theatre district.
Known not only for the beautiful theatres lining every street, this neighbourhood is also known for going all out when it comes to Christmas decorations!
I love Christmas so you will catch me wandering around looking at lights and department store window displays from November straight through to January!
When I'm in the area, I like to grab a mulled wine and wander over to the stunning Covent Garden to marvel at their holiday decorations.
The covered Market decor is always my favourite - and Miracle at Henrietta Street absolutely can't be beaten.
(I've seen they're already fully booked for 2025 but it's always worth turning up just in case!)
I'll also head from Leicester Square toward Regent Street and up to Oxford Street and Carnaby Street to see the most famous Christmas Lights in the capital.
It's also a short stroll to Trafalgar Square to see London's official Christmas Tree.
It's a yearly gift from the people of Norway as a thank-you to the UK for their assistance in the Second World War.
I always see it at least once a year!
If you're not going to be in London for Christmas, let my colleague Sinead show you the incredible lights we have on offer:
Take a Tour
Want to take in all the Christmas lights that London has to offer?
Make sure to sign up for London's best Christmas Lights Tour!
It's led by the incredible Canice and showcases not only the most beautiful lights in the city, but also the histories and stories behind the UK's most classic Christmas traditions.
I tend to spend Christmas with family outside of the capital.
But, in the lead up to the big day, whenever my family or friends are in town to see me for the holidays, I book them onto this tour straight away!
It's honestly one of the best Christmas experiences you can have in our city.
This tour includes a visit to the Leicester Square Christmas Market and finishes within walking distance so you can come back for more whenever you're ready!
I tend to meet my friends and family there after the tour and then we head into Chinatown or Soho for some dinner.
After that, I like to take a casual walk along Oxford Street after the shops have closed to take advantage of the quiet pavements and enjoy the lights and window displays there.
If daytime touring is more your thing, then jump onto the Soho, Piccadilly Circus and Chinatown or Rock and Roll Tours to explore the neighbourhood nearby!
Dates and Times
For 2025, the Christmas Market will open on the 6th of November and run until the 5th of January.
How to Get Here
Leicester Square is right in the centre of town so it's super easy to access.
Nearest Underground Stations: Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.
It's also a short walk from Charing Cross Station. I also like to get off at Oxford Circus so I can walk through Soho and Regent Street toward Leicester Square so I can enjoy the holiday lights.
Nearest Rail Station: Charing Cross Station
Bus Routes: 14, 19, 24, 29, 38, 176
