This post covers the top 9 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 2021.
We will continue to update this post as more information is released in the months leading up to the holiday season.
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 in dedicating an entire night to a Christmas market.
Nearest Tube: Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus
Christmas Market Opening times: November 12th, 2021 - January 9th, 2022
La Clique Showtimes: November 13th, 2021 - January 8th, 2022
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: Friday, Nov 12, 2021, until Sun, Jan 2, 2022.
- Everyday 7am - 11pm
3. CHRISTMAS MARKET AT TATE MODERN
The Christmas market at the Tate Modern is an ode to a more traditional German holiday market.
The space features dozens of beautiful wooden chalets, each of which is adorned with lights and lovely music.
All the classic Christmas treats can be found at this market: mulled wine and cider, roasted nuts, bratwurst, and crepes, amongst others.
This is also a great place to pick up last-minute Christmas gifts as several shops sell homemade jewelry and holiday crafts.
Furthermore, the incredible setting just opposite St Paul's Cathedral is hard to beat anywhere else.
Nearest Tube: London Bridge
Opening times: Usually November to mid-January.
2021/2022 dates are currently TBD.
Learn more about visiting the Tate Modern.
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, 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: November 4 to December 24, 2021
- Daily 11am - 11pm
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: Dates for 2021 have yet to be confirmed.
Visit their website for more information.
Learn more about other things to do in Greenwich.
6. WINTER WONDERLAND
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park 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 merchandise stalls, and more.
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 Weekends in Nov and Dec 20th - Jan 3rd
- £7.50 on Weekends from Dec 4th - 19th
Off-peak periods are Monday - Thursday from November 22nd - December 16th. Tickets on Fridays are always £5.
Tickets are free when you spend £20 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 weekdays to avoid both the crowds and ticket prices.
Opening times: November 19th, 2021 - January 3rd, 2022
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 decorations as well, so if you're interested in seeing some nice lighting displays, this is a good opportunity.
Dates and plans have yet to be announced for 2021, but there's a good chance they will at least have their decorations up this year, and plenty of great shopping.
In the past, they have been closed on December 25th and 26th, and on January 1st.
Opening times: TBD
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:
Opening Times:
- Mon - Thurs, Sat: 10 am - 5 pm
- Fridays: 10 am - 6 pm
- Sundays: 10 am - 4 pm
- Closes at 3 pm on Christmas Eve
- Closed December 25th, 26th, and 27th
- Closed January 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
Dates: November 22nd, 2021 - January 9th, 2022
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 are shown.
Nearest Tube: London Bridge
Opening times: Tues, Nov 16 2021 until Sun, Jan 2, 2022.
- Sundays-Wednesdays 11am - 9pm
- Thursdays-Saturdays 11am - 10pm
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