Enjoy the magical festive period at the best Christmas markets in London
Woolly hats and gloves, mulled wine and mince pies, sparkling lights and tinsel – are we getting you in the Christmas spirit yet? Indulge in a bit of shopping, or just browse and take in the sights at one (or more!) of London’s best Christmas markets and fairs this winter. Originated in Germany, now a big part of the festive period throughout Europe, London is home to some of the best Christmas markets with Bavarian style stalls, offering food and drinks, sweet treats, a wide range of festive crafts you can buy as gifts (or just treat yourself) and even fun rides. You never know, you might meet Santa and Rudolph too!
London has to be one of the best places in the world to celebrate Christmas, so we have also created a lovely yuletide blog detailing some of the amazing Christmas events in London this year: Check out our guide to Best Christmas events in London too.
1. Winter Wonderland Christmas Market
We feature Winter Wonderland in our Christmas events in London blog but we would find ourselves on the naughty list if we did not highlight the Christmas market at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Here you’ll find over 200 fairy-lit Bavarian style wooden chalets offering up jewellery, accessories, crafts, clothing, traditional Christmas decorations and more. The atmosphere will have you buying your family, friends and even yourself lots of special treats for Christmas.
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park. Opens Friday 17 November between 4-10pm, then open every day until Monday 1 January 2024 between 10am – 10pm, except Christmas Day. Tickets free to enter off-peak, £5 standard, £7.50 peak.
2. Southbank Centre Winter Market
The winter market at Southbank Centre offers up a seasonal mixture of food, drink and crafts from around the world. See the sparkling lights reflected in the River Thames and indulge yourself in classic sweet treats like pancakes and waffles or savoury winter favourites like smoked salmon, bratwurst and raclette.
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Open from Thursday 2 November until Boxing Day, “6 December. Sunday – Thursday 11am – 10pm and Friday – Saturday 11am – 11pm. Free entry.
3. Christmas market in Leicester Square
Around 25 stalls will set up around the famous Leicester Square, offering traditional Christmas fair. Festive decorations, handcrafted gifts sit alongside food and drink to keep you warm on the cold winter nights. After exploring the market, you can step inside the traditional 1920s Spiegel tent to enjoy a wide range of Christmas entertainment for all ages.
Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NA. Open from Friday 8 November until Monday 8 January 2024 between 12pm – 10pm Monday to Friday and 10am – 10pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Free entry.
4. Greenwich Christmas Festival
The Christmas market at Greenwich opens with a handmade lantern parade by local school children and the turning on of the Christmas lights on 15 November 2023 at 4pm. As you would expect the market will be offering beautiful seasonal gifts and enticing food and drink that are sure to get you into the Christmas spirit. Expect to meet Santa and his reindeer here during the festive time.
Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, London SE10 9NN. Open 10am – 5pm. Free entry.
5. Christmas by the River at London Bridge City
Image courtesy of Jey-r Dalangin
Over 60 independent traders make up this lovely Christmas market that part overlooks icons such as Tower Bridge and Tower of London. Here you’ll find artisan gifts, boutique accessories and fantastic food. They also run seasonal workshops in the chalet event space to help you prepare for Christmas physically, creatively and romantically.
London Bridge City, 2A More London Riverside, London SE1 2DB. Open from Tuesday 14 November 2023 until Monday 1 January 2024. Open daily from 12pm – 10.30pm. Free entry.
7. Kingston Christmas Market
Image courtesy of Kingston First
The whole town of Kingston transforms over Christmas as the market spreads throughout the Ancient Market Place and through surrounding pedestrian streets. Here you’ll find over 50 Christmas chalets selling arts, crafts and decorations alongside a large heated marquee. There are also two large outdoor bar areas serving up your favourite Christmas food and drink.
Kingston-upon-Thames town centre, Greater London. Free entry. All stalls including food and bar stalls open Thursday 16 November until 31 December 2023, 10am – 6pm.
8. Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair
A botanical slant to this Christmas fair in London will bring you plenty of unique gifts to choose from and you can even learn how to wrap your chosen presents perfectly, with the in-house masterclasses. Warming herbal lattes will refresh you for the shopping ahead, but here it will be a less frantic experience. Young and old can go see Santa and sing the carols too.
66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4HS. Open on Thursday 23 November 2023 10am – 5pm and Sunday 26 November 10am – 4pm. Members and children go free. Adults £8.
9. I Do Handmade Christmas pop-up at Westfield London
I Do Handmade is hosting a Christmas pop-up market inside Westfield London shopping centre, offering the opportunity for small businesses to sell their handcrafted creations.
Open on Monday 6 November 2023 to Saturday 23 December 2023 10am – 9pm Mon-Sat, 12pm – 6pm Sundays (see website for details).
10. Spitalfields Christmas Market
Spitalfields Market is a globally renowned destination that brings together everything you need for a day out in one convenient package. Within metres of each other, you can find independent fashion, beauty, and wellness brands, as well as a daily traders market. There you can browse art from local makers, and grab one-of-a-kind gifts from the many, many stalls.
Guests can expect all sorts of Christmas events, from live theatre shows to fun activities and special offers at shops and venues. Billing itself as “East London’s jolliest Christmas market”, the Christmas market will accent the area’s already heaving selection of retail opportunities, from independent market stalls to global retail icons, as well as the many food and beverage vendors.
Old Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square, E1 6EW. Saturday 18th – Friday 24 December 10am – 6 or 8pm (see website for details)
Please do share your experience of Christmas events in London with us at London Toolkit in the comments section. We’d love to hear from you. If you’ve taken any pictures over Christmas just use the hashtag #londontoolkit in your social media feed for a chance to be featured.
Find out more…
Best Christmas events in London
London for kids and families
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Best 10 free things to do in London
Top 10 London markets you must visit
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