The Best Christmas Markets in London
Streets and parks across the capital will soon transform into Christmassy villages decorated with twinkling lights and wooden huts filled with handmade gifts, unique decorations, and delicious festive food for you to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for stocking fillers or just want to soak up the atmosphere, we’ve got a round-up of the best Christmas markets adorning London’s streets this year.
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
As one of London’s largest Christmas markets, you could easily spend a day enjoying the festivities here. With more than 100 stalls to discover, you’re sure to find beautiful gifts for all the family. But if shopping isn’t your thing, you can still get into the holiday spirit as you snuggle beside an open fire at The Arctic Lodge or enjoy a warming tipple while taking a slow spin on the carousel-style bar.
SantaLand is a must-visit if you have children, and with so many activities on offer, they may never want to leave. They can meet the main man himself, or if they’re feeling brave, they can ride on Santa’s Spinning Coaster or take the wheel on the Penguin Bumper Cars.
For an aerial spectacular, head over to the UK’s biggest outdoor big wheel. This year, Zippos Christmas Circus will showcase their jaw-dropping acrobatic skills, providing entertainment for all the family.
When: Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park runs from 18th November 2022 until 2nd January 2023. You can book tickets, here.
Christmas by the River - London Bridge Market
Could there be a more British scene than sipping on a warming cup of mulled wine as you gaze out across the breathtaking London skyline?
London Bridge Market stretches from Hay’s Galleria to London Bridge City Pier, making it the perfect location for a winter stroll. Featuring more than 60 chalet-style stalls filled with artisan crafts and handmade gifts made by independent traders, you can find some wonderful Christmas presents here.
And if you’re hungry, there are plenty of street food vendors serving traditional festive treats and popular cuisines from around the world to fill your belly.
When you’re done, take some time to look out across the glistening River Thames and enjoy the magnificent views of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
When: Christmas by the River usually runs from November to January, dates for 2022 are to be confirmed.
Canopy Christmas Market at King’s Cross
If you prefer Christmas fairs to be indoors, the Canopy Market at King’s Cross is for you.
You’ll find incredible stylish goods and artisan crafts made by independent designers, festive workshops, and masterclasses, as well as coffee tastings with the likes of Square Mile Coffee and chocolate sampling with Cocoa Runners.
Between the 3rd and 5th of December, there will also be a special Vegan Christmas Market, where you can stock up on cruelty-free goodies, including seasonal treats, unique crafts, beautiful clothing, and luxury skincare.
When: Canopy Christmas Market runs from 26th November until 23rd December 2022.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Twinkling Alpine-style huts will line the route from the London Eye to the Southbank Centre, transforming the riverside into a Christmassy village.
Foodies will love the incredible array of cuisines on offer, from toasted marshmallows to fancy lobster rolls and decadent truffle burgers.
For a more exclusive treat, book yourself a giant glass snow globe at Jimmy’s Winter Lodge, where you can feast on cheese fondue or steak, and wash it down with a cup of hot buttered rum.
There’s plenty of entertainment too. Hey Duggee: The Live Theatre Show will surely be a hit with younger kids, while the Christmas Carol Singalong brings fun for the entire family.
While you’re there, stop by the seasonal pop-up to try your hand at curling, or for something less active, visit the outdoor Winter Light exhibition to witness some truly mind-boggling installations.
When: The Winter Festival runs from 3rd November until 26th December 2022.
Leicester Square Christmas Market
With around 30 stalls, Leicester Square Christmas Market might be smaller than many other markets around the capital, but it delivers plenty of festive cheer and is the perfect spot for hopeful shoppers. Scour the stalls to find beautiful gifts, from handcrafted pieces of jewellery to unique handmade ornaments. Or take home a traditional wooden decoration to adorn your tree.
If you’re feeling peckish, plenty of wooden huts will be selling seasonal snacks and pouring freshly made hot chocolate to warm you up.
If you have little ones, be sure to visit Santa in his Grotto or head into the 1920s- circle style tent where you can see various performances, from Christmas shows to pantomimes, and kid’s theatre productions.
When: Leicester Square Christmas Market usually runs from November, dates for 2022 are to be confirmed.
Covent Garden Christmas Village
Every year, Covent Garden is transformed into a magical winter wonderland where you can shop, eat, drink and be merry.
More than 115,000 lights are expected to light up Covent Garden this year, with around 30,000 lights and oversized baubles decorating the 60ft tall Christmas tree – the perfect backdrop for a family photo!
Daily snow showers will create the perfect setting as you stroll through the Piazza, deciding which seasonal treats to indulge in. Or if a warming tipple is more for you, you’ll be pleased to know the Winter Warmer Festival will feature more than 25 varieties of mulled wine for you to sample!
Take a seat along the heated terraces to watch the street entertainers, participate in a craft workshop, or stop under the mistletoe for a Christmas kiss with your special someone.
When: Covent Garden Christmas Village will run from 8th November 2022.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Trafalgar Square is home to one of the longest-standing Christmas traditions. Each year since 1947, Norway has gifted London a Christmas tree as a thank-you for Britain’s support during World War II. The tree usually stands at more than 65ft tall, with the lighting of this magnificent tree one of the most symbolic events to happen in London, taking place at the beginning of December each year.
If you can take your eyes off the towering tree, you’ll find market stalls and festive huts selling seasonal gifts, handmade ornaments, and traditional decorations for your home. Once you’ve bought your treasures, take a seat in the central seating area where you can try and capture a photo of the magnificent tree with the iconic National Gallery in the background. And if you get hungry, there are plenty of traditional and European treats to keep you happy, from traditional gingerbread to sizzling Bratwurst.
When: Dates for Trafalgar Square Christmas Market 2022 are to be confirmed.
Country Living Christmas Fair
For a truly immersive and slightly upscale market, Country Living magazine’s Christmas fair is one not to miss.
Although this is a short journey outside central London to Islington, it’s well worth the trip. Here you’ll be able to meet small business owners and independent traders to learn more about their brands and hear their passion for their creations.
Christmas shopping is made easy here with a wide selection of gifts on offer, from unique fashion items to one-off jewellery and beauty products.
This year, you can have a go at making your own table decorations at the craft workshop or witness a live cookery demonstration. If you prefer to eat and be merry, you can participate in an exclusive tasting session – choose from wine pairing, mulled gin sampling, and mindful chocolate tasting!
When: 9th until 13th November 2022 at the Business Design Centre, Islington. You can book tickets, here.
Borough Market at Christmas
Although Southwark’s Borough market is open all year round, it gets a yuletide makeover at this time of year. With twinkling lights, cheerful decorations, and extended opening hours, this is the perfect place to visit after a day of Christmas shopping.
Make your way from stall-to-stall sipping on a festive cup of eggnog while perusing the incredible seasonal produce. There are stalls selling pate, cheese, turkey, and even champagne! Choose to stock up your pantry for Christmas, make a delicious food hamper for a lucky friend, or simply sample the goods as you stroll around!
Jolly buskers and jubilant choirs will provide the perfect Christmassy soundtrack to your visit.
When: Dates for Borough Market at Christmas 2022 are to be confirmed.
Greenwich Christmas Market
As the only London Christmas market located within a World Heritage site, it is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. This year on 17th November, there will be the famous Greenwich Christmas light switch-on to get everyone in the joyful spirit. There will also be an impressive lantern parade, festive performances, and the chance to visit Santa in his Grotto to ensure you’re on his ‘nice list’.
When you can tear yourself away from the merriment, you’ll discover 150 stalls filled with any Christmas gift you can think of – including homeware, antiques, fashion, beauty, and adorable London-themed gifts. There are also plenty of food and drink stalls to keep you warm as you decide what presents to buy.
When: Greenwich Christmas Lights switch-on will take place on 17th November 2022.