10 Best Christmas Markets in London
Every winter, streets and parks across the capital 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 live in London or are planning a trip, these markets will make your festive season one to remember. Shop for stocking fillers, socialise with friends or just soak up the atmosphere with our roundup of the best Christmas markets in London.
10 Christmas Markets in London You Need to Visit
With so many Christmas markets in London to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down the options. Each of these markets has its own unique charm, offering a wonderful place to spend a winter's day.
1. Winter Wonderland — Hyde Park, Westminster
As one of London’s largest Christmas markets, you could easily spend a day enjoying the festivities at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park—located in the charming borough of Westminster. 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. Alternatively, keep an eye out for the Zippos Christmas Circus where you can witness jaw-dropping acrobatic skills, providing entertainment for all the family.
2. Christmas by the River — London Bridge Market, Southwark
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.
3. Canopy Christmas Market— King’s Cross, Camden and Islington
If you’d prefer an indoor Christmas market in London, the Canopy Market at King’s Cross is for you.
Here, you’ll find everything from stylish goods and artisan crafts to festive workshops and masterclasses. To keep you fuelled up, there are also coffee tastings with the likes of Square Mile Coffee and chocolate sampling with Cocoa Runners.
The Canopy Christmas Market often has a special Vegan Christmas Market, where you can stock up on cruelty-free goodies, including seasonal treats, unique crafts, beautiful clothing and luxury skincare.
4. Southbank Centre Winter Market — South Bank, Central London
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. If you need to warm yourself up, a cup of hot buttered rum can be a great way to wash down these indulgent treats.
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.
5. Leicester Square Christmas Market - Leicester Square, Westminster
With around 30 stalls, Leicester Square Christmas Market might be smaller than many other Christmas markets in Central London, but it delivers plenty of festive cheer.
Scour the stalls to find beautiful gifts, from handcrafted pieces of jewellery to unique handmade ornaments.
If you’re feeling peckish, plenty of wooden huts will be selling seasonal snacks and pouring freshly made hot chocolate to warm you up.
Those with little ones should be sure to visit Santa in his Grotto or head into the 1920s- circle style tent. Here you can see various performances, from Christmas shows and pantomimes to kid’s theatre productions.
6. Covent Garden Christmas Village — Covent Garden, Westminster and Camden
Every year, Covent Garden is transformed into a magical winter wonderland where you can shop, eat, drink and be merry.
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.
7. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market — City of Westminster, Central London
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 more than 65 feet tall, with the lighting of this magnificent tree one of the most symbolic events to happen in London. This spectacular event usually takes place at the beginning of December each year.
If you can take your eyes off the towering tree, you’ll find market stalls 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. If you get hungry, there are plenty of treats to keep you happy, from traditional gingerbread to sizzling Bratwurst.
8. Country Living Christmas Fair — Business Design Centre, Islington
For a truly immersive and slightly upscale market, you don't want to miss Country Living magazine’s Christmas fair.
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.
Plus, Christmas shopping is made easy. The Christmas Market boasts a wide selection of gifts, from unique fashion items to one-off jewellery and beauty products.
Looking for an interactive experience? Create handmade gifts for your loved ones in one of the craft workshops this market has to offer.
Foodies can witness a live cookery demonstration or, 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!
9. Borough Market at Christmas — Borough Market, Southwark
Although Southwark’s Borough market is open all year round, it gets a yuletide makeover during the festive months. 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.
10. Greenwich Christmas Market — Greenwich Market, Greenwich
As the only Christmas market in London located within a World Heritage site, visiting the Christmas Market in Greenwich is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The annual Christmas light switch-on can get everyone in the joyful spirit.
If that’s not enough, the impressive lantern parade, festive performances and the chance to visit Santa in his Grotto are sure to provide plenty of entertainment for the whole family.
You can also explore 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 which presents to buy.
Join the Festivities With a New Home in London
From Christmas markets to summer festivals, London offers countless activities for you to do in your spare time.
If you want to get involved in the action and have a world of opportunities on your doorstep, why not consider a new home in London? With luxurious properties in Finsbury Park, Chelsea, Battersea and more, there’s a perfect home for everyone.
For those seeking rural living, we also have a wide range of homes in commuter towns near London for you to explore.
Alternatively, get in touch to find out more about Berkeley Group and our award-winning developments.