10 Best Christmas Markets in London 2026

Every winter, streets and parks across the capital transform into festive villages, lit up, lined with wooden huts and filled with handmade gifts, decorations and seasonal food from around the world.

Whether you live in London or are planning a visit, use this guide to find the right market for you, from the biggest event in Europe to a tucked-away craft market in south London.

With so many Christmas markets in London to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down the options. Each one on this list has something distinct to offer whether that's scale, setting, food or craftsmanship.

Best Christmas Markets Summary

Market	Location	Dates	Entry	Best For
Winter Wonderland	Hyde Park	19 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027	Ticketed	Scale, rides, German market
Winter by the River	London Bridge	10 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027	Free	Riverside atmosphere, independents
King's Cross Winter Market	Granary Square	26 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027	Free	Roller skating rink, independent makers
Southbank Centre Winter Market	South Bank	2 Nov 2026 – 4 Jan 2027	Free	Food, light installations, curling
Christmas in Leicester Square	Leicester Square	31 Oct 2026 – 3 Jan 2027	Free (ice skating extra)	Central location, ice skating
Covent Garden Christmas Market	Covent Garden	12 Nov 2026 – 2 Jan 2027	Free	Atmosphere, street entertainment
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market	Westminster	6 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027	Free	Iconic setting, Norwegian tree
Handmade Palace	Crystal Palace	21–22 Nov 2026	£2.50 (over-16s)	Independent craft, small and curated
Borough Market at Christmas	Southwark	30 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027	Free	Artisan food, festive produce
Greenwich Christmas Market	Greenwich	18 Nov – 24 Dec 2026	Free	Heritage setting, family activities

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.

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

1. Winter Wonderland — Hyde Park, Westminster

Running from: 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 (closed Christmas Day)
Opening times: Generally 10am to 10pm daily, though opening times vary on certain weekdays — check the official website before you travel.
Entry: Entry is now ticketed, book a timed slot in advance, though you can unlock free entry if you spend £25 or more on food, drink or ride packages online.

Winter Wonderland returns to Hyde Park for its 19th year. At its heart is one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe, with over 200 stalls selling handmade gifts, traditional decorations, mulled wine and festive food from around the world. Wooden chalets are arranged across several themed areas, including the international market and the traditional German market, giving you plenty of ground to cover.

The wider site has rides and entertainment if you want them, but you can easily spend a few hours browsing stalls, eating and drinking without going near a single attraction.

2. Winter by the River — London Bridge City, Southwark

Running from: 10 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
Opening times: 11am to 10pm daily (closed Christmas Day)
Entry: Free

Could there be a more British scene than sipping on a warming cup of mulled wine as you gaze out across the London skyline? Now rebranded as ‘Winter by the River’, this free market runs along the London Bridge City waterfront, with wooden chalets stretching between Hay's Galleria and London Bridge City Pier.

Independent traders fill the stalls with handmade crafts, artisan gifts and seasonal treats, making it a strong option for anyone who wants to avoid the crowds of Central London. There are plenty of street food vendors to keep you fuelled as you browse, and when you're done, the views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London across the Thames are hard to beat.

3. King's Cross Winter Market — Granary Square, King's Cross

Running From: 26 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday 11am to 10pm, Friday to Saturday 11am to 11pm.
Entry: Free

The King's Cross Christmas market has had a major rethink for 2026. Now relocated to Granary Square the organisers have promised a 'remixed' festive celebration — and the line-up delivers. Expect independent makers, seasonal food and drink stalls, and a huge roller rink alongside the market.

The neighbourhood has also unveiled an Aardman-themed Christmas tree featuring Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Morph, which has been up since October.

4. Southbank Centre Winter Market — South Bank, Central London

Running from: 2 November 2026 to 4 January 2027 (closed 25 and 31 December)
Opening times: Stalls open daily 11am to 10pm, craft traders until 9pm; bars until 11pm
Entry: Free

One of the earliest markets to open this year, the Southbank Centre, Winter Market runs from November to early January. Alpine-style huts line the Queen's Walk beneath Hungerford Bridge featuring a range of stalls and bars. Foodies will love the range of cuisines on offer at this Southbank Christmas market, from toasted marshmallows to lobster rolls and truffle burgers. For something more exclusive, book a spot at Jimmy's Winter Lodge, where you can feast on cheese fondue or steak inside a giant glass snow globe.

While you're there, try your hand at curling at the seasonal pop-up, or take in the outdoor Winter Light exhibition for some genuinely impressive light installations.

5. Christmas in Leicester Square — Leicester Square, Westminster

Running from: 31 October 2026 to 3 January 2027 (closed Christmas Day)
Opening times: 31 Oct to 26 Nov: Monday to Friday 12pm to 10pm, Saturday to Sunday 10am to 10pm. From 27 November: daily 10am to 10pm.
Entry: Free (ice rink requires a separate ticket)

Christmas in Leicester Square is one of the first markets to open in the capital this year and is a good early-season option before the bigger events get underway in November. The market stalls are the centrepiece, selling handcrafted jewellery, handmade ornaments and seasonal gifts from independent traders.

A central ice rink has been added for 2026, which wraps around the market and adds to the atmosphere, though the rink requires a separate ticket if you want to skate. Pick up a freshly made hot chocolate and browse at your own pace; the market itself is free to enter.

6. Covent Garden Christmas Market — Covent Garden, Westminster and Camden

Running from: 12 November 2026 to 2 January 2027 (closed Christmas Day)
Opening times: Monday to Saturday 10am to 9pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm
Entry: Free

Covent Garden goes all out for Christmas, with the historic Piazza transformed by giant bells, disco balls and a towering 55-foot Christmas tree. Stalls sell handmade crafts and artisan gifts throughout the run, and mulled wine is, of course, in plentiful supply.

Take a seat along the heated terraces to watch the street entertainers, join a craft workshop, or simply soak up one of the most atmospheric settings of any Christmas market in the capital.

7. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market — City of Westminster, Central London

Running from: 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 (open every day of its run)
Opening times: 10am to 10pm daily
Entry: Free

Trafalgar Square is home to one of London's longest-standing Christmas traditions. Each year since 1947, Norway has gifted the capital a Christmas tree as a thank-you for Britain's support during World War II, and 2026 is no exception. The market runs alongside it from 6 November to 3 January, giving you plenty of time to take it all in.

Wooden stalls sell seasonal gifts, handmade ornaments and traditional decorations, with gingerbread and sizzling Bratwurst among the food options. The central seating area is the spot to grab a photo of the tree framed by the National Gallery, one of the most iconic winter backdrops in the city.

8. Handmade Palace Christmas Market — Crystal Palace

Running from: 21 to 22 November 2026
Opening times: 10am to 5pm both days
Entry: £2.50 for over-16s on the door

Tucked inside the Victorian Crystal Palace Subway, Handmade Palace is one of south London's most distinctive festive markets. With 46 makers' stalls across the two days, it's a proper showcase of independent craft: think handmade jewellery, ceramics, textiles and gifts you won't find anywhere else.

It's a short run, so plan ahead. The venue has no step-free access and pushchairs must be left at the top entrance. Christmas shopping doesn't get much more personal than this.

9. Borough Market at Christmas — Borough Market, Southwark

Running from: 30 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 (closed 25, 26 and 27 December and 1 January)
Opening times: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday 9am to 5pm; Sunday 10am to 4pm. Christmas Eve 8am to 3pm; 31 December 10am to 3pm. Normal hours resume 2 January 2027.
Entry: Free

Borough Market takes on a proper festive character. The stalls, already among the best in London year-round, shift their focus to Christmas produce: pâté, artisan cheese, free-range rare breed turkey, champagne and specialist ingredients you won't find on a supermarket shelf.

What makes it feel like a Christmas market is the atmosphere as much as the produce. Twinkling lights string across the Victorian ironwork, extended opening hours give you more time to browse, and seasonal traders join the regular vendors to fill the market with handmade gifts and festive specialities. Whether you're building a Christmas hamper, sourcing ingredients for the big day or simply grazing your way through the stalls, it earns its place on this list. Buskers and choirs provide a decent soundtrack throughout the season.

10. Greenwich Christmas Market — Greenwich Market, Greenwich

Running from: 18 November to 24 December 2026 (closed Christmas Day)
Opening times: Daily 10am to 6pm
Entry: Free

As the only Christmas market in London set within a World Heritage site, Greenwich offers something genuinely different. The market this year features a 10-metre Christmas tree as its centrepiece. Alongside the tree, you'll find festive performances, a lantern parade and the chance to visit Santa in his Grotto.

The market itself spans around 150 stalls covering homeware, antiques, fashion, beauty and London-themed gifts, with food and drink stalls throughout to keep you warm as you browse.

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.

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 the neighbourhoods we build across London and the South of England

London Christmas Markets 2026: Frequently Asked Questions

On what dates do London Christmas markets open in 2026?

London's Christmas markets open at different times in 2026. Leicester Square opens first on 31 October, followed by Southbank Centre Winter Market on 2 November, Winter by the River on 10 November and Covent Garden on 12 November. Most major markets are open by late November.

What are the opening hours of London Christmas markets in 2026?

Opening hours vary between London’s Christmas markets, so it’s worth checking the official website before travelling. Many open from late morning until the evening. For example, the Southbank Centre Winter Market is open from 11am to 10pm, with craft traders closing at 9pm. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland closes at 10pm, although its opening time varies by date.

What is the biggest Christmas market in London?

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is the biggest Christmas market in London. It has more than 200 stalls spread across themed areas, including a traditional German market and an international market, making it one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe.

Which Christmas market in London is best for families?

Winter Wonderland is one of the best Christmas markets in London for families, combining over 200 market stalls with SantaLand, where Father Christmas is in residence throughout the season. Greenwich Market is another strong option if you want a more relaxed visit, with festive performances, a lantern parade and a Santa's Grotto alongside the stalls.

Which London Christmas market is best for food?

Borough Market at Christmas is the best London Christmas market for food. It focuses on artisan and specialist produce (think rare breed turkey, artisan cheese, pâté and champagne) alongside seasonal traders selling handmade gifts. The Southbank Centre Winter Market is a close second, with a wide range of cuisines from toasted marshmallows to lobster rolls, plus the option to book a cheese fondue inside Jimmy's Winter Lodge.

Which London Christmas market is free to enter?

Several of London's Christmas markets are free to enter, including Winter by the River, Southbank Centre Winter Market, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square and Greenwich Market. Winter Wonderland and some attractions at Leicester Square require tickets, so it's worth checking before you go if you want a free day out.