We have a family tradition of heading into London at this time of year to see the Christmas lights. This year I am heading in twice. Once for a Christmas weekend in London with the kids and another with some friends. Both visits will include checking out the Christmas Markets in London and going to some Christmas shows. This festive season there are plenty to choose from. I have pulled together a list of the best places in central London to enjoy a festive market and will be updating it as visit as many of London’s Christmas Markets as we can.
Winter Wonderland
- When: 17th November – 1st January 2024
- Where: Hyde Park, London
- Good to know: You can choose an entry slot and stay as long as you like. Some free entry options are normally early in the season and on weekday mornings. It is worth checking these as there is nothing to stop you from staying longer. Peak times will cost from £7.50. Additional activities have costs associated with them.
- Located in Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is one of the largest and most famous Christmas markets and Christmas attractions in London. It features an ice skating rink, a Christmas circus, fairground rides, an ice slide and ice bar. Along with the magical ice kingdom and numerous stalls selling gifts, food, and mulled wine. There is also plenty for your children to explore with smaller rides as well as make the most of the live entertainment with tickets to see Justin from CBeebies doing a Christmas sing-along. The Winter Wonderland Christmas market is a must-visit for anyone looking for a festive experience.
- For more information visit the Winter Wonderland website.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
- When: 28th October – 7th January 2024
- Where: The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 8XX
- Good to know: Peak times are during the evenings and weekends but it is still a festive outing for the whole family to enjoy. Check the website for days when specialist events are taking place. It can get very busy in the evenings so bear this in mind when visiting with small children. Entrance is free.
- This market is set along the Southbank of the River Thames and offers a picturesque view of some of London’s most iconic landmarks. Since it is not far from the London Eye. The Southbank Christmas market features an array of artisanal gifts and gourmet food. Since it is located in the cultural heart of London as you would expect there are also plenty of activities and performances for the whole family. With entertainment taking place on specific days and some free events, this is certainly one of London’s best Christmas Markets.
- For more information visit the Southbank Centre Winter Festival website.
Christmas in Leicester Square
- When: Leicester Square Christmas Market is open from now until early January. The show has been running since early November and will continue through the festive season.
- Where: Shakespeare Water Fountain, 4 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DE
- Good to know: Free to enjoy all of the wonderful festive things but tickets for shows can start at around £24.
- Located in the heart of London’s West End, this market offers a festive atmosphere with Christmas-themed market stalls, fairy lights, entertainment, and a traditional Santa’s Grotto. The main attraction is the Spiegeltent, which is hosting LA CLIQUE, the original, trailblazing, genre-defining cabaret show.
- The Christmas market is a great place to explore before or after the theatre show and makes a great stop for late-night shopping. Don’t forget to snap your own selfie with some very well known characters such as Paddington and Mr Bean.
- For more information about LA CLIQUE and to book tickets visit the Christmas in Leicester Square website.For more information about the Leicester Square website.
Greenwich Christmas Market
- When: 15th November between midday and 6 pm.
- Where: 5B Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ
- Good to know: Free to enter and lots to see and do while you are there so it is a good idea to check the website for upcoming events.
- Greenwich Market is known for its arts and crafts, and during the holiday season, it transforms into a charming Christmas market on the 15th of December. Visitors can shop for the perfect gift, enjoy seasonal food and drink, and soak up the historical ambience of Greenwich. Perhaps even visit the Cutty Sark or National Maritime Museum. On the 15th there is also a lantern parade. The food stalls are also particularly delicious and festive, a great Christmas day out.
- The covered market at Greenwich is open daily between 10 am and 5 pm throughout the year. So if you miss the event on the 15th then there is still an opportunity to visit.
- For more information visit see the Visit Greenwich website.
Winter by the River at London Bridge
- When: 15th November – 1st January
- Where: The Queens Walk, London SE1 2AA
- Good to know: Open daily from 12 pm until 10.30 pm. Free to walk around with lots of stalls.
- Set against the backdrop of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, this market in London Bridge city offers a scenic and magical experience. You can find a variety of stalls selling handmade gifts, festive food, and drinks. There is a lot to see and do and as it runs through November and December this is one market that you can come back to time and time again.
- New for 2023 is the ‘Karaoke at the Pier’ experience, where brilliant music, delicious cocktails, and Prosecco by the bottle await. There will also be Christmas carols sung by choirs in Hay’s Galleria.
- For more information including opening times visit the Winter by the River website.
Covent Garden Christmas Market
- When: 15th November to the 31st December
- Where: The Market Building, London WC2E 8RF
- Good to know: Covent Garden is an array of Christmas spirit so alongside the food stalls there is plenty to see and do. Although be warned this is a very busy and probably London’s most famous Christmas market.
- The ancient market place of Covent Garden is always a bustling area in London, and during the Christmas season, it becomes even more festive with its market. It features unique gifts, street performers, and beautifully decorated surroundings. Not only that but the Winter Warmer festival is full of seasonal food and drink options to enjoy while you look around the garden.
- Have yourself a white Christmas with Covent Garden’s daily snow showers. Adding to the family fun this December, this FREE experience is running hourly across the West Piazza from 12 pm-9 pm.
- There is also a free photo opportunity with the sleigh being available from 9 am to 9 pm set amongst the Christmas trees. A great way to capture a wonderful moment with your family. And don’t forget the largest Christmas tree in London with its giant baubles.
- Finally, in December there is a Christmas Sandwich Festival that is one not to be missed. Taking place on the 7th -17th of December this is perfect for any Christmas foodie.
- For more information visit the Covent Garden website.
Kingston Christmas Market
- When: 16th November – 31st December
- Where: Market Pl, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1JT
- Good to know: You can book curling on the website if you want to give that a try it costs £10 per lane, there are two lanes and each can take up to four people.
- Located in the charming town of Kingston upon Thames. This fantastic Christmas market is designed to be a European-style Christmas market with traditional Christmas decorations. Wander around under twinkling fairy lights, enjoy a mug of mulled wine or hot chocolate and choose from an assortment of delicious food to get you in the Christmas spirit. This market offers a traditional Christmas experience with stalls selling crafts, decorations, and seasonal treats. It’s a great option if you want to escape the city centre. There is a carousel for the kids and live music including festive carols singing to get you into the mood.
- For more information visit the Kingston Christmas Market website.
Canary Wharf Winter Lights
- When: 17th – 27th of January
- Where: Canary Wharf, London, E14
- Good to know: Booking is needed for the ice skating, having visited this last year it gets extremely at the weekends.
- Situated in London’s financial district, Canary Wharf’s Christmas market is known for its stunning light installations and a range of artisanal products and festive food. You will also find one of the largest ice skating rinks. You can skate around the bandstand where there will be live music taking place at certain times during the day and night. Booking is needed for the ice rink which is located in Canada Square Market but the market, light installations and other festive things to do in the area are free to enjoy.
- For more information and to download a map of the light installations visit the Canary Wharf Winter Lights website.
Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre
- When: 1st – 3rd December and 8th – 10th December 10 am to 6 pm.
- Where: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey KT8 9AU
- Good to know: Members can enter the Christmas event for free and under 5’s are also free. Tickets for everyone else will start at around £26, tickets are cheaper for the first weekend.
- Prepare yourself for a royal treat at this Christmas food festival and market at this gorgeous palace that was a favourite of Henry VIII. You’ll wander around the courtyards tasting artisan food and drink, watching cookery demonstrations and enjoying carol singing. Grab some mince pies and a mulled wine and soak up the festive spirit. This is a lovely place to visit at Christmas time and is a great way to combine a Christmas event with a trip to see a historical venue with over 100 artisan stalls to choose from.
- For more information visit the Hampton Court website.
Christmas at Kew Gardens
- When: 15th November – 7th January
- Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond
- Good to know: The last entry is 7 pm and tickets need to be booked. Prices are cheaper for members starting at £22.50. Non-members’ ticket prices start at £29. In previous years tickets often sell out so booking early is recommended.
- Kew Gardens hosts a spectacular light display during the holiday season, featuring illuminated trails, a Christmas market, and festive food and drinks. It’s a magical way to experience the botanical gardens in winter and a great way to see the gardens in a different way. You can enjoy this all day but the last entry is 7 pm. It is great to go early evening as the lights in the gardens make it so much more magical. A perfect event for Christmas and ideal for the whole family.
- For more information visit the Kew Garden website.
Christmas at Borough Market
- When: Various dates in November and December
- Where: London SE1 9AL
- Good to know: Different themed evenings so always check the website for dates and when things are taking place to make the most of .
- We love a visit to Borough Market, one of the most well known of London’s markets. Known for its gourmet food and artisanal products, gets a festive makeover during the holiday season. You can find seasonal treats, mulled wine, and unique gifts. During specialist dates throughout November and December, you can enjoy different themed evenings and a chance to buy some amazing foodie Christmas gifts and prepare for the big feast ahead. The market is full of festive spirit and is such a lovely place to be during the Christmas season.
- For more information on the dates and all the information you need to know visit the Borough Market website.
Crafty Fox Christmas Market
- When: 16th and 17th December
- Where: 1 Granary SquareLondon, England, N1C 4AA
- Good to know: Independent retailers selling beautifully crafted gifts for Christmas. Open 11 am until 5 pm both days and something a little different compared to the other markets featured in this post.
- This market focuses on handmade and independent products, making it a great place to find unique and one-of-a-kind gifts. It usually pops up in different locations across London but this year is at Grannary Square in London near Kings Cross. You can check the website for more specific information. There are different traders on each day so it is definitely one you can visit on both days with over 100 market stalls each day. The perfect chance to get all your Christmas shopping done.
- For more information visit the Crafty Fox Christmas Market website and sign up for their newsletter to find out where the next pop up will be.
The Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
- When: 10th November – 2nd January 2024 runs 10 am to 10 pm each day.
- Where: Trafalgar Square, London
- Good to know: This is an event that is ongoing so perfect to peruse around whenever you are in the area. Best to arrive early to avoid the crowds
- With 34 wooden chalets decorated with twinkling lights and ornaments, there is sure to be an authentic traditional German Christmas Market feel. Plenty of delicious festive food and drink on offer, with stalls selling mulled wine and mulled cider! It is the perfect place to sort out your Christmas shopping, with many stalls selling plenty of high-end gifts.
- For more information see the Northbank website.
Ealing Christmas market
- When: 14th of November until Christmas Eve
- Where: Ealing Town Square
- Good to know: Lots of stalls. Food and drink. Ice rink. Live music.
- Ealing Broadway hosts a Christmas market with an ice rink, festive food and drink, and artisanal stalls. It’s a family-friendly option in West London. This is one of those special places that is full of Christmas cheer. Every day at 4 pm they plan to make it snow in the town square adding to that festive spirit. Live musicians will be belting out your favourite Christmas hits every Saturday from 12.30 pm to 17.30 pm throughout the festive season. Not only is there lots to see and do but there are plenty of stalls to get all of Christmas shopping done.
- For more information visit the Ealing Broadway website.
West Hampstead Village Christmas Market
- When: 9th December
- Where: Lyncroft Gardens, London NW6 1JU
- Good to know: A smaller market with lots of fun things for the family.
- This charming fair in Hampstead features a Christmas market with craft stalls, street food, and entertainment. It’s a great way to experience the festive atmosphere in a cosy neighbourhood setting and is on for one day only. A smaller London Christmas Market it will be full of children’s activities, unique jewellery, cards, gifts, local arts and crafts, festive food, mouthwatering cakes,
face painting, a strolling magician, Christmas Trees and much more. - For more information and for a full run-through of the day visit the West Hampstead Christmas Market website.
Richmond Christmas Market
- When: 25th and 26th of November
- Where: Riverside and Whittaker Avenue, Richmond, London, TW9 1TP
- Good to know: Taking place between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
- Richmond upon Thames hosts a traditional Christmas market with stalls selling gifts, decorations, and delicious food and drinks. It’s a lovely spot for a festive day out. Discover over 35 stalls featuring a beautiful selection of independent businesses, offering everything from health and beauty, jewellery, fashion, home and leisure, and art, to an array of mouthwatering food and drinks. And if you can’t wait for the Christmas market weekend or want to visit after then you can visit The Duck Pond Artisan Market in Heron Square, Richmond, every weekend.
- For more information visit the Richmond Christmas Market website.
Kings Cross Canopy Market
- When: 23rd of November to 23rd of December
- Where: West Handyside Canopy, 2 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH
- Good to know: Only open Tuesday to Sunday. Various timings depend on the day you visit so worth checking the website for more information. Club Curling needs to be booked in advance which can be done via the website below.
- Throughout the holiday season, King’s Cross hosts its Canopy Market with a festive twist. It’s a great place to shop for unique gifts and enjoy street food. You can also enjoy late night shopping on designated days which is perfect to enjoy a festive evening of shopping as well as enjoying lots of delicious food and drink. There will also be some festive live music that you can embrace. The perfect event to get you into the Christmas spirit.
- For more information visit the Kings Cross Canopy Market website.
Camden Market – North Yard Lates
- When: 30th November to 21st of December from 5 pm to 8 pm
- Where: North Yard, Camden Market Stables,
- Good to know: Tickets are free but need to be booked in advance for Thursday nights via Eventbrite
- In Camden Market’s North Yard, you’ll find incredible restaurants and bars nestled in the historic cobbled yard. Every Thursday from 5-8 pm hear their DJ playing back-to-back festive bangers, accompanied by a stunning live violinist that’s sure to get you into the Christmas spirit. Plus, there will be a roaming polar performance every hour. On Saturdays, there are secret pop-up performances. There is so much choice.
- For more information, to book tickets and see the list of amazing food options visit the Camden Market website.
Spitalfields Christmas Market
- When: 29th November to 24th December
- Where: 65 Brushfield St, London E1 6AA
- Good to know: As well as the market there is a theatre show running called The Lost Library of Spitalfields – tickets need to be booked in advance via the website below.
- The Greenhouse Theatre offers an array of captivating experiences ranging from shows, to live musical performances and Christmas movies. There is something for everyone.
- The restaurants, retailers and market traders are putting up a brilliant show of their own with some discounts, new menu offerings and some really cool seasonal products.
- For more information visit the Spitalfields Market website.
Have you visited any of the Christmas Markets in London this year? Or perhaps I am missing some? Let me know in the comments below.
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PIN – The Best Christmas Markets in London 2023
