London Christmas Markets
Every winter London fills its squares, riverbanks and historic market halls with festive stalls, ice rinks and twinkling lights, which makes the London Christmas Markets one of the most varied Christmas experiences in the United Kingdom. They range from the huge funfair-style Hyde Park Winter Wonderland to the Southbank Centre’s riverside chalets and the boutique stalls of Covent Garden. Visitors can browse handmade gifts, try street food from around the world and sip mulled wine against landmarks such as Trafalgar Square and Tower Bridge.
Most markets open in early to mid-November and run until Christmas Eve or early January, and there is no single schedule, as each one sets its own dates. Entry is free at nearly all of them, with Hyde Park Winter Wonderland’s timed tickets in busy periods as the main exception.
Where to Find the Markets:
| Market | Area | Character & Features | Entry | Season | Nearest Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyde Park Winter Wonderland | Hyde Park | The biggest of them all, with a large outdoor ice rink, amusement rides, Santaland and over a hundred market stalls | Ticketed at peak times, free off-peak with a timed booking | Mid-November to early January | Tube Hyde Park Corner |
| Southbank Centre Winter Market | Queen’s Walk, South Bank | Alpine-style chalets by the Thames with crafts, global street food, fire pits and bars | Free | Early November to early January | Tube Waterloo or Embankment |
| Covent Garden | Covent Garden Piazza | Upmarket crafts and gifts, a huge tree, and giant festive decorations and lights | Free | Mid-November to early January | Tube Covent Garden |
| Leicester Square | West End | Traditional stalls, a skating rink and cabaret shows in the Spiegeltent | Free (skating is ticketed) | Early November to early January | Tube Leicester Square |
| Trafalgar Square | Westminster | The famous Norwegian Christmas tree, carol singing and a few festive stalls | Free | Early November to early January | Tube Charing Cross or Leicester Square |
| Spitalfields | Bishop’s Square & Old Spitalfields Market | Vintage and sustainable gifts, wreath-making, gospel choirs and pop-up bars | Free | Mid-November to Christmas Eve | Tube Liverpool Street |
| London Bridge | The Glasshouse, near Tower Bridge | Gifts and food from local producers, with views of Tower Bridge and the City skyline | Free | Mid-November to early January | Tube London Bridge |
| Borough Market | Southwark | Food-lovers’ market with cheeses, charcuterie, chocolates and seasonal treats | Free | Late November to early January | Tube or rail London Bridge |
| Greenwich Market | Greenwich, near the Cutty Sark | Antiques, vintage items and crafts, plus a lantern parade and lights switch-on on opening day | Free | Mid to late November until Christmas Eve | DLR Cutty Sark |
Christmas Market Highlights:
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: Ice skating, a giant observation wheel, circus shows and hundreds of food and craft stalls make this the capital’s biggest festive attraction.
- Riverside Winter Market: The Southbank stalls sit between the London Eye and the National Theatre, with street food from around the world and fire pits to warm up by.
- Festive Lights & Trees: Covent Garden’s giant tree and decorations, Trafalgar Square’s Norwegian spruce and the lights switch-ons across the city turn ordinary streets into postcard scenes.
- Food & Gifts: From mulled wine and roasted chestnuts to artisan cheeses at Borough Market and zero-waste gifts at Spitalfields, there is something for every taste and budget.
Tips for Visitors & Trip Planning:
- Tickets & Free Entry: Nearly all the markets are free to enter. Book Winter Wonderland’s timed entry and any ice skating online in advance, as peak slots sell out.
- Beating the Crowds: Weekday mornings are the quietest time at Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square, while weekend evenings and the weeks just before Christmas are the busiest everywhere.
- Getting There: The Tube, buses and the DLR reach every market, and most are within walking distance of a station, so a car is unnecessary. Many central markets can be linked on foot along the river or through the West End.
- What to Wear: December in London is cold and often damp, typically 2–8°C. Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes.
- Accommodation: Hotels across central London fill up and prices climb sharply during the Christmas season, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
- Explore London: Between markets, there is the Tower of London, the London Eye, the West End theatres and the Thames cruises to fit in — browse top London tours and activities here.
Each market publishes its own opening dates and daily hours, with the full list on the official Visit London website. See details below, under “Event Related Information” section.
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