Experience the joy of the holiday season by visiting the delightful Christmas markets and fairs in London. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere as you explore some of the finest winter markets the capital city has to offer.
Delight in the heady aromas of Mulled wine, relish the delectable of Mince pies, enjoy a spin on traditional fairground rides and perhaps even encounter the jovial man in red at Santa’s grotto. Don't miss out on exploring these commendable London Christmas markets.
1. Winter Wonderland, until January 1
The enormous enchanting Christmas festivity attracts heartily locals, excursionists and globetrotters alike, unlocking its delights on November 17. It is a proud venue for the most expansive open-air ice rink in the UK, a chilled ice bar, a village reminding one of après ski, an extensive range of holiday-special food stalls, authentically German beer pavilions, and even karaoke cabins available for rent, perfect for channelling your inner Frank Sinatra! Access to Winter Wonderland is complimentary during non-peak timings. Otherwise, entry starts at £5 for regular tickets and goes up to £7.50 for peak times. Further details available here.
2. Leicester Square Christmas Market, until January 8
In the bustling heart of London's tourist locale, a Christmas market, glittering with holiday charm, is back this winter and is currently operational. Indulge your senses as you browse the exquisite food and gift stalls, then make your way to a multitude of acclaimed entertainments. Ranging from eclectic performances to fire artists, cabaret stars to circus talents showcased within the 'Spiegeltent' - a reflective canopy presenting a line-up of festive events, all lit beautifully by the market's fairy lights! Entry is complimentary, with the Spiegeltent performances requiring ticketed entry. Learn more about it here.
3. South Bank Christmas Markets, until January 7
Set by the scenic river and a short walk from the iconic London Eye, you'll find the Southbank street food market brimming with the spirit of Christmas. The regular vendors that occupy this area are jazzing up their offerings with a festive twist (think dishes smothered with mouthwatering melted cheese) whilst quaint wooden stalls are laden with an assortment of Christmas merchandise and presents. Moreover, the sight of the igloos is a delightful spectacle - truly, it's a vivid symbol of London's vibrant holiday season. The Southbank's Winter Market is now welcoming guests.
4. Christmas in Covent Garden, until January 3
Covent Garden adopts an enchanting appeal as the winter season approaches, transforming it unequivocally into a Christmas wonderland - a charm not confined merely to its depiction in the Last Christmas film. This year marks the reappearance of their celebrated adornments, towering Christmas tree, spirited holiday markets, warmed wine booths, and a variety of pop-up food kiosks, among other attractions. A vibrant spectacle of festivities is now back, providing an ideal setting for capturing some distinctive holiday pictures! Don't miss any detail about this joyous offering, discover every facet of this event here.
5. Borough Market at Christmas, until January 9
Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere at Borough Market, adorned in sparkling lights, festive garlands, and a plethora of decorations. This food lover's paradise presents a delightful way to pass your time during the holiday season. The market entices with its delicious Yuletide-themed delicacies and hosts unique events such as the much-anticipated 'Evening of Cheese'. We'd love to see you there! Click here for additional information.
After a day of indulging in the holiday treats and festivities, why not continue the merriment with a cozy stay at the edward hotel in london? Just a stone's throw away from Borough Market, it's the perfect way to extend your festive experience and enjoy all that London has to offer during this magical time of year.
6. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market, dates to be determined
Beyond just admiring the distinct Christmas tree that sits in its heart, there's a new incentive to journey to Trafalgar Square. The Trafalgar Square Christmas Market is conveniently established right before the National Gallery.
7. Kingston Christmas Market, until January 2
Filling the town centre with festive cheer, Kingston’s traditional Christmas market will have hand-crafted gifts and mulled wine galore! The market stalls are all housed in lovely wooden cabins adorned with Christmas decorations. It’s the perfect place to get into the festive spirit and start looking for those stocking fillers! The market opens on November 9.
8. Christmas by the River, Bankside, until January 1
Crisp winter air, a lovely riverside spot, and all the trimmings and trappings of Christmas. Really, Christmas by the River has it all. One of London’s prettiest Christmas markets, the festive fiesta returns to the capital on November 15 although this is just a tentative date and is subject to change, bringing with it the best seasonal treats and temptations. Read more about it here.
9. Christmas at Greenwich Market, Lights on date: November 15
Greenwich Market, a World Heritage site known for its vibrant 120 stalls, transforms into a wonderland of festive cheer when December rolls around. The addition of sparkling lights and warm, spicy mulled wine, makes it the embodiment of Christmas spirit. This bustling market incorporates late night shopping opportunities every Wednesday during the festive period, making it an ideal post-work escape into a winter paradise. The ceremony marking the start of the Christmas season is a delightful lantern procession featuring local schoolchildren, which adds an extra touch of charm to the occasion. The end date for the festive market is pending to be confirmed, but you can find more details here.
10. Flat Iron Square, Southwark Quarter, dates to be determined
Prepare to be immersed in a winter wonderland at the heart of London's Southwark Quarter. The vivacity of the festive season seeps through every corner of Flat Iron Square, as towering pine trees and a mesmerizing display of twinkling lights transform the atmosphere into a true Christmas spectacle. This year, they are expected to outdo themselves once again, creating a magical setting that promises to enchant visitors of all ages. While the exact dates for this merry extravaganza are yet to be confirmed, anticipation is mounting.
Immerse yourself in the joyous ambiance as you wander through the vibrant market stalls filled with an array of delightful treats and unusual gifts. Sip on a festive tipple, letting the warm flavors and aromas embrace your senses. With the ambiance at Flat Iron Square, you can expect a celebration of the season like no other.
Don't Miss Out on These Brief but Memorable Christmas Markets
Experience the magic of the holiday season with a visit to these charming Christmas markets in London. Delight in the festive atmosphere as you explore a variety of craft stalls and immerse yourself in local Christmas traditions. However, don't wait too long, as these markets are only open for a limited time!
11. Hackney Christmas Market, dates to be determined
Experience the sparkle and magic of Bohemia Street during Christmas. This special market operates every weekend, offering a wide variety of holiday goodies and delights. Indulge in the flavors of seasonal street fare, spoil yourself with unique handcrafted gifts from numerous vendors, savour the richness of mulled wine, and enjoy an array of themed cocktails. You can also participate in fun Christmas workshops! Discover more about this captivating scene at this link.
12. Crafty Fox Market, December 16 and 17
Throughout the year, Crafty Fox never ceases to impress with their markets. However, during the Christmas season, they up their game with delightful markets scattered around the city. This year once again, they are set to dazzle the King's Cross area with a jubilant festive display. Click here for more details.
13. Pexmas - Set for December 2nd and 3rd
In 2023, the much-anticipated Pexmas, a holiday market rooted in Peckham, will make a comeback at Copeland Park. Scheduled for the first weekend of December, Pexmas is a showcase of eminent independent enterprises and vendors offering a variety of sumptuous food and artisan-crafted gifts. A unique characteristic of the Pexmas market is the platform it provides to budding businesses, encouraging local trade and free enterprise. This event is not only a fantastic shopping opportunity but also a community experience that allows for networking and camaraderie. The stunning array of food and gifts make the Pexmas market a must-visit for the season! Learn more here.
14. The DIY Christmas Art Market, December 9
Unleash your creativity and engage in a festive shopping experience at the DIY Christmas Art Market. This interactive arts and crafts hub allows patrons to discover and purchase an extensive range of reasonably priced artworks directly from the artists and independent publishers themselves.
Be excited to browse through various stalls offering indie publications, ceramics, zines, originals, patches, brilliantly designed comics, unique custom t-shirts, reusable tote bags, attractive art prints, adept screen prints, artisan jewellery and handcrafted artist books. For additional information, click here.
15. Maltby Street Night Market, dates to be determined
This market operates throughout the year, yet the charm amplifies during the holiday season in southeast London. The market tradition of previous seasons was to indulge in scrumptious holiday treats, engage in late-night Christmas shopping, before withdrawing to one of the Maltby Street Market’s intimate bars for a refreshing G&T. Each Friday, as the countdown to Christmas begins, the market radiates with holiday cheer through twinkling trees, vibrant wreaths, live musical performances, carols and an array of other festive attractions!
16. Christmas Under The Canopy, November 23 – December 23
Canopy Market is an enclave for independent food and crafts that fully immerses itself in the holiday spirit. The market offers a variety of seasonal treats, creative workshops, hearty carol singing, lively performances, and a specialized bar serving warm mulled wine. This cornucopia of Christmas delight exists under a towering tree adorned with shimmering lights and beautiful garlands. Discover more here.
17. Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair, November 23-26
Embrace the tranquil yet festive atmosphere at the Chelsea Physic Christmas Fair. This holiday destination boasts more than a hundred well-curated booths offering a wide variety of goods from handcrafted ceramics and gourmet cheeses to sparkling jewellery and creative toys for kids. Once you've secured the ideal gifts for your loved ones for Christmas, indulge in a gastronomic journey with a diverse selection of food and beverages available before heading back to your abode brimming with holiday spirits.
While you're in the vicinity, enrich your London trip with our comprehensive guides to the city's top ice rinks.