eLondon is a treasure-trove of amazing places to see, beautiful palaces to visit and, of course, filled with iconic sights that people flock to visit from all over the world. It’s a gem of a city and, although we’re biased, we truly believe that London has something for everyone, at any time of the year. No more so than around the festive period in Winter. You see, there are heaps of beautiful and the best London Christmas markets to visit that happen every year, and all across the city.
Now, it can actually get quite bamboozling on which of the best London Christmas markets to visit, especially when there’s so much choice. Not only that, London has obviously so much to experience, and whether you’re visiting or a local, it’s important that you make the most out of your free time exploring. This is why I wanted to share the best London Christmas markets to visit, with all the dates and tips to make the most out of your visit.
It doesn’t matter if you’re staying in Central London or venturing to some of the other neighbourhoods, there’s a whole heap of London Christmas markets, stalls and winter wonderlands for you to find. With that in mind, I wanted to share some of my very favourite London Christmas markets that I think you’ll love. Each varies in size, what they offer and where they are. But one thing is for certain, they’re all totally festive and well worth visiting whilst exploring London during the festive winter months.
It’s a great way to spend a cheeky afternoon (or evening) in the best areas of London, with lots of festive cheer. Take a look at some of the best London Christmas markets to visit this year. Have the best time!
1.) Winter Market, Southbank Centre
Each year, the Southbank Centre runs a Winter Market (Google Maps pin), which is, in my opinion, one of the best London Christmas markets to visit if you’re in Central London. From around the London Eye all the way towards the Southbank Centre itself, the market is a treasure trove of foodie stalls, fairground rides, cosy lodge bars, plenty of craft stalls and heaps of vendors that serve some of the best foods from around the world.
Once here, take a stroll (following the Queen’s Walk from Jubilee Gardens to Waterloo Bridge) and soak up the atmosphere (with a mulled wine in hand). I had one of the best roast beef Yorkshire pudding wraps whilst here, it was so good!
Also, in my opinion, it’s that extra bit special in the evening, once the fairy lights and stalls are all lit up. You can read more on the Southbank Centre’s Winter Market. It’s open from Monday, 3rd November, until Sunday, 4th January, every single day of the week (except Christmas Day). This makes it so easy to visit whilst in Central London, and the perfect setting at Christmas on the riverfront.
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Read more: Ultimate city guide to visit London
2.) Borough Market at Christmas
Although Borough Market (Google Maps pin) is consistently in London as a year-round market, there’s something so special about a visit during Christmas. Better yet, Borough Market extends their opening hours to enjoy some chilled-out evenings of sweet treats, eggnog, mulled wine and piping hot turkey and cranberry rolls. Honestly, you will leave Borough Market at Christmas absolutely stuffed.
On top of that, Borough Market will be hosting a heap of events throughout December and in the run-up to Christmas. All the festive cheer really kicks off in December, and it’s one of the best times of the year to visit.
Also, don’t forget, you can easily walk from Borough Market towards London Bridge, heading east towards Tower Bridge. This is where another one of the best London Christmas Markets is held (on the Queen’s Walk (Google Maps pin). It’s called Winter by the River and is Tower Bridge’s Christmas Market. You will love it!
Afterwards, make sure to book this London Christmas lights tour in a vintage London Bus. It’s such a festive experience and such a lovely way to see the city’s festive lights. We love it.
Read more: London’s best markets to visit
3.) Coal Drops Yard Christmas Market, Kings Cross
One of the newer festive markets in the city is Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross. Even though it’s newer, it’s quickly cemented itself as one of the best London Christmas Markets to visit when you’re in North London and already visiting places like the nearby neighbourhood of Camden.
Commencing from Friday, 28th November, until 22nd December, Coal Drops Yard’s Christmas Market (Google Maps pin) is well worth a gander. Not only that, they regularly host events, fun outdoor activities like curling, and so much more within the wider area. Plus, if it gets too chilly, you can easily pop into all the local shops and restaurants that make up this area. It’s perfect to visit in the evening, we love it.
Read more: Best things to do in Kings Cross
4.) Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is a little bit like Marmite for Londoners. People either love or hate it! For those who love it, it’s a huge London festive market and is regularly tipped as the best London Christmas Market to visit each year. You see, it is filled with hundreds of stalls, selling every type of food, sweet treat and trinkets you can ever imagine. Not only that, you’ve got ice rinks, roller coasters, heaps of rides and even full-on shows and productions that happen each and every night. It’s that big! In fact, it’s one of the largest Christmas markets in the world, meaning you can literally spend all day here enjoying your day (and night).
Now, to set context on my previous statement, the common dislikes of Winter Wonderland (Google Maps pin) usually involve the number of people who visit. It can get very busy, and expect tens of thousands of people to be there. It won’t be quiet, regardless of what day you visit. That being said, you can visit at quieter times, when Winter Wonderland first opens on the day you choose to visit. This tends to always be the quieter time and is perfect if you want to avoid the larger crowds.
Another dislike is the cost; you can easily spend a whole heap of pennies wandering around Hyde Park. It can get expensive to visit, especially if you plan to eat, drink, ride and watch all the shows. Just consider this before attending. Also, don’t forget, this is one of London’s Christmas Markets that is ticketed, and you will need to get these tickets before being allowed into Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Generally, tickets can be free for off-peak times, but are chargeable if you choose to visit at peak times.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park takes place between the 14th of November and the 1st of January.
Read more: Best bakeries to visit in London
5.) Covent Garden, Winter Market
Each and every year, Covent Garden hosts a heap of festive events, markets, and so much more around the Apple Market and wider Covent Garden area. It’s incredible and one of the best London Christmas Markets to visit, which is also in one of the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods.
The festive time in Covent Garden starts on the 12th of November, when all the Christmas Lights start to twinkle over the neighbourhood. You’ll also be able to see the iconic Christmas Tree and all the festive stalls appearing soon after.
Read more: Best things to do in Covent Garden
6.) Winter by the River, Tower Bridge Christmas Market
As I mentioned earlier, Winter By The River (Google Maps pin) is another one of the best London Christmas markets to visit if you’re already south of the River Thames and exploring nearby places like Borough Market, Tower Bridge or the Tower of London (on the opposite side of the river).
Right in between London Bridge and Tower Bridge (Google Maps pin) is the Winter By The River, Christmas Market that happens each and every year. Now, this is a smaller affair than the big-hitting Christmas Markets like Winter Wonderland, but it’s a totally lovely place to explore whilst visiting Tower Bridge, and there’s still a good fifty stalls and events happening on the Queen’s Walk.
Once here, make sure to try your hand at the curling pop-up (I was terrible last time) and stop off for tipples at the Apres Ski chalet. This year, Winter By The River, opens from 13th November to 4th January.
Read more: What to do at every tube stop in London
7.) Skate Christmas Market, Leicester Square
Leicester Square is probably one of the busiest spots in central London, but don’t let that put you off. If you don’t have the time to get to Winter Wonderland, pop over to Skate Leicester Square (Google Maps pin), that’s right in the heart of the iconic square.
Not only are there a heap of Christmas Market stalls to grab mulled wines, hot apple cider and heaps of bratwursts, it’s also got a gorgeous ice skating rink. Just make sure to book your ice skating slot before arriving, spaces fill up fast in the festive months.
Skate Leicester Square happens this year between the 1st of November and the 4th of January.
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8.) Skate, Somerset House
Somerset House is, personally, one of my favourite spots to experience a Christmas in London. Not only does it have a heap of foodie stalls and wooden chalets serving the toastiest mulled wines.
Plus, Skate Somerset House is always in full swing, where you can ice skate around the grounds of this former Royal Palace. It’s incredible and probably one of my favourite places to ice skate in all of London in winter. Just be sure to book your Skate Somerset House slot in advance. They fill up fast, especially on weekends, on the run-up to Christmas Day.
This year, it’s open from the 12th of November to the 11th of January. Have the best time!
Read more: Secret spots to see in London
9.) Kingston-Upon-Thames
Perched in the southwest of London, Kingston-Upon-Thames hosts one of the best London’s Christmas markets to visit for all those who won’t be in central London during the festive rush. You see, the neighbourhood of Kingston is on the fringes of London and quite a way from the hustle and bustle of places like Winter Wonderland.
Here, you’ll find heaps of wooden lodges, stalls and food trucks selling all sorts of local and international foods. I had some of the best freshly-baked doughnuts from this Christmas market!
This year, Kingston’s Christmas Market is held every day from 13th November to 28th December. You will love it.
10.) Greenwich Market at Christmas
Last, but not least, don’t forget to visit the Royal Borough of Greenwich for Christmas. Specifically, make sure to visit Greenwich Market (Google Maps pin), which has been going on since the 1700s. Here, you’ll get all the festive favourites, and there’s also a heap of other Christmas Market stalls that take place each weekend around the Cutty Sark. It’s so lovely for all the family, and they even have carousels. It feels so festive. We love it.
Plus, don’t forget about the Ice Skating that takes place in the grounds of the Queen’s House every year. It’s a lovely setting for ice skating in winter, especially at sunset. Make sure to book your tickets here.
Also, don’t forget to visit on the 19th of November between 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. This is when the borough’s famous lantern parade and Christmas lights get switched on. It’s so lovely.
Read more: Ultimate guide to visiting Greenwich
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