. Winter Wonderland, until January 1
This great big Christmas fun fair draws Londoners, day-trippers and tourists from far and wide and opens this year on November 17. It plays host to the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, an ice bar, an après ski-inspired ‘village’, loads of festive food stalls, German beer tents and even hireable karaoke huts so you can work on your best Frank Sinatra impression! Entrance at Winter Wonderland is free during off-peak hours, otherwise, standard tickets start from £5 and peak tickets from £7.50. More info here.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH.
Nearest stations are Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch.
2. Leicester Square Christmas Market, until January 8
At the very heart of London’s tourist district, a sparkling Christmas market has returned for the winter season and is open now. Wander around the beautiful food and gift stalls, before heading to a bunch of award-winning performances. From variety shows to fire-breathers and cabaret sensations, to circus performers in its ‘Spiegeltent’, a mirrored tent that hosts an array of festive shows, and world-leading stalls under the lights! Entrance is free although tickets are required for the Spiegeltent shows. Read more about it here.
Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7LU.
Nearest station is Leicester Square.
3. South Bank Christmas Markets, until January 7
At this riverside Christmas market, not far from the London Eye, the perennial Southbank street food market vendors will be adding festive fare to their menus (melted cheese on everything, please!) while other little wooden huts will be selling festive goodies and gifts. Plus, look at the igloos – nothing spells out a London Christmas more than that right?! Soutbank’s Winter Market is open now. Find out more here.
The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 8XX.
Nearest station is Waterloo.
4. Christmas in Covent Garden, until January 3
There’s nothing more Christmassy than Covent Garden come Winter-time – and we’re not just talking about that shop from that Last Christmas film. This year sees the return of their famous decorations, towering Christmas tree, festive markets, mulled wine stalls, pop-up food stalls and much more besides. Their festive extravaganza is back now, which makes for the perfect photo opportunity! Read all about it here.
Covent Garden Market, London, WC2E 7QH.
Nearest station is Covent Garden.
5. Borough Market at Christmas, until January 9
Decked out in garlands of mistletoe, twinkling lights and countless ornaments, the foodie haven of Borough Market is a great place to while away the hours this Christmas time. Along with Crimbo-themed treats, they’ve also got one-off events including ‘An Evening of Cheese’. Sign. Us. Up! Discover more here.
8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL.
Nearest station is London Bridge.
6. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market, dates to be determined
Aside from viewing the *ahem* unique Christmas tree lying at its centre – there’s now another reason to make your way to Trafalgar Square. Located immediately in front of the National Gallery lies the Trafalgar Square Christmas Market.
Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DX.
Nearest station is Charing Cross.
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. More information here.
Market Place, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 1JT.
Nearest station is Kingston.
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.
London Bridge City, London, SE1 2DB.
Nearest station is London Bridge.
9. Christmas at Greenwich Market, Lights on date: November 15
Although Greenwich Market is fantastic all year round – boasting a massive 120 stalls within a World Heritage site – if you throw in a few twinkling lights and some mulled wine, it’s festive AF. The market hosts late-opening festive sessions every Wednesday in December, perfect for a post-work winter wander! The switch-on date is marked by a lovely little lantern procession, involving children from local schools to mark the start of Christmas. The end date for the market is still to be determined More info here.
5B Greenwich Market, London, SE10 9HZ.
Nearest stations are Greenwich and Cutty Sark.
10. Flat Iron Square, Southwark Quarter, dates to be determined
A flutter of festivity is stretching all the way through the Southwark Quarter this winter. Flat Iron Square are known to install the pine trees, heaps of gorgeous twinkling lights and get the festive tipples ready, and we expect this year to be no different, with dates still to be confirmed.
45 Southwark Street, London, SE1 9HP.
Nearest station is London Bridge.
Short-running Christmas markets you won’t want to miss
From crafty Christmas markets to local Christmas festivities, this lot of London Christmas markets are only around for a short while!
11. Hackney Christmas Market, dates to be determined
Take a wander down the sparkling Bohemia Street this Christmas where you’ll be able to find all manner of Christmas treats and goodies at this market that’s on during weekends! You’ll get to tuck into some festive street food, buy artisan gifts from a whole range of producers, glug your way through mulled wine and a whole bunch of themed cocktails and get involved with some Crimbo workshops! More info here.
Bohemia Place, Hackney Central, London, E8 1DU.
Nearest station is Hackney Central.
12. Crafty Fox Market, December 16 and 17
Although they’re around all year, Crafty Fox run some charming Christmas markets across town – and they’ve got another festive spread planned over at King’s Cross. More info here.
Granary Square, King’s Cross St. Pancras, London, N1C 4AA.
Nearest station is King’s Cross St. Pancras.
13. Pexmas, December 2 and 3
The annual festive market in Peckham is returning for 2023, taking place at Copeland Park for two days in December. Pexmas hosts a brilliant selection of independent businesses and traders selling delicious food and crafted gifts. Read more here.
Copeland Road, Peckham, London, SE15 3SN.
Nearest station is Peckham Rye.
14. DIY Christmas Art Market, December 9
This fantastic arts and crafts market offers visitors the chance to engage directly with artists / independent publishers, and purchase a broad selection of artwork at affordable prices this Crimbo.
Expect ceramics, zines, independent publications, originals, patches, comics, custom t-shirts, tote bags, art prints, screen prints, jewellery and artist books too. Find out more here.
Bethnal Green Road, Bethnal Green, London, E1 6LA.
Nearest station is Shoreditch High Street.
15. Maltby Street Night Market, dates to be determined
Another market that runs all year round, but things get super special at this south eastern market during Christmas time. In previous years there were plenty of opportunities to scoff on festive gastronomic delights and do some late-night Christmas shopping, before retreating to one of Maltby Street Market’s cosy bars for a G&T. Every Friday in the run up to Christmas will see the market shine with a festive glow, in the form of trees, wreaths, live music, carols and much more! More info to come here.
Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby Street, London, SE1 3PA.
Nearest station is London Bridge.
16. Christmas Under The Canopy, November 23 – December 23
Independent food and crafts haven, Canopy Market, also gets into the Christmas spirit with festive fare, crafty workshops, carols and live music, and a mulled wine bar. You’ll find it all besides a giant tree, decorated with twinkly lights and garlands. Read more here.
Granary Square, King’s Cross St. Pancras, London, N1C 4BH.
Nearest station is King’s Cross St. Pancras.
17. Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair, November 23-26
Experience a quiet and peaceful, yet no less Christmassy, affair at the Chelsea Physic Christmas Fair. There’s over 100 handpicked stands selling everything from ceramics to cheese to jewellery to children’s toys. After you’ve picked up some Christmas gifts, you can enjoy the vast array of food and drink on offer before heading home full of festive cheer. Find out more here.
66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 4HS.
Nearest station is Sloane Square.
