Best christmas Markets In London 2023

Shop and Celebrate During the Christmas Season

If you are planning a London getaway this December, you are in for a real festive treat! Discover the best Christmas markets in London, each one offering a unique experience. Find memorable gifts delightful Christmas treats and all the heart-warming decorations, you will find heaps to explore and do.

During our travels, we always find visiting local markets a rich way to absorb the Christmas vibe of the city. They are especially great when you are on short trips as they let you soak up the local culture, delightful cuisines, and shopping in just a few hours or an entire day.

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10 best christmas markets in london

Given that these markets are at the top of everyone's list during the Christmas season, we thought it would be helpful to put together this guide for you. Below, you will find a selection of the best Christmas markets in London including a helpful map to quickly identify their location.

1. Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park 2023

London Christmas Market Hyde Park - Winter Wonderland Christmas market London.Hyde Park Christmas Market - Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park generates the spirit of the holiday season with its festive splendour, a magical holiday extravaganza. It is ideal for families, groups of friends, and tourists visiting London throughout the Christmas season.

It has an ice rink, a Ferris wheel, a market, thrilling fairground attractions, artisanal food, and a lively Christmas market with unique gifts and decorations. It is best to plan ahead of time and make reservations for the days you will be visiting.

Hyde Park London Christmas Dates:

  • From 17th November 2023 up to 1st January 2024
  • Monday to Sunday 10am to 10pm
  • Christmas Day: Closed

Entrance: Visit the official site to book your tickets.

Location: Hyde Park (near Hyde Park Corner)

Neighbourhood/District: City of Westminster

Closest Underground Stations: Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, Knightsbridge

Attractions Nearby: Buckingham Palace, Mayfair, Harrods, Oxford Street, Kensington Gardens and Royal Albert Hall

Check out the official site for more details.

2. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market

Trafalgar Square London Christmas Market.Trafalgar Square London

Trafalgar Square hosts a traditional Christmas market offering seasonal treats, and handcrafted gifts, and comes to life with a magnificent spruce tree, a gift from the Norwegian people. Families and friends can enjoy this heartwarming tradition and the surrounding festive decorations, making it a delightful festive outing. 

There are often entertainment and cultural performances, including carol singers, choirs, and live music, adding to the festive atmosphere. Entrance is typically free, but you will need to pay for any items or food you purchase.

Trafalgar Square Christmas Market Dates: 10th November 2023 to 2nd January 2024

Entrance: Free

Location: Trafalgar Square

Neighbourhood/District: Westminster

Closest Underground Stations: Charing Cross

Attractions nearby: National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, a stroll down Whitehall to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, the Benjamin Franklin House, The Strand, Admiralty Arch, The Mall, West End Theatres, Leicester Square, Covent Garden.

Read More: Explore The Various christmas street lights in london

3. Covent Garden christmas Market

Covent Garden Christmas Market.Covent Garden Market in London

Covent Garden is an all-year-round market but at Christmas is a wonderland rich in festive décor with dazzling Christmas decorations and lights, street performances, and a charming market offering artisanal goods, gourmet delights, and holiday-themed items apart from numerous cosy cafes and restaurants, becoming one of the most festive places in London.

It surrounds the Covent Garden square, the market building, Neal's Yard, Seven Dials and the neighbouring streets.

Covent Garden London Christmas Dates: 8th November 2023 to 3rd January 2024

Location: Covent Garden Piazza

Covent Garden London Market Admission: Free

Neighbourhood/District: Covent Garden, Westminster

Closest Underground Stations: Covent Garden Market and Leicester Square Station

Attractions nearby: Royal Opera House, London Transport Museum, Neal's Yard, Seven Dials, the Lyceum Theatre (home to "The Lion King") and the Duchess Theatre, London Film Museum.

Check out the official site for more details.

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4. Southbank Centre Christmas Market

Southbank Centre Christmas Market.Southbank Christmas Market

Wooden chalets line the picturesque Southbank of the River Thames offering artisan gifts, artisanal food, warm drinks and a joyful atmosphere.

Conveniently located just steps away from the iconic London Eye, the sweeping views from along the River Thames across the river to Parliament House, Big Ben, bridges, and high-rise buildings all illuminate the skyline. Consider aligning your London Eye experience with a visit here for a perfect, memory-filled day.

South Bank Market London dates: 28th October 2023 to 7th January 2024.

Winter Festival dates: Location: The Queen’s Walk, not far from the London Eye.

Admission: Free

Neighbourhood/District: South Bank

Closest Underground Stations: Waterloo Station

Attractions Nearby: Parliament House, Big Ben and Westminster Bridge where to the side you find Sea Life and Shrek. The London Eye and Southbank Centre.

Check out the official site for more details.

5. Leicester Square Christmas Market

Christmas Market Ornaments in London.Christmas Market Ornaments

A bustling Christmas Market transforms Leicester Square into a winter wonderland in the heart of London. For families and friends, it is a wonderful way to spend some time here while visiting the area.

Visitors can explore charming wooden stalls selling original gifts, taste delicious seasonal snacks, and relax in a lively environment with street performers and a joyful setting all around. This is due to the numerous establishments that operate all year round. It's a must-see holiday spot for everyone.

Leicester Square Christmas Market Dates: 8th November 2023 to 7th January 2024.

Opening times: 10am to 10pm. Christmas Day is closed.

Christmas Leicester Square Admission: Free. Tickets are required for Spiegeltent shows.

Neighbourhood/District: West End

Closest Underground Station: Leicester Square Station and then Piccadilly Circus Station

Great Attractions Close by: Piccadilly Circus, The Criterion Theatre, Trafalgar Square, M&M's and Lego Store, The National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery

Check out the official site for more details.

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6. Greenwich christmas market

Christmas in London market ornaments.The Best Christmas Markets in London - Ornaments

The Greenwich Christmas Market is a festive wonderland set in the historical Greenwich area of London. Visitors can enjoy festive sweets and mulled wine while strolling through charming kiosks selling handmade crafts, unique gifts and several food stalls. It's a lovely and entertaining holiday experience for everyone.

Dates: To be announced

Opening times: 4pm to 6pm

Admission: Free

Neighbourhood/District: Greenwich

Closest Overground Stations: North Greenwich (Jubilee Line)

Nearby attractions: The Royal Observatory Greenwich, Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum and the beautiful Greenwich Park.

Check out the official site for more details.

7. London Bridge riverside Christmas market

A Wooden Christmas Market in London.A Wooden Christmas Market

Located along the south bank of the River Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, this market stretches along the promenade as one long strip of pop-up stalls. Features seasonal artisanal food and drink, handmade crafts, such as Christmas ornaments, sweet treats, and handmade gifts. Enjoy exquisite food from a variety of pop-up vendors with live music on a few evenings.

Along there is the Hayes Gallery arcade very nicely decorated for Christmas where you can go in sit at a table and order food. It is ideal to visit both during the day and night due to its perfect location between top London landmarks an ideal picturesque place for holiday shopping.

London Bridge Christmas Market Dates: 14th November 2023 to 2nd January 2024

Opening times:

  • Thursday to Saturday: 11am to 10pm.
  • Sunday to Wednesday: 11am to 9pm.
  • Christmas Eve: 11am to 5pm.
  • Christmas Day: Closed.
  • New Year’s Eve: 11am to 8pm.
  • 2nd January: 11am to 5pm.

Admission: Free

Neighbourhood/District: Southwark

Closest Underground Station: London Bridge Station

Attractions Nearby: Thames River, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, HMS Belfast, London Bridge, The Shard and Borough Market.

Read more: Check out other markets around london

8. Borough Market at Christmas

Christmas Markets in London.Christmas Markets in London

As Christmas approaches, Borough Market gets festive decorations and extended hours. At the historic site, wreaths, tinsel, and fairy lights adorn kiosks selling festive foods like mulled wine and Christmas cakes.

Enjoy gourmet options, artisanal goods, and seasonal delights. Gourmet delights can be found at Borough Market all year long. A culinary journey of fresh vegetables, meat, fish, and seafood, as well as global cuisines and delicacies, awaits. You can try new meals and buy unusual gifts like olive oils, wines, and world delicacies.

Dates: 8th November to 31st December 2023

Admission: Free

Neighbourhood/District: Southwark

Closest Underground Stations: London Bridge, Borough

You can also visit: Tate Modern, the River Thames, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Bridge, HMS Belfast and The Shard.

Check out the official site for more details.

9. Kings Cross Christmas market at the Crossing

As the holiday season approaches, King's Cross Square known as "the crossing", undergoes a magical transformation into a Christmas market. A very popular area where many travellers and locals commute every day this bustling London neighbourhood. A wide variety of seasonal stalls are available, each offering an enticing collection of festive treats, artisanal crafts, and one-of-a-kind gifts, ready to fill your stockings this holiday season.

Dates: 2023/2024 Date To be Announced

Opening times: 10am to 8pm

Admission: Free

Neighbourhood/District: King's Cross

Closest Underground Stations: King's Cross St. Pancras Station

What else you find around to explore:

St. Pancras Station is renounced for its stunning Victorian Gothic architecture. It is known for its international high-speed train services, particularly Eurostar. King's Cross Station has a more modern design. It serves a wider range of domestic destinations. Both stations have a variety of high-end shops, restaurants and bars.

The Harry Potter Shop Platform 9¾ is a themed merchandise store located at King's Cross Station.

Other suggestions: St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, The British Library, Granary Square and Regent's Park.

Check out the official site for more details.

related content: things to do in london in december

10. mayfair christmas market

The Mayfair Christmas Market in London is typically located in the upscale Mayfair neighbourhood, which offers a charming and festive atmosphere during the holiday season. While specific attractions around the market can vary from year to year, here are some general attractions and things to explore in and around Mayfair during the Christmas season:

Dates: 23rd, 24th and 25th November 2023

Opening times: 11am to 9pm

Admission: Free

Neighbourhood/District: Mayfair

Closest Underground Stations: Green Park, Piccadilly Circus

What other locations to visit while here: Hyde Park, Various Art Galleries, 

Check out the official site for more details.

We have reached the end of our guide to the best Christmas markets in London. 

In addition to the fantastic Christmas markets mentioned on this page, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Chinatown Christmas Market and Soho Christmas Market for more festive delights. London truly shines during the holiday season, and to make the most of your visit, explore our other pages like Christmas Tours, A Trip to London in December, and a variety of other things to do in London.

map of the best christmas markets in london

Frequently asked questions about best christmas markets in london

We have compiled a list of the most popular frequently asked questions to help you navigate London's Christmas markets.

What are the opening hours of the Christmas markets in London?

While they differ, opening hours are also relatively similar. The precise times that they open are listed on this page. Planning an enjoyable day in London is best done by checking specific market websites for exact opening hours.

What are the best Christmas markets to visit in London?

After visiting various markets during our previous Christmas visit to London, we believe that the following markets are the best: Christmas in Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Borough Market, Southbank Centre, Leicester Square, By the River at London Bridge, and Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. Depending on your preferences, some of these options may be better for you than others.

In which areas are the Christmas markets located in London?

They are mostly concentrated in the central London areas of Trafalgar Square, Southbank, West End, Covent Garden and Mayfair.

What is the best way to get to the Christmas markets in London?

Many popular ones are all set up in very popular neighbourhoods also surrounded by iconic landmarks, shopping areas, restaurants and well-known hotels. Transportation in London is very efficient and there is not a single market that is difficult to reach in a short time.

One can easily use the underground tube, buses, London Overground (This suburban rail network), river bus (Thames Clippers), trams (operate in South London), Docklands light railway (DLR), national rail, and the cable Car (The Emirates Air Line cable car).

Are the Christmas markets in London free to visit?

Yes, they are free to enter and walk around, but you will need to pay when purchasing any items.

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Best Christmas Markets in London.

Photo sources

  • Hyde Park Winter Wonderland - Photo by Devon Rogers on Unsplash
  • Trafalguar Square - Photo by Brooks DeCillia on Unsplash
  • Covent Garden CHristmas - Photo by Tiziano Brignoli on Unsplash
  • South Bank Centre Market - Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Wooden Christmas Market - Photo by Humphrey Muleba: https://www.pexels.com/photo/assorted-plush-toys-1662350/
  • Christmas Ornaments - Photo by Any Lane: https://www.pexels.com/photo/ethnic-girl-choosing-toys-for-christmas-tree-5728302/
  • Christmas Market with the Eye - Image by 昕 沈 from Pixabay

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