London Christmas markets sound magical, but if you’re visiting in December, it can be overwhelming to find the best markets. There are so many markets scattered across the city, each with different hours, food, and vibes, and it’s hard to know which ones are actually worth your time. Add in the crowds, overpriced stalls, and the fact that some markets close earlier than you’d expect, and you can waste half a day just figuring it all out.
I’ve explored London at Christmas time, so I have all the insider tips you need to plan the perfect visit. The best London Christmas markets aren’t just about shopping—they’re about finding the right atmosphere, knowing when to go to avoid shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, and figuring out where you’ll actually enjoy spending your evening.
Whether you’re looking for a big riverside market with food and drinks or a smaller, local spot with fewer tourists, this guide breaks down what to expect so you can make the most of your trip.
Published: September 2, 2025
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Want to explore more Christmas markets in Europe? Here are great cities to check out:
Best London Christmas Markets
London has no shortage of Christmas markets, but not all of them are equal. Some are big and busy, others are smaller and more relaxed. Here’s a breakdown of the best London Christmas markets so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
1. Southbank Centre Winter Market
The Southbank Centre Winter Market is one of those places that makes you feel festive as soon as you walk in. It’s set right on the Thames, with the London Eye and Big Ben in view, which makes the whole scene extra pretty at night. The riverfront is lined with wooden chalets decorated with lights, where you can pick up handmade gifts, ornaments, or just stop for some food. The raclette sandwiches and mulled wine are especially popular when it’s cold out.
The market feels lively, almost like a small winter street party. There are usually street performers playing Christmas songs, and the smell of cinnamon and roasted food in the air makes it cosy. Since it’s part of the bigger Southbank Winter Festival, you might also find pop-up bars or even rooftop igloos if they bring those back.
2. Leicester Square Christmas Market
If you’re spending winter in London and want a festive stop that doesn’t feel like a tourist trap, Leicester Square Christmas Market is a great little gem. It’s right in the middle of the West End, so it’s an easy stop if you’re already nearby for a show or walking through Soho.
The square is filled with chalet stalls covered in fairy lights, selling warm drinks, roasted nuts, and small gifts. Because it’s compact, it feels more relaxed and easy to walk around, perfect if you’re already nearby, catching a West End show or wandering through Soho. The atmosphere is especially lovely after dark when the lights glow and the whole place feels quietly magical.
What makes this market stand out is the Spiegeltent—a vintage-style theatre tent set up inside the square. It usually hosts cabaret-style performances like La Clique, with circus acts and live music. Those are more for adults, but for families, there’s also Santa’s Grotto, which kids usually love.
The market usually runs from mid-November until early January. The stalls are open daily from 10 am, closing at 7 pm on weekdays and 8 pm on weekends. Entry is free, but you’ll need to book tickets if you want to see a show or visit Santa. It’s a good spot to grab a hot drink, browse a few stalls, and enjoy the holiday lights without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Trafalgar Square at Christmas feels really traditional and cosy. It’s not a huge market, but it’s full of charm, and the big Christmas tree in the middle makes it special. The tree is always a gift from Oslo to London, and it’s decorated in a simple Norwegian style with vertical strings of lights.
The lighting ceremony is one of the highlights. It usually happens on the first Thursday in December (this year it’s December 4, 2025, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM). If you want a good view, get there early because the square fills up fast. The atmosphere is friendly, the speeches are short, and when the lights switch on, it really feels like the start of Christmas.
The market itself is expected to run from Sunday 9 November 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026 (though it might stay open a few extra days—check closer to the season). You’ll find stalls selling handmade ornaments, candles, toys, knitwear, and other festive gifts. It’s a nice place to take your time—browse the stalls, listen to live music, or just stop for a snack.
From December 9 to 23, choirs perform carols in the square—weekdays from 4 to 8 PM and weekends from 2 to 6 PM. A lot of them sing for charity, which makes it even nicer.
For families, Trafalgar Square adds a few sweet touches: a gingerbread-decorating workshop runs on weekends at 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, and there’s even a festive “Elfie Selfie” photo booth right across from the fountains, which is a hit with kids (and let’s be honest, Instagram). The entire square is fully accessible, with flat ground and step-free access from Charing Cross Station, plus accessible toilets nearby at the National Gallery.
4. Covent Garden Christmas Market
Covent Garden gets truly magical in winter. Starting around mid-November (usually early to mid-November) and running through the first week of January, the area lights up with over 140,000 festive lights, giant hanging bells, disco balls, and a massive 60-foot Christmas tree in the West Piazza. During the season, most of the outdoor chalets and the Apple Market open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, with the East Colonnade stalls running slightly later until around 7 PM, and shops staying open until 8 PM on weekdays (though early closure happens on Christmas Eve and full closure on Christmas Day).
What makes Covent Garden fun is that it’s more than just shopping. There are daily “snow showers” (usually hourly in the evening), artisan food stalls, pop-up cocktail bars, and live street performances from choirs and brass ensembles. It’s perfect for browsing beautifully handcrafted gifts, grabbing mulled wine or churros, and grabbing photo ops—especially around holiday-themed installations like the vintage sleigh or the huge mistletoe chandelier in the Market Building, where people gather just to watch the lights flicker.
It’s the kind of place you can spend a while—shop for gifts, grab a hot drink or a seasonal cocktail, and just enjoy the lights and music. The mix of street performers, decorations, and festive energy makes it one of the busiest and most popular markets in the city.
Entry to the area is free, and while you might find occasional workshops or experiences like wreath-making or VIP events for the tree lighting, you don’t need a ticket just to wander and soak up the atmosphere.
5. Winter by the River (London Bridge City)
Winter by the River, which used to be called Christmas by the River, is one of the prettiest markets in London just because of the setting. It runs along the Thames by London Bridge City, from City Hall past Hay’s Galleria to HMS Belfast. It usually starts around mid-November and goes through early January. Most days it opens at 11 AM and closes at 9 PM, but on Thursdays to Saturdays it stays open an hour later. On Christmas Eve it shuts at 5 PM, is closed on Christmas Day, and on New Year’s Eve, it usually winds down earlier in the evening.
The best part is the view, you’ve got Tower Bridge right there and the river lit up behind the rows of wooden huts decorated with lights and greenery. The stalls have a mix of gifts and food, with plenty of options like bratwurst, crepes, and even vegan churros. There are also pop-up bars where you can stop for a drink, like The Glasshouse, which has a nice view of the city.
It’s a good spot to combine with other nearby places like Borough Market, the Tower of London, or even a river cruise. It’s also really easy to get to from London Bridge station, which has step-free access. Even if you don’t shop, it’s worth grabbing some food and sitting by the water—it’s simple, festive, and feels very London in winter.
6. Old Spitalfields Christmas Market
Old Spitalfields is a little different from the classic London Christmas markets. It’s right near Liverpool Street Station and mixes East London’s creative vibe with Christmas touches. From mid-November, the market gets decorated with lights, and a big tree goes up in the middle of the space.
Instead of only traditional stalls, you’ll find a mix of independent makers and artists alongside the permanent shops and food vendors. It’s a good place for gifts that feel a bit more personal, things like handmade jewellery, art prints, vinyl, and quirky stocking fillers.
Food is a big part of why people come here. The regular vendors like Dumpling Shack, Pleasant Lady, and Humble Crumble are still there, but they usually add seasonal items around Christmas. You might find turkey wraps, festive bao buns, or just a really good hot chocolate.
The stalls usually run daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, though food places often stay open later. It’s especially nice after 4 PM when the lights come on and people stop by after work—it feels busy but still relaxed. You don’t have to be in a rush here; you can wander, eat, and just enjoy the mix of festive and local East London energy.
7. Kingston Christmas Market
Kingston is a really nice option if you want a Christmas market that feels calmer than the ones in central London. It’s only a short train ride away, and the main market is set in the Ancient Market Place. From mid-November until Christmas Eve, the whole square is lined with wooden stalls decorated with lights and garlands. You’ll find handmade gifts, fudge, scarves, and small craft items that actually feel personal.
But there’s more to it than just shopping. There’s live music most days, cosy bars pouring mulled wine and hot spiced cider, and tons of food stalls of bratwurst, melted raclette, crispy churros, and festive crepes. It’s very family-friendly and never feels too chaotic, even on weekends. Most stalls open from 10 AM to 6 PM during the week, and they stay open until about 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
If you’ve got time, swing by the nearby Alpine Village ice rink too—it usually runs until early January and is such a fun add-on, especially in the evening when everything’s glowing. The market feels like a proper holiday day out without the central London crowds.
8. Greenwich Christmas Market
If you’re after a Christmas market with a creative twist and a true community vibe, Greenwich Christmas Market is one of London’s most underrated gems. Set in the heart of the UNESCO-listed maritime neighbourhood, the market is open daily throughout the holiday season, with most stalls running from around 10 AM to 5:30 PM. You’ll find over 120 stalls selling everything from handcrafted jewellery and home decor to quirky fashion finds, candles, art prints, and vintage treasures. It’s the kind of place where you can easily tick off your entire Christmas gift list—especially for those who appreciate thoughtful, one-of-a-kind presents.
But what really makes Greenwich feel special at Christmas is the setting. You’re surrounded by beautiful historic buildings like the Old Royal Naval College and Cutty Sark, all dressed up in festive lights. There’s usually a nautical-themed Christmas tree too—because, well, it’s Greenwich. Grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine from one of the nearby cafés or food stalls, then take a wander through the neighbourhood. It’s relaxed and festive without being too busy, which makes it a nice break from the crowds in central London.
Tips for Visiting London Christmas Markets
If you’re visiting London’s Christmas markets for the first time, here are a few things I’d tell a friend:
- Go on weekdays if you can. Weekends get super crowded, especially in places like Southbank or Covent Garden. A weekday evening is way quieter.
- Bring cash and a card. Most stalls take cards now, but some of the smaller vendors still prefer cash.
- Wear layers. London’s weather in December is cold and damp. You’ll want a warm coat, but also layers so you can adjust if you duck inside a pub or café to warm up.
- Plan your route. A lot of the markets are near each other. For example, you can easily do Southbank and Covent Garden in one evening.
- Eat before peak hours. Food stalls get crazy busy around 7 PM. If you want raclette or churros without waiting forever, grab them earlier.
- Check closing times. Some markets shut early on Christmas Eve and close completely on Christmas Day. Double-check before heading out.
- Watch your bag. Crowds mean pickpockets, so just keep your stuff close, like you would in any big city.
Hotels close to London Christmas Markets
If you’re planning a trip around the markets, here are a few solid places to stay, depending on your budget:
- Budget – Wombat’s City Hostel London
A clean, friendly hostel with dorms and private rooms. It’s social but not wild, and the location makes it easy to get to Tower Bridge and Southbank. - Mid-range – Locke at Broken Wharf (near Millennium Bridge)
Apartment-style rooms with kitchens, so you can cook if you want. It’s modern, cosy, and right along the Thames, which makes getting to Covent Garden or Southbank pretty simple. - Luxury – Corinthia London
If you want to splurge, this hotel is stunning. It’s close to Trafalgar Square, so you’re right by one of the main Christmas trees and can walk to several markets.
London Christmas Market Tours
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