Christmas markets in London offer magical moments of festive cheer, plenty of gift shopping and seasonal snacks that turn the capital into a winter wonderland. From the hallowed history of Southbank to the fairy lights of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, all yuletide tastes are catered for.
Whether you’re on the hunt for artisanal gifts, delicious mulled wine or simply want to take in the festive atmosphere, these markets are a must. So we’ve rounded them together for you in this guide, which lists the best Christmas markets to visit in London in2024, and you aren’t going to want to miss any of the holiday magic. Let’s jump into the festive season and see where to go.
Winter Wonderland – Hyde Park
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is London’s ultimate Christmas destination. This iconic open–air market goes beyond festive stalls – it’s a winter carnival in full swing, complete with an ice skating rink, circus performers and even a giant observation wheel.
Here, you’ll also find lots of market stalls selling everything from crafts and gifts to festive food and drinks, including mulled wine and hot chocolate. If you want something a bit more exciting, the fun fair will roar on and keep you busy. Running from November 21 — January 5, Winter Wonderland is a Christmas extravaganza perfect for families, couples or those travelling alone.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Nestled along the River Thames, the Southbank Centre Winter Market offers both outstanding views and a delightfully festive atmosphere. Here, you will find a collection of traditional wooden chalets where you can shop for unique gifts, handmade crafts and festive decorations. Enjoy German sausages, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, as well as live performances and carolers.
The market runs from November 1 to January 5, making it one of the longest-running in the city. With its idyllic spot by the river, it’s a great place to stretch your legs and take in spectacular views of the capital’s skyline.
Leadenhall Market
With its stunning Victorian architecture, Leadenhall Market offers an authentic fairy-tale-like experience during the Christmas season. While it’s well known throughout the year for its breathtaking glass roof and cobbled streets, during the Christmas season it’s transformed into a magical setting for a Christmas market.
Featuring a wide selection of festive stalls selling handmade gifts and classic Christmas foods and drinks, you can admire the impressive Christmas lights decorating the market’s arcades while you shop. Open from November 14 to December 24, Leadenhall Market is perfect for those in search of a more traditional, quieter Christmas market.
Greenwich Christmas Market
The Greenwich Christmas Market features arts and crafts, providing the perfect setting to find one-of-a-kind gifts that you won’t find anywhere else in London. It brings together over 40 independent traders selling handmade products, vintage clothes and artisanal food in a beautifully refurbished heritage building.
Greenwich itself is a stunning backdrop with its historic buildings and river views. There is also seasonal food and drink at the market, including mince pies and mulled cider. Running from November 20 to December 31, Greenwich Christmas Market provides a relaxed alternative to the bigger, more crowded markets.
North Pole at Canary Wharf
If you’re in the market for a Christmas market with a more modern feel, then head to Canary Wharf’s North Pole market. In a chic, city-centre location, the market features traditional wooden chalets that offer everything from artisanal gifts to gourmet foods.
The crowds, many from outlying boroughs, come primarily for the main attraction:the ice rink. There’s also a pop-up bar that serves mulled wine and winter cocktails. It runs from October 24 to 23 February and, with its central location in one of London’s financial districts, is ideal for some festive shopping interlude during the workday.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Trafalgar Square’s Christmas market, though small, hits all the right notes with its traditional German-inspired stalls. You can find this market right next to the iconic Christmas tree, a present from Norway – perfect for a yuletide pit stop when you’re out and about in central London.
The market features a variety of quirky gifts, like wooden toys and knitted scarves, as well as hearty German sausages and steaming mugs of mulled wine. Open November 9 to January 2, the market is one of the best looking settings for a holiday stroll, with the stunning views of Trafalgar Square.
Covent Garden Christmas Market
Covent Garden is always inviting, but at Christmas it comes into its own. This market features a variety of high-end gifts, festive snacks and entertainment. At its centre lies a giant Christmas tree, surrounded by market stallholders selling everything from gourmet chocolates to artisanal skincare products.
It’s also the perfect place to enjoy the many live performances, from carol singers to street performers – all adding to the festive spirit. Open from November 29 to December 22, this market provides a great place to shop for Christmas and soak up the festive spirit.
Spitalfields Christmas Market
Spitalfields Market is known for its exciting atmosphere, and during Christmas, it turns into a haven for independent designers and artisans. More than 100 stalls of handmade gifts, vintage finds and gourmet foods make for a boutique-style shopping experience.
Unique jewellery, clothes, and art are all made by London’s finest craftspeople. The market also offers festive fare, including mince pies, roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate. Open November 29 to December 11, Spitalfields Christmas Market is perfect for those looking for something a bit different from the more traditional items.
King’s Cross Christmas Market
King’s Cross station is not only a hub for national and international travel – it’s also a haven for holiday shopping.. The King’s Cross Christmas Market has returned with a festive mix of pop-up stalls, and food trucks for the season.
The market features seasonal food, including gourmet cheese toasties and mulled wine; handmade goods and gifts are also on offer. The market runs from November 21 to December 22, and the area’s stunning architecture and prime location make it an easy stop as you hit the Christmas markets in London.
Somerset House Ice Rink and Christmas Market
Somerset House boasts one of the most memorable ice skating rinks in London, and during the holiday season, it’s paired with an adorable Christmas market. As you skate on the ice, you can shop for gifts from boutique sellers, which range from artisanal homeware to one-of-a-kind jewellery.
The market itself is accompanied by a hot chocolate and mulled wine stand to help warm you up after skating. Somerset House’s Christmas Market operates from November 29 through December 24, and its historical footprint provides a stately backdrop for an unforgettable holiday outing.
Borough Christmas Market
Borough Market, one of the most famous of London’s food markets, takes on a festive spirit in the lead-up to Christmas. Renowned for its gourmet food offerings, the market is an unmissable stop for anyone looking for delicious seasonal fare, from artisanal cheeses and charcuterie to baked goods and hot mulled wine.
The market also offers gorgeous gift ideas, such as handmade kitchenware, local preserves and other gourmet treats ideal for holiday giving. The complex is open year-round, but the Christmas spirit is particularly strong here in December, when it keeps extended hours from December 2 to December 30 — a great place for foodies and holiday shoppers alike.
The Christmas by the River Market – London Bridge
Christmas by the River market provides a different kind of festive affair, with the spectacular backdrop of London and Tower Bridge. This riverside market is home to a variety of vendors offering handmade crafts, holiday decorations and seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies and mulled wine.
The market has spectacular views of the Thames, making it a must-see on a winter walk. From November 12 to January 5, Christmas by the River is a great place to partake in your holiday activities with some extra festive cheer and some breathtaking views of the river too.
Where to stay during your trip to London’s Christmas markets
If you are going to visit London’s Christmas markets, then the right location of a place to stay can make all the difference in the world. At Veeve, we have a selection of beautifully designed and well-located apartments throughout the city that can be a great home base.
Whether you want an intimate flat in Covent Garden, a snug base next to Hyde Park or a cool pad in Shoreditch, our properties make the perfect backdrop for a yuletide break.
With Veeve you will feel at home, but also close to the top Christmas markets as well, offering a relaxing and memorable getaway.
