15 of the Best Christmas Markets in London in 2026

Date post added: 4th September 2026

If you think Christmas markets are simply about shopping, think again. London has famous, shopping streets where you can find all sorts of Christmas presents and treats. You can shop online for a functional, and slightly soulless, shopping experience too. But when you visit a Christmas market, it’s not only about shopping. It’s an experience to awaken your senses.

Across the city, you’ll find Christmas markets with striking London landmarks as a backdrop. They’re often adorned with festive twinkling lights and dazzling decorations. You’ll notice wafts of Christmassy scents like cinnamon and roasting chestnuts. There may even be carol singers or live music. And there are products galore, from handcrafted trinkets to independent fashion or artisanal food. It’s enough to melt the heart of the most miserly Scrooge.

Grab your shopping list and your bag for life and let’s explore the delights of festive markets in London.

What is the history of London Christmas markets?

Like many of our Christmas traditions, festive markets were a thing overseas before they set up in London. In areas of Europe, winter markets occurred back in the Middle Ages. They were a lot more drab than our modern festive markets. There wasn’t a decoration in sight! Much like a squirrel gathers up nuts to last through winter, people would visit markets to stock up on food and supplies before the the harsh, cold months were upon them. The earliest one documented took place in Vienna in 1298.

A more Christmassy market started up in Dresden, Germany in the 15th century. And by the 18th century, they’d gained popularity in many European countries.

London’s Christmas markets are a relatively modern take on this central European tradition. You’ll often see wooden chalets, mulled wine and sizzling Bratwurst that have definite Germanic roots. But London has a way of making the experience its own.

What to expect from a Christmas market

You can while away many an hour browsing the wares at a London Christmas market. The more traditional markets tend to focus on Christmas decorations, crafts, jewellery and stocking fillers. Established London markets that open year-round have a festive makeover adding to their usual offering of vintage clothes, original art, artisan food and drinks.

Food plays a big part in a Christmas market. Yes, you’ll find mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies. But you’re just as likely to find international street food like bratwurst, raclette, churros and dumplings.

Some markets are simply about Christmas stalls. Others up the ante with experiences like an ice rink, cabaret or funfair rides too.

15 of the best London Christmas markets

Southbank Centre Winter Market

Where: South Bank, Belvedere Road, SE1

This must-visit market’s on the banks of the River Thames outside the Southbank Centre. The London Eye glows nearby, while the lights of Big Ben’s clock face shimmer across the water. It’s particularly special at night time when the lights are sparkling.

With that as a backdrop, it’s hard to beat. You can browse varied goods, gifts and crafts as well as sumptuous delicacies. There’s often Alpine chalets or pop-up snow globes there too.

Covent Garden Christmas Market

Where: Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 8RF

Covent Garden always puts on a good show. But at Christmas time it pulls out all the stops and absolutely dazzles. You may even see a flurry of show. The beautiful covered Market Hall is even more stunning when bedecked with Christmas decorations. You can browse unique artworks, ceramics and jewellery, along with a wide range of unusual gift ideas. In addition, you’ll find boutique shops alongside well-known brands too.

Press pause on the shopping and stop to enjoy a live street performance, armed with a warming beverage. Or discover the area and its history with us on our weekly tour of Covent Garden and our Christmas Covent Garden pub walk

Greenwich Christmas Market

Where: Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ

Greenwich Market’s on throughout the year, but it’s particularly enchanting at Christmas time. Its diverse traders sell handmade jewellery, original artwork, prints, fashion, homeware and plenty of charming stocking fillers. The festivities in Greenwich kick off with a glowing lantern parade on 19th November.

It’s easy to spend an entire day in Greenwich exploring its maritime history, royal parks and cute cafes and shops. But the best way to take it all in is with our Greenwich walk and boat trip

London Bridge Christmas Market

Where: London Bridge City, SE1 2DB

Also known as Winter by the River, this market unfolds along the River Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, right by Hays Galleria. Last year, there was a two-storey après-ski-inspired bar. So you can expect impressive seasonal pop-up entertainment, food and drink venues.

The views alone are reason to visit this Christmas market. Tower Bridge rises dramatically at one end, with the Tower of London visible across the water. Visit after sunset when the bridges, riverside buildings and market lights begin to glow. It’s a picture perfect spot.

Borough Market

Where: 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL

No list of London market recommendations is complete without mention of the mighty Borough Market. It’s a food-lover’s paradise. You’ll find exceptional seasonal food and drink from around the world here, alongside the regular fruit, veg, meat and fish. And those impressive Victorian arches take on a new charm when festooned with Christmas lights and decorations

Look out for its annual Evening of Cheese in December. It’s an unmissable cheese-themed shopping extravaganza led by their hugely knowledgeable cheesemongers. It’s the stuff of weird cheese-fuelled dreams.

Want to know more about traditional festive foods? Join our Eating Christmas walk with the brilliant gourmet guide, Ann.

Old Spitalfields Market

Where: 16 Horner Square, E1 6EW

Like Borough Market, Old Spitalfields Market has a particularly valuable winter feature – a roof. It’s a year-round shopping destination that adds seasonal vendors to its mix. It often hosts specialist makers’ events, seasonal entertainment and family activities over the festive period too.

Browse the stalls for less ordinary and often handmade gifts. There are plenty of independent shops and excellent food vendors here too.

Trafalgar Square Christmas Market

Where: Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS

As a location, this is hard to beat. The market’s wooden chalets sit beneath the National Gallery and close to Trafalgar Square’s famous fountains and the enormous Norwegian Christmas tree. The stalls tend to sell crafts, decorations and festive food. Plus, carol singers perform around the tree throughout December, bringing extra seasonal joy.

Trafalgar Square market’s in the heart of the West End, so you can easily combine it with a visit to a Christmas show, exhibition or more shopping.

Leicester Square Christmas Market

Where: Leicester Square, WC2H 7DE

A short walk from the Trafalgar Square Christmas market is another West End offering. Leicester Square fills with market stalls selling various gifts, decorations and sugary delights.

Being Leicester Square, it throws in added entertainment too. Recent celebrations have included an ice rink and a pop-up Spiegeltent hosting La Clique cabaret performances. It’s always a lively corner of London, but it goes up a level in the lead up to Christmas.

Winter Wonderland Christmas Market

Where: Hyde Park, W2 2UH

Calling Hyde Park Winter Wonderland a Christmas market is rather like calling Buckingham Palace a large house. It may be technically correct, but it doesn’t quite capture its vast scale. Its market hosts over 100 wooden chalets selling jewellery, crafts, decorations and gifts. But that’s only a very small part of its attractions.

Beyond that, you’ll find fairground rides, circus shows, Santa’s grotto, live music, Bavarian-style drinking halls, an enormous observation wheel and the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink. The nearest tube stations are Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge or Marble Arch. Expect to spend at least half a day here and a considerable amount of money.

Kings Cross Christmas Market

Where: Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard, N1C

The relatively recently regenerated Kings Cross area has become a go-to destination for contemporary retail. And its Christmas markets follow that same formula. It all feels rather more current. No traditional chalets and German sausages here.

Kings Cross hosts several festive markets rather than a singular event. Canopy Market takes place beneath the covered West Handyside Canopy near Granary Square. Its traders focus on independent food, drink, crafts, jewellery and design. Other seasonal markets around Coal Drops Yard bring together illustrators, artists and small creative businesses.

Camden Market

Where: 32 Camden Lock Place, NW1 8AL

As you may expect, Camden Market offers a more rebellious Christmas shopping experience. Its maze of stalls sells vintage clothing, art, records, accessories, jewellery and all manner of things you never knew you needed. If you’re looking for something a bit offbeat, eccentric or quirky, Camden’s the place to look.

Christmas brings lights, trees and seasonal entertainment to the regular market. You’ll also find festive treats alongside the constantly evolving array of international street food on offer.

Leadenhall Market

Where: Gracechurch Street, EC3V 1LT

Not a Christmas market per se, but it is a must-visit destination at Christmas (or any time of year). Its ornate Victorian roof, cobbled walkways and elegant shopfronts seem made for festive decorations. Make sure to stop, look up and admire its incredible architecture.

Leadenhall Market’s primarily a collection of permanent shops, pubs and restaurants. But at Christmas it adds much-loved weekend markets, showcasing handmade art, jewellery, independent crafts, vintage fashion and homeware. And last year they even made it snow twice a day.

You may recognise it as one of the Harry Potter filming locations used for Diagon Alley. Festive magic with a hint of wizardry is an excellent combination.

Broadway Market

Where: Broadway Market, E8 4QJ

For a Christmas market with an air of urban Shoreditch cool, make your way to Broadway Market.

The Saturday market runs between London Fields and Regent’s Canal. Its stalls offer artisan bread, cakes, cheese, flowers, vintage clothing, jewellery, art and handmade gifts. Oh and there’s plenty of locally roasted, specialist coffee and matcha galore. It’s probably the antitheses to Winter Wonderland. It’s local, independent and encourages you to saunter at a slower place.

Kingston Christmas Market

Where: Ancient Market Place, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1JP

Travel south-west to beautiful Kingston upon Thames for one of London’s most traditional Christmas markets. Kingston’s Ancient Market Place becomes an alpine-style village filled with charming wooden cabins.

Traders sell handmade gifts, decorations, crafts and seasonal food. Adding to the festive cheer, live bands, local performers and choirs supply a wonderful soundtrack. It’s a heartwarming way to spend a winter weekend.

Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre

Where: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, KT8 9AU

Henry VIII knew a thing or two about extravagant feasting. The Festive Fayre at his former palace continues that tradition, minus the roasted peacocks. This Tudor palace makes a magnificent backdrop to a Christmas market.

More than 100 artisan producers fill the palace grounds with food, drink and gifts. You can shop for exquisite chocolates, spirits, cheeses, preserves, decorations and stocking fillers, accompanied by live music.

Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre is a ticketed event and only runs over a couple of weekends. It’s a lovely experience, but you’ll need to book ahead.

When do Christmas markets in London open?

London department stores open their Christmas departments as early as September. You start seeing festive food and decorations in supermarkets that early too. But London Christmas markets wait until winter’s drawing close. They start up in November, an appropriate month to get cracking with Christmas shopping. They don’t all end once stockings have been filled either. Some of these Christmas markets will open again on Boxing Day and into the New Year.

Remember, many London markets aren’t just for Christmas. They run year round. They’re places to support independent makers and find some wonderful products while you’re at it.

Christmas in London

Market shopping is just one of the many things to do in London at Christmas. Discover festive London with us this year. You can choose from a wide range of Christmas walks, whether your interest is piqued by Christmas lights, photography, food, Dickens or the pub! Join us for a season of festive cheer and local discovery.