The Ultimate Guide to London’s Christmas Markets for 2024
London is renowned for its festive Christmas markets, and there are plenty to choose from across the city. If you’re planning a visit this holiday season, here’s a guide to some of the best markets you won’t want to miss!
1. Southbank Centre Winter Market
- **Location:** Southbank Centre, near the London Eye
- **Dates:** Typically late November to early January
- **What to Expect:** A classic winter market with a picturesque riverside setting. You’ll find wooden chalets selling gifts, crafts, and festive foods. Enjoy street food vendors, mulled wine, and hot chocolate as you take in stunning views of the Thames.
- **Special Features:** Ice skating at the nearby Winter Festival, live performances, and family-friendly activities.
2. Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
- **Location:** Hyde Park
- **Dates:** Mid-November to early January
- **What to Expect:** The biggest Christmas event in London, offering a vast array of attractions beyond just the market. You’ll find fairground rides, ice skating, and a circus alongside Christmas stalls selling gifts, decorations, and festive treats.
- **Special Features:** A massive ice rink, the Magical Ice Kingdom, and Santa’s Grotto. Plus, street performers and live music create a lively atmosphere.
3. Greenwich Christmas Market
- **Dates:** Late November to December 24th
- **What to Expect:** A charming, historic market with a lovely mix of independent stalls selling unique gifts, jewelry, and homemade goods. Indulge in a great selection of food and drink, including mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
- **Special Features:** Beautiful setting with views of Greenwich Park, the Cutty Sark, and the River Thames. Perfect for a more relaxed, quieter market experience.
4. Covent Garden Christmas Market
- **Location:** Covent Garden, WC2
- **Dates:** Mid-November to early January
- **What to Expect:** Covent Garden’s cobbled piazza transforms into a festive wonderland with sparkling lights, street performers, and a market featuring artisan gifts and festive treats. Don’t miss the iconic giant mistletoe chandelier!
- **Special Features:** Live performances, beautiful decorations, and a wintery atmosphere that’s perfect for a day out in central London.
5. Leadenhall Market Christmas
- **Location:** Leadenhall Market, EC3
- **Dates:** December
- **What to Expect:** A beautiful Victorian covered market adorned with festive lights and decorations. Discover high-end Christmas gifts, food stalls, and a great atmosphere. It’s an ideal stop if you’re near the financial district.
- **Special Features:** A more relaxed, less crowded experience compared to other markets, with lovely architecture to enjoy.
6. Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
- **Location:** Trafalgar Square
- **Dates:** Mid-November to early January
- **What to Expect:** The Christmas tree from Norway dominates the square, and the market features traditional wooden chalets selling arts, crafts, and festive food. While smaller than some other markets, its location makes it perfect for a quick stop after visiting some of London’s top attractions.
- **Special Features:** Hot chocolate, mulled wine, and plenty of seasonal food options, with carol singers adding to the festive atmosphere.
7. Spitalfields Christmas Market
- **Location:** Old Spitalfields Market, E1
- **Dates:** Late November to December 24th
- **What to Expect:** A bustling market with a variety of Christmas gifts, including homeware, fashion, jewelry, and toys. Enjoy a good selection of seasonal food and drink, including delicious hot chocolate and mulled wine.
- **Special Features:** Located in a trendy area of East London, Spitalfields is perfect for combining your market visit with a stop at nearby restaurants, bars, and shops.
8. Chelsea Christmas Market
- **Location:** Duke of York Square, Chelsea, SW3
- **Dates:** Late November to December 24th
- **What to Expect:** Chelsea’s Christmas market is set in the charming Duke of York Square, beautifully lit up for the season. This market offers a stylish and boutique atmosphere, focusing on high-quality, handmade gifts, jewelry, art, and crafts.
- **Special Features:** Located right next to the Saatchi Gallery, you can easily combine a visit to the market with a stop at the gallery. Enjoy artisanal food and drink offerings in a picturesque setting.
9. London Bridge Christmas Market
- **Location:** London Bridge, near The Shard and Borough Market
- **Dates:** Late November to early January
- **What to Expect:** Offering a cozy, festive experience along the riverside, with a stunning backdrop of The Shard and Tower Bridge. Find wooden chalets selling Christmas gifts, handmade crafts, seasonal decorations, and delicious food, including warm festive treats and mulled wine.
- **Special Features:** Known for its beautiful Christmas lights and festive decorations, the nearby Borough Market is also worth a visit for seasonal delicacies.
10. Bath Christmas Market (Day Trip Option)
- **Location:** Bath (1.5 hours by train from London)
- **Dates:** Mid-November to December 23rd
- **What to Expect:** This market is a little outside London but worth the trip for its festive atmosphere in a stunning Georgian city. Located around the Bath Abbey, it features a wide range of unique gifts, artisan foods, and Christmas-themed products.
- **Special Features:** Beautiful setting with the Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths as backdrops, along with a lovely selection of food and drink.
Top Tips for Visiting London Christmas Markets:
- **Go Early or Late:** These markets can get crowded, especially on weekends. Try visiting early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds.
- **Dress Warmly:** London can be cold and rainy in December, so layer up and bring an umbrella just in case.
- **Use Public Transport:** Many of these markets are located near popular tourist attractions and are well-served by public transport. Avoid driving and instead take the tube, bus, or train.
- **Plan for Festive Treats:** Be sure to sample traditional holiday foods like roasted chestnuts, mince pies, mulled wine, and bratwurst sausages.
Let me know if you'd like more details on any of these markets or recommendations for other things to do during the holiday season in London! Happy holiday shopping!
The home for unique & authentic travel
