London’s 10 Best Christmas Markets to Visit for Festive Fun

A local’s guide to the best Christmas markets in London, from famous Trafalgar Square to Leicester Square, Covent Garden and more secret Greenwich!

London is a dazzling city glowing with Christmas lights at soon as we get deeper into November, with endless opportunities to tick off your last-minute gift list.

From TK Maxx with its discounted clothes, makeup and scented candles to London’s many shopping centers, the city is filled with unique treasures you just won’t find anywhere else.

Now, when it comes to spending Christmas in London, well, if the city offers the prettiest decorations, the markets really are hotspots you shouldn’t miss.

Whether you’re hunting for places to buy gifts in London, indulging in hot drinks, or simply soaking up the seasonal vibes, these markets are the perfect way to celebrate the holiday spirit!

London’s 10 Best Christmas Markets to Visit for Festive Fun

Who doesn’t love a good Christmas market? They’re the heart of the holiday season, right?

And lucky for us, London is brimming with them, making it the ultimate festive playground for locals and visitors alike.

These markets are more than just places to shop—they’re magical hubs filled with twinkling lights, joyful vibes, and the unmistakable aroma of hot apple juice and hot chocolate.

Most of London’s Christmas markets kick off in late November and keep the holiday cheer going until early January.

That gives you plenty of time to explore the cozy wooden chalets of Southbank, London Bridge and Greenwich, sample delicious hot beverages, waffles and cinnamon buns, and pick out one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list (and maybe something for yourself, too!).

Best Christmas Markets in London: Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park

When it comes to iconic holiday attractions in London, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is the place to be.

This festive extravaganza kicks off in late November and runs through early January, bringing the ultimate Christmas vibes to the heart of the city – if you’re looking for places to go ice skating, Winter Wonderland has one of the best in London.

It’s a dreamy experience that’s perfect for soaking up the winter magic before getting a cup of hot chocolate, or shopping for unique souvenirs and Christmas decorations just minutes away from Marble Arch and Oxford Street.

Read: 9 Pretty Cafes in London With Dazzling Christmas Decor

Christmas Markets in London: Greenwich Christmas Market

The Greenwich Christmas Gift Market is a hidden gem nestled in historic Greenwich, perfect for getting into the festive spirit in a village-like neighborhood.

This charming market has something for everyone, no matter your age or taste, from handmade gifts to decorations, artisanal products and Christmas treats.

What makes the Greenwich Christmas market interesting to visit is its picturesque location along the River Thames: just a few minutes’ walk away from the market, you will find romantic views of the Canary Wharf skyscrapers.

If you’re visiting London with kids, the market often hosts activities like Santa’s Grotto and crafting workshops – why not visit other Greenwich landmarks afterwards, like the iconic Cutty Sark ship and the Royal Observatory?

Read: The Best Cafes for Colorful Lattes in London

Christmas Markets in London: The Southbank Center Winter Market

Gorgeous Southbank along the River Thames is one of what I consider the prettiest neighborhoods in London, and gets extra magical during the holidays.

The views of various London landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral and the Millenium Bridge already make Southbank a must-visit place, in addition to the Tate Modern, a free-to-access museum with incredible exhibitions all year round.

The Southbank Centre Winter Market is a foodie’s dream; traditional holiday treats, street food, gifts, festive decorations, art installations and sculptures make it a full-blown Christmas experience.

Why not get a coffee at themed cafe Scooter Caffè near Waterloo station, then make your way to Southbank and visit the Christmas market when the sun sets?

Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in London

Christmas Markets in London: Christmas by the River, London Bridge

Further down Southbank and located between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, Christmas by the River is another one of the most magical Christmas markets in London, and stunning with the Thames in the background.

Running from late November to early January, it’s packed with holiday-themed fun for everyone from shopping and dining to live performances.

Why not visit the market, then make your way down to Shad Thames to discover one of London’s most secret alleys and take a few pictures while you’re at it?

Read: The Prettiest Streets in London

Christmas Markets in London: Leicester Square Christmas Market

If the Leicester Square Sculpture Trail is already reason enough to visit this West End gem, the Christmas Market makes it even more interesting, and a treasure trove for holiday magic and delicious food.

Running from November to early January, the Leicester Square Christmas Market is interesting to visit whether you’re looking for unique things to buy, just a crepe with Nutella, or handmade gifts.

One of the standout attractions is the Christmas-themed Spiegeltent, which hosts an array of live performances, from music to comedy and cabaret shows.

And, if you’re visiting London with kids, you can even visit Santa’s Grotto, where kids can meet Santa and take pictures.

When you’re done, you’ll find there are plenty of cool things to do around Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus – you can visit the following:

• Maison Assouline and Hatchards, two of London’s prettiest bookshops
• Fortnum & Mason, one of the best department stores you’ll find in town
• The must-visit Oxford Street and Regent Street shops

Read: The Prettiest East London Neighborhoods

Christmas Markets in London: Covent Garden Market

As soon as end November comes around, Covent Garden, already a shopping haven, transforms into a magical wonderland.

Whether you’re into warm pastries, fashion, makeup, or holiday-themed photo spots, you’ll find them all in Covent Garden.

Did you know, for instance, that Rules Restaurant, one of London’s oldest restaurants, is located right off Covent Garden Piazza?

Or that there is a secret church and its quaint garden, St Paul’s Church, also right off the piazza?

One of the must-visit spots for Christmas lights and one of the biggest Christmas trees in town, Covent Garden, from the Apple Market to the beautifully-decorated shop windows will surprise you in more ways than one.

Read: The Most Secret Neighborhoods in London

Christmas Markets in London: The Canary Wharf Christmas Market

Right in the heart of London’s Docklands business district, Canary Wharf is a posh neighborhood with a holiday market you won’t ever forget.

Not only are the Christmas lights a gorgeous sight with the skyscrapers around you, but did you know that there are other secret photo spots in Canary Wharf?

The Adams Plaza underbridge, and the inside of the bridge, for instance, are two colorful places that make for the most striking pictures.

In addition to the seasonal food, gifts and decorations, the Canary Wharf Christmas Market is located only a few minutes away from the shopping center and the secret roof garden at Crossrail Place.

If you get hungry after visiting the Christmas Market, depending on your budget, you’ll find many street food spots, including halal restaurants in Canary Wharf, some of which offer both food and views!

Read: The Prettiest Villages in London

Christmas Markets in London: Borough Market

Borough Market is one of the oldest and most charming spots in London, and it’s even more magical during the Christmas season – if you’ve never been, you’ll see, it’s one of those places that locals and tourists alike rave about.

Inside the historic food and drink market, visitors are able to enjoy some of the most beautiful Victorian architecture in town, in addition to homemade fudge, cupcakes, sandwiches, fish delicacies, and, of course, decadent filled doughnuts at Bread Ahead Bakery.

If Borough Market is a *bit* less decorated than places like Oxford Street, Mayfair or the Harrods department store, it’s still a great place to find Christmas treats, from chocolates to traditional mince pies!

Read: The Prettiest Places for Nature in London

Christmas Markets in London: Christmas Arcade at Somerset House

Whether you’re visiting London in the spring or the winter, there’s always something to do at Somerset House off The Strand.

This cultural venue is not only housed in one of the prettiest neoclassical buildings in town, but also offers an open-air cinema in the summer and a gorgeous Christmas market in the winter, in addition to the Courtauld Gallery, a secret and upscale art collection.

The Christmas Arcade at Somerset House is a bit different than other Christmas markets in London, like nearby Trafalgar Square or Leicester Square, in that it’s often sponsored by one or more brands.

If you’re hunting for something a little different, like beauty gifts, accessories or handcrafted jewelry, Somerset House offers a more sophisticated shopping experience, doubled with a fun moment at the on-site ice skating rink.

Read: The Best Free Secret Gardens in London

Best Christmas Markets in London: Trafalgar Square

Just a few minutes’ walk away from Somerset House, Trafalgar Square’s Christmas market is another one of the most important in the city, and adorned with a magnificent Christmas tree gifted by Norway every year.

From handmade jewelry to waffles, crepes and other pancakes, the Christmas market at Trafalgar Square makes for a jolly place after, why not, a visit to the National Gallery, a grand, free museum located on the square?

If you would like to keep seeing a bit more of London when you’re done, why not pop by Soho’s vintage shops or check out the immersive experience at Outernet near Tottenham Court Road station?

Read: The Best Things to Do in Highgate, North London

London’s 10 Best Christmas Markets to Visit for Festive Fun

Thus finishes this guide to London’s best Christmas markets!

You will find other interesting ones outside shopping centers like Battersea Power Station or Westfield, but if you’d like to stay around Central London, the ones mentioned today are must-visits.

Delicious treats, unique gifts, and the odd live performance: what could be better than experiencing London’s Christmas vibe to the max with a tasty hot drink in your hand?

Until next time!

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