8 Festive Markets To Explore In London This Christmas

Just one Christmas market? That would be too easy – and not even close to being festive enough. London is home to a plethora of festive markets, from November stretching right up to the big day. From traditional markets with mulled wine and handmade crafts to ice skating rinks and winter wonderlands, here’s the C&TH guide to London’s best Christmas markets to visit in 2024.

A Guide To London’s Christmas Markets 2024

Southbank Centre Winter Market

Set along the iconic River Thames, the Southbank Centre Winter Market is one of London’s most scenic Christmas markets. With twinkling lights and an array of festive stalls, it’s perfect for every festive outing, from a romantic evening stroll post-theatre to a weekend family outing. Expect to find artisan food, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and a range of handmade gifts, including clothing, jewellery, and home decor. The market also features street food vendors offering festive treats, like bratwurst sausages and sweet crêpes.

Dates: 10 November 2024 until 7 January 2025

Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is London’s largest festive event, with an enormous Christmas market at its heart. In addition to the market stalls, the park boasts an ice skating rink, a circus, a giant wheel and a Bavarian village. The market itself has a festive, fairytale vibe, with traditional wooden chalets offering everything from handmade gifts and decorations to festive snacks like gingerbread, hot pretzels and mulled wine. It’s a family-friendly destination but also a great spot for couples looking for a magical winter experience. While entry is free most of the time, note that a ticket is required to enter, with higher prices at peak times (evenings and weekends).

Dates: 22 November 22 until 5 January 2025

Address: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH

Greenwich Christmas Market

Set in the picturesque heart of Greenwich, this is a charming destination for Christmas shoppers. Known for its artisanal and handcrafted goods, the Greenwich Christmas Market offers a selection of unique gifts, from jewellery to homeware. The atmosphere is cosy and relaxed, with street food vendors serving up festive treats like mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and minced pies. It’s ideal for those who prefer a quieter, more intimate market experience away from the city centre.

Dates: December 2024

Address: Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ 

Leicester Square Market

Christmas In Leicester Square

On the flip side, Leicester Square Christmas Market is one of the buzzier destinations on this list, attracting large crowds across the season. The vibe is vibrant and festive, filled with wooden chalets selling everything from trinkets to seasonal snacks. With street performers, Santa’s Grotto, and a small ice skating rink, it offers plenty of entertainment for families. The market is located in the heart of London’s West End, so it’s perfect for combining with a trip to the nearby theatres or Covent Garden.

Dates: 14 November 2024 until 7 January 2025

Address: Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DE

Covent Garden Christmas Market

Speaking of Covent Garden, this historic piazza is transformed into a festive hub come November, and the Christmas market here features beautiful decorations, live entertainment, and an array of boutique shops offering unique gifts. The market also has a wide selection of seasonal treats, including hot cider, mulled wine, and Christmas-themed snacks. The area is well-known for its street performers, making this one of the most lively markets in London.

Dates: 12 November 2024 until 7 January 2025

Address: Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RF

Christmas By St Paul’s

Located by the River Thames, the Northbank offers a smaller, more boutique Christmas market offering a cosy vibe with a focus on high-quality local goods. Flying further under the radar than big hitters like Leicester Square and Winter Wonderland, the market stalls at Christmas by St Paul’s sell a variety of gifts, from jewellery and clothing to handmade homeware. Expect plenty of festive food, including mince pies, mulled wine and spiced cider. It’s a great spot if you prefer a more intimate, less crowded market experience.

Dates: 27 November until 24 December 2024

Address: Northbank, near St. Paul’s Cathedral, London EC4Y 8AE

Borough Market Christmas Market

One of London’s oldest food markets, Borough Market is a must-visit year-round, but especially during the Christmas season. The market is transformed into a holiday haven with seasonal food and drink stalls, offering everything from mulled wine and hot chocolate to roasted meats and delicious pastries. With many festive treats to taste, it’s the perfect Christmas market for foodies.

Dates: December 2024

Address: Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL

Winter By The River

One of the more recent additions to London’s seasonal market scene is Winter by the River in London Bridge, situated, you guessed it, right by the Thames. Boasting picturesque views of Tower Bridge and the river, a labyrinth of wooden chalets sell artisan goods and unique gifts, while delicious scents emanate from a variety of pop-up food stalls. New for 2024, there’s also a pop-up curling experience, with lanes accommodating up to eight guests.

Dates: 12 November 2024 until 5 January 2025

Address: The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2AA