The 10 Best Christmas Markets In London 2023
For those spending the festive season in London, there is no shortage of activities to get you in the Christmassy mood. One of the best ways to feel the Christmas cheer is to check out the many Christmas markets across London, many of which will stay open until the New Year. Grab a mulled wine or hot chocolate and enjoy the wonderful lights while you pick up some unique gifts for your loved ones (and maybe a few for yourself too!).
Here our our favourites, in no particular order…
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
Since 2007, Winter Wonderland has been a London Christmas staple. It is back for 2022 and includes one of the biggest Christmas markets, with hundreds of chalets selling gifts, including clothing, jewellery, and handmade crafts, and some delicious food and drink vendors. It’s also home to the UK’s biggest outdoor ice rink, a giant observation wheel and many Winter Wonderland shows.
Book early to avoid disappointment. Entry is free during off-peak hours and £7.50 during peak times.
Address: Hyde Park, London
Closest tube stations: Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Marble Arch, Bond Street
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Just a 10 minute walk from urbanest Westminster Bridge, the Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival has returned to the Thames riverside for another year. Enjoy a stroll down the water’s edge with a warming drink while you peruse the pop-up chalets for crafty gifts and festive decorations. Tuck into a melty cheese-toastie and some Dutch pancakes and enjoy some of central London’s most famous sights, including the London Eye!
Address: Southbank Centre, SE1
Closest tube stations: Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross, and Temple.
Covent Garden Christmas Markets
It doesn’t get much more Christmassy than the annual 60ft Christmas tree sparkling with more than 115,000 colourful lights in Covent Garden, which is home to three daily markets filled with handmade crafts and unique gifts for Christmas. More activities in the area include festive-themed photo opportunities and even a daily sprinkle of snow. There are even whispers of a Christmas Sandwich festival…
Address: Covent Garden, WC2E 8RF
Closest tube stations: Covent Garden, Leister Square, Charing Cross
Leicester Square Markets
London’s most iconic blockbuster film premier space gets a festive transformation with this winter market. Christmas in Leicester Square offers classics market stalls with delicious mince pies, bratwurst, and mulled wine, as well as a full line-up of entertainment. Browse the traditional market filled with a wonderful array of crafts and tempting treats. Afterwards, head to the Belgian Spiegeltent to enjoy a brilliant performance of La Clique.
Address: Leicester Square, WC2H 7LU
Closest tube stations: Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Charing Cross
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
Wander past the wooden chalets filled with handmade crafts, cool gifts and delicious treats at the Trafalgar Square Christmas market. Afterwards, grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine at the bar while listening to carol singers perform festive tunes by the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree.
Address: Trafalgar Square, WC2N
Closest tube stations: Charing Cross, Embankment, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus
Greenwich Market
Take a step back in time to the Greenwich Market, which has been open in south-east London since 1737! The Christmas lights are turned on November 16th with a lantern parade, music performances, and a Santa’s Grotto in the evening. Greenwich Market is perfect for eco-friendly gifts, handmade jewellery, and gorgeous antiques. This is an indoor market, so the ideal outing for a typically British, wet, winter evening.
Address: Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ
Closest tube stations: Greenwich, Cutty Sark
King’s Cross Christmas Market
The Canopy Christmas Market in King’s Cross is just minutes from urbanest King’s Cross location meaning it’s the ideal festive outing for a busy schedule. Expect the market to be packed with Japanese homewares, delicious food and drinks, such as craft beers and local gin, handcrafted gifts from independent sellers. Get into the festive spirit under the twinkling stars with live music, tasty treats, and the ultimate shopping experience.
Address: West Handyside Canopy, Coal Drops Yard, N1C 4DQ
Closest tube stations: Kings Cross, Mornington Crescent
Christmas by The River, London Bridge City
Christmas By The River at London Bridge City is set against stunning views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, offering wooden huts packed with original presents, handmade crafts and plenty of delicious snacks. Indulge in mouth-watering food from an array of pop-up stalls and admire one of London’s most iconic skyline views with a steaming cup of mulled wine.
Address: 2A More London Pl, London SE1 2DB
Closest tube stations: London Bridge, Borough, Monument
Borough Market at Christmas
Explore the historical arches of Borough Market, decked out with lights, decorations and twinkling ornaments, as you source some of the finest seasonal foods while listening to buskers singing jolly tunes. Special festive events include the popular Evening of Cheese. It’s sure to ‘brie’ a good night out.
Address: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
Closest tube stations: London Bridge, Borough, Monument
DIY Christmas Art Market
Returning for 2022, the DIY Christmas Art Market will be held at Rich Mix this year, showing the artistic talents of more than 100 stall holders. There will be lots to snap up including art prints, ceramics, fanzines, clothes, sculptures and jewellery and with all pieces crafted by independent retailers, you’ll know you’re supporting a good cause this Christmas. Entry is £1.
Address: Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA
Closest tube stations: Shoreditch High Street, Bethnal Green, Old Street
We’d love to hear about other markets you discover in London this Christmas, tag us in your photos @urbanestuk and we’ll share to our socials!