Festive joy: 12 London Christmas markets to visit in 2025

Address: Hyde Park, London W1K 7AN

Dates 2025: November 14 to January 1, 2026

For a London Christmas market with all the bells and whistles, you can’t beat Winter Wonderland. This huge festive event is held in Hyde Park every year and has become the biggest – and arguably the best – Christmas market in the UK.

As well as hundreds of wooden chalets selling everything from seasonal treats to handmade gifts, there are heaps of other activities to enjoy. This includes kid-friendly rides, a huge Ferris wheel and a stage for live performances.

Must try: Pull on your skates and hit the ice rink – it’s the biggest in the UK.

Address: Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD

Dates 2025: Early December to early January, specific dates TBC

This square’s historic setting and charming Victorian-era buildings make the perfect backdrop for a Christmas market. Covent Garden Christmas Market is one of the longest-running festive fairs in London and a must-see.

Browse stalls selling handmade crafts or venture into the square’s high-end shops to discover special seasonal treats (and sometimes a few discounts).

Must try: Snap a photo in a restored 19th-century sleigh surrounded by leafy decorated fir trees.

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

Dates 2025: Early November to late December, specific dates TBC

Combine a river stroll with some festive cheer at the Southbank Christmas Market. This is a personal favorite of mine and is particularly handy if you’re catching a show nearby at the National Theatre or Shakespeare’s Globe after.

Address: London Bridge, Riverside, London SE1 2DB

Dates 2025: TBC

London Bridge’s Christmas market never fails to disappoint. That’s partly due to its amazing location right next to two of London’s most iconic sights: the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

This market is on the smaller side but still packs a punch with its Christmassy treats and charming arts and crafts.

Must try: Grab a cup of mulled wine and sip it slowly as you gaze out at London’s skyline.

Address: various venues around King’s Cross station, Euston Road, London N1 9AL

Dates 2025: Mid November – late December, specific dates TBC

Whether you’re catching a train from King’s Cross or not, the area’s markets are well worth stopping by.

There are typically several pop-up events happening throughout the festive season, with many of the events centered around Coal Drops Yard.

Address: Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ

Dates 2025: TBC, market open daily

Get yourself down to historic Greenwich for its annual festive fair. The event takes place in the locally-loved Greenwich Market (which is open all year round).

The venue is decorated for the Advent period, while there are usually a few stalls outside along the riverfront, too.

Address: Borough Market, London SE1 9AL

Dates 2025: December 2 to December 24, Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Borough Market is a foodie haven throughout the year but it gets an awesome festive makeover in the winter months. Decorations are strung up between its arches, heaps of seasonal treats go on sale and there’s usually a busker or two singing Christmas tunes.

Spoiler alert: make sure you visit with an appetite. There are usually heaps of artisanal food from across the globe to purchase, from sweet delights like mince pies and stollen to award-winning cheeses.

Must try: Keep an eye on the market’s website for themed festive food evenings that will have you salivating.

Address: Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LU

Dates 2025: early November to early January, specific dates TBC

At any other time of year, you’ll find Leicester Square full of tourists snapping photos or queuing up to enter the popular Marks and Spencers store. By early November, the square turns into a festive fairytale filled with wooden chalets and a huge Christmas tree.

It’s one of the best Christmas markets in London for those seeking a European vibe. Browse stalls selling bratwurst, gluhwein and other German delights.

Need some entertainment? Check out Leicester Square Christmas market‘s Belgian-style Spiegeltent hosting shows by the award-winning La Clique circus, cabaret and comedy troupe.

Must try: Grab tickets to one of the lively shows in the 1920s Spiegeltent.

Address: Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court Way, East Molesey KT8 9AU

Dates 2025: 5 – 7 December and 12-14 December

Few settings are more romantic than an actual royal palace! If you’re hoping to have a magical Christmas market experience with your other half, head to Hampton Court. The former home of Henry VIII is transformed into a winter wonderland for two weekends every December.

The event is hosted throughout the palace grounds and features tonnes of stalls selling sumptuous street food, artisan foodie gifts and handmade crafts.

Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre is a ticketed event, although it also includes entrance to the palace itself. Always wanted to explore its grand hallways and opulent chambers? This is your chance to see it all and simultaneously have an enchanting festive experience.

Address: Paternoster Square, London EC4M 7DX

Dates 2025: November 21 to December 23

Picture tucking into a bag of hot roasted chestnuts with a view of the monumental St Paul’s Cathedral. That’s exactly what’s on offer at this small yet charming Christmas market in London’s Paternoster Square.

It plays host to a regular monthly food market throughout the year. However, in November and December, stalls offering plenty of Christmas cheer take its place.

As well as 20 or so cabins selling all sorts of lovely items, there’s a charming Christmas tree display in the heart of the square.

Must try: Cherish your visit by taking a photo in the market’s giant snow globe.

Address: Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, London W14 8UX

Dates 2025: November 3-9

Fancy getting into the festive mood a little early? Get your shopping done well ahead of time with a trip to the Spirit of Christmas Fair.

This three-day event takes place in early November at Olympia London and it’s always a memorable experience. It’s ticketed (prices start at around $30) but worth paying for as you’ll have access to over 700 stalls from both independent and well-known brands.