Festive joy: 12 London Christmas markets to visit

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.

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

The square is usually decorated with hundreds of strings of lights and there are plenty of shopping opportunities to be had. Browse stalls selling handmade crafts or venture into the square’s high-end shops to discover special seasonal treats (and sometimes a few discounts).

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.

Browse the wooden Alpine chalets selling all kinds of wonderful gifts. There’s also plenty of mouth-watering food to buy – think German bratwurst, gourmet burgers, creamy fudge and festive mince pies.

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.

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.

Each market sells a fantastic range of unique gifts, from artisan food and quirky homeware to cool independent fashion items.

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.

Greenwich Christmas Market is well-known for its unique and crafty stalls, so prepare to pick up some amazing gifts.

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.

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.

Last year, there was even a Belgian-style Spiegeltent which hosted shows by the award-winning La Clique circus, cabaret and comedy troupe.

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.

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.

Lush plants, ethereal greenhouses and lots of sparkly lights await at this venue. Kew Gardens is a must-see in London, no matter the time of year. Come Christmas though, the venue is transformed into a festive paradise.

The event will be in its 11th year in 2023 – and it’s likely to be as awesome as 2022’s event. The main attraction of Christmas at Kew is the festive light trail which combines thousands of sparkling lights with music, fire displays and mesmerizing illuminations.

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 late October/early November at Olympia London and it’s always a memorable experience. It’s ticketed (prices start at around $27) but worth paying for as you’ll have access to over 700 stalls from both independent and well-known brands.

If all that shopping starts to make you peckish, you’ll be spoilt for choice by delicious delicacies. Browse stalls selling festive delights or book a table at the Spirit of Christmas restaurant for an indulgent multi-course meal.

You’ll also have access to dozens of creative workshops, demonstrations and tastings, plus some incredible live music.