London Christmas in London Christmas Markets

The 8 Best Christmas Markets in London (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 8 picks

The best Christmas markets in London are Hyde Park Winter Wonderland for rides and mulled wine, the Southbank Centre Winter Market by the Thames, Leicester Square for a compact West End market, and Borough and Greenwich markets for food gifts. Most run from mid-November to early January.

The list at a glance

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Hyde Park, Westminster & South Kensington
Southbank Centre Winter Market South Bank
Leicester Square Christmas Market Leicester Square, Soho & the West End
Covent Garden at Christmas Covent Garden, Soho & the West End
Borough Market at Christmas London Bridge, South Bank & Borough
Greenwich Market Greenwich
Old Spitalfields Market at Christmas Spitalfields, Shoreditch & East London
Winter by the River at London Bridge City London Bridge, South Bank & Borough

1. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland — Hyde Park, Westminster & South Kensington

London's biggest Christmas event: markets, rides, an ice rink and Bavarian beer halls.

Free–$$

Winter Wonderland fills the east end of Hyde Park with Christmas market stalls, fairground rides, shows, an outdoor ice rink and big Bavarian-style bars.

It's huge and busy; go on a weekday afternoon and book a timed entry slot for evenings and weekends.

Good to know: Entry is timed at busy periods; book ahead for weekends and the ice rink.

Hyde Park, London W2 2UH

Google Maps Website

2. Southbank Centre Winter Market — South Bank

Wooden chalets along the Thames with food, drink and crafts.

Free–$

Chalets line the riverside walk by the Southbank Centre and the London Eye, selling mulled wine, street food and gifts.

It's free, open late and easy to combine with a Christmas concert at the Royal Festival Hall.

Good to know: Walk along the river from Westminster Bridge at dusk for the lights.

Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX

Google Maps Website

3. Leicester Square Christmas Market — Leicester Square, Soho & the West End

A compact chalet market in the heart of the West End.

Free–$

Leicester Square's garden turns into a small Christmas village with chalets, mulled wine and festive food, surrounded by the theatres and cinemas.

It's handy before or after a West End show.

Good to know: Pair it with the lights on Regent Street and Carnaby Street, a short walk away.

Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LU

Google Maps

4. Covent Garden at Christmas — Covent Garden, Soho & the West End

A giant tree, mistletoe chandeliers and festive stalls in the Apple Market.

Free–$$

Covent Garden's piazza gets one of London's best Christmas trees and decorations, and the Apple Market's stalls fill with handmade gifts.

Street performers and late-night shopping evenings add to the atmosphere.

Good to know: Visit after dark for the lights, then walk to Seven Dials.

Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 8RF

Google Maps Website

5. Borough Market at Christmas — London Bridge, South Bank & Borough

London's great food market, stocked for Christmas.

$–$$$

Borough Market is the place for Christmas food shopping: cheeses, charcuterie, mince pies, game and festive hampers from independent traders.

It's open most days but very busy in the week before Christmas.

Good to know: Go early on a weekday; Saturdays in December are packed.

8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL

Google Maps Website

6. Greenwich Market — Greenwich

A covered market full of makers' gifts and street food.

Free–$$

Greenwich's historic covered market is open year-round, with arts, crafts, vintage and food stalls that are ideal for unique Christmas presents.

Combine it with a walk in Greenwich Park and the Cutty Sark.

Good to know: Weekends have the most stalls.

Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ

Google Maps Website

7. Old Spitalfields Market at Christmas — Spitalfields, Shoreditch & East London

Designers, makers and food traders under a Victorian roof.

Free–$$

Old Spitalfields Market's traders sell independent fashion, homeware and art, and its Christmas season brings extra stalls and festive events.

The surrounding streets of Shoreditch and Brick Lane are good for more gift hunting.

Good to know: Thursday is antiques and vintage day.

16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW

Google Maps Website

8. Winter by the River at London Bridge City — London Bridge, South Bank & Borough

A riverside Christmas market between London Bridge and Tower Bridge (formerly Christmas by the River).

Free–$

Chalets and food stalls line the Thames path near Hay's Galleria, with views of Tower Bridge and the City.

It's quieter than Winter Wonderland and easy to reach from London Bridge station.

Good to know: Walk on to Tower Bridge for the views after dark.

London Bridge City, London SE1 2DB

Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

When do London's Christmas markets open?

Most open between early and mid-November and run until Christmas or early January. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland usually opens in mid-November and closes on Christmas Day. Check each market's 2026 dates on its website.

Which London Christmas market is free?

The Southbank Centre Winter Market, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Borough Market and Greenwich Market are free to enter. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is free at off-peak times but needs a timed ticket at busy times.

What is the most traditional Christmas market in London?

The Southbank Centre Winter Market and Leicester Square's market have the classic wooden-chalet, mulled-wine feel. Winter Wonderland is bigger and more of a funfair.

When is the best time to visit London's Christmas markets?

Weekday afternoons and early evenings in November and early December are calmest. Weekends in December are very busy, especially at Winter Wonderland.

1. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland — Hyde Park, Westminster & South Kensington

2. Southbank Centre Winter Market — South Bank

3. Leicester Square Christmas Market — Leicester Square, Soho & the West End

4. Covent Garden at Christmas — Covent Garden, Soho & the West End

5. Borough Market at Christmas — London Bridge, South Bank & Borough

6. Greenwich Market — Greenwich

7. Old Spitalfields Market at Christmas — Spitalfields, Shoreditch & East London

8. Winter by the River at London Bridge City — London Bridge, South Bank & Borough

Frequently asked questions

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