It's official: the countdown to the Christmas is on – and if you find yourself in the capital and want to indulge in the holiday spirit, then these London Christmas markets are the answer.
Nothing makes you feel merry and bright quite like sipping on a mulled wine as you stroll around the rows of cute stalls, as fairy lights twinkle on the nearby trees and a choir sings carols in the distance. Whether you're looking to indulge in some great food or get your Christmas shopping done, a festive market is the perfect activity to get you into the holiday spirit.
So, you'll be pleased to know that there are countless Christmas markets beginning to pop up around the city. From the alpine-style Winter Market on the Southbank to must-visit local fairs, these are the festive spots to eat, drink and be merry at this winter…
Crafty Fox Christmas Markets, King's Cross
16–17 December
Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift? Head over to Crafty Fox Christmas Markets in King's Cross to discover homeware, jewellery, art, clothing, ceramics and more by over 100 unique designers and makers – with different brands on show each day.
Plus, it's free to enter and it's dog-friendly, and close to all the great bars and restaurants in Granary Square, should you want to brunch before or grab a cocktail afterwards. It's the perfect weekend day out.
The Crossing, 1 Granary Square, London
Winter Market, Southbank
28 October – 7 January 2024
Right along the Thames with views of Big Ben and the London Eye, Southbank Centre's Winter Market – part of the arts institution's wider Winter Festival – is probably the quintessential London Christmas market. It's open for months, meaning you can visit whenever suits you, and it's free to enter.
Here, you'll find everything from craft stalls to delicious food, cocktail stands and even a curling rink – fun for all the family.
Winter Market, The Queen's Walk, London
Pexmas, Peckham
2–3 December
Pexmas is the annual festive market held at Copeland Park in Peckham, South East London. Expect over 150 different stalls across two spaces, offering cool, crafty, one-of-a-kind buys, including clothes, accessories, art, flowers, drinks and more.
Oh, and there'll be DJs, mulled wine, food stalls and the best local vibes – it's not to be missed.
Pexmas, Copeland Park, 133 Copeland Rd, London
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
17 November – 1 January 2024
For the ultimate festive extravaganza, there's nothing quite like Winter Wonderland. It's big, it's bright and full of everything from rides (there's more than 200) and ice skating to circus shows and, of course, the classic Christmas market.
You will need tickets for this one – they start at £7.50 for adults at peak times, with an additional cost for entry to attractions such as the circus and the ice bar.
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London
Borough Market, London Bridge
Borough Market – down the road from The Shard, right by the Thames – is the year-round destination for the ultimate London foodie experience, offering a mix of street food stalls and produce stands. However, come Christmas, the market is elevated to a whole new level. Think gorgeous decorations and festive foodie treats – it's the ideal spot to grab food from one of the street-food stalls before heading to a carol service at the nearby Southwark Cathedral.
Plus, if you're in need of gifts, this is the place to go. From food hampers to cheeseboards and sweet treats, the produce side of the market has everything you need to treat loved ones at this time of year.
Borough Market, London Bridge, London
Christmas in Leicester Square, West End
8 November – 7 January 2024
Right in the heart of London's West End, you'll find Christmas in Leicester Square. Alongside the festive stalls and Spiegeltent theatre (where you can see the award-winning La Clique show) in the heart of Leicester Square, the festival also consists of a larger Christmas market down the road in Trafalgar Square.
There, you'll find a beautifully-lit traditional Christmas market in one of the city's most iconic settings – right outside the National Portrait Gallery and by Nelson's Column. The ultimate festive London experience.
Christmas in Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, London
Christmas Under The Canopy, King's Cross
23 November – 23 December
Tucked away under a Victorian glass and steel roof (the ‘canopy’), you'll find the special Christmas edition of the weekly Canopy Market, held from Tuesdays to Sundays until 23 December. Under a (faux, yet beautiful) starry sky, listen to live music and sip on mulled cider as you shop your way around the market – which is extending its opening times for the festive season.
Expect fresh produce, craft items and homeware buys from independent food producers, designers and makers – plus, street food vendors (because a festive market isn't complete without great food).
Christmas Under The Canopy, West Handyside Canopy, 2 Granary Square, London
Christmas at Leadenhall Market, City of London
The historic Leadenhall Market lies in the heart of London, and is home to a range of boutique restaurants and bars all year round. Founded in 1321, its architecture is as beautiful as you'd expect, with the traditional facades meaning it was even used as a filming location for Harry Potter. So, of course, it makes the perfect location for traditional Christmas festivities.
Across the season, the covered market is home to an eight-meter-high Christmas tree and is hosting a series of pop-ups, including a toy museum and an Alpine Lodge serving winter warmers including hot buttered rum and marshmallow hot chocolates. Sign. Us. Up.
Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch St, London
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