Our Guide to London Christmas Markets

By Seren Morris

There's much festive frolicking to be had at the best London Christmas Markets and we're on hand to help you plan your visits!

It's beginning to look a lot like we need a mug of mulled wine. There's no place better to grab one than London's Christmas markets and there are options galore this season. Whether you're keen on the traditional with the family or on the lookout for a quirky adventure with a special someone, you'll find them all here in the capital!

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Market

This Christmas stalwart is in its eleventh year and has long been a favourite of families everywhere; transforming Hyde Park’s pristine landscape into something not even Santa could have cooked up. The market is undoubtedly one of the biggest with over 200 dreamily lit traditional Bavarian stalls, offering everything from decadent hot chocolate to stocking-stuffers to remember. Address: Hyde Park, London Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm Dates: 23 November – 6 January 2019 Prices: Free

Southbank Winter Market

As part of Southbank’s annual Winter Festival, the Winter Market takes Londoners away from the bustling high rises and into a village of wooden chalets. Nestled by the River Thames and right around the corner from The National Theatre, the charming stalls are packed with handmade gifts and merry culinary delights perfect for a mellow adventure. Pick up a little something for the tree and a mince pie to get into the Christmas feeling. Address: Southbank Centre, Hungerford Car park Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 11am – 10pm; Friday – Saturday, 11am – 11pm Dates: 9 November – 27 December 2018 Prices: Free

Christmas in Leicester Square Market

Just up the street from The National Gallery and The National Portrait Gallery, Leicester Square is bringing a taste of Bavaria to the London Christmas market scene with bratwurst and gluhwein to spare. Fall in love with delicately crafted Christmas decorations and make ordering a grilled sausage covered in molten raclette cheese a priority. This market is ready to give the real stuff in Germany a run for its money. Address: Leicester Square Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 12pm – 8pm; Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 8pm Dates: 9 November – 6 January 2019 Prices: Free

Camden Christmas Market

Surprise, surprise – Camden’s taken an alternative approach to the festive market. Running every weekend from now till Christmas week, each Saturday and Sunday bring choirs, fairground games and even snow. Camden Market is also hosting a Santa’s Grotto and Gingerbread workshop, which is ticketed. Once you’re in Camden, you’re not far from London Zoo - why not go see their light show to round off the evening? Address: The Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8AH Opening Hours: 1pm-6pm Dates: Saturday and Sundays, 1 – 23 December 2018 Prices: Free

Christmas by the River at London Bridge City

For a market that won’t let you forget you’re in London, head to London Bridge City. Browse Christmas by the River’s 68 stalls selling festive gifts, food and drinks against the backdrop of London’s most iconic landmarks, such as Tower of London, Tower Bridge and The Shard. If the stalls are not enough to get you in the Christmas spirit, you can take part in various workshops such as food tastings or arts and crafts - all with a picture-perfect view. Address: London Bridge, SE1 2DB Opening Hours: Sunday - Wednesday: 11am - 7pm, Thursday – Saturday: 11am - 9pm Dates: 29 November to 2 January 2019 Prices: Free

Greenwich Christmas Market

Greenwich Market is worth visiting all year round - but even more so in the lead up to Christmas. Every Wednesday until Christmas, Greenwich Market is staying open late to celebrate the festive season - allowing you more time to find that perfect gift! Expect to find handmade jewellery, scarves, cushions and artwork - and Christmas music and mulled wine, of course. Visit the market after spending a day in Greenwich, visiting the Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, Fan Museum or Royal Observatory - just make sure you leave yourselves enough time to get that gift! Address: Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ Opening Hours: 11am-9pm Dates: Wednesdays, (5, 12 and 19 December 2018) Prices: Free

Winterville, Clapham

Head south to Clapham and visit the Solo Craft Fair at Winterville. Shop for the perfect gift and choose from a range of affordable and unique art, jewellery, ceramics, and clothes. After the craft fair, enjoy the rest Winterville as to offer, with food stalls, DJs, comedy shows, magicians, a Christmas show, a fairground, roller disco, mini-golf, an adult puppet show, an ice rink and even a maze. One thing’s for certain - you won’t run out of things to do at Winterville. Address: Windmill Dr, SW4 9DE. Dates: 15 November - 23 December 2018 Prices: Tuesday – free, Wednesday – free, Thursday – £2, Friday – £2 after 3pm & £5 after 6pm, Saturday – £2 after 12pm & £5 after 6pm, Sunday – £2 after 12pm

Build your unique London itinerary with our trip planner

We’ll give you the best route to check off all your must-sees, museums, landmarks and more

Create my ownGenerate my trip
Powered by our data and AI
BETA
Seren Morris
London Travel Expert

Build your unique London itinerary with our trip planner

Who's going?
Adult
1
Child (5-15)
0
How many days?
What do you want to see?

Continue reading

Blog

A Thames River Boat Cruise: What to Expect

Get a different look at the city and explore London by water on a Thames River Boat cruise. Price The Thames River Boat Cruise is priced at £18 for adults and £9 for children. London Pass holders are eligible for a free 24-hour ticket. But as you can hop on and off during the tour, why not take advantage of entry to many of the attractions on the Thames also included with the pass? There are a number of places to hop-on and hop off the river boat to explore popular tourist areas. These four hop-on and hop-off stations are Westminster Pier, Southbank's London Eye, Tower Bridge and Greenwich. Duration What You'll See Westminster As one of London’s most politically significant and picturesque neighbourhoods, Westminster is one of the river boat cruise’s biggest highlights. With the opportunity to take stunning photos of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament from the River Thames. It's also well worth hopping off to explore Westminster Abbey.  Southbank Historically, Southbank has always been a creative hub with cultural icons such as Shakespeare staging many of his plays in its riverside theatres. Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, a reconstruction of the Jacobean theatre of the same name, used to be his favourite haunt (as well as the pub alongside it). It continues to stage plays to this day. The Tate Modern, easily identifiable by its gigantic somber structure, is worth a visit if you have the time to peruse its massive permanent collection. Have your cameras and funky socks ready for the Millennium Footbridge, a relatively new modern London structure that has featured in the Harry Potter films. The London Eye also sits on Southbank, boasting a 360 degree view of the city.  Tower Hill As the most popular hop-on and hop-off point for the river boat cruise, this area is always teeming with tourists trying to find the perfect shot. Home to both the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London, the sights here have defined the international perception of London as a modern metropolis with a long cultural history. Step off for an hour and explore the exhibition in Tower Bridge’s glass skyway and see the Royal Jewels at the Tower of London, watched over carefully by the tower guards and tour guides named the Beefeaters.  Docklands The Docklands has cleaned up its act in recent years and while it's a little while away, it's well worth a visit to some of the city's most beautiful sights. Float past Cutty Sark, a gigantic tea clipper that once raced across the seven seas, and then leap into the future with the skyscrapers in Canary Wharf. Need some more inspiration on things to do around London? We've got you covered.
Go City Expert
london march
Blog

Best Things to Do in London this March

Discover exciting activities for an unforgettable March in London.
Blog

The Best Summer Music Festivals In London

And the god of summer said, let there be music. And wristbands. Lo, the humble music festival was born. To this day, millions of people have flocked to huge speaker stacks, food trucks and oxygen tents. Yes, festival season is well and truly upon us. But fear not, Londoners. You don't need to drive two hundred miles and sleep in a tent to get your fix of heavenly grooves. London has some of the best around, no matter your musical desires. Have a little scroll down to check out some that are right on your doorstep. Here are some of the best summer music festivals in London. Lovebox 12th July – 13th July, Gunnerbury Park If you’re a London resident, you’ve probably already heard of Lovebox. It’s one of the capital’s most renowned music festivals. Even though it’s now moved to Acton, you can still expect the same mix of eclectic music, alongside sponsored tents pumping out relentless beats, and more food and drink than you could reasonably be expected to consume in a lifetime. This year, Beyonce’s sister Solange and Chance the Rapper headline, alongside hip-hop behemoths Cypress Hill, Kaytranada, and London’s own Loyle Carner. Citadel 14th July, Gunnerbury Park If you prefer your music a little more chilled out, then head west to Gunnerbury Park for Citadel. It’s on a Sunday, so expect a more laid-back experience with acts like Friendly Fires and Bastille headlining the bill. And if you want to give your ears a rest, there’s lots more to see and do. Take in a comedy show, attend a workshop, or sit down for a lovely bite to eat. It's the perfect way to end the weekend, and definitely one of the best summer music festivals in London.
Dom Bewley
The London Eye
Tower of London

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Tower Bridge
St Paul’s Cathedral