In the present day I need to share my information to the very best Christmas markets in London with you. From east to west, these festive locations pop up all through the UK capital every year. They bring about seasonal cheer, enjoyable items, and particular meals and drinks with them. If you wish to go to town’s most fun ones this winter, learn on for my prime picks. I’ve included a map, too.
Christmas Markets in London
There are many Christmas markets in Britain. From Edinburgh to Exeter, there’s one (or 10) in seemingly each city and metropolis. London isn’t any exception.
The UK capital comes alive through the festive season. Lights, decorations, and carolers deliver cheer to town’s streets, squares, and retailers. The markets are a spotlight, not least as a result of they’re locations folks can spend time absorbing the environment.
Whether or not you like a giant market, an area one, a market on the river, or one entrance of an iconic attraction or landmark, there’s one thing for everybody. They’re a should on any London Christmas itinerary.
You’ll be able to take a guided tour to see them, too. Whether or not you like a strolling tour, a biking tour, or a bus tour, there are many choices. You’ll be able to see a variety of excursions and guide one right here.
Suggestions for Visiting the Markets
Visiting the Christmas markets is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in London in winter. If you wish to go to a number of of them, there are some things which might be good to bear in mind.
First, ensure that to examine opening dates earlier than you go. The markets typically run from early November to early January, however every one has its personal dates. Moreover, some are open every day, whereas others are solely open on sure days. Most are closed on Christmas Day, too.
Alongside these traces, remember to examine every market’s hours earlier than visiting. Some markets have longer opening occasions than others or are solely open at particular occasions of day.
The markets often announce their schedules a month or two prematurely. I share the opening dates and occasions on my Instagram and TikTok, so you possibly can comply with me to be the primary to seek out out.
Past timing, attempt to arrive early or go on a weekday afternoon if you wish to keep away from the crowds. Plenty of them get very busy on evenings and weekends. Going at first of the season may also help, too.
Lastly, when you’re planning to buy items (and you must), ensure that to deliver a reusable buying bag with you. It’s a good way to be environmentally acutely aware as you decide up presents for buddies and family members.
1. Trafalgar Sq. Christmas Market
My favourite Christmas market in London is the one in Trafalgar Sq.. Not solely does it profit from the gorgeous backdrop of the Nationwide Gallery, however it additionally has a terrific mixture of chalets and meals stalls.
Rows of stands fill the realm on the prime of the steps in entrance of the museum. They promote all the pieces from candles to toys, ornaments, hats, and different enjoyable items.
There’s additionally an space with distributors promoting all types of seasonal drinks and meals. Whether or not you go for a mulled wine or a scorching chocolate, a bratwurst or chunky chips, it’s a enjoyable spot to take a seat down and take in the festive environment.
Add to that the annual big Christmas tree and reside carol singers, and it’s a terrific place to be through the festive season.
2. London Bridge Christmas Market
Subsequent on my listing is the London Bridge Christmas market. Formally known as Winter By the River, this festive place is house to a protracted row of chalets stretching from Metropolis Corridor to Hay’s Galleria.
Proper on the Thames between Tower Bridge and London Bridge, it’s one of many largest Christmas markets within the UK capital.
Along with distributors promoting items and meals, there are Christmas timber and different seasonal decorations dotted all through the realm. As if that’s not sufficient, there are nice views of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
In the midst of all of it, there’s a giant construction with an indoor bar space. It’s a enjoyable place to get a drink or meals and watch the world go by after buying on the market. Not far-off, The Horniman at Hays is a good Christmas pub on the river.
3. South Financial institution Winter Market
One other of the very best Christmas markets in London is the one which takes place yearly on the South Financial institution. You’ll find the Southbank Centre Winter Market on the Queen’s Stroll between the Royal Pageant Corridor and Jubilee Gardens.
Proper on the river, this festive market affords all types of Christmas items and meals. From chocolate to jewellery, artwork, and Christmas tree ornaments, there’s so much on supply.
Moreover, there are pop-up bars and avenue meals stalls to bask in. Whether or not you need a truffle burger, duck wrap, or cheese toastie, you will get it right here. Add to that mulled wine and scorching chocolate, and also you’re set.
However that’s not all. The complicated subsequent to the market options all the pieces from DJs to occasions and events all season lengthy. From a festive winter backyard serving scorching negronis and seasonal cocktails to a membership with apres-ski vibes, there’s lots to get enthusiastic about all day and evening.
4. Leicester Sq. Christmas Market in London
One other of my favourite Christmas markets in London is the one in Leicester Sq.. This festive quantity pops up proper in the course of the well-known plaza every year, and it’s a enjoyable one to discover. It might probably simply be mixed with a visit to the market in Trafalgar Sq., too.
This one is exclusive in {that a} circle of chalets surrounds an ice skating rink. The stalls promote seasonal items at Christmas in Leicester Sq.. You’ll find all the pieces from artwork prints to ornamental lamps, sweet, conventional decorations, fudge, and different enjoyable objects.
There’s meals, too. From sausages to crepes, galettes, and pasta, there’s all kinds of cuisines to select from. Add to that festive drinks, and also you’re all set for time.
5. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Maybe essentially the most well-known Christmas market in London is the one at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. This market is without doubt one of the largest and hottest within the UK capital every year. Tickets are free, and it’s a good suggestion to guide them nicely prematurely.
Winter Wonderland transforms an enormous space close to Hyde Park Nook right into a enjoyable truthful full of festive chalets, carnival rides, reside performances, ice skating, and larger-than-life shows.
The Christmas market right here affords a variety of seasonal items and handicrafts from everywhere in the world. Every part from heat winter hats to lights and picket toys could be discovered.
There’s additionally mulled wine, scorching chocolate, crepes, waffles, and conventional British Christmas meals and drinks to take pleasure in.
6. Belgravia Christmas Market in London
In the event you’re on the lookout for one thing native, Belgravia is house to the most effective Christmas markets in London. It takes place over 2 days in November, and it sees the neighborhood’s tucked-away Eccleston Yards come to life with festive stalls promoting meals, drinks, and artisan items.
Simply down the highway, the well-known floral facades on Elizabeth Road are augmented by Christmas shows, decorations, lights, and caroling whereas the market is on. There’s a energetic environment and the retailers supply particular offers for the event.
The annual Belgravia Christmas Lights Swap-On Celebration takes place on the second day of the market. It’s the best occasion to attend when you like an area celebration with a neighborhood really feel.
7. King’s Cross Christmas Market
One other nice Christmas market in London could be present in King’s Cross. The Christmas Underneath the Cover market takes place within the lined outside space simply off Granary Sq. close to Regent’s Canal.
Christmas below the Cover is a good place to select up items for household and buddies. It has all the pieces from packaged items from impartial producers to crafts, authentic designer-maker objects, and avenue meals stalls.
This market isn’t nearly selecting up presents, both. It additionally options reside music, festive lights, and performances. It’s a enjoyable one when you’re on the lookout for a spot the place you possibly can immerse your self within the seasonal spirit.
8. Paternoster Sq. Christmas Market
One other smaller Christmas market in London is the one subsequent to St Paul’s Cathedral within the Metropolis. Known as Christmas at Paternoster, this one takes place within the large sq. to the north of Sir Christopher Wren’s well-known church.
Christmas at Paternoster encompasses a cluster of chalets promoting all types of scrumptious avenue meals. Whether or not you’re within the temper for dumplings, tacos, or pitas, you’ll discover it right here. There’s additionally a bar promoting mulled wine and festive cocktails.
Notice that this market has a shorter run than among the greater ones. It’s often open from mid-November till Christmas Eve, so remember to examine opening dates and hours earlier than you go.
9. West Hampstead Christmas Market
The annual West Hampstead Christmas Market is one other nice native one. Going down in West Finish Inexperienced and Emmanuel Church, this 1-day market is a enjoyable one if you wish to try a neighborhood celebration in north west London.
The market options stalls promoting jewellery, playing cards, clothes, equipment, native handicrafts, artwork, meals, drinks, and extra. Christmas timber and different decorations add to the festive environment.
Past the stalls, there are enjoyable issues to do for the entire household. These embody free youngsters’s actions, face portray, a magician, and carol singing.
10. Kingston Christmas Market
Out in Kingston-upon-Thames, the annual Kingston Christmas Market is an efficient one to go to when you’re on the lookout for one thing large however native.
The market payments itself as a “European-style Christmas market in a standard British setting.” With enchanting fairy lights, mulled wine, and scrumptious meals, this one is ideal for entering into the seasonal spirit.
Set within the historic Market Place, it additionally options reside leisure. From Christmas choirs to native bands and an open-mic evening, there’s so much to get enthusiastic about.
11. Wimbledon Christmas Market
One other native favourite is the Wimbledon Christmas Market on The Piazza. Proper close to the realm’s prepare station, this one takes place on weekends.
In the event you’re up for a visit to Wimbledon, you’ll discover artisan stalls promoting all types of authentic artwork, house items, distinctive jewellery, clothes, candles, and extra.
There are additionally loads of distributors providing scorching meals and drinks on the market. It’s a terrific place to get into the festive spirit in south west London.
Christmas Market Map
As promised, I created an interactive Google map of all of the Christmas markets I highlighted on this weblog put up. You’ll find it right here. It might probably assist you to plan your visits and get essentially the most out of the festive season in London.
Finest Christmas Markets in London
I hope my weblog put up has impressed you to go to a number of of those festive markets this season. Visiting them is certainly one of my favourite issues to do in London at Christmas, and I hope the identical is true for you.
There are much more festive markets dotted all through town, too. Seasonal decorations and occasions happen at Greenwich Market, Outdated Spitalfields Market, Borough Market, and others. Pop Brixton hosts a Christmas market, too.
Moreover, simply outdoors town, locations like Hampton Courtroom Palace have Christmas markets every winter. The Hampton Courtroom Palace Festive Fayre makes for a terrific Christmas day journey from London. However with all of the enjoyable happening within the metropolis, there’s no purpose to depart.
Discover this put up useful? Purchase me a espresso!
New right here? Be part of hundreds of others and subscribe to the A Girl in London weblog by way of e mail.
Pin it!