The Christmas Markets in London are one of the biggest attractions during these important dates in the British capital. If you are planning on spending a few days in London this Christmas, you definitely need to include at least one – although we would say visit all of them if you can! – in your plans.
We don´t really need to tell you what you´ll find in a Christmas Market in London – obviously anything you can think of that is related to Christmas. Christmas carols playing in the background most of the time, we can stroll along choosing gifts, candles, Christmas decorations…There are always food stalls and hot drinks, so it´s the perfect pit stop if you´re anything like me and want to make the most of your time when visiting somewhere!
London is famous for its´ fabulous markets. Even though London´s all-year-round markets will also be offering special Christmas gifts and ambience, several special Christmas Markets pop up around London during the winter months to celebrate this time of the year.
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is one of London’s most anticipated Christmas markets at this time of year. If you don´t already know, I must tell you that it is not just a Christmas market, but it is the largest Christmas fair in London, with attractions for all ages and numerous food and drink stalls, including cafes and cocktail bars… There is also an ice skating rink, a circus, and many other family attractions. Millions of people visit every year, and I have to say that, in my opinion, it is a must-see if you visit London during Christmas. It does get packed, though, so I´d recommend visiting in the early afternoon during the week if possible!
- Dates: 19 November 2026 – 3 January 2027.
- Opening times: Usually 10 am to 10 pm, with later openings on selected November and December dates. Closed on Christmas Day.
- Location: See map.
- Tickets: Winter Wonderland
- Find out more: Winter Wonderland
Southbank Winter Market
Located on Southbank, next to the London Eye. Here you´ll find an awesome traditional Christmas Market with wooden stalls decorated with twinkling lights. Christmas gifts and decorations, as well as food stalls, with the London Eye and Big Ben in the background.
- Dates: November 2026 – January 2027.
- Opening times: The winter programme begins in November; market hours vary around Christmas and New Year.
- Location: See map.
- Find out more: Southbank Christmas Market
Christmas in Leicester Square
The famous square in London where film premieres are held during the year also celebrates Christmas in style as one might expect. Leicester Square has it´s own Christmas market, with food stalls and fun events. You won´t miss it as Leicester Square will need to be included in your itinerary!
- Dates: 31 October 2026 – 3 January 2027.
- Opening times: The market usually opens from 10 am to 10 pm, with skating sessions on a separate timetable.
- Location: See map.
- Website: Skate Leicester Square and market.
London Bridge Christmas Market
This Christmas we can enjoy a traditional Christmas market in London with more than 60 wooden booths decorated to the last detail. This market is located on Queen’s Walk, along the stretch of the south bank of the Thames that runs from London Bridge to The Scoop, and extends into Hay’s Galleria. From different parts of the market, we can also enjoy the views, being able to see some of the iconic places in London, such as Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the skyscrapers of the City of London. We can find numerous decorations and gift stalls, as well as some of the best street food.
- Dates: 2026 – 2027 dates TBC.
- Opening times: London Bridge City has not yet published its 2026–27 market hours.
- Location: See map.
- Find out more: Christmas by the river
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square hosts a fantastic Christmas Market with fantastic views. This market stands next to the largest Christmas tree in London where different choirs sing Christmas carols every afternoon.
- Dates: 6 November 2026 – 3 January 2027.
- Location: Trafalgar Square.
Battersea Power Station
For a festive day away from the busiest West End streets, wander around Battersea Power Station’s shops and riverside, and look for its seasonal stalls and events. Add the Glide ice rink if you want to skate, or simply enjoy the lights and a meal overlooking the Thames. Seasonal stalls can run on selected weekends, so use the Battersea Power Station events calendar to choose your day.
Greenwich Market
Greenwich Market’s independent traders make it a good choice for handmade gifts, food and decorations. Its 2026 lantern parade and Christmas lights switch-on is 18 November. From the market, the Cutty Sark and riverside are a short walk, so this fits naturally into a Greenwich itinerary. Greenwich Market normally opens every day except Christmas Day; check individual holiday hours.
In addition to these Christmas markets, the markets we can find throughout the year in the British capital will also offer stalls with Christmas items during these dates, and of course, neither the Mulled Wine nor the Mince Pies will be missing!
Some of these markets are:
- Spitalfields Market: Find out more: Spitalfields.
- Portobello Road (Notting Hill). Find out more: Notting Hill.
- Camden: Find out more: Camden Town.
- Borough Market: Find out more: Borough Market
Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.