London at Christmas is brimming with events and attractions. Dazzling Christmas light displays in many designs and colours decorate the streets and Christmas carols can be heard when passing shopping areas.
Oxford Street and Regents Street are the main areas for although these areas can get terribly busy with shoppers and visitors. Carnaby Street, Covent Garden, seven Dials and bond street are also popular areas at this time of year.
Of course there are also Christmas markets a magical blend of festive food, unique gifts, and sparkling lights. Here we list some of our favourites.
The Classic and iconic Markets
These are the big, famous ones you’ve likely seen in pictures. They are bustling, full of energy, and offer a quintessential London Christmas experience.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Each year Hyde Park is transformed into a massive, full-throttle festive extravaganza. It’s less of a traditional market and more of a Christmas-themed funfair and festival.
Expect Thrilling rides, giant rollercoasters and the iconic Ice Bar, one of the largest open-air ice rinks in the UK, circus shows, Giant Wheel (70m high) offering spectacular views, Bavarian-style beer halls with live music, German fare and mulled wine. Along with countless stalls selling crafts, food, and seasonal beverages.
New features for 2025 include Santa Land revamp, Luminarie Lane, new Ice Kingdom theme.
Good to know
This is a hugely popular event, Booking tickets as soon as possible is essential and often free for entry before certain times. Dates for 2025 will be announced later in the year.
Tickets
Every guest visiting Winter Wonderland needs an entry ticket to access the attraction. You can buy tickets ahead of time, allowing you to select your preferred entry time. There’s also the option to grab a walk-up ticket, although these spots are subject to availability and you may end up missing out at busy periods.
Once you’re in Winter Wonderland, feel free to stay and enjoy the entertainment for as long as you wish.
Cost:
Off-Peak – Free
Standard – from £5
Peak – from £7.50
Reserving tickets in advance usually provides greater value. A variety of activities can also be accessed when you make a reservation, booking ahead also guarantees you can enjoy the attractions without any letdowns.
Furthermore, you automatically receive free entry with a purchase of £25.
Please note that booking fees are applicable, including Off-Peak tickets.
Activities include:
- Bar Ice
- Magical Ice Kingdom
- Cirque Berserk: Ignite
- Giant Wheel presented by Disney+
- Ice Sculpting Workshops
- Real Ice Slide
- Zippos Christmas Circus
Dates: 14 Nov-1 Jan 2026
Opening Hours: 10am-9.30pm
Nearest tube station: Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line), Marble Arch (Central line).
Address: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London
Southbank Centre Winter Market
A cozy and traditional European-style market with a stunning riverside backdrop. Held along the south-east bank of the Southbank Centre, on the Queen’s Walk beside the River Thames, between the Royal Festival Hall / Jubilee Gardens area and Waterloo.
Explore wooden chalets nestled under twinkling lights. Independent artisan stalls offering jewellery, home décor, candles, accessories and festive decorations. The air is filled with the smell of sizzling German sausages, churros, and warming mulled wine. Don’t miss the rustic Swiss chalet bar!
Because the market is located on the riverside, it offers great views of the London skyline at Christmas, including the Thames embankment and nearby landmarks such as the London Eye and Houses of Parliament.
Cost: Free
Southbank Winter Market website
Dates: 3 Nov-4 Jan 2026 (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve)
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 11am-10pm
Nearest tube stations: Waterloo (Northern, Jubilee, Bakerloo, Waterloo & City lines) and Embankment, (Northern, Bakerloo, Circle & District, lines)
Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
Christmas Village – Covent Garden
The Christmas Village at Covent Garden is less of a separate “market” and more the heart of Covent Garden’s larger, district-wide festive transformation.
The centerpiece of the entire Covent Garden experience is its majestic Christmas tree, standing proudly in the centre of the Piazza. Traditionally over 60 feet tall and adorned with over 30,000 lights and large, classic baubles.
Shopping
The chalets in the Christmas Village focus on high-quality, artisan, and unique gifts. A selection of stalls sell high quality items such as hand crafted jewellery, luxury Christmas decorations, delicious Artisan food items, cheese, chocolates, and chutneys.
Furthermore, The village is complemented by Covent Garden’s permanent stores, which range from high-street favourites to luxury brands, all with their own festive window displays.
Street Performers
The world-famous Covent Garden street performers add to the lively, festive atmosphere with their scheduled shows in the Piazza.
Food and Drink
All your favourite holiday treats can be found at charming wooden huts that serve mulled wine and hot chocolate, along with festive delights like mince pies, roasted nuts, and German sausages. Moreover, the village is surrounded by pubs, restaurants, and cafes that feature special festive menus.
Planning
Although Covent Garden tube station is the nearest, it can get very crowded at busy periods. Consider getting off at Leicester Square or Holborn and walking a few minutes for a less stressful arrival.
Christmas in Covent Garden website
Dates: 12 Nov – Early Jan 2026
Opening Hours: Shops regular opening times
Nearest tube station: Covent Garden (Piccadilly line)
Address: Covent Garden Piazza, London, WC2E 8RF
Leicester Square
For the past several years, Christmas at Leicester Square has not been a traditional shopping market but rather a boutique, Swiss-themed Christmas village combined with a family-friendly festive experience.
A Boutique Alpine Village
The vibe is more intimate and curated than the massive, sprawling markets like Winter Wonderland. It’s designed to feel like a charming Swiss Christmas village, nestled right in the heart of London’s Theatreland.
The general atmosphere is family-friendly and festive, and is generally less rowdy than larger markets, with a strong focus on family attractions. It’s packed with the buzz of tourists and families on their way to or from a West End show.
Attractions
- Ice Rink – Charming ice skating rink is the central feature of the square
- Santas Grotto – This is usually a ticketed experience that needs to be booked in advance.
- Swiss Christmas Chalets – serve up a delicious array of Alpine-inspired comfort food.
Don’t come here primarily for gift shopping. The market is very much focused on food, drink, and experiences. Any retail is usually limited to a few small stalls selling festive confectionery or Christmas decorations.
Location
It’s convenient location makes it an incredibly easy and accessible festive pit-stop. You can combine a visit with a show, a spot of Christmas shopping on nearby Regent Street, or a meal in Chinatown.
The square is pedestrianised, making it a safe and pleasant environment.
Cost: Free
Dates: 1 Nov – 4 Jan 2026
Opening Hours: Daily (exact hours TBC)
Nearest tube station: Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines)
Address: Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7NA
Artisan & Foodie Havens
If you’re looking for unique, high-quality gifts and exceptional food and drink, these are the places for you.
Greenwich Market Christmas
A historic, covered market that transforms into a festive treasure trove, with a focus on British craftsmanship.
Expect over 120 stalls inside a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll find original art, ceramics, jewellery, fashion, and incredible street food from around the world. Greenwich Christmas market feels authentic and less commercial than the big central markets.
Discover unique, handmade gifts and enjoying a fantastic food hall. Perfect for a full day out you can also explore other Christmas attractions in the Greenwich area including the IFS Cloud Cable Car located at the Greenwich Peninsula.
Cost: Free
Dates: 19 Nov to early Jan
Daily – 10am-6pm
Lantern Parade & Christmas Lights Switch-On
Enjoy the annual Greenwich Market Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-On. See the children’s faces lit-up with their hand-made lanterns for the start of the festive season.
Lantern Parade
The Lantern Parade kicks off at 4pm, right in front of the Tourist Information Centre located at the Old Royal Naval College (ORNC). It then meanders through the Naval College grounds and circles around the Cutty Sark, ultimately finishing at the market.
Christmas Lights Switch-On
The Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place at 5pm, featuring festivities such as live music and performances that last until 6pm.
Date: 19 Nov
Christmas in Greenwich website
Nearest tube station: North Greenwich (Jubilee line)
Address: Greenwich Market, London, SE10 9HZ
Kingston Christmas Market
Explore a classic German-style market known for its excellent quality and vibrant atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the holiday cheer with live music performances and Christmas carols, plus don’t miss out on Open Mic Night!
Located in the historic Ancient Market Place, this market features a beautifully decorated Alpine-style chalet village. It’s known for its authentic German bratwurst, glühwein, and a great selection of artisan gifts.
Experience a fantastic variety of delicious food offered from traditional-style chalets, and don’t miss the Pyramid Stage Bar where you can enjoy mulled wine or classic German beer.
Cost: Free
Kingston Christmas Market website
Dates: 13 Nov – 28 Dec (closed Christmas Day)
Sunday to Wednesday – 10am-6pm
Thursday to Saturday – 10am-8pm
Nearest train station: Kingstone
Address: Ancient Market Place, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1JS
Christmas at Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is a beautifully restored Victorian-era market arcade in the City of London, with wrought-iron and glass roofing and cobbled passages, the market feels like a step back in time. Harry Potter fans will recognise the area as being used to represent Diagon Alley in the Philosopher’s Stone.
Additionally, it’s a great place for visitors who want to combine market-hopping with seeing other City landmarks like the Sky Garden, The Monument, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Vibe and Atmosphere
Christmas at Leadenhall Market is a uniquely elegant and quintessentially London experience. Transformed with huge, decorated Christmas tree, it’s less of a traditional, bustling German-style market and more of a breathtakingly decorated, historic setting for high-quality shopping, dining, and festive cheer.
Festive Weekend Markets:
- Saturday 16 November – SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market
- Sunday 24 November – The Vintage Furniture & Flea Christmas Market
- Saturday 7 December – SoLo Craft Fair Christmas Market
Pop-Ups & Bars
Monday–Saturday, 11am–11pm from 13 Nov until 22 Dec.
- Alpine Lodge – winter-bar
- Bar Laurel – Spanish tapas-bar
This year, visitors can once again immerse themselves in the enchanting snowfall at Leadenhall Market, a magical experience for families. As we celebrate our Christmas lights switch-on, a delightful flurry of festive snow will gracefully cascade through the Market at 6pm!
The snowy fun carries on during the festive season, allowing guests to enjoy this winter wonderland two times a day, at 12pm and 6pm, adding an extra sprinkle of Christmas magic to your visit.
Lights Switch On
The Christmas lights switch-on at Leadenhall Market is scheduled for November 13, 2025, at approximately 6pm. However, the festivities will begin earlier, around 3:15pm, featuring live performances and a joyful atmosphere. The official lighting ceremony will be conducted by Dame Susan Langley, the Lady Mayor of London.
Cost: Free
Dates: Mid Nov – First week in Jan
Nearest tube station: Monument (Circle and District lines)
Address: Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 1LT
DIY Christmas Art Market
The DIY Christmas Art Market is a fantastic and refreshing alternative to the more commercial festive markets.
Independent & Authentic
This is the absolute opposite of a mass-produced, imported-goods market. The vibe is creative, supportive, and buzzing with genuine passion. You are buying directly from the artist, designer, or maker.
The atmosphere is often lively, with music (sometimes from local DJs or bands), a diverse crowd of art-lovers, and the thrill of finding something totally unique that you won’t see anywhere else.
Shopping
You’ll find a curated selection of stalls featuring:
- Art & Prints: A huge variety of original paintings, screen prints, lino cuts, digital art, and illustrations.
- Ceramics & Pottery: Hand-thrown mugs, vases, plates, and sculptural items.
- Jewellery: Unique, handcrafted pieces from contemporary designers working with various materials.
- Textiles & Apparel: Screen-printed t-shirts and tote bags, handmade clothing, quirky embroidered items, and sustainable fashion.
- Homewares & Gifts: Candles with custom scents, handmade soaps, artisan stationery, quirky home decor, and zines.
- DIY & Craft Kits: Many makers also sell kits so you can try your hand at their craft at home—a perfect gift for a creative friend.
Food & Drink
The food and beverage selections reflect the independent vibe of the market. Street food is frequently provided by local pop-up vendors. Additionally, there is a dedicated bar that offers craft beer from a nearby brewery, natural wine, mulled cider, and unique hot beverages.
Cost: £2 (on the day)
DIY Christmas Art Market website
Date: 13 Dec, 11am-5pm
Nearest train station: Peckham Rye (overground)
Address: Unit 8, 133 Copeland Road Copeland Park Peckham SE15 3SN
Family Friendly
Markets that are particularly great for younger children.
Winter by the River – London Bridge
Described as one of London’s most picturesque markets with arguably the best views in London. Located between the southern entrances to London Bridge and Tower Bridge.
Anticipate a line of charmingly adorned wooden cabins running alongside the Thames from Tower Bridge to London Bridge. You’ll discover a variety of handcrafted food, stylish gifts, and tasty beverages, all set against a stunning backdrop of Tower Bridge, The Shard, and the City skyline.
Additionally, the market provides amazing opportunities for Instagram-worthy pictures, along with a more laid-back atmosphere. Moreover, you can easily combine your visit with exploring other significant landmarks, all just a short walk away.
Dates: 13 Nov – 4 Jan (closed Christmas Day)
Daily – 11am-10pm
New Years Eve – 11am-9pm
Nearest tube station: London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee lines)
Pop-Ups & Activities
The Glasshouse
Transformed for 2025 into a stunning two-storey festive venue that offers panoramic views of the Thames. Guests can unwind beneath a heated, enclosed rooftop canopy or venture out onto the open balcony to enjoy the riverside festive scenery.
Location: The Scoop at More, London SE1 2AA
Swift Stone Curling with Aperol Spritz
Get ready to play at this exciting pop-up curling event. Featuring six brand new curling lanes making a comeback for the holiday season.
Location: London Bridge City Pier, SE1 2PR
The Glasshouse Terrace website
Christmas at Kew
Discover a magical, after-dark illuminated trail through one of the world’s most beautiful botanical gardens.
The main feature of Christmas at Kew is the Family-Friendly Enchantment. The experience is designed to be awe-inspiring for all ages, from wide-eyed toddlers to grandparents. It’s a peaceful, immersive, and visually stunning journey that feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
Entertainment
The main attraction is the spectacular light show, with dancing fountains, a glittering tunnel of lights, and colourful displays projected onto the iconic Palm House telling festive stories or displaying mesmerising animated patterns.
Be on the lookout for interactive features, such as giant, colour-changing baubles you can touch or installations that respond to movement and sound.
Food, Drink, Shopping
Along the trail, you’ll find strategically placed pop-up stalls and venues offering festive refreshments:
- Festive Treats: Indulge in classic winter warmers like mulled wine, hot chocolate (often with a dash of peppermint or orange), and mince pies.
- Street Food: Various food stalls will offer quality options like German sausages, roasted chestnuts, crepes, and other delicious snacks to keep you going.
- The Christmas Village: A central hub, often located near the Victoria Gate entrance, with a cluster of charming wooden chalets selling artisan gifts, crafts, and more substantial food and drink options. This is the closest you’ll get to a “market” within the trail.
- Santa’s Grotto: For families, a visit to Santa’s Grotto is often a bookable (and extra) experience, providing a magical moment for younger children.
Cost:
Adult – Non-member Off-peak £27.50, Peak £34. Member Off-peak £23.50, Peak £28
Family and child tickets available, see website.
Dates: 14 Nov – 4 Jan 2026 (closed Christmas Day)
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 4.20pm-10pm (9pm Christmas Eve)
Nearest tube station: Kew Gardens (District line)
Address: Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AEChic & Luxury Experiences
Planning Your Visit
Travel
London offers a wide array of transportation options such as buses, trains, the underground, and boat services. Additionally, there are several convenient travel cards available to select from.
Visit our Transport page for more information on public transport in London.
Book in Advance
For major attractions like Winter Wonderland and Christmas at Kew, booking tickets online in advance is crucial to avoid disappointment.
Weekdays are Best
To avoid the biggest crowds, try to visit markets on a weekday, especially in the afternoon or early evening.
Check Websites
Always check the official websites (which will be updated throughout 2025) for the exact dates, opening times, and any booking requirements.
Accommodation
Thinking about spending a few nights during the holiday season? Explore a variety of fantastic accommodation, special deals, and hotel districts in London.
For more information visit our Where to Stay in London page.
