Top 10 Christmas markets in London

Enjoy the magical festive period at the best Christmas markets in London

Woolly hats and gloves, mulled wine and mince pies, sparkling lights and tinsel – are we getting you in the Christmas spirit yet? Indulge in a bit of shopping, or just browse and take in the sights at one (or more!) of London’s best Christmas markets and fairs this winter. Originated in Germany, now a big part of the festive period throughout Europe, London is home to some of the best Christmas markets with Bavarian style stalls, offering food and drinks, sweet treats, a wide range of festive crafts you can buy as gifts (or just treat yourself) and even fun rides. You never know, you might meet Santa and Rudolph too!

London has to be one of the best places in the world to celebrate Christmas, so we have also created a lovely yuletide blog detailing some of the amazing Christmas events in London this year: Check out our guide to Best Christmas events in London too.

1. Winter Wonderland Christmas Market

We feature Winter Wonderland in our Christmas events in London blog but we would find ourselves on the naughty list if we did not highlight the Christmas market at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Here you’ll find over 200 fairy-lit Bavarian style wooden chalets offering up jewellery, accessories, crafts, clothing, traditional Christmas decorations and more. The atmosphere will have you buying your family, friends and even yourself lots of special treats for Christmas.

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park. Opens Thursday 21 November between 4-10pm, then open every day until Sunday 5 January 2020 between 10am – 10pm, except Christmas Day. Free to enter, paid rides and special attractions.

2. Southbank Centre Winter Market

The winter market at Southbank Centre offers up a seasonal mixture of food, drink and crafts from around the world. See the sparkling lights reflected in the River Thames and indulge yourself in classic sweet treats like pancakes and waffles or savoury winter favourites like smoked salmon, bratwurst and raclette.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Open from Friday 8 November until Sunday 5 January 2020. Sunday – Thursday 11am – 10pm and Friday – Saturday 11am – 11pm. Free entry.

3. Christmas market in Leicester Square

Around 25 stalls will set up around the famous Leicester Square, offering traditional Christmas fair. Festive decorations, handcrafted gifts sit alongside food and drink to keep you warm on the cold winter nights. After exploring the market, you can step inside the traditional 1920s Spiegel tent to enjoy a wide range of Christmas entertainment for all ages.

Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NA. Open from Friday 8 November until Sunday 5 January 2020 between 12pm – 10pm Monday to Friday and 10am – 10pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Free entry.

4. Greenwich Christmas Festival

The Christmas market at Greenwich opens with a handmade lantern parade by local school children and the turning on of the Christmas lights on 20 November 2019 at 4pm. As you would expect the market will be offering beautiful seasonal gifts and enticing food and drink that are sure to get you into the Christmas spirit. Expect to meet Santa and his reindeer here during the festive time.

Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, London SE10 9NN. Opening dates and times to be confirmed soon. Free entry.

5. Christmas by the River at London Bridge City

Image courtesy of Jey-r Dalangin

Over 60 independent traders make up this lovely Christmas market that part overlooks icons such as Tower Bridge and Tower of London. Here you’ll find artisan gifts, boutique accessories and fantastic food. They also run seasonal workshops in the chalet event space to help you prepare for Christmas physically, creatively and romantically.

London Bridge City, 2A More London Riverside, London SE1 2DB. Open from Tuesday 26 November 2019 until Sunday 5 January 2020. Opening times to be confirmed soon. Free entry.

7. Kingston Christmas Market

Image courtesy of Kingston First

The whole town of Kingston transforms over Christmas as the market spreads throughout the Ancient Market Place and through surrounding pedestrian streets. Here you’ll find over 50 Christmas chalets selling arts, crafts and decorations alongside a large heated marquee. There are also two large outdoor bar areas serving up your favourite Christmas food and drink.

Kingston-upon-Thames town centre, Greater London. Free entry. All stalls Thursday 14 November until Christmas Eve 2019. Food and bar stalls open Tuesday 26 – 31st December 2019. Sunday – Wednesday 10am – 6pm, Thursday – Saturday 10am – 8pm.

8. Chelsea Physic Garden Christmas Fair

A botanical slant to this Christmas fair in London will bring you plenty of unique gifts to choose from and you can even learn how to wrap your chosen presents perfectly, with the in-house masterclasses. Warming herbal lattes will refresh you for the shopping ahead, but here it will be a less frantic experience. Young and old can go see Santa and sing the carols too.

66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4HS. Open on Friday 22 November 11am – 4pm and Sunday 24 November 10am – 4pm. Members and children go free. Adults £7.

9. The Christmas Market at Westfield London

The Westfield Shopping Centre has it all this Christmas. You’ll be able to find amongst traditional wooden cabins gifts of all sorts, including jewellery, handcrafted gin artisan gifts, cheeses, German sausages, chocolate treats, and beautiful homeware.

Ariel Way Shepherds Bush LONDON W12 7GF. Open on Wednesday 20 November to Sunday 24 November 1pm – 6pm.

10. Zero Waste Christmas Market

Some markets are one-day only affairs, like the annual Zero Waste Market. A very popular ticketed event, you need to get your tickets in November for this one. It’s certainly an alternative way of doing your shopping but following eco-trends globally, this year is promising to be bigger than ever – doubling in size and scope.

You can select gifts from 50 unique zero waste brands, and enjoy some hot mulled wine and eco-conscious food & drink while you’re shopping! As you’d expect, there’s zero plastic packaging and wrapping at this ethical fair.

The Boiler House, 152 Brick Ln, London, E1 6RU. Open on one day only – Saturday 7th December 10.30am – 8.30pm. Tickets are £8.50 for normal entry or £7 if you buy two.

Finally… Winterville Market – NOT running

Image courtesy of Laurie Nevay

For those of you looking for details of the Winterville in Clapham Common, which has been a popular market for the past few years – please note, we await confirmation of its future.

Please do share your experience of Christmas events in London with us at London Toolkit in the comments section. We’d love to hear from you. If you’ve taken any pictures over Christmas just use the hashtag #londontoolkit in your social media feed for a chance to be featured.